PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The moment still feels surreal for Mthobi Fihla, principal of Phakamisani Primary School in Plettenberg Bay, who received first place in the Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership category at the National Teaching Awards (NTA).
As previously reported, Fihla was among the provincial winners who secured a place in the national competition.
His victory has earned him an educational trip to the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) Conference in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in April 2027.
Fihla was one of three Western Cape teachers who achieved first place in their categories at the awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 1 October.
The three national winners were among 15 teachers who represented the province at the awards. Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt congratulated Fihla and the other provincial winners, saying they had made the Western Cape and South Africa proud.
"It still feels like it's a dream," Fihla said. "The reality is, I can pride myself on the movement and commitment put into making the dream of having an inclusive school in the Plettenberg Bay area a reality."
Championing inclusive education
For Fihla, the award represents more than personal recognition. He believes it highlights the importance of ensuring that learners with diverse educational needs are welcomed, supported and taught in their home language within their own community.
"This is not just a win, but a breakthrough in ensuring that the needs of our learners are met," he said.
He credited the school governing body, school management team, staff and parents for helping transform Phakamisani into a beacon of hope for families who have struggled to find appropriate support within mainstream education.
He also thanked departmental officials and the circuit manager for their guidance. A school that once struggled to accommodate learners with diverse educational needs has now been granted full service school status. "Inclusive education is not an add-on, but a moral and spiritual commitment to ensure that every learner is valued, supported and given every opportunity to thrive," he said. The South African Council for Educators also congratulated the national winners, highlighting their dedication, innovation and commitment to transforming lives through education.
A journey of many detours
Fihla's path to education was far from straightforward. After matric, he worked for the Department of Agriculture before pursuing teacher training.
Unable to immediately secure a teaching post, he worked as a taxi driver and rank manager before becoming a brickmaker and production manager in Knysna.
In 2003, he finally entered the classroom and began the career he had trained for.
His journey has also included ministry in the Anglican Church. He began preparation for ministry in 2005 and was ordained as a deacon in 2021.
A family celebration
Fihla said his wife, Ntomboxolo, three daughters (Sisipho, Chwayita and Sbulele), mother (Yolisa Fihla) and aunt (Dr PM Fihla) were overjoyed by his achievement. His youngest daughter is following in his footsteps as a student teacher in Gqeberha. For Fihla, the award is a personal milestone and a testament to a community-wide commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind.
Read previous article:
Knysna and Plett educators dominate provincial leg of National Teaching Awards
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