Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Education

Motsumi encourages inclusivity and combat discriminations

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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.

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Motsumi Attends 20th National Basic Education Indaba

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By AGISANANG SCUFF  

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.

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Motsumi’s engagement with underperforming schools continue

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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.

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Five learners suspended over ill-discipline

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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.

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Motsumi Engages Parents at Grenswag Hoërskool Amidst Academic Performance Concerns

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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.

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Ngaka Modiri Molema District Urged to Intensify Efforts Ahead of Preparatory Exams

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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.

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Motsumi commits to support school principals at all cost

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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.

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Motsumi deeply concerned about ongoing community protests

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is deeply concerned about ongoing community protests in Tshunyane village that have blocked access to Seshupo Primary School and nearby schools. Motsumi said her department strongly condemns any actions that stop learners from attending school and interfere with their right to education.

“For months, the department has been working with the Tshunyane community to address urgent repairs at Seshupo Primary School, which was badly damaged in recent storms. A contractor has been appointed to carry out the repairs. The renovation update is that the appointed contractor has completed the assessment and inspections of the buildings to be renovated.

“Major renovations are expected to begin within two weeks. The contractor has already built an ablution block at the school. Additionally, the department has provided a borehole to ensure the school does not face water shortages, as the village has limited water supply,” she said.

Motsumi further said, however, disagreements within the community have made the situation difficult. She added some groups want a new school built instead of the approved repairs, causing tensions and unrest.

“Due to increasing violence from protesters outside the school, the school was temporarily closed from the opening of the third quarter to keep learners and teachers safe. We called for calm and unity, stressing the need for stability for the whole community’s well being and progress.

 “It’s unacceptable for any group to use intimidation or violence to push their own agenda at the expense of children’s education. We urge everyone to come back to the negotiation table and work together for the benefit of our learners,” said Motsumi.

She said the department remains committed to improving education and school facilities in Tshunyane and asks community leaders to help restore peace so schools can reopen immediately

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North West Schools Ready to Reopen for Third Term

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said is pleased to announce its readiness to reopen schools for the third quarter of the 2025 academic year, following the winter break. Motsumi has extended her heartfelt appreciation to the school community for their role in ensuring a productive and safe school environment during the holidays.

“We commend school principals, teachers, and Grade 12 learners for their commitment to the success of the winter camps held across the province. These camps were aimed at intensifying academic revision and improving learner performance ahead of the final examinations for the Class of 2025.

“I wish to take this time to thank principals, teachers, and the class of 2025 for their dedication shown during the winter camps as we approach the final stretch of the academic year,” she said.

Motsumi further said she also thanked the parents and guardians for providing care and support to younger learners during the school holidays, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while schools were closed. She said as schools reopen, they urge all parents to ensure that learners return to school on the very first day of the new term which is Tuesday.

“The third quarter is a critical period and we want to hit the ground running to strengthen learner performance across all grades. The department has completed all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth reopening, including the readiness of school infrastructure, learner-teacher support materials (LTSM), scholar transport, and school nutrition services.

“We wish all learners and teachers a productive and focused start to the third term,” said Motsumi.

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Motsumi hand over a school worth R69m

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

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi officially handed over the newly-constructed Tlakgameng Primary School in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa. Motsumi said the milestone marks a significant investment in education, with the school valued at R69.8 million.

She further said the newly-built Tlakgameng Primary School features 21 classrooms, a fully equipped library, a science laboratory, a Grade R facility, an administration block, security fencing, and a nutrition center, all designed to improve the learning environment for learners. Motsumi added that the facility is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing school infrastructure across the province.

“The community and school leadership play a critical role in maintaining the school’s facilities. It is essential that we all take collective responsibility to care for this school. I urge the community, learners, and School Governing Body (SGB) to safeguard this school against theft and vandalism.

“We also appeal to all stakeholders to respect the teaching and learning process and avoid disruptions, particularly during service delivery protests. The handover of Tlakgameng Primary School is one of several planned during Mandela Month, reinforcing the province’s dedication to providing quality education and nurturing safe, supportive learning environments,” she said.

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