Ali Mokgalaka

Ali Alfred Mokgalaka, a dedicated and inspiring educator from South Africa, has made remarkable contributions to the teaching profession and his community. Born in the rural village of Makhuva near Giyani, Ali initially aspired to become a plastic surgeon to help those dissatisfied with their appearances. However, witnessing the transformative power of education during the apartheid era, he redirected his passion to teaching, pursuing his studies at the revolutionary University of the North, aligning himself with the fight for liberation and committing to empower disadvantaged families through education. 

His career is marked by relentless efforts to break barriers in education. Among his significant achievements is the introduction of African languages in Limpopo schools, defying apartheid-era restrictions. This initiative not only preserved cultural heritage but also fostered social cohesion among learners. Ali further promoted inclusivity by integrating diverse cultural practices, including traditional dances, into school activities. He has also helped shape education policy through participation in National Education Lekgotlas and mentoring educators as district coordinator for the National Teaching Awards (NTA). 

His innovative teaching methods have had a profound impact on his students. By implementing diagnostic assessments and hybrid learning models, including a YouTube channel called Xitsonga Online, he has made education more accessible and engaging. Strategies, such as pairing high-performing learners with those needing additional support, have led to improved academic outcomes. The average performance in his subject increased from 63% to 69% over two years, reflecting the scalability of these approaches. Ali’s integration of coding and robotics into the curriculum equips students with 21st-century skills, preparing them for a rapidly evolving global landscape. 

Beyond the classroom he actively supports his community, addressing challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and broken family structures by organizing donations and counselling sessions. His mentorship extends to extracurricular activities like coaching soccer to help students struggling with substance abuse. Ali also champions cultural exchange and environmental awareness, leading tree-planting initiatives and engaging students in climate change education through hands-on projects like weather and air quality monitoring. 

These efforts have transformed Frans Du Toit High School into one of Limpopo’s top-performing institutions. Under Ali’s guidance, the school has achieved a consistent 100% matric pass rate in his subject for over 15 years. His teaching has inspired students to pursue careers in medicine, engineering, and other fields, with notable alumni such as Dr. Xikombiso Nkuna and Dr. Gaynelle Makhubele. His dedication earned him the title of National Best Teacher in South Africa and a nomination for the Global Teacher Prize 2023. 

Ali instils in his students a sense of responsibility that transcends national borders. Through cultural performances, student exchange programs and initiatives addressing global challenges, he prepares them to engage effectively in a diverse, interconnected world. His emphasis on tolerance, respect, and problem-solving fosters the development of socially conscious global citizens. 

Ali Alfred Mokgalaka exemplifies the transformative power of education, blending innovation, advocacy, and compassion to empower learners and uplift communities. His story is a testament to the profound impact of a dedicated teacher.