Named in honour of the late Sowetan editor-in-chief, the Aggrey Klaaste awards are part of the youth development and community development programmes of the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation.

Named in honour of the late Sowetan editor-in-chief, the Aggrey Klaaste awards are part of the youth development and community development programmes of the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation.

Klaaste started the nation-building concept in 1988, at a time when South Africa was in political turmoil.

Apartheid's 'bantu education' policy seriously weakened instruction in mathematics, physical science and technology in black schools throughout the country.

Facilities and equipment were also inferior.

This adversely affected the morale and competitiveness of teachers and pupils.

The Klaaste awards, designed to redress this unnatural imbalance, recognise top-notch teachers in our schools.

These dedicated teachers employ innovative methods to supplement the often meagre resources at their schools in order to make these important subjects exciting. They are the true role models for all the dedicated teachers throughout South Africa. - Victor Mecoamere