Picture: Learners overloaded in a minibus taxi/Screegrab
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 November 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she condemns in strongest terms the overloading of learners in the minibus taxis when learners are ferried to and back to school. Motsumi’s reaction comes after the traffic officers have impounded a 15-seater minibus taxi which was transporting 29 learners to school in Mahikeng on Tuesday.
She further reiterated the words of the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, who implored all the public transport to adhere to the regulators. Motsumi added that they are appealing to all public transport operators who are transporting learners to comply with the rules of the road.
“We further appeal to all parents whose children are using the public transport to check their transport before leaving for school. They must monitor if it’s not overloaded or not, if so they should look for an alternative transport. Our learners are currently writing examinations and we request our public transport operators to be extremely cautious on the road during this period.
“The department is requesting School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and principals to play an active role in verifying all means of transport that learners use and report unsafe practices immediately to relevant authorities,” she said.
Picture: Learners posing on beds with no matresses/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
29 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said it is disheartened and shocked to learn that some learners, when they arrived at an incubation camp, posed on beds without mattresses to mislead the public as if the department had not provided the mattresses to the learners at a camp held at Itereleng Skills Training Centre in Vaal Reefs on 26 October 2025. Motsumi said her department learnt about this irresponsible act posed by learners from the social media platforms.
She further said the learners were shown sleeping on beds directly without mattresses. Motsumi added that her department in its efforts of improving the matric results organized an incubation camp at Vaal Reefs and Itereleng for three schools, Kanana Secondary School, Mathlaleng Secondary School and Mmonkeng Secondary Schools.
“The department has always hosted the incubation camps at the same venue since 2019. We condemn the posing of learners on beds without mattresses. On behalf of the entire department, I am extremely disappointed by the irresponsible act committed by some learners who attended the incubation camp at Vaal Reefs.
“This venue has more than enough mattresses to accommodate all learners from the three schools. I believe this act was aimed at causing a sensation to create fear and anxiety in the parents. As we speak now, all learners have slept very well without any inconvenience. I want to sincerely assure parents that their children are safe and well taken care of,” she said.
Motsumi said parents should not panic at all because the department is taking good care of their children. She highlighted that these camps assist learners to avoid distraction which they sometimes experience when they study at home.
“Learners are expected to be at the incubation camp until they finish writing all their subjects. Teachers and Subject Specialists of different subjects will be available to assist learners,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By AGISANANG SCUFF
23 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi expressed satisfaction with the third day of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations, commencing with the learners writing English Paper 3. Motsumi today went to motivate learners and monitor examinations at MpheBana Secondary in Koster, where 189 matric candidates sat for examination.
Following the examination monitoring, Motsumi called a meeting with the School Management Team (SMT) and School Governing Body (SGB) to deliberate on the proposed strategy for the incubation of all candidates. She further said the incubation process is arranged to start on 26 October 2025.
“During this examination period, the North West will station subject advisors to assist the school with the incubation programme to support all candidates, as they have consistently performed below 80% throughout the year.
“The school must work closely with the parents during the incubation camp for teachers to be able to concentrate on the curriculum. The incubation camp will allow teachers to give more time to curriculum delivery, while parents partner with the school to foster a conducive environment for learners,” said Motsumi.
She added that they remain committed to supporting every candidate and will continue to monitor examination processes until the last paper is written. Motsumi said candidates are scheduled to write a three-hour examination, Afrikaans Paper 3 on 24 October 2025.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has called a special meeting on 21 October 2025, with the district officials and curriculum directorate. Motsumi said the main objective of this meeting was to analyse the Grade 12 Term 3 preliminary examination results.
She further said in the meeting, she emphasized the importance of collective effort in obtaining the set target of 95%. Motsumi added that there has been a minimal increase of 10.1% in comparison to the 2024 cohort and a 9.1% increase compared to 2023.
“The province currently, after analysing these results, is achieving an 84% pass rate, with only 4,115 out of 41,924 matric candidates remaining to meet the targeted percentage. I was very pleased with the outcomes presented before me.
“I further appeal to communities to desist from disruptive activities of protests as this can deny learners access routes to schools, which could avert candidates from writing their examinations,” she said.
Motsumi said they are within reach of their 95% target though they cannot be complacent. She said every learner matters and calls on parents, teachers, district officials and community leaders to work with them to ensure uninterrupted access to schools and protect examination schedules from disruptive protests.
“The departmental officials highlighted that targeted interventions such as incubation camps will continue in schools and districts where candidates still require more support,” said Motsumi.
Picture: Grade 12 learners at Batlhaping High School/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they had a smooth start of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations in the province. Motsumi said more than 2760 registered National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) P1 (Practical) wrote well in 89 schools across the province.
She further said the paper was well monitored and all schools were covered. Motsumi added that there are no major challenges that were reported during the writing of the paper in all centres.
“We would like to convey our satisfaction with the smooth start of the examination process at these 89 schools. It is promising to mention that our learners are receiving the necessary support to excel in their examinations.
“We extend our best wishes for their continued success as they progress and we remain committed to ensuring that every learner is given a fair and equitable opportunity to attain their academic aspirations in these examinations,” she said.
Motsumi said on Wednesday, candidates sat for a three-hour Information Technology Paper 1 from 9am. She encouraged learners to thoroughly prepare in order to succeed in their exams.
“Prepare early by creating a study plan. Also, understand the format of the examination papers. Use active study techniques like practice tests and previous exam papers. Create summary notes and during the exams, manage your time, read all questions carefully and stay calm by taking deep breaths.
“Remember to prioritise your well-being by getting enough sleep. Eat nutritious food and drink water regularly. Take regular breaks when studying and organise your study space. Organise study groups, draw a study time-table and incorporate physical activity into your routine to help focus and manage stress,” said Motsumi.
Meanwhile, the Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele urged communities to allow learners the opportunity to write their final exams in a peaceful and conducive environment.
“We are appealing for suspension of disruptive protests or alternatively their planning must consider that disruption of schooling and the public transport system will adversely affect learners who are on the verge of achieving a qualification that will open opportunities for them.
“The sacrifices and extra effort that matriculants have had to put as part of preparing for the exams throughout the year, must be safeguarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams,” he said.
20 October 2025- Three educators from the North West are part of the Department of Basic Education contingent jetting off to the People’s Republic of China on a DBE-Chinese Embassy Partnership from 20 October to 13 November 2025. The partnership, among others, involves Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology E-learning educators who shall have emerged through the processes of the National Teaching Awards will take part in the learning exchange programme.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said one of the three educators is Dimakatso Sefora from Moremogolo Primary School in the Bojanala District. Motsumi said Sefora won the 2023 competition and obtained position 3 in the Technology-enhanced Teaching and Learning Category.
“She is also a SchoolNet winner due to her integration of ICT-centred teaching. Her passion for digital learning had in the past earned her the award of Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) Super Teacher of the Year and the EduWeek Africa ICT Implementer of the Year (2018).
“Another educator is Itumeleng Komane, is a young and vibrant North West University alumni who has just been promoted to be the Departmental Head at Boitekong II Secondary School in the Bojanala District. He is the 2024 national winner of the ICT-enhanced teaching category,” she said.
Motsumi further said another educator, Mxolisi Tyobeka, is the E-learning specialist in the North West Department of Education and has played a role both as a Provincial Adjudicator and coach of the Technology-enhanced teaching and learning category. She added that Tyobeka is an ardent proponent of digital learning and integration of ICT in teaching and learning.
“We wish them a wonderful journey and a productive learning experience in their three-week stay in the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the department, I wish our educators a very safe journey to the Republic of China.
“They should ensure that they learn everything they come across during their tour, so they can share their experiences with peers in our schools. Let’s grow the North West and South Africa together,” said Motsumi.
Picture: North West Department of Education delegates/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the province walked away again this year with top positions during the National Teaching Awards Gala event held at Birchwood Hotel in Kempton Park on 9 October 2025. Motsumi said it has sent a delegation of 15 finalists to compete at the national level and the province brought home seven awards.
She further said Reverend Dr David Tlhowe from Tlhabane West Primary School in Bojanala District obtained first position in Primary School Leadership. Motsumi added that, Tshepiso Seshoane from Thuto Neo Primary School in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained first position in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET).
“Bongumusa Mabuza from Reabona Secondary School in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda obtained second position in Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences. Tlhalefang Zwane from Bolokang Secondary School in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained second position in Excellence in Teaching.
“Magaretta Bornman from Laerskool Sannieshof in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained position three Excellence in Primary School Teaching. Ronewa Tshikhudu from Noka ya Lorato Primary School in Bojanala District obtained position three in Excellence in Technology Enhanced Teaching,” she said.
Motsumi said Koketso Motaung from Tebogo Special School in Bojanala District obtained position three in Excellence in Special Needs Teaching. She emphasized that the North West is consistent in dominating at the national level.
“On behalf of the entire department, I would like to congratulate Team North West and we are proud of all our candidates. As a province we have now been consistent in dominating at the national level. In two successive years we have been obtaining the top positions consistently.
“This achievement shows that the department is in the correct direction. As we are preparing ourselves for the final examinations, our learners will be inspired to even work hard in the examinations,” said Motsumi.
She said they have taken seven awards in their bag and they are very proud of the province. Motsumi said the province is the overall winner with most trophies compared to other provinces.
15 September 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said valuable teaching and learning resources were stolen at Reivilo High School, near Taung on 9 September 2025, during an armed robbery. Motsumi said items such as laptop movable cubit, 32 Acer laptops, 32 Acer chargers, 3 HP laptops, 1 Lenovo laptop and 2 external hard drives, were stolen during the robbery.
She further said on the same night, Tshepang Thuto Primary School in the same neighbourhood, also suffered a break-in, where groceries meant for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) were stolen. Motsumi added that a police case has been opened and investigations are currently underway.
“We strongly condemned the incident. It is deeply concerning that criminals continue to target our schools, depriving learners of valuable educational resources and meals that form part of their daily learning experience.
“Acts like these undermine our collective efforts to create safe and conducive learning environments. We call upon community members to work closely with the police and school authorities to protect schools, which are important centres of hope, development, and opportunity,” she said.
Motsumi said her department will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with police to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We are aware of the incident. It is alleged four unknown men accosted security officers, who were on duty at the school and tied their hands. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
“It is alleged that the suspects forcefully gained entry into an office and managed to open the safe and stole various items that included laptops. A case of business robbery has been opened and is under investigation. No one has been arrested.”
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 September 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi met with the provincial winners of the National Teaching Awards (NTA), 2024 National NTA winners and teacher mentors at Bon Hotel in Rustenburg. Motsumi said the capacity building workshop was organised to prepare the teachers from the province for the upcoming National NTA which is scheduled for October 2025.
She further emphasised her satisfaction in the attainments of the provincial winners and emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating excellence in teaching. Motsumi added that teachers remain the heart beat in building the future of the province and their children.
“It is important that we give support and encourage teachers as they will be competing on the national level. Bringing all trophies home from nationals will boost and encourage other teachers to do well in their respective roles.
“We encouraged the provincial winners to go further with their commitment to innovation and educational excellence in the classrooms,” she said.
Motsumi said the workshop served as a great chance for the 2025 provincial winners to discuss strategies they use in the classroom, share their work experiences and receive guidance ahead of the national competition from the previous winners of 2024 who represented the province at national level. She said provincial winners from North West continued to show exemplary commitment and dedication to their work, and the department looked forward to their success at the national level as the province scored 58% of the awards in 2024 and wished them all the best.
Picture: The Director of the School of Government Studies at North West University (NWU), Professor Kedibone Phago/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 September 2025- The Director of the School of Government Studies at North West University (NWU), Professor Kedibone Phago said South Africa is preparing the most sweeping reconfiguration of local government since 1996. Phago said the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has unveiled a plan to reduce dysfunction, shore up finances and restore public trust in the country’s 257 municipalities.
“At least 35 of these are now deemed dysfunctional, crippled by empty coffers and chronic failures in basic service delivery. The reform is bold in scope.
“Dysfunctional municipalities may be disbanded. Leadership requirements will be professionalised, ending politically motivated appointments that have hollowed out administrative competence,” he said.
Phago further said a new framework of minimum skills for senior managers is being developed. He added that a comprehensive review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, launched in May, will underpin both legislative reforms and the drafting of a new funding model.
“Several bills are in the pipeline. Amendments to general local-government law, stricter rules for unstable coalitions, and a legal framework for interventions in failing municipalities.
“I believe the scale of the intervention is overdue but warns against cosmetic fixes. We need to ask ourselves how the local government can respond more effectively to residents’ needs,” said Phago.
He said the main problem is that this process focuses on the political process as a means to fix systemic rot. Phago said yet it is the political process that has brought the country to a point where most municipalities are not only dysfunctional, but have become highly toxic places to work and do business.
“This points to the chilling climate professionals face. Most would rather seek employment elsewhere than work in local government.
“Sadly, it is not only municipalities in rural areas that are marred by grand corruption. Even in metropolitan areas we have witnessed killings of professionals investigating corruption,” he said.
Phago said cases in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg abound, with no end in sight. He said unless individuals with “material interests” are removed, reform will merely resurface old problems under new laws.
“The dysfunction is not monolithic, but bifurcated. Rural municipalities often lack economic activity, making them entirely dependent on transfers from the national fiscus.
“Places lacking basic municipal services can neither create nor attract middle-class families who would pay for services,” said Phago.
He said urban and metropolitan areas, by contrast, have stronger revenue bases but are plagued by procurement capture. Phago said the political elite and their cronies have hijacked Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes.
“Resources are diverted from serving residents to serving providers. This has become chronic and requires institutional capacity and leadership to fix.
“Most striking is a call for technocratic rigour. Why don’t we use a scientific process to inform the shake-up, Minister?” he asked.
Phago proposes that no municipality should exist without substantial economic activity proportional to its population. He said moreover, councils that consistently underperform – as flagged by the Auditor-General or forensic investigations – should be stripped of their financial powers and placed under a centralised CoGTA agency until the end of their term.
“It is such drastic reconfiguration steps,” he argues, “that would help reduce dysfunctionality within the local-government system and restore public trust.
“For now, CoGTA has named a handful of municipalities for immediate intervention: Ditsobotla in the North West, Kopanong and Mafube in the Free State, Emfuleni in Gauteng, Thabazimbi in Limpopo, and even the eThekwini metro,” said Phago.
He said the ambition is commendable. But as Phago cautions, only reforms anchored in professional standards, enforceable oversight and economic viability will succeed.
“Anything less risks replicating the hollow politics of the past three decades. South Africa’s great municipal experiment may finally be under way.
“Its success will depend not on the fanfare of announcements, but on whether the government dares to enforce the very discipline it preaches,” he said.
The Guardian 