The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), together with the Provincial Department of Education, has presented a token of appreciation to educator Dikeledi Mokhothu, who was awarded national winner at the recent Baswa le Meetse 2024 competition under the Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP).
National success
Mokhothu, an educator at Setshabelo Primary School in Welkom, mentored learners who participated in the competition and secured first position for Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State, whilst also claiming the national first position in the Poster category.
The team led by Mokhothu participated in a series of competitions, progressing from district level through to the national adjudications held in Benoni, Gauteng, from 6 to 11 October 2024.
Recognition ceremony
The presentation ceremony took place on 11 November 2024 at Setshabelo Primary School, attended by the School Governing Body, learners, educators, and school management, who celebrated the achievements of their dedicated educator.
In addition to the R30,000 monetary prize won by the learners on behalf of their school, the department recognised the need to acknowledge hardworking educators who guided learners throughout the competition. Mokhothu received a tablet in appreciation of her dedication to ensuring learners are equipped for education and career development.
Programme impact
According to Vukani Mtya, Deputy Director of the WSEP, the competitions expose learners to water conservation and hygiene initiatives that they subsequently use to educate their communities.
“Through educators, we channel the right information to learners so that they become responsible citizens and further their career interests within the sector,” Mtya explained.
Educator’s achievement
Mokhothu participated in the Baswa le Meetse (Youth in Water) programme, presenting a theme that connected with artistic expression, where character and conduct combined to create a winning poster at the National Awards.
“As an educator, I managed to present my learners’ poster, which covered issues on water, hygiene use, and care of sanitation facilities. The support from the DWS really warmed my heart because educators are not recognised in most competitions we participate in,” Mokhothu stated.
She added that the recognition serves as encouragement for educators to exceed expectations in educating learners about water conservation and sanitation.
Future participation
The department urges both educators and learners to participate in the Water and Sanitation Education Programme, which provides pathways for career development in the water sector through various competitions and bursary opportunities.
For more information about the programme, contact Nkosinathi Zungu at 082 556 0545 or Kelebohile Saha at 073 440 8781.
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