Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Education

A learner dies after being forced into initiation school

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Picture: Grade 12 learner, Onalenna Booi who died at initiation school/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they were shocked and devastated to learn about the death of Onalenna Booi (19), a Grade 12 learner from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakong East Village, near Mahikeng. Motsumi alleged that Booi died after he was forcefully taken to an initiation school after finishing the writing of his matric examinations in late November 2025.

She further said it is reported that the family did not know about Booi’s whereabouts and they reported it to the police. Motsumi added that it was reported that the family found the deceased’s body on 26 December 2025.

“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I hereby wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the entire family and the school community of Tiego Tawana Secondary School. It is really sad to receive such news while we, as a country, are waiting for the results of the Class of 2025.

“I am confident that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be able to get to the bottom of this matter and that those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will ensure that the family, learners and teachers are provided with psychosocial support during this difficult period,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Tiego Tawana Secondary School principal, Pogiso Tshipo highlighted that he was expecting a bachelor from this learner. Tshipo said as the school principal for this learner, he is extremely devastated by the sad news.

“I was expecting a bachelor pass from this learner because I know that he was one of the hard-working group of learners. I remember that I spoke to him around September 2025 and he promised to do well in his examinations.

“He was naughty just like all other learners, but when he started Grade 12, his behaviour drastically changed. You could see that this was a learner who was hungry and determined to perform well in his Grade 12 class,” he said.

Tshipo said they had 59 Grade 12 learners, now next year, he will be releasing the results to only 58 learners. He said he does not even know how they are going to handle this process as the school.

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Harmony Gold Mine donates 400 desks to school

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Picture: School desks/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has hailed Mokete Flatela (56), who is a Mathematics and Science teacher from Nkang Mahlale Secondary School in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp, for soliciting the sponsor of 400 desks for his school.

Motsumi said Flatela has been a teacher for 30 years and believes that one needs to be a solution to a problem rather than be an additional problem.

She further said when he worked at Lerothodi Secondary School in Bethanie village, he realised that the school needed infrastructural attention and wrote letters to the nearby mines. Motsumi added that, through Flatela’s intervention, the school was renovated to the tune of R3 million.

“Indeed, his contribution made a huge difference to the school. At the beginning of the 2025 academic year, Flatela was allocated a classroom that did not have adequate school furniture.

“Every time when learners had to change periods, teachers were frustrated because the learners did not have furniture in the classes they were moving to,” she said.

Motsumi said this situation necessitated Flatela to write letters to the private sector to request school furniture for his learners. She said the Harmony Gold Mine responded positively to his request for the 400 desks.

“We would like to praise Flatela for his heroism. I wish to thank him for the heroism he displayed at Nkang Mahlale Secondary School. His conviction and dedication did not allow him to limit himself to his position at the school.

“He believed that seeking help for their school is not the sole responsibility of the principal alone but for everyone in the school to take the responsibility,” said Motsumi.

She regards him as a hero in their schools and she believes that they need many more Flatelas in the education system. Motsumi said the government does not have all the resources to cover every need in all their schools.

“We encourage our community members to raise their hands like Flatela and make a difference from any space they are in. It is true that ‘It takes a village to raise a child.

“Ngwana ke sejo oa tlhakanelwa.’ The government alone cannot make it if the general society does not come to the party. On behalf of the entire department, l would like to thank and appreciate Harmony Gold Mine for their donation of desks to Nkang Mahlale Secondary School,” she said.

Motsumi said she takes this moment to challenge other companies to support schools across the province. She said the Harmony Gold Mine has already delivered 200 double desks and the other 200 is reported to be delivered soon.

Meanwhile, Flatela said: “After realising that my learners were struggling without the school furniture, I could not wait for the department to deliver but to take it upon myself. I did not even inform my school principal about my little project of soliciting furniture for the learners.

“They only knew when Harmony Gold Mine requested a school letterhead on the request letter. I was over the moon after I heard that my request had been approved.”

Flatela said he knew that these desks were going to change the quality of the African child education and he thanked Harmony Gold Mine for their positive response to his request.

“My passion for education is fully realised when l see learners able to acquire education in a conducive learning environment,” said Flatela.

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Parents urged to monitor behaviour of ‘non-progressive’ learners

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Picture: Grade 12 learners during NSC final examinations/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 December 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor the behaviour of learners who did not progress to the next grade in the 2025 academic year. Motsumi said schools across the province have issued progress reports to learners from Grade R to Grade 11.

She further said while many learners were promoted to the next grade, some did not meet the requirements for progression. Motsumi emphasised the importance of parental support and guidance during this festive period, noting that learners who did not pass may experience emotional distress, frustration or behavioural changes.

“I take this moment to plead with all parents and guardians of those learners, who did not progress to the next grade. I am pleading with them to closely monitor the behaviour of those children because some did not accept the outcome of the results.

“This denial of accepting the results sometimes leads to emotional depression. Sometimes such children tend to behave differently due to such pressure,” she added.

Motsumi advised parents and guardians, whenever they see an unusual behaviour, they should urgently seek help from faith‑based leaders and anyone who can help them. She is expected to release the matric results on 13 January 2026.

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Motsumi condemns overloading of learners in a minibus taxi

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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.

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Motsumi lambasts learners over misleading pictures

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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.

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Motsumi expresses gratitude with third day of NSC final examinations  

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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.

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‘It takes collective effort to obtain set target’

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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.

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GOOD LUCK THE CLASS OF 2025!

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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.

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North West educators jet-off to China

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Picture: Three North West educators/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

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.

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North West Department of Education shines brighter at NTA

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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.

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