Teachers do far more than impart knowledge. They help children make sense of themselves and the world around them, cultivate curiosity and critical thinking, and lay the foundations for responsible, active citizenship. In a constitutional democracy, teachers are therefore among the most important custodians of our future.

The Commission recognised this contribution at the 15th Annual National Schools Moot Court Programme, whose grand finale was held at the Constitutional Court on 4 October 2026. The Commission, together with the Departments of Basic Education and Justice and Constitutional Development, congratulates the participating learners and extends particular appreciation to the teachers who guided and supported them. Through initiatives such as the Moot Court Programme, teachers make an indispensable contribution to civic education, constitutional literacy, and developing young people who can think critically about rights, responsibilities, and the kind of society they wish to build.

As we celebrate teachers, we must also confront the conditions under which many are expected to perform this vital work. As confirmed in the Commission’s annual State of South African Schools report, teacher vacancies, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate security, and the paucity of libraries, science laboratories, sporting facilities, and other essential infrastructure continue to undermine teaching and learning across the country. Teachers should not be expected to carry the constitutional promise of basic education on their shoulders while working in environments which deny them the resources, institutional support and conditions necessary to do so. Supporting teachers, therefore, must include attending to their professional, psychosocial and material needs.

The Commission, together with the Equal Education Law Centre and an expert reference group, has sought to help transform school culture by developing a constitutionally compliant Model School Code of Conduct. A school code is a framework through which the entire school community – learners, educators, school leadership, parents and governing bodies – commits to creating a safe, inclusive, diversity-embracing and peaceful environment in which every person’s dignity is respected.

Through its Learner Rights‑and‑Responsibilities Campaign, the Commission has raised concerns about bullying and violence, vandalism of school property, the misuse of social media, smoking and substance use, and disrespectful conduct towards teachers and other school staff. The Commission is similarly concerned by reports of learners bringing dangerous weapons onto school premises.

At the same time, learners' safety remains non-negotiable. The Commission’s recent Report on the scourge of Sexual Violence at Schools identified serious weaknesses in the systems designed to prevent those who pose a danger to children from remaining in or re-entering the schooling system. Effective accountability also requires properly capacitated institutions. The Commission remains concerned about capacity constraints affecting bodies such as the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE), whose functions are critical to professional accountability, discipline and good governance in the education system. The Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SACE to facilitate cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Finally, the Commission recognises the progress made by the country’s schools. The Class of 2025 achieved an 88% National Senior Certificate pass rate – the highest on record in South Africa. Behind every learner who crossed the finish line stands a teacher who prepared lessons, marked work, offered encouragement, stayed after school, responded to setbacks, and continued teaching in circumstances that were often far from ideal.

On this 60th anniversary of World Teachers’ Day, the Commission salutes South Africa’s teachers. We thank you for the work that is visible and, perhaps even more importantly, for the work that so often goes unseen.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION