During his speech at Alexander Sinton High School, Dr. Iqbal Surve paid tribute to educators and discussed the system of apartheid, global conflicts, artificial intelligence, and the values necessary to protect human dignity.
At the awards ceremony dedicated to education workers who have shaped generations of students at Cap-Flats, Dr. Iqbal Surve stated that teachers deserve more attention, respect, and better working conditions.
The event was organized by The Movement Against Illegitimate Leaders (M.A.I.L.) in the Alexander Sinton School Hall in Atlona to recognize the achievements and hard work of retired teachers. The ceremony was opened by Muhammad De Vries, and judge Siraj Desai introduced the keynote speakers: Dr. Iqbal Surve, who is part of Survé Philanthropies, and Saeeda Mostafa Darjabari, cultural advisor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Survé Philanthropies was one of the sponsors of the M.A.I.L. event, and one of its main objectives is to support and collaborate with organizations involved in education.
Surve emphasized the importance of a moral compass in education, noting that it is formed by family, upbringing, and community. He believes that teachers are the ones who lay the foundation for this moral compass in a child. He stated: 'The increased responsibility of every teacher is not only to teach values but also to demonstrate these values to the children they teach.'
Darjabari noted how pleasant it was to see the recognition of influential teachers. He added that students in Iran turn threats into opportunities through their willingness to achieve goals.
Among the award recipients was Adela Domingo, former principal of Alexander Sinton High School, who became the first female principal of the school. Another former principal, Simon Banda, who worked for thirty years at Livingston High School and retired as principal, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in education and receive the award.
Posthumous certificates were awarded to teacher Avaatif Daniels from Crestway Secondary, who passed away last year, and Mario Jansen from Hindle High School in Delft. Eleventh-grade student Zayan Abdurrahman from Mondale High School in Mitchells Plain was recognized for winning the space settlement design competition at international finals held at the Kennedy Space Center in the USA.
Concluding the ceremony, Surve once again addressed the topic of teacher dedication. He stated: 'Our teachers deserve investment, respect, and conditions to do their job. This responsibility lies with the government, business, and every parent in this country.'
Surve also highlighted the collective responsibility of communities, asserting that the future cannot be built on knowledge alone; it requires wisdom. Furthermore, it cannot be built on power alone—it needs responsibility, and it cannot be built on technology alone.