CUT alumna Mpho Anatjie Mphatsoanyane Mosala, South Africa’s National Best Teacher for 2026.

Photo cred: Eddie Mtsweni-Inside Education

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is proud to celebrate the achievements of two of its alumnae, Mpho Anatjie Mphatsoanyane Mosala and Tshepang Montso, who received national recognition at the recent 2026 National Teaching Awards. Mosala was named South Africa’s National Best Teacher for 2026, while Montso secured second place nationally in the Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences category.

Their achievements highlight the contribution of CUT graduates to the education sector and demonstrate the impact of quality teacher education in developing educators who inspire learners and improve teaching and learning in their communities.

Mosala, who is currently the Department Head of Languages at Botshabelo School of Skills, began her teaching career in 2015 at Letlotlo Naledi Primary School, where she taught Sesotho as a Home Language until her promotion in August this year. She obtained a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Further Education and Training (FET), specialising in Languages, from CUT’s Bloemfontein Campus in 2014. She later completed a Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Management in 2023, graduating in 2024 at CUT’s Welkom Campus. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education at the university.

Montso, an educator at Seabo Primary School in Welkom, holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd), specialising in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET), with Natural Sciences. She teaches Natural Sciences and Technology to learners in Grades 5 to 7.

Both educators credit CUT’s practical approach to teacher education for helping shape their professional journeys. Reflecting on the university’s influence, Mosala said: “CUT taught me that being an effective teacher goes beyond knowing the subject content. It requires understanding learners, recognising their diverse needs and finding innovative ways to make learning meaningful.” She added that what she appreciates most about CUT is “its ability to accommodate the diverse needs of its students while providing an educational experience that extends beyond theoretical knowledge,” with a strong emphasis on practical learning, including the micro lessons and practical experience she gained while still at the university. “This balance between theory and practice has contributed significantly to my professional development and shaped my approach to teaching and educational leadership,” she said.

CUT alumna Tshepang Montso, secured second place nationally in the Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences category.

Montso similarly highlighted the value of combining theoretical knowledge with practical training, including laboratory experiments and teaching practice. “The university prepared me for my teaching career by equipping me with both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills,” she said. Working in CUT’s science laboratories was among her most memorable experiences, helping her develop practical skills and learn how to make science more interesting through hands-on learning. “I can confidently say that CUT laid a strong foundation for the innovative and passionate educator I am today,” she said.

As a Languages educator, Mosala uses storytelling, reading aloud, role-play, vocabulary development and creative writing to strengthen learners’ reading and comprehension skills. When teaching literature and poetry, she encourages learners to use their five senses to create mental pictures of what they read. Her commitment to literacy development has also produced encouraging results, including her learner, Maletlotlo Motsieloa, who developed an interest in story review competitions through Mosala’s creative-writing activities. Maletlotlo completed her story review in just 30 minutes and secured first place in the province.

Montso uses hands-on experiments, educational games, group activities and technology to make Natural Sciences and Technology engaging for learners in Grades 5 to 7. Her creative lessons include a Periodic Table Treasure Hunt, and where resources are limited, she turns to locally available and recycled materials for practical experiments. Her learners have achieved first position in provincial Astro Quiz competitions in 2024, 2025 and 2026, earning the opportunity to represent the Free State at national level, along with tablets for their achievements. Through initiatives such as the Science Club, YCAP and Eskom Expo, she continues to encourage learners to explore science and develop problem-solving skills.

Reflecting on her national achievement, Mosala said the recognition represents more than a personal milestone. “It reminds me that teaching is not just about delivering lessons but about transforming lives, restoring hope, nurturing potential and opening doors for future generations.” She added that she sees the award as a responsibility to keep raising teaching standards, inspire fellow educators and contribute to improving education in South Africa, particularly in the teaching and preservation of African languages.

Montso described her second-place national achievement as recognition of the dedication and innovation she brings to teaching. She said it motivates her to continue improving her teaching practices, sharing ideas with fellow educators and creating more opportunities for learners, particularly those in under-resourced schools. “My achievement is a reflection of the strong foundation I received at CUT, combined with dedication, hard work and a passion for teaching,” she said. “Achieving second place nationally at the National Teaching Awards is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to celebrate the foundation that CUT helped me build.”

The achievements of Mosala and Montso affirm CUT’s contribution to preparing educators who translate academic knowledge into meaningful classroom practice. Their success reflects the university’s role in developing graduates who continue to strengthen schools, support their communities and inspire future generations.

CUT congratulates both alumnae on their outstanding achievements and their continued commitment to excellence in education.