Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Education

Motsumi involves independent schools to boost Grade 12 performance

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has convened all Independent Schools across the province at Laerskool Silwerrand in Rustenburg as part of ongoing interventions to assist the department to achieve a target of 95% in the 2026 academic year on 19 May 2026. The interactive engagement by Motsumi focused on the assessment of current functioning academic support programmes and strategies directed at boosting Grade 12 outcomes.

Motsumi said the session also afforded an opportunity to analyse the process of registering Independent Schools as examination centres, while assessing current hurdles and implementing non-negotiables within the schooling areas. She further said the management of Independent Schools have warmly welcomed and applauded her for creating interactive sessions as it creates a platform for information sharing, collaboration and collective accountability, mostly in improving the outcomes of learners.

“I highlighted the significance of tightening cooperation between independent schools and the provincial department. The province is more determined to attain a top position through a well-coordinated partnership and interventions.

“This interactive session indicates our collective responsibility and commitment towards improving learner performance and guaranteeing that all schools contribute purposefully towards the province’s academic goal,” she said.

Motsumi added that the platform for interaction session further afforded school managements an opportunity to engage with the management of the department directly on matters affecting their schools and all stakeholders in the meeting agreed on unity and collaboration in striving for improved Grade 12 results in the North West.

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Grade 12 learners commence with second chance matric examinations

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By OBAKENG MAJE

15 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has extended her best wishes to candidates who are currently writing the second chance matric. Motsumi said the 2026 May/June National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate (SC) examinations commenced on Monday.

She further said these examinations follow the deadline of registration, which was scheduled for 6 February 2026. Motsumi added that this programme is mainly targeted at those candidates who did not pass in earlier years or those seeking to increase their marks.

“The results are expected to be released in August 2026. I would like to further commend all candidates for their continued dedication and commitment to furthering their education despite previous backlogs.

“I wish you all the best during this examination period. Your perseverance and dedication strongly show courage and more commitment in building a brighter future for yourselves. We appreciate the second chance matric programme because it gives candidates a genuine second chance to improve their matric results,” she said.

Motsumi said her department will concurrently start preparations for the 2026 Mid Term (NSC) National Senior Certificate (matric) examinations scheduled to take place from 8 June 2026 following the conclusion of the May/June examinations.

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North West Department of Education congratulates Dr Elias Malindi on his achievements

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Picture: Dr Elias Malindi during graduation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has congratulated the newly-appointed Director of Communication, Dr Elias Malindi on his recent achievement of obtaining a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication. Motsumi said Malindi graduated from the North West University (Mahikeng campus) on Friday.

She further said Malindi brings with him more than 20 years of experience in Communication Services within the department, reflecting a long-standing commitment to excellence and professional growth. Motsumi added that before entering academia, Malindi worked underground in the mining sector for eight years.

“This experience shaped his work ethic and strengthened his determination to pursue higher education. Through commitment and resilience, he progressed academically and ultimately obtained his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Communication, B.A. (Honours) in Communication before registering for a Master of Arts (M.A.) dissertation in Communication, which he completed in 2013.

“He subsequently enrolled for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies. All of these qualifications were obtained through the North West University (Mahikeng campus),” she said.

Motsumi said the topic for his study was: “Developing a communication framework for the effective dissemination of pandemic-related information in rural areas of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District in South Africa”. She said this study is situated within the field of health communication and the research addresses challenges associated with information exchange in underserved communities during public health crises.

“A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating the perspectives of key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, educational institutions and government departments. The findings reveal that existing communication approaches are often fragmented and inadequately aligned with local contexts.

“The study proposes a contextually relevant framework that integrates community-based structures and culturally appropriate communication strategies. This framework seeks to enhance coordination, improve access to information, and strengthen community responsiveness and resilience during pandemics,” said Motsumi.

Motsumi congratulated Malindi and expressed that his hard work, dedication and commitment to academic excellence serve as an inspiration to many within the education sector. She said Malindi’s achievement is a testament to perseverance, discipline and a passion for lifelong learning.

“His accomplishment not only brings pride to the department, but also demonstrates the importance of continuous personal and professional development. I would like to encourage all our colleagues in the department, not to relax but to develop themselves in their different careers.

“One day they are going to reap the benefits of personal development. Malindi will continue to inspire many employees, who started from humble beginnings and worked their way up through dedication, perseverance, and hard work,” said Motsumi.

She said Malindi’s achievement stands as a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education. Motsumi said his story reflects a firm belief that one’s background does not determine one’s future.

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Three learners at President Mangope Technical School suspended amid bullying allegations

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Picture: Two female learners seen assaulting a boy learner at President Mangope Technical School in Tlhabane/Screengrab  

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 February 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she condemn in the strongest terms the incident of bullying, which allegedly happened at President Mangope Technical School in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg. Motsumi said the video is currently circulating on various social media platforms.

She further said it is reported that the incident occurred at school during the break on Thursday, 12 February 2026. Motsumi added that it is reported that during the school break at the class of the Grade 9C, two girl learners locked themselves up inside the classroom with one boy learner.

“The video circulating on social media shows two girls assaulting a boy learner inside the classroom. It is further reported that another learner unlocked the door for the boy learner to escape and for other learners to gain access to the fighting learners.

“They eventually broke up the fight, two perpetrators and the victim were taken to the principal’s office. The school management resolved by suspending all three learners involved in the fight. The learners will be subjected to a school disciplinary process,” she said.

Motsumi insisted that incidents of fighting or bullying are not tolerated in schools. She condemned in the strongest terms the incident of bullying or fighting that allegedly happened at the school.

“Fighting among learners is totally not allowed in our schools. Any learner found to have violated the rights of other learners will face the full might of the law. At the beginning of the year, the school management outlines the non-negotiable to the learners.

“Each and every learner is made aware of their rights and the consequences of violating these rights. The School Governing Body (SGB) of the school is expected to invite the learners and their parents to a disciplinary hearing, which is scheduled to take place at the school between 16 -18 February 2026,” said Motsumi.

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Business owners urged to be cautious amid business robberies

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 January 2026- The police said recent business robberies reported are alarming and concerning. The police said their preliminary investigations indicate that not sufficient safety precautionary measures are taken into consideration by business owners and managers.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police have detected  that large amounts of cash is not banked or deposited on time into business drop safes or (depository safe). Shemane said the police in the province are making an urgent plea to all business owners to adhere and implement the following safety hints and measures to prevent businesses being targeted and becoming victims of robberies.

“Deposit money into the drop safe as quickly as possible to prevent planned internal theft. Avoid having large amounts of cash on the business premises, bank or drop it on regular time intervals. The police cannot overemphasize the importance of the installation of sufficient surveillance cameras on the business premises.

“Employ enough security personnel and always be vigilant when working with money. Do not use the same routes to bank daily cash. Avoid operating after hours and remain within the business hours. Avoid being alone in the business, especially at night and do not sleep on the premises,” he said.

Shemane further said business owners should not open for anyone after the business is closed. He added that they should always try to be two or three when opening and closing the business.

“Train your staff and share robbery prevention and response guidelines on how to act prior to or during business robberies,” said Shemane.

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Parents looking for space encouraged to visit LEOs

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

19 January 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has encouraged all parents and guardians who are still looking for space for their children to visit the Local Education Offices in their areas, where they reside. Motsumi said her department has established Education Hubs specifically to assist parents and guardians who did not get space for learners. 

Motsumi further said the Education Hubs will assist with the placement of learners into different schools. She added that the issue of parents not getting their children to school has come to the attention of the department. 

“The constitution of the Republic of South Africa emphasizes that every child has a right to education.

During the reopening of schools every learner should be in school. 

“I take this time again to encourage parents and guardians to visit Education Hubs in the Local Education Offices (LEOs). I have instructed that these hubs should ensure that all learners are placed in schools,” said Motsumi.

She said she wants to caution parents and guardians that schools of choice cannot be provided at this time. Motsumi said now it is very late for parents to demand schools of choice. 

“We are going to place learners where there is space not far from their place of stay. We are requesting cooperation from parents and guardians in order for teaching and learning to start on the first day of the reopening of schools.

“For more information on the placement of learners, parents and guardians should call the District Directors on various numbers. In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, they can call the District Director, Mojakhumo Dithejane on 072 616 4368,” she said.

Motsumi said in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, they can call N. Seokolo on 082 884 6423, in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, they can call E. Lesetedi on 082 356 0503, while in Bojanala District, Dr L. Ntwape will be ready to receive their calls on 076 927 2667. 

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Learners with no space are encouraged to visit Local Education Offices

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 January 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department encourages all parents and guardians who are still looking for space for their children to visit the Local Education Offices (LEOs) in their areas where they reside. Motsumi said her department has established Education Hubs specifically to assist parents and guardians who did not get space for learners.

She further said the Education Hubs will assist with the placement of learners into different schools. Motsumi added that the issue of parents not getting their children to school has come to the attention of the department.

“The constitution of the Republic of South Africa emphasizes that every child has a right to education. During the reopening of schools every learner should be in school. I take this time again to encourage parents and guardians to visit Education Hubs in the Local Education Offices (LEOs).

“I have instructed that these hubs should ensure that all learners are placed in schools. Again, l wants to caution parents and guardians that schools of choice cannot be provided at this time. Now it is very late for parents to demand schools of choice,” she said.

Motsumi said they are going to place learners where there is space not far from their place of stay. She said they are requesting for co-operation from parents and guardians in order for teaching and learning to start on the first day of the reopening of schools.

“For more information on the placement of learners, parents and guardians should call the District Directors. In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, they can call Mojakhumo Dithejane on 072 616 4368, N. Seokolo in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District on 082 884 6423, E. Lesetedi on 082 356 0503 in Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

“They can also call Dr L. Ntwape on 076 927 2667 in Bojanala District,” said Motsumi.

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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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