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.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi hosted an interactive session with the LGBTQI+ community at Seasons Wedding and Conference Centre on 29 August 2025, under a theme: “Focusing a Culture of Fairness and Belonging”.
Motsumi said the interactive session with the community follows the National Teaching Awards event, whereby she honoured and celebrated teachers who have done excellent work in nurturing skills of many children in the province.
She said this interactive session was to further enhance and advance inclusivity while discussing challenges and strategies that teachers can use to foster a conducive, supportive working environment. Motsumi added that her department, through this platform, affirmed that it is valuing every individual regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
“These interactive sessions will come with more efforts to fight discrimination and foster diversity, ultimately developing departmental policies that echo inclusivity in North West schools by ensuring safety.
“The aim here is to build schools where every teacher and learner feels safe, respected and valued regardless of their background. This session is the broader effort to build equality and diversity into all schools across the province,” she said.
Motsumi said her department will continue to make great efforts in capacitating teachers and creating a conducive working environment through the teacher development programmes.
25 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has joined the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, provincial MECs, Heads of Departments, teacher unions, academia, School Governing Bodies, principals, and quality assurance bodies such as Umalusi at the G20 National Basic Education Indaba held in Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre on 25 August 2025.
Motsumi said held under the theme: “Taking the G20 to the People”, the Indaba is a critical platform to consolidate actions and intentions that will take the education sector forward and create a lasting impact in shaping foundational learning, professional teacher development, and an inclusive system that serves every learner and teacher.
“Delegates engaged in robust, thought-provoking conversations on revisiting and realigning teacher training and development to empower teachers in the Early Childhood Development, GET, and FET phases with the tools and knowledge required for modern classrooms.
“Redesigning pedagogy for South Africa’s multicultural and multilingual context moving beyond English as the sole language of instruction. Equality in education to address challenges of rural and under-resourced schools where there is an absence and whether or not it translates to cognitive poverty,” she said.
Motsumi further said this includes future-focused education that explores the role of Artificial Intelligence, integration of e-assessment tools, and equipping teachers and learners to respond to climate change and a fast-changing global environment.
She added that she welcomes the platform as an opportunity to strengthen the province’s education priorities.
“I am pleased that we are advancing to conversations that shape both the teacher and learner at a national level. From a provincial level, as the North West province we will continue aligning our strategies to national priorities while ensuring that the unique challenges of learners and teachers in the province are addressed.
“I am pleased that the discourse has also moved toward the robust inclusion of technology in our pedagogy where the gap is bridged between learners in urban and rural areas for both the teacher and the learner in the classroom,” said Motsumi.
She said the 20th Indaba reaffirms the collective commitment of national and provincial education leaders and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards an education system that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she met with selected secondary school principals from the Rustenburg LEO at Bersig Academy in Rustenburg to further deliberate the challenges they are confronted with in their schools. Motsumi said this meeting comes after eight schools ( Charora, Reebone, Mphebana, MpheBana ll, Lesele, Boitekong, Boitekong ll, and Khayalethu Secondary Schools) in the LEO being found underperforming.
She further said principals shared their insights, which are critically affecting teaching and learning as socio-economic conditions, learner performance, where most learners are overage, and some are from child headed families. Motsumi added that the department is committed to listening and giving achievable objectives that the schools need to achieve enhanced academic performance.
“Our schools are facing challenges that are real and it is important that we create a close relationship with principals and their senior management teams. Our main objective as the department is to give more support to all learners in order for them to perform better.
“We will continue meeting other Local Education Offices in Bojanala to assist principals in coming up with interventions in order to ensure that learner’s performance is boosted,” she said.
Picture: Learners allegedly pouring water over a teacher/Screengrab
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she strongly condemns the ill-discipline displayed by the Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp learners on Tuesday. This comes after a group of learners allegedly entered the school restrooms dressed in overalls and balaclavas, disrupting the teaching and learning environment at the school.
Motsumi said a teacher promptly responded by going to the restroom area to encourage the learners to return to class.
“During this interaction, the incident escalated to a situation wherein learners poured water onto the teacher. The learners continued by throwing papers at the teacher.
“The school staff responded promptly and effectively to the situation, prioritising learners’ safety by securing the premises and removing the individuals involved,” she said.
Motsumi further said the school management finally succeeded in bringing order and sanity to the school and eventually, normal academic activities resumed. She added that an immediate investigation was initiated and the learners involved were identified.
“Their parents were promptly informed of the incident. On Wednesday, the School Management Team (SMT) convened an urgent meeting. Following the instructions of the School Governing Body (SGB), it was resolved that all involved learners would be suspended for five school days.
“This suspension is an interim measure pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process as per the school’s code of conduct. The parents of the learners were invited to an official meeting today, during which they were informed of the decision to suspend,” said Motsumi.
She said the suspension was implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners and staff. Motsumi condemned the ill-discipline caused by the learners.
“This behaviour displayed by these learners is extremely barbaric and is unacceptable. We are not going to tolerate learners who assault our teachers, they do not belong in our schools.
“I am going to instruct the School Governing Body of this school to take drastic steps against these learners. The steps taken by the school should send a message to other learners to never attempt such horrible behaviour,” she said.
Motsumi said she has instructed the district to arrange teachers and learners, who have been affected by this incident. She expressed her appreciation to the SGB, the Department of Education staff, teachers, parents, and the broader community for their continued support in upholding these values. She said her department remains committed to fostering an environment where discipline and safety are paramount.
“The disciplinary process will continue according to departmental policies and the school’s code of conduct,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi convened a crucial parents meeting on Tuesday at Grenswag Hoërskool in Rustenburg, addressing the recent academic challenges faced by the school. Motsumi said a meeting was called in response to the disappointing performance of 126 out of 198 learners who passed during the second term of the 2025 academic year.
This engagement follows Motsumi’s recent provincial roadshow aimed at assessing Grade 12 performance across several schools. She further said the roadshow revealed that several schools, including Grenswag Hoërskool, fell short of the provincial target pass rate of 95%.
“We emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and active participation from both parents and learners as the school prepares for the upcoming preparatory examinations scheduled for the end of the month.
“We must work together to support our learners and create an environment that fosters success. Grenswag Hoërskool plays a critical role in the Rustenburg Local Education Office, and we are committed to providing all necessary support to improve its performance,” said Motsumi.
She added that, her department remains steadfast in its mission to uplift educational standards across the province. Motsumi’s visit underscores a commitment to addressing challenges head-on through community engagement and strategic support to schools.
Meanwhile, the school principal highlighted key issues contributing to the poor results. These include frequent learner absenteeism, especially during support classes, habitual lateness during weekend lessons, and learners attending exams unprepared without necessary textbooks or stationery.
The principal urged parents to play an active role in ensuring their children attend school regularly and come prepared for classes and examinations.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department has continued with its targeted school performance roadshows, with a key engagement held today at Hoerskool Zeerust. Motsumi said the session focused on underperforming schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
She further said this is part of her department’s commitment to improving learner outcomes ahead of the 2025 preparatory and final examinations. Motsumi added that the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, which recorded 84.48% results in Term 2, had a slight decline from 86% in Term 1.
“The District remains a strong contender in the province, but has been encouraged to intensify its recovery strategies. With only a few weeks remaining before the preparatory examinations, the department has called on school management in the District to consolidate efforts and accelerate interventions.
“I addressed principals and school management teams of schools that performed below 50- 79% in the recent mid-year examinations. The roadshows which have become part of my strategies are designed to foster accountability, offer support and drive improved performance, especially in schools needing urgent academic turnaround,” she said.
Motsumi calls for accountability and intensified efforts ahead of preparatory examinations. She said Ngaka Modiri Molema District has demonstrated strength before and they firmly believe it can do even more.
“With the preparatory exams around the corner, we must act decisively. The drop, though slight, is a signal that we need to refocus, recalibrate, and re-energise our schools.
“The province has set its sights on achieving a 95% overall pass rate by the end of this academic year. This goal is within and for our learners to pass, they have to match the energy of the teachers in front of them,” said Motsumi.
She told all stakeholders to entrench their efforts with intention, urgency and determination. Motsumi said this interactive session follows two others in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.
“The last leg will be in Bojanala District on Friday, to ensure every learner in the North West has a fair chance at success,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi with SAPA delegation/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi attended the North West province South African Principals Association (SAPA) conference held at Banquet Hall in Vryburg on 25 July 2025. SAPA conference is attended by school principals and deputy principals whose schools are affiliated with the structure.
Motsumi urged the school principals to be united.
“One of the most important principles that will help us to improve the results is unity. We should strive to be united and be able to share good practices with top-performing schools.
“Our principals work under severe pressure. As a department, we should learn to engage with them to understand what they are going through. They are the ones who operate on the frontline of service delivery,” she said.
Motsumi further said the status quo needs to change. She added that, as a department, they should support the principals at all costs.
“I further instructed the Superintendent-General of the department to provide Information and Communication Technology gadgets to all principals,” said Motsumi.
The outgoing SAPA president and the School Principal at Runatang Primary in Rustenburg, Lesiba Pila, emphasized that the departmental support is extremely essential in achieving their goals. Pila has worked for the Department of Education for 44 years.
“The SAPA was formed in 1995 in the Western Cape to deal with issues affecting principals. The South African Principals Association (SAPA) is a professional organization that focuses on empowering school leaders in South Africa. It provides a platform for principals to engage in professional development, exchange best practices, and advocate for policies that improve education.
“As school principals, we appreciate the support that the department is giving to us. I believe that even after I have left this position, the new leadership will make an even greater impact on our communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the SAPA conference will end on 26 July 2025.
The Guardian 