Tag Archives: North West MEC for Education

North West MEC for Education applauds Are-Fadimeng Secondary School for Improved Matric Results

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Picture: Are-Fadimeng Secondary School logo

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 February 2015- As part of her extended Education Month programme, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visits Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School in Jouberton, Klerksdorp on 3 February 2025, to engage with school leadership, teachers, and learners following the school’s commendable improvement in the 2024 matric results.

Motsumi’s visit forms part of her broader strategy to assess and support underperforming schools, as well as those that have shown significant progress. She said Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School achieved a 73.9% pass rate in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, reflecting a 6% improvement from the 2023 academic year.

“We would like to commend the school’s leadership and educators for their dedication, and urge them to intensify their efforts toward achieving a 95% pass rate by year-end. We acknowledge the crucial role played by the community in supporting the school’s progress.

“I am indeed pleased that Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School has improved its pass rate by 6% and had learners who ranked among the district’s top 20 performers. Credit must be given where it is due,” said Motsumi.

She further said the Are-Fadimeheng community took a firm stand against gangsterism and criminal elements that previously plagued the school. Motsumi added that their unwavering support has boosted learner morale and this is reflected in the school’s improved results.

“The school’s proactive approach is exactly the kind of progress I want to see across all our secondary schools. With continued support from district and community levels, I am confident that Are-Fadimeheng can achieve a 95% pass rate come 2025 results,” she said.

Meanwhile, expressing confidence in the school’s curriculum strategy, Principal Leatile Moromane, assured Motsumi of their commitment to further enhancing learner performance.

“We are pleased to inform the MEC that we are refining our curriculum delivery strategies to build on our recent success. Our teacher files are in order, implementation has begun, and we remain focused on continuous improvement.

“More than anything, Motsumi’s visibility at our school has bolstered our confidence. With an overall enrolment of 1,650 learners, inclusive of 202 Grade 12 learners ,Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School remains committed to sustaining and exceeding its current performance,” said Moromane.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi outlines successes and challenges for 2024 academic year

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi   

By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 December 2024- North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi who outlined the successes and challenges in her department for 2024 academic year said, they have achieved a milestone that underscores their commitment to quality education and effective administration.

Motsumi addressed the media at Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg on 3 December 2024.

She further said the North West, as the rest of the country concluded its National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination period. Motsumi added that the province registered 45,004 candidates, including 41,495 full-time and 3,449 part-time learners, across 449 examination centres.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to quality education and effective administration. There were few incidents during the examination period, despite our best efforts.

“We encountered a few challenges such as computer malfunctions during the writing of Computer Applications Technology and this occurred at three centres. Additional time was granted to affected learners,” she said.

Motsumi also said there was an unusual incident, where a rhino trapped in a school drain caused delays and disruptions during an examination. She said community unrest delayed the submission of scripts in some of the schools.

“Instances of candidates giving birth and one principal failing to collect question papers on time, leading to suspension and an ongoing investigation. Examination irregularities in Business Studies and History, involving cell phones and crib notes, have resulted in immediate blocking of the affected scripts, pending investigation.

“The department has taken steps to ensure the integrity of the examination process. We have enhanced training for officials and examination personnel to reduce administrative errors,” she said.

Motsumi said the procurement of error-free question papers and efficient capturing of SBA marks completed two days ahead of schedule. She said timely commencement of the marking phase on 1 December 2024, with 20 marking venues fully prepared.

“Marking is a meticulous and essential component of the examination cycle. We have implemented measures such as training of 67 Chief Markers, 67 Internal Moderators, and over 2,800 markers to ensure consistency and quality in the marking process.

“Rigorous venue selection based on criteria such as adequate space, security, ICT facilities, and basic amenities. Marking venues were audited, and personnel, including venue managers, security staff, and marking assistants, were trained before marking commenced,” said Motsumi.

She said marking began on 1 December 2024 and will conclude on 12 December 2024. Motsumi said this will ensure readiness for the release of results in Klerksdorp on 14 January 2025.

“I visited the marking centres, which is Hoerskool Rustenburg to assess the conditions they are working under. The department is deeply committed to creating and maintaining safe spaces, where our learners can focus on their education without fear or disruption.

“As we prepare to re-open 2025 academic year, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards of education in the province,” said Motsumi.

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Over 41 000 Grade 12 learners in North West to write NSC final examinations 

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Picture: Some of Grade 12 learners who attended Last Push Program/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 October 2024- North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said it’s all systems go for over 41 000 Grade 12 learners, who will be sitting for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations that will commence on 21 October 2024.

Motsumi, who launched Last Push at MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung last week, urged all Grade 12 learners across the province to study hard and produce good results. She said the North West is targeting top three positions and that is achievable.      

“With only 19 days to the year-end examinations, the department has successfully launched its Last Push campaign on Friday. The last push campaign is aimed at assisting Grade 12 learners as they prepare for their final exams.

“A total of 301 learners attended the last push campaign launch along with other education stakeholders, including faith-based organisations, who showed their support for the learners and emphasised the importance of education in community upliftment,” she said.

Motsumi further expressed her pride in the campaign’s success. She added that the launch of the Last Push campaign marks a critical point in their efforts to ensure that no learner is left behind.

“We are pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the learners, and I am confident that this program will help them bridge any remaining knowledge gaps as they prepare for their final exams.

“The support from the community and stakeholders further reinforces our shared goal of seeing our learners excel and reach their full potential as the department thrives to obtain 86-90%, come results announcements,” said Motsumi.

She said the Last Push program is part of the department’s broader initiative to ensure all learners in the province are fully prepared for their upcoming examinations. Motsumi said this launch coincides with the conclusion of the spring camps held across the province, where learners are engaged in intensive revision activities to close any remaining content gaps.

“The department remains committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure that all learners are well-equipped for their exams, and the Last Push program is a testament to these efforts,” she said. 

Meanwhile, one of the Grade 12 learners, Reatlegile Molenyane (17), who is an aspiring legal professional said: “I’m not yet prepared for the final examinations, but I’m working on it. I would like to study law and eventually have my own firm.

“I know to become an attorney in South Africa, I must get good marks. So, I understand the demand, if I want to embark on this career path. It is vital to start preparing for my final examinations now,” she said.

Another Grade 12 learner, Rebaone Mere shared the same sentiments. She said she wants to pass matric with the right marks and be able to go to university.

“I am working hard to pass my matric and meet the admission requirements of the university. I would like to advise other fellow Grade 12 learners to study hard as well, as the finals are just around the corner.

“They might be feeling overwhelmed, stressed and panicked. However, that is totally understandable and teachers are there to help them to calm down and prepare well,” she said.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi conducts unannounced visit to Meriti Secondary School amid rising safety concerns

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Picture: Some of the weapons seized by the police/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 September 2024- North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said as part of the roadshow aimed at ensuring school readiness and safety, they have conducted an unannounced visit to Meriti Secondary School in Meriting village, near Rustenburg, on 11 September 2024. 

Motsumi said during the visit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) carried out a search and seizure operation as part of their collaboration with the Department of Education through the Adopt-a-Cop flagship program. 

“The search uncovered knives, space muffins, marijuana, cigarettes, and an old police belt, raising serious concerns about the presence of illicit items on school grounds.

“Meriti Secondary School has recently experienced a rise in violent incidents, with two learners being stabbed by former students, resulting in their admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” she said. 

Motsumi further said these incidents have highlighted the urgent need for continued efforts to combat crime and gang-related activity within schools. She added that the search and seizure initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and prevent gang-related activities from infiltrating school grounds. 

“Grades 10 to 12 have been identified as areas of concern and in response, the department has provided psycho-social support and motivational talks to assist the learners.

“The importance of parental involvement in safeguarding learners and ensuring a conducive learning environment. It is crucial for parents to play an active role in their children’s education and well-being,” said Motsumi. 

She said they also need to acknowledge the deep impact that psycho-social support has on their learners’ success, especially as they prepare for their final exams. Motsumi said together with the community, they can address the root causes of gang-related issues, which in some cases, may be fuelled by underlying tribal tensions. 

“Our visit also aimed to assess the school’s readiness for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with Meriti Secondary School having an enrolment of 1,730 learners, including 280 Grade 12 learners who will sit for the 2024 final exams,” she said. 

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Tug-of-war between SGB and Board of Directors at Tigerkloof Combined School in Vryburg 

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Picture: Tigerkloof Combined School in Vryburg

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she will establish a committee that will investigate allegations that there are parallel structures at Tigerkloof Combined School in Vryburg. According to School Governing Body (SGB) members at the school, there are members of the Board of Directors who interfere with the role and functions of their duties. 

SGB chairperson, Dr George Balebe said: “Even though Tigerkloof Combined School is a public school, it was built on private land. So, this has led to a tug-of-war between two structures. We urge MEC to address the chaotic relationship that the SGB is having with these so-called Board of Directors members. 

“Truly, we do not know their role and where they report to. This includes what is guiding them. There is a grey area that needs to be addressed. Actually, we do not know most of these members who claim to be Board of Directors there.”

Motsumi said she is going to establish a committee that will specifically deal with this issue as a matter of urgency. She said the problem is that, the more they leave this matter without addressing it, the more it will affect the issues of curriculum and management in that particular school. 

“So, there will be a team that will go and investigate. We will see how best we can resolve this matter. Two months from now, we will be able to issue a final report on the findings and recommendations regarding that particular school,” said Motsumi.

Meanwhile, Taung DailyNews’ attempts to get a response from Board of Directors members were futile.  

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi painting a classroom as part of 67 minutes of Mandela Day celebration  

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi painting a classroom at Stadt Primary School in Mahikeng/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has joined the global village in celebrating Nelson Mandela Day. In honour of this significant day, Motsumi spent her 67 minutes of community service at her alma mater, Stadt Primary School, where various stakeholders, including Old Mutual, North West University, National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), Boxer Supermarket, Sparkling Waters, and Rosewood Hotel, extended a hand to donate services to the school.

She said as part of the celebration of former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday, they rolled their sleeves and painted the Grade R Block. Motsumi’s actions were mirrored by other stakeholders present, demonstrating a collective commitment to community service.

“We would like to commend the public-private partners for their generosity and dedication to building the South Africa that Nelson Mandela envisioned. The contributions made today are a testament to the power of community and partnership. 

“These generous donations and acts of service not only enhance the lives of our learners, but also build the foundation of a better future for all. Together, we are fostering the South Africa that Nelson Mandela hoped for, one of unity, education, and opportunity,” she said. 

Motsumi further said her department pleads for continued partnerships with stakeholders to profile the history of Stadt Primary School and ensure its legacy endures. She added that with an enrolment of 1050 learners, the school stands as a beacon of education and history. 

“The day’s contributions included donations of sanitary towels, 100 pairs of shoes, food parcels to identified families, stationery, reading books to promote literacy and enrich the school library, as well as facilitated the painting of three Grade R classrooms,” said Motsumi.

Meanwhile, among the notable stakeholders, a community leader and former learner at the school, Dr Lekgenyane, adopted a learner at the school and committed to rendering psychosocial support to all learners continuously. Stadt Primary School, the first school in the Barolong area and former Batswanaland and it was built in 1878 and serves as a heritage site.

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SGB members urged to give necessary support

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Picture: SGB members and principals during interactive session in Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi urged School Governing Bodies (SGBs) across the province to give principals necessary support in quest to improve the results of learners. Motsumi held a successful interactive session with SGBs, principals, and education stakeholders at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Thursday.

She further said the event brings together school principals, SGBs, secretaries, Representatives Council of Learners (RCL) and various education stakeholders from across the province. Motsumi added that commitment is vital to ensure excellence, integrity and a strong dedication to learner success in the governance of schools.

“As the 2024-2026 SGB term of office begins, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all SGB members for accepting this significant responsibility. I’m thankful to the parents who took the role of being invested in their children’s school governance.

“It is important to clearly understand the task ahead. Your term of office is three years, a relatively short period in which you are expected to leave a lasting legacy. Clean governance is not just a goal, but it is a necessity,” she said.

Motsumi said they must strive to be transparent, ethical, and accountable in all our actions. She said the session focused on several critical areas, including the smooth transition and handover processes, stressing the importance of finalising the handover processes from the previous term to ensure a seamless transition into the new administration.

“We also outlined the legal framework within, which SGBs and school governance operate to promote accountability to stakeholders – parents, teachers and the broader community. We emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and cohesion within schools to create environments where learners can thrive.

“We also addressed respect and vandalism in schools. It is about time we bring back respect and discipline to our schools. Learners should be taught respect and gone are the days where teachers are held at ransom by our learners,” said Motsumi.

She said vandalism will also be a thing of the past and as SGBs and school governance, they need to put their foot down in the socials they see creeping into their schools. Motsumi said stakeholders and RCL raised concerns focused on expediting school infrastructure, inclusion of RCLs in the school management, and prioritisation of learner transport.

“These kinds of engagement sessions will be held annually to enhance the quality of education in the province,” she said.

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The roof of three classrooms at Mmanjaakgora Primary School stolen 

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Picture: The roof of Mmanjaakgora Primary School in Prisca village, near Moretele, stolen/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they strongly condemn the recent theft of the school roof that spread across three classrooms at Mmanjaakgora Primary School in Prisca village, near Moretele. Motsumi said the incident was discovered on 6 July 2024. 

She further said this has caused significant disruption to the educational environment and the community at large. Motsumi added that in response to this unfortunate event, the department has swiftly arranged a library as a temporary measure for multi-grade Grades 1, 2 and 3 learners to ensure that they continue their education without interruption, especially during the harsh winter season. 

“We urge parents to remain calm as we work diligently to resolve the situation and implement the best possible solutions. We express deep concern and disappointment regarding this incident. We can confirm that the roof of the structure that accommodates three classrooms, Grade R, 1, 2 and 3, has been stolen. 

“I wish to state that the theft of the school roof is not only a criminal act, but a direct attack on the future of our children. It is disheartening to see such behaviour, especially as we prepare for the reopening of schools for the third term in the thick of winter,” said Motsumi.

She said that this act not only disrupts the education of the learners, but also undermines the rights of children, human dignity and the progress they have made in improving the performance of the schools. Motsumi said incidents like these hinder the strides they are making. 

“We are committed to ensuring that our learners receive the education they deserve. We will not allow such acts to derail our efforts. However, in the meantime, we have arranged a library to accommodate three grades and a mini library for Grade R. 

“The department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice. We appeal to the community to assist in safeguarding our schools and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” she said.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi to address underperforming schools

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi along with management during meeting in Rustenburg/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

In an effort to boost matriculation results, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi will meet with the principals of all underperforming schools in the province. Motsumi has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for schools performing below a 70% average this academic year.

“The primary objective of this meeting is to address the challenges faced by schools that had a pass rate of less than 70% in the 2023 academic year. I will engage with school principals and the senior management team of the department to discuss and resolve any concerns.

“We call on all educational stakeholders to uphold the top three visions set for the previous matric performance. I courteously implore all of our educational stakeholders to join forces with the department to achieve our goal of being among the top three,” she said.

Motsumi further said the province has 74 schools that underperformed in the 2023 academic year. She added that the meeting will be held at Mahikeng,Seasons Conference Centre in Mahikeng at 9am.

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North West team obtained position 2 in the National South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired Tournament

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Picture: The North west team obtained position 2 in the National South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired Tournament/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they are happy that, the department has been counted amongst the best performers after obtaining the second position in the National South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired Tournament, which was held in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal province on 6 April 2024. Motsumi said the North West team has been awarded a trophy for obtaining position 2 amongst the other provinces, while KwaZulu-Natal as the hosting province obtained position 1.

“The North West team have shown their abilities and strengths in the most diligent way. The province walked away with 86 gold,
97 silver and 61 bronze bronze medals. In total the North West team collected a total of 244 medals.

“The gold medals going to codes, Blackball pool, Cricket and Indoor rowing. Hockey
Best player of the tournament went to Bokamoso Shomong from Ikalafeng Special School in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, while Oratile Mokaleng from Lillian Lehetla Special School in Ngaka Modiri Molema District was the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament in hockey,” she said.

Motsumi further said the Best Blower of the Tournament was Gopolang Lamola from Retlametswe Special School also in Ngaka Modiri Molema district. She added that, the department want to congratulate the entire team for the sterling performance.

“It’s moments like these which make one to be the proud residents of the North West province. Our learners have put our province on top again and I am extremely proud of them.

“Their achievement has put back smiles on our faces again, after a sad bus accident that happened to the team that was traveling from the Western Cape on Sunday morning. I really wish to congratulate all the learners, teachers, and the entire stakeholders who support sports in this province,” said Motsumi.

She said they do not only produce champions in the classroom, but they produce top sportsmen in the playing field. Motsumi said her department fully supports the participation of all learners in school enrichment programmes.

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