By OBAKENG MAJE
6 August 2025- The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union in the North West said it has noted with great concern and disappointment the recent public remarks made by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during a meeting in Vryburg with Grade 12 underperforming schools. This comes after Motsumi calls on underperforming teachers to either resign or face suspension.
SADTU provincial secretary, George Themba said as the union that represents the interests and rights of educators, they find such statements to be reckless, demoralizing and counterproductive to the stability and morale of the education system. Themba further said teachers are the backbone of public education and continue to serve under extremely challenging conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced schools and limited support.
“Instead of threatening educators, we call upon Motsumi to engage with relevant stakeholders, including unions in good faith and through established structures to address concerns or grievances.
“A blanket call for resignations or suspensions undermines due process, promotes fear and risks violating the principle of fair labour practice as enshrined in the constitution and the Labour Relations Act,” he said.
Themba added that they reaffirm their commitment to quality public education and the professional conduct of its members. He said they stand ready to work with the North West Department of Education to address legitimate concerns through constructive dialogue, but they will not hesitate to defend their members against intimidation and unfair treatment.
“SADTU finds it unacceptable that a public representative would resort to threats and intimidation rather than constructive engagement to resolve matters affecting educators.
“We call on Motsumi to desist and refrain from such utterances when engaging with educators. We urge the department to foster a climate of respect, engagement and accountability,” said Themba.
He said the future of the learners and the integrity of the education system depend on it.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by Motsumi, visited Milner Secondary School in Klerksdorp for an interactive session with principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) of underperforming schools in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. Motsumi said the visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the government to assist underperforming schools to develop measures, strategies and remedial action plans that will assist them to improve their performance.
“The session also focused on tracking performance for both term 1 and term 2 to swiftly attend to challenges impeding all schools performing below the targeted threshold. Of the 230 schools in the district, nine performed below the targeted threshold of 70% averaging between 50 and 68% in the 2024 National Senior Certificate Examinations.
“Various measures are being implemented to cover the lost ground. We have noticed a slight decline in our mid-year examinations hence these intervention measures. This district has a potential to produce good quality results that can make them and the province shine,” she said.
Motsumi further said the problem of inconsistent performance should be addressed with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, with only two weeks left before preparatory examinations, Mokgosi said the intervention measures employed by the department to improve learner performance are encouraging.
“”As the provincial government, we support all these measures. The department must put all the stops in ensuring that all the resources are mobilized to assist both teachers and learners prepare thoroughly for the upcoming examinations.
“Critically all mechanisms must be activated to provide support and monitor progress in the remaining quarters of this academic year,” he added.
Meanwhile, the visit by Mokgosi followed Motsumi’s interactive session with teachers and management of various schools in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District’s grappling learner performance. The sessions will extend to both Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala Platinum Districts.
The Guardian 