By OBAKENG MAJE
20 October 2025- The Grade 12 learners in North West in a fully capacitated hall of Waterkloof Secondary School in Rustenburg, declared to uphold the examination regulations of not committing any irregularities in the examination centres during the Provincial Prayer and Pledge Signing held on 17 October 2025. The North West Department of Education said the primary purpose of the Provincial Prayer and Pledge-Signing ceremony is for the learners to embark on a commitment to conduct themselves in the highest possible manner during the examinations without committing any irregular activities like cheating in the examination centre.
The department said the Kloofwaters Secondary School Hall was filled to capacity with different stakeholders, who came to pray and witness the pledge signing.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they had traditional leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), councillors, pastors, departmental officials, principals and educators, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), unions, business stakeholders and learners. Motsumi emphasized that the incidents of vandalism create setbacks that communities cannot afford.
“We are living in a very critical and challenging time, where the actions of a few continue to harm the future of many. It is deeply troubling that criminals persist in destroying and stealing the property of our schools and communities.
“Just recently, at Boitekong Secondary School not far from here a block of classrooms was set on fire. In other schools, food for learners, vital resources such as computers and educational equipment have been stolen,” she said.
Motsumi further said these acts of vandalism and theft are not only criminal, they are an attack on the education and future of our children. He added that they delay progress, undermine the limited infrastructure they have and create setbacks that their communities cannot afford.
“Many of our schools already operate with minimal resources and what little we have has been hard-earned and paid for through sacrifice and effort. We plead with communities to take a stand against vandalism.
“Communities, leaders and parents must rise together to protect schools and safeguard the future of learners. Education is a shared responsibility and it is the duty of everyone to ensure that schools remain safe, functional, and protected spaces of learning and hope,” said Motsumi.
She said this year, she is filled with confidence and high expectations. Motsumi said she believes that their learners are prepared to rise even higher to push beyond and claim a spot among the top three performing provinces in the country.
“It is within reach, and it is possible with focus, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. As we approach the final examinations, I also want to emphasize the importance of integrity in this process.
“I trust that our learners will reject all forms of dishonesty and refuse to participate in any irregular or unethical activities during the exams. Let us be known not only for our results, but also for the honesty and values that define us,” she said.
Meanwhile, a Grade 12 learner, Bonginkosi Motaung who is also the President of the North West Representative Council of Learners, pleaded with all the Grade 12 learners to obey the examination rules.
“I am pleading with my fellow learners to obey the examination’s rules by not committing any silly action which will put them in trouble. Learners must believe in themselves and work hard to be better people in future.
“My fellow colleagues should live up to the pledges that they have committed today until the end of examinations. A Grade 12 learner who could be found to have committed an irregularity during the examination can be banned from writing examination for a period of three years by the Department of Education. This ban means the learner cannot write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam during that period, which has significant consequences for future education plans,” said Motaung.
The Guardian 