Tag Archives: North West MEC for Education

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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Schweizer Reneke gets a R69m school construction project  

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during sod-turning/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, today did a sod-turning for the construction project of a new primary school valued at R69 million. Motsumi said the school will be constructed in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer-Reneke.

She further said her department has officially handed over a significant project management responsibility for the construction. 

Motsumi added that the new school project is slated to encompass essential facilities including 21 classrooms, an administrative block, a multi-purpose hall, a science lab, a kitchen, a sports field among other amenities, over a duration of 18 months.

“The initiative comes as a beacon of hope for the community, particularly addressing the pressing issue of overcrowded schools and the plight of learners who endure long distances to access education. 

“The project’s inception traces back to 2014, initiated by the late business person and contractor, Wandile Bozwana. However, following Bozwana’s passing, the department sought legal opinion to finish the project,” she said. 

Motsumi said the department’s intervention signifies a pivotal moment for the community, offering tangible relief to parents and learners burdened by lengthy commutes and overcrowded classes. She said the broader societal impact of the project, emphasizing its role in combating unemployment, particularly among the youth.

“It’s unacceptable that decades into democracy, we still grapple with youth unemployment and an uncertain future. This endeavour not only addresses immediate educational needs but also fosters economic empowerment and secures a brighter tomorrow for our youth. 

“This initiative follows the recent handover of the Serachero Primary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to meeting the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and nurturing future generations,” said Motsumi.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi cracks the whip on ‘corrupt’ officials

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, has today announced the suspension of a school principal and a circuit manager in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. Motsumi said these individuals have been served with precautionary suspension letters pending a thorough investigation into allegations of mismanagement of the departmental recruitment process within the Tshing Circuit. 

She further said the allegations have been brought to her attention by media reports, involve the potential soliciting or facilitating of monies in exchange for influence in the recruitment process. Motsumi added that her department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. 

“We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process that upholds the highest ethical standards. As such, an independent investigation I have tasked into these allegations have commenced. 

“The department will ensure a swift and thorough investigation to determine the veracity of these claims and in the main, I have taken steps to ensure minimal disruption to education at the affected school,” she said.

Motsumi said an acting principal has been appointed to maintain stability and leadership, while the investigation unfolds and in the same breath, she wish to protect the whistleblower to this effect. She said her department remains committed to providing quality education to all learners in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

“The department will provide further updates on the investigation’s progress as information becomes available,” said Motsumi.

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Parents embarked on protest after a Grade 6 learner allegedly gang-raped 

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Picture: A Grade 6 learner from Thuto Botshelo Primary School in Mmabatho allegedly raped

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is appealing to the community of Mmabatho, near Mahikeng to exercise patience and calmness in the arrest of the four learners allegedly accused of raping a school learner from Thuto Botshelo Primary School.

Motsumi said on 7 March 2024, four learners from Kebonang Secondary School, allegedly raped a Grade 6 learner (14) from Thuto Botshelo Primary School within the school premises. She further said, after the incident, the community in the area were up in arms demanding the immediate arrest of the alleged perpetrators. 

“They burnt tyres and blocked the roads leading to the school with stones and trees. We plead with the communities to exercise patience on the arrest of the suspects.

“On behalf of the two schools affected by this incident, I would like to plead with our communities to allow the law to take its full cause. The police should be given space to conduct their investigations without any external interference,” said Motsumi.

She added that all of them, together with the family of the victim, want to see justice served. Motsumi said as the department, they are complying with the South African Police Services (SAPS). 

“Any disruption of learning and teaching will have a long effect on the year-end results. Therefore, let’s allow learners to study in peace. We continue to call for psychological support for both teachers and learners following the intimidating scenes taking place around the two schools.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi urges parents and all stakeholders to take part in SGB elections

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is actively encouraging all parents and legal guardians to participate in the ongoing School Governing Body (SGB) elections, which began on 1 March 2024 and continue through until 31 March 2024. Motsumi said, while the department acknowledges the initial turnout, some schools have not reached their full potential.

However, she further said they remain optimistic that parents and guardians will actively engage in this crucial process.

“The SGB plays a vital role in school governance, managing finances, and implementing policies. Their involvement directly impacts the learning environment and student success. So, we encourage all parents and legal guardians to learn about the SGBs role and responsibilities.

“They should be well-informed about the candidates in their school, and exercise their voting rights on their chosen date before 31 March 2024. Every parent’s voice matters. Participating in the SGB elections demonstrates your commitment to your child’s education and ensures that, the school has the right leadership in place,” said Motsumi.

She added that, together, they can create the best possible learning environment for the children. Motsumi also encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in the SGB elections and make a positive impact on the future of the schools.
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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addresses safety and security in school through submit

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, today officially opened the District School Safety Summit at Milner Technical High School in Klerksdorp. Motsumi said the summit comes amidst growing concerns about the safety and security of learners and educators in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, where schools have recently become hotspots for criminal activity and disruptive learner behaviour.

“We are deeply concerned by the reports of gangsterism, bullying, substance abuse and sexual misconduct within our schools in the district. These issues have created a climate of fear and intimidation, rendering our schools unsafe learning environments.

“The summit, which is also attended by representatives of the South African Police Services (SAPS), aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the safety challenges faced by schools in the district,” she said.

Motsumi further said today, they launched the School Governing Body (SGB) elections and they make a clarion call to parents and legal guardians to take the school governance initiative seriously. She added that, they are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the SAPS, educators, learners, parents, local businesses, and community leaders, to create safe and secure learning environments for all.

“The summit will focus on a range of issues, including strengthening collaboration between schools, law enforcement agencies, and communities. Implementing effective safety and security measures in schools. Addressing the root causes of criminal and disruptive behavior among learners.

“Providing support services for learners who have been affected by violence or abuse. This initiative is to ensure that all schools in the province are safe and welcoming spaces, where learners can thrive,” said Motsumi.

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North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addresses challenges at Masamane Primary School

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addressing challenges at Masamane Primary School in Masamane village, outside Mahikeng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited Masamane Primary School in Masamane village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday, to address concerns regarding administrative and infrastructural issues at the school.

Motsumi said the school has faced challenges such disbandment of School Governing Body (SGB), urgent appointment of General Assistants (AAs) and Administrative Assistants (GAs), lack of running water and proper ablution facilities, unfinished classroom blocks and an incomplete kitchen.

She met with parents and the tribal council during her visit.

“The tribal council played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration with a local businessman to expedite water provision. We expressed our appreciation for this proactive intervention.

“I am encouraged by the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the Masamane community in addressing the school’s challenges. Together, we can ensure a conducive learning environment for our children. Our department remains committed to providing the necessary support to achieve this goal,” said Motsumi.

She further said they are committed to ensure that, all learners in the province have access to quality education in conducive environments. Motsumi added that, they are working diligently to find solutions and will continue to monitor progress closely.

“While water is currently available at the school, it is undergoing testing to ensure its safety for human consumption. The meeting concluded with the decision to appoint a new contractor to complete the outstanding construction projects as contract with the current service provider has expired.

“The disbanded SGB will hold new elections during the national SGB elections to be held between 1 and 31 March 2024. Parents and community members were assured of the appointment and selection of a service provider to finalize the construction of ablution facilities, the kitchen, and a classroom block,” she said.

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North West schools are ready for the 2024 academic year!

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said to support schools and identify any issues that might affect effective teaching and learning at the start of the academic year, the department has been conducting School Readiness Monitoring (SRM).

Motsumi said the department is working tirelessly to address these issues as soon as possible at the right level of the system. She further said a lot of work has gone into making sure that all of the schools in the province are prepared to offer quality teaching and learning on the first day in classes as the academic year resumes.

“Officials and Circuit Managers from the province were part of the monitoring team. Observational domains examined in the evaluation of readiness for school were the South African School Administration Management System (SA-SAMS), school admissions, provision of teachers, and provision of LTSM.

“They were also part of social cohesion and equity and school sports and enrichment curriculum management, ICT, school safety, coding and robotics, national school nutrition programme (NSNP),” said Motsumi.

She added that the provision of quality infrastructure with emphasis on safe water, sanitation and learner transport in all four districts were part of the discussions. Motsumi said while the SRM revealed widespread compliance with provincial application deadlines, they acknowledged the remaining challenges.

“The late applications persist, despite our continuous awareness campaigns. Nevertheless, our schools uphold non-discriminatory admission policies. Every child, regardless of documentation status deserves an equal right to education. Most of our schools are fully equipped for learners’ return.

“We want to guarantee a smooth start to the academic year and our extensive school readiness monitoring efforts demonstrate our commitment to quality education for all. The department remains dedicated to improving education delivery in the province,” she said.

Motsumi said the SRM findings will guide targeted interventions and ensure optimal learning environments for all students. Furthermore, she said the department will host the National Senior Certificate Results announcement at Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg on Friday.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape will visit Dingake Primary School in Verdwaal as part of the school re-opening activities for the 2024 academic year. Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said during Maape’s 2023 State of the Province Address (SOPA), he indicated that Dingake Primary and 300 other schools will benefit from the introduction of breakfast as part of an intensified programme to serve two meals a day to learners from less privileged communities.

“The initiative, which is being implemented through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), is aimed at mitigating the impact of poverty on learners from communities grappling with various challenges of socio-economic concern. 

“To date, the government continues to feed 744 320 learners in more than 1300 schools across the province. Maape’s visit will commence at 10am,” he said.

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