Algoa FM congratulates Algoa FM Top 30 presenter, JP Botha, on this prestigious award earned for his work in the classroom.
During the week, JP teaches English and Afrikaans at Alexander Road High School in Gqeberha, with the same enthusiasm that he brings on air.
He has been recognized as the national Teacher of the Year in the senior phase category at the annual SHERO awards held in Johannesburg.
“I'm quite blessed, lucky and fortunate in the sense that I get to do both of the things that I am so incredibly passionate about – teaching and radio,” says Botha.
“These are both platforms that I can use to motivate, to uplift and to inspire.
“Of course, I can use many techniques from the on-air product in the classroom. I bring the energy, and the short bursts of quick information can be really useful in class.
“But, most importantly, I think that it's great for me to show, or it's a great way for me to inspire people.
“The message that I'd like to share with the kids is that I was much like them once upon a time. Just a boy with a dream. I was able to make it come true, and if I could do it, anybody can,” he adds.
Presented by the department of basic education and Woolworths, SHERO awards recognise educators’ vital role in their schools, communities and the lives of South African children, according to basic education minister Angie Motshekga.
Speaking at the awards on World Teacher’s Day, she encouraged South Africans to “show some appreciation to their favourite teachers who have made an incredible difference in their lives” during October, which has been designated Teacher’s month.
The other Eastern Cape teachers honoured at the awards were Haji Raja from the PE Montessori School, who was nominated as a finalist in the intermediate phase and Celestine Stuurman from Hoërskool Mclachlan in Joubertina, who was top in the further education and training phase category.
