Phoenix educator's maths excellence puts Whetstone on the provincial stage

**Pinetown District winner: Mr M.T. Yusuf ** proudly displays his certificate and trophy after receiving the National Teaching Award for Primary School Mathematics.

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For M.T. Yusuf, mathematics has never been about numbers alone. It is about unlocking potential, building confidence and helping young people discover opportunities they never thought possible.

That lifelong passion has earned the Whetstone Primary School Acting Deputy Principal first place in the Pinetown District category for Primary School Mathematics at the National Teaching Awards, with the respected educator now set to represent the district at the KwaZulu-Natal provincial finals.

The achievement recognises not only Yusuf's excellence in the classroom but also his growing influence on mathematics education throughout the Phoenix Central circuit, where he mentors teachers, develops learning resources and helps raise academic standards across multiple schools.

"It is a tremendous honour," said Yusuf.

"My journey through Mathematics is not just a professional story, it is a personal one. I teach because I was inspired. I uplift because I was uplifted. I strive for excellence because someone once believed I could achieve it."

That inspiration began during his own school years, where teachers transformed what many considered a difficult subject into one that was engaging, logical and enjoyable.

"Their passion shaped mine. Their clarity became my standard," he recalled.

Determined to recreate that experience for future generations, Yusuf qualified in Senior FET Mathematics and Science at Edgewood Campus in 2013 before beginning his teaching career at Verulam Islamic School, Holy Family College and Temple Valley Secondary.

His commitment to making mathematics enjoyable has remained a constant throughout his career."I wanted learners to enjoy Mathematics, not fear it," he said.

After joining Sunford Primary School as a permanent educator in 2016, Yusuf established the school's first Mathematics Club, introducing learners to problem-solving activities, mathematics games, competitions and Olympiads while offering intervention programmes, extra tuition and close communication with parents.

The results spoke for themselves, with learners achieving success in Mathematics Games competitions, FEMSSISA Olympiads and Mathemajica problem-solving contests.In 2024, Yusuf was promoted to Whetstone Primary School as Departmental Head and currently serves as Acting Deputy Principal, where his influence has extended well beyond his own classroom.

Today, he leads Professional Learning Communities for Grades 4 to 7 Mathematics teachers, serves as Chief Examiner and Chief Moderator for Phoenix Central, develops examination guidelines, revision material and study guides, supports learners through online platforms and conducts parent workshops on study skills and examination preparation.

"I have always believed that uplifting teachers uplifts learners, and uplifting learners uplifts communities," he said.

Whetstone Primary Principal Mrs V. Pillay said Yusuf's leadership has helped establish a culture where collaboration and innovation drive learner success.

"Success in Mathematics is about more than marks, it is about teachers working together, sharing knowledge and helping every learner reach their potential," she said.

**Coding for the future: ** Whetstone Primary School learners develop their coding skills during a classroom session, building digital literacy, problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

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The school has embraced Professional Learning Communities, assessment analysis and action research to strengthen teaching practices while working closely with neighbouring schools to improve curriculum delivery and assessment quality.

Innovation extends beyond mathematics.

Although Whetstone Primary was not selected as one of the Department of Basic Education's pilot schools for Coding and Robotics, the school chose to develop its own comprehensive programme from Grade R to Grade 7.

Under Yusuf's leadership, educators unpacked the CAPS curriculum, developed work schedules, lesson plans and teaching resources, while establishing a professional support network for teachers across Phoenix Central.

Mr. M. T Yusuf gearing up the learners ahead of a competition Although Whetstone Primary was not selected as one of the Department of Basic Education's pilot schools for Coding and Robotics, the school chose to develop its own comprehensive programme from Grade R to Grade 7.

Image: Supplied

The school also pioneered the Phoenix Central Coding and Robotics Competition, introducing learners to robotics challenges and unseen problem-solving tasks designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking and adaptability.

That initiative has since expanded throughout the Mafukuzela Gandhi Circuit Management Centre, with Yusuf appointed overall coordinator and tasked with training educators and circuit coordinators across the region.For Principal Pillay, these initiatives reflect the school's broader vision.

"At Whetstone Primary School, innovation is not just a buzzword, it is the foundation of how we teach, learn and prepare our learners for the future," she said.

For Yusuf, however, every achievement ultimately comes back to the learners.

"I want them to see Mathematics not as a barrier, but as a gateway. Not as something difficult, but as something beautiful. Not as a fear, but as a future."