A Teacher’s Care, a Student’s Thank You: Motherwell Educator Honoured by UCT
For Nkululo Mtyingizane, a mathematics teacher at Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha, that recognition came through the University of Cape Town’s 2026 Stella Clark Teachers’ Award.
His nominator was former learner Sivuziwe Sitatu, now studying audiology at UCT.
THE DIFFERENCE SHE REMEMBERED
In UCT’s account, published on 11 September, Sitatu recalled a classroom where learners could explain their own reasoning and contribute to lessons.
She also described extra classes, holiday academic camps and support beyond school hours.
Sitatu, who has hearing loss, remembered his patience and the care he took to ensure she understood, while maintaining the same belief in her ability to succeed.
Mtyingizane’s own response was modest.
“I am a teacher who tries. I believe in hard work.”
AN AWARD THAT BEGINS WITH GRATITUDE
The way the Stella Clark Teachers’ Award works gives this recognition particular meaning. UCT students nominate high school teachers who helped them reach higher education.
It allows the people who experienced that teaching to explain its importance: which practices helped them learn, how they were encouraged and why that support stayed with them.
The award honours the late Stella Clark, a UCT educator remembered for teaching and mentoring students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Her family established it to continue that commitment.
UCT’s description of the programme explains that the winning teacher, the school and the nominating student receive monetary prizes. The recognition also creates a connection between schools and the university, making excellent teaching more visible.
A SOUTH AFRICAN STORY WORTH SHARING
There is something deeply moving about a student reaching a new stage of life and choosing to acknowledge a teacher along the way.
An award makes that gratitude public. It gives a school community a reason to celebrate and other teachers a moment to see their work valued.
It also invites a personal question: who helped us believe we could do more? For many readers, a name will come to mind immediately.
In this story, that name is Nkululo Mtyingizane. And a former learner made sure his contribution was remembered.
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About Zanele Mthembu
Zanele Mthembu covers South African community news for Trustoria, focusing on municipal developments, social justice and local culture. Based in Durban and rooted in her Zulu heritage, she brings clarity and compassion to stories that affect everyday lives, combining a commitment to accountability with a passion for highlighting community achievements, resilience and positive change.
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