The Department of Basic Education wishes to salute all schools and teachers who have entered the National Teaching Awards (NTA). The NTA Scheme was conceptualised and launched in 2000 and now enters its twenty third (23rd) year of implementation. Through extensive consultation, the scheme has been refined, sharpened, as well as broadened in terms of its frame and categories. We therefore welcome you to the 23rd edition of the NTA. The NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers, often in very difficult conditions. Such teachers provide for better futures for learners, because the lack of quality education is a major factor behind many social, political, economic and health challenges faced by the world today; as well as contributing to poverty, prejudice and conflict. The concept of appreciating and recognising teachers has gained world-wide prominence and as a result South African teachers are encouraged to participate and shine on the global stage. Some of the awards that are open to the teachers are: The African Union (AU) Teachers’ Award. The Global Teacher Prize; and The Commonwealth Education Award. To mark the twenty-first (21st) Anniversary of the National Teaching Awards, the DBE added three new categories which have been integrated into the 22nd NTA. The additional categories introduced include the National Best Teacher Award, the SHERO Award and the National Learner Award. More details:- https://www.education.gov.za/Informationfor/Teachers/NationalTeachingAwards.aspx