By Nkhensani Mthombeni
Ali Alfred Mokgalaka is an RnB artist, a filmmaker, a soccer coach – and the best teacher in the country.
Mokgalaka, who teaches Xitsonga and geography at Hoerskool Frans du Toit in Phalaborwa, was honoured by the Department of Basic Education last Thursday, at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
He shared the award with Adil Shaik Mungalee of Yusuf Dadoo Primary School in Randfontein.
The principal of Mokgalaka’s school could not praise him enough, saying he was not surprised that Mokgalaka won the award because he always gives 100% in everything he does. He spoke of the teacher’s hard work, dedication and going the extra mile.
But Mokgalaka was modest when speaking to Scrolla.Africa. He said all he knows is that he loves his work.
“I’m fortunate to be paid for doing what I love, because I always have fun teaching. I feel great that my efforts to transform learner’s lives are recognised. Learners who could have ended nowhere in life now have direction,” he said.
Growing up he wanted to study medicine, but ended up studying teaching. He boasts 29 years of experience in the education field and 16 years in his current school, where he is head of African languages and part of the management team.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 he started online classes for Xitsonga to help his learners catch up on lost time. The platform was discovered by learners from Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
He coaches soccer both at school and in the community and invites PSL coaches to scout the best of the bunch.
Pictured above: Alfred Mokgalaka with Limpopo MEC for education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya
Image Source: Limpopo Department of Education
