A teacher from Phoenix, M.T. Yusuf, received the National Teaching Award for teaching mathematics in primary school, which was the result of his commitment to unlocking students' potential and strengthening their self-confidence.
This success allowed M.T. Yusuf to win first place in the Pinetown District category for mathematics within the National Teaching Awards. This respected educator will now represent the district at the provincial final in KwaZulu-Natal. His achievements recognize not only Yusuf's skill in the classroom but also the growing influence he has on mathematics education across the central Phoenix area.
Yusuf is actively involved in mentoring teachers, developing educational materials, and promoting higher academic standards in various schools. He emphasized that his journey in mathematics is not just a professional story, but a personal one, noting that he teaches because he was inspired himself and strives for excellence through the belief others have in his abilities.
Pinetown District Winner: Mr M.T. Yusuf
His inspiration began in his school years when teachers transformed a complex subject into something engaging, logical, and enjoyable. Striving to recreate this experience for future generations, Yusuf qualified in higher education in mathematics and natural sciences at the Edgewood campus in 2013. After this, he began his teaching career at Verulam Islamic School, Holy Family College, and Temple Valley Secondary.
Since joining Sunford Primary School as a permanent teacher in 2016, Yusuf established the first Math Club at the school. This club introduced students to Olympiad games, math competitions, and problems, while also offering remedial programs, supplementary learning, and close interaction with parents. The results were evident: students achieved success in Math Games competitions, FEMSSISA Olympiads, and Mathemajica problem-solving contests.
In 2024, Yusuf was promoted to Head of Department at Whetstone Primary School and currently serves as the Acting Deputy Principal. His influence extends far beyond his own classroom. Today, he leads Professional Learning Communities for mathematics teachers of grades 4–7, acts as the chief examiner and lead moderator for Phoenix Central, develops examination guidelines, educational materials, and resources, supports students through online platforms, and conducts workshops for parents on learning skills and exam preparation.
The Principal of Whetstone Primary, Mrs. Pillay, noted that Yusuf's leadership helped foster a culture where student success is driven by collaboration and innovation. She stated that success in mathematics is not just about grades, but also about the joint effort of teachers, knowledge sharing, and helping every student reach their potential.
Coding for the Future:
The school implemented Professional Learning Communities, assessment analysis, and applied research to strengthen pedagogical practice, collaborating closely with neighboring schools to improve the quality of teaching and curriculum assessment. Innovations are spreading beyond mathematics. Although Whetstone Primary School was not selected by the Department of Basic Education as a pilot school for coding and robotics, the school decided to develop its own comprehensive program for students from kindergarten to Grade 7.
Under Yusuf's guidance, educators thoroughly studied the CAPS curriculum, developed work schedules, lesson plans, and teaching resources, and created a professional support network for teachers throughout Phoenix Central. The school also pioneered the Phoenix Central Coding and Robotics Competition, introducing students to robotics challenges and non-obvious problem-solving tasks aimed at developing creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.
This initiative subsequently spread throughout the Mafukozela Gandhi Education District, where Yusuf was appointed General Coordinator and is responsible for training teachers and cluster coordinators across the region. For Principal Pillay, these endeavors reflect the school's broader vision. However, for Yusuf, every achievement is ultimately linked to the students he wants to see not before a barrier, but as a gateway; not as something difficult, but as something beautiful; and not as a fear, but as the future.