Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 July 2025- In the efforts to address the infrastructure backlogs experienced in the province, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she will hand over a newly-built school to the community. Motsumi said the handover will take place at Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa on 10 July 2025 at 9am.
“The handover programme will be rolled out even to other districts. The department is optimistic about addressing the infrastructure backlogs experienced in the province.
“My key priority is to ensure that we improve the conditions of learning and teaching of our children. This programme will be multiplied to reach out to other districts,” she said.
Picture: Former Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Lengane Bogatsu appointed as North West Department of Education’s new Superintendent-General/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 June 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce that Lengane Bogatsu, has been appointed as the new Superintendent-General (SG) following a rigorous selection process. Motsumi introduced Bogatsu to the Department’s senior management, corporate services personnel, school principals, and School Governing Bodies (SGBs), during a strategic engagement session held on 25 and 26 June 2025 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng.
“Born and bred in Ganalaagte, in the Delareyville area, Bogatsu brings with him an impressive blend of vibrant leadership, grounded experience, and a visionary outlook for the future of education in the North West province.
“His deep understanding of public service and his passion for development make him a dynamic force as he takes the helm of the department at a critical time,” she said.
Motsumi further said Bogatsu holds two Master’s degrees, one in Public Management and another in Development and Management. She added that, Bogatsu also holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Natal, a Higher Diploma in Education, and a Primary Teacher’s Diploma from Phatsimang College of Education.
“With a career spanning nearly three decades across various spheres of public service, Bogatsu joins the North West Department of Education, after serving as Chief Director in the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, where he also held several acting roles including acting Chief Land Claims Commissioner.
“His roots in education run deep having served as a dedicated school principal at Kgoke Lesabe High School from 1997 to 2007. Bogatsu is also no stranger to political leadership, having been a mayor and a councillor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality from 1994 to 2000,” said Motsumi.
She expressed full confidence in Bogatsu’s capabilities, describing him as a “seasoned” leader with a servant heart and a track record of delivery. Motsumi said Bogatsu understands the pulse of the communities and the urgency of their mission.
“His professional acumen and passion for education make him the right person to lead our department into a new era of excellence. I plead with the team to grant him space to execute and excel.
“As department, we welcome him with great optimism and pledges its full support as he embarks on this important journey of educational transformation as of 1 July 2025,” she said.
Addressing team education, Bogatsu outlined his immediate focus areas for driving the department forward. He said these include accelerating school infrastructure projects, strengthening school safety, ensuring timely filling of vacant posts, revitalising school camps to support learner performance, forging partnerships with the business sector, and addressing the high failure rates in identified schools across the province.
“With 1463 schools under our care, we must remain agile, responsive and intentional in how we serve our learners. Learner results are a result of who you are and I am ready to work with all stakeholders to steer this department in the right direction,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 June 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she will introduce the newly-appointed Superintendent General to the school principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) on 26 June 2025. Motsumi said the meeting will take place at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, Mahikeng at 9am.
“During the event, the Superintendent General will present the department’s vision and strategic plan for the next five years, outlining key priorities and initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes across the province,” she said.
12 June 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they gathered stakeholders at Sun City Resort to launch the 5th phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI). Motsumi said this programme places assistants in schools across the province, offering young people valuable work experience while supporting the education system.
She further said BEEI targets youth aged 18 to 34, providing a stipend of R4000 per month for six months. Motsumi added that applicants must be under 35 by the end of March 2026.
“The programme aims to empower 13 200 young people with hands-on experience in schools and help ease staff shortages. We must ensure equal opportunities for disabled youth and women.
“Schools should prioritize hiring young people from their local communities to encourage growth and development in our province,” she said.
Motsumi said the department remains committed to improving youth employment and education through initiatives like BEEI. She said by investing in young assistants, the program enhances learning environments and helps reduce youth unemployment in the North West.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 May 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School in Reagile Township, near Koster, to follow up on the ongoing construction delays and quality concerns at the site. The visit comes after a recent meeting held under the Thuntsa Lerole Programme, where local business representatives and the primary contractor discussed project challenges.
Motsumi said construction of Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School began in 2022 with an expected completion date in September 2024. She said, however, the project remains unfinished, raising concerns about workmanship and management.
“We express serious disappointment regarding the poor quality of work and multiple defaults observed at the site. We urge the main contractor to rectify these issues and ensure that all construction complies fully with the department’s standards and scope of work.
“During the follow-up meeting, local contractors highlighted difficulties in receiving payments from the main contractor, a factor that has further delayed progress,” said Motsumi.
She further announced a decisive step to protect the interests of local businesses. Motsumi added that, to safeguard the local contractors and ensure timely project completion, all outstanding payments from the main contractor will be redirected through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) directly into the accounts of the local contractors.
“This move aims to prevent contractors from being left unpaid and to accelerate the completion of the school. We reaffirm the department’s commitment to delivering quality education infrastructure on time and stress the importance of supporting local enterprises in the region of Bojanala and North West at large,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
5 May 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, briefly appeared before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on 29 and 30 April 2025, during a two-day investigative enquiry into the province’s scholar transport challenges in Mafikeng. The enquiry convened by the SAHRC sought to examine and assess the systemic issues affecting the provision of learner transport across the province, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
This follows numerous complaints about the inadequate, unreliable and often unsafe scholar transport services that threaten learners’ rights to education, safety and dignity as enshrined in the constitution.
Motsumi said she acknowledges the challenges and explained the structural complications as the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA) is responsible for learner transport, while the learners fall under the North West Department of Education.
“We acknowledge the concern and aim to fast-track the review of the Memorandum of Understanding with COSATMA. We understand and support the SAHRC’s stance because this is fundamentally about the constitutional rights of our learners.
“Unreliable and unsafe scholar transport undermines those rights and negatively impacts learner attendance, safety and performance. We acknowledge the real and pressing challenges concerning scholar transport in our province,” she said.
Motsumi further said the current arrangement, where the Department of Education is responsible for learners, but the transport function lies with the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, has created a fragmented approach that needs urgent resolution. She added that the Department of Education will fast-track the review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COSATMA to reflect the practical and lasting solutions that emerged during the enquiry.
“The department is committed to continue with implementative engagements to ensure learner safety, restore dignity in service delivery and promote consistent school attendance among learners,” said Motsumi.
25 March 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce that the North West Provincial Team has secured 3rd place at the National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships, held at Germiston Stadium from 20 to 22 March 2025. Motsumi said the team’s impressive performance is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork displayed by the learners and coaches.
She further said her department is proud to recognize their efforts and congratulates the team on their outstanding achievement. Motsumi added that they are incredibly proud of the team for securing third place at the national championships.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication displayed by our learners and coaches. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated educators and supportive parents who have played a vital role in nurturing and guiding our young champions.
“The North West Department of Education wishes to extend its congratulations to the North West Provincial Team on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours,” she said.
Meanwhile, the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships are expected to take place in Bloemfontein in the first week of April 2025.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 January 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said unlike the preceding years, her department was confronted with many internal and external challenges, which had the potential to sway it off the rails. Motsumi said, however, against all odds, driven by their unshaken beliefs in serving the best interest of the child and in advancing the boundless potential of the learners, they weathered every storm and soldiered on.
She further said finally, they have successfully reached their destination and that moment of eagerly awaiting the release of the 2024 NSC results is over. Motsumi added that the Class of 2024 holds a special historic significance as a transitional Grade 12 cohort that she led from the then 6th administration to the current 7th administration.
“For 2024, a total of 40 575 candidates sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. For the record, an overwhelming majority of the candidates that made up the Class of 2024 enrolled for Grade 1 in 2013.
“Technically, their results, for which we are gathered here to celebrate, are the first for the 7th administration, which took over the government in June 2024. I am thrilled to announce that the Class of 2024 obtained a spectacular pass rate of 87,52% and position 4 nationally,” she said.
Motsumi said this ground-breaking achievement represents an increase of 5,89% from 81,63% by 2023. She said the NSC pass rate by that margin and retaining position 4 is no mean feat, taking into account the tightness of the competition among the nine provinces for at least a top 3 spot, which they missed by a percentage point.
“It is not mere rhetoric when we say that for us, the game is never over until we win. We are determined to do everything in our power to reach the top three of the national NSC Examination results league table.
“Nonetheless, this accomplishment of 87,52% matric pass rate is not only a source of pride for the province. It also indicates that the department has out-done itself as it is above the 2024/25 APP target of 87% matric pass rate,” said Motsumi.
She said besides being unprecedented in the history of the province, at least in the last five years, it is a quantum leap that needs to be sustained. Motsumi said it is important to remember that the 2024 provincial matric pass rate is not the only significant figure in their records, but it is a robust sign of progress registered by the maturing provincial education system.
“Needless to say, this achievement was not a coincidence and it did not happen overnight. It is a product of years of hard work, the power of collective effort, shared vision, numerous interventions and dedication, with a firm desire for quality over quantity.
“To confirm this, the quality of our passes has also improved dramatically. To start with, the Class of 2024 obtained a total of 7 901 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, compared to 7067 in the previous year. The number of candidates who passed with admission to Bachelor Studies has increased to 18 279 (45,05%) from 15 059 (36,36%) of the Class of 2023,” she said.
Motsumi said the admission to Diploma Studies has also improved to 11 455 (28,23%) compared to 11 646 (28,12%) of 2023, and to further demonstrate their sharp appetite for quality over quantity. She said the number of those who passed with Higher Certificate has dropped to 5 777 (14,2%) against 7 089 (17,11%) of 2023.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By KEDIBONE MOLATSI
26 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving a Grade R learner from Tshipo Mangwegape Primary School in Taung. Motsumi said the learner is currently admitted at Taung District Hospital following suspected foodborne illness linked to snacks purchased from a street vendor in Randstad village on Saturday.
“The incident occurred after the family of the learner bought snacks for two of their children. Tragically, a two-year-old child in the family, Oarabile Nthibogelang, succumbed to the illness, while the Grade R learner was rushed to the hospital, where they are awaiting laboratory results to determine the cause of their illness.
“We express our deep concern and convey our heartfelt condolences to the affected family. It is deeply disheartening to witness such a tragic loss of life and the suffering of a young learner due to suspected foodborne illness,” she said.
Motsumi further said she extended her sincere condolences to the family and wished the Grade R learner a full and speedy recovery. She added that this incident underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight of food safety in the communities to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
“We urge all parents, guardians, and community members to exercise caution when purchasing food items, particularly from informal vendors. The department will also engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter and to enhance food safety measures in the province.
“We will be sending out a team led by a psychologist to offer psychosocial support to the family and the learner at the hospital to offer support during this difficult time,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and her delegation, including Unisa Convocation President, Justice Dabampe/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said a strategic meeting they convened with representatives from the University of South Africa (Unisa), will assist them to explore an innovative partnership. Motsumi said the meeting focused on piloting a ground-breaking career guidance program designed to empower learners to make informed career choices as early as Grade 9.
She further said the proposed program is part of Unisa’s broader strategy to enhance career readiness among learners in the future to align learners’ talents, interests, and aspirations with future career opportunities well before they reach matric.
Motsumi added that Unisa’s decision to partner with the North West province, stems from the province’s significant contribution to the university’s enrolments.
“The program will also support the department’s goal of integrating career guidance into the life sciences curriculum through a collaborative approach. I am optimistic about the initiative.
“This partnership is a step forward in shaping the futures of our learners by giving them the tools and support needed to make well-informed career decisions. We hope that these engagements bear fruit in a way that will address career readiness challenges and strengthen our education system,” she said.
Motsumi said her department and Unisa, remain committed to fostering innovative collaborations that align with the province’s education priorities and prepare learners for the demands of the modern workforce.
Meanwhile, Unisa Convocation President Justice Dabampe said: “We will do all in our efforts and beyond to ensure that we take the University of South Africa (UNISA) to number one in Africa as the oldest and largest university. I stand here to commit that we will invest in the academic project and advance transformation to ensure a holistic development and academic experience.
“UNISA should be an incubator of academic excellence, thought leadership and knowledge production that will benefit African development as aligned with our prestigious institutions vision and mission.”
He said they are committed to ensure maximum investor attraction with the aims of clearing all student debt and gaining public and private sector confidence to absorb and employ UNISA graduates. Dabampe said they will continue advancing the call that Unisa hire its graduates.
“We should invest in infrastructural and technological development towards asserting ourselves as a major and key international and global university. I invite all stakeholders that we are open to recommendations, advice and working with the greater collective.
“Let us work together and let us work for Unisa because a better Unisa is a better society,” he said.
He said part of the programmes will include taking Unisa to the people, ensure that the learners in various schools are supported. Dabampe said they intend to ensure that access to education does not only remain a dream for the vast majority of the people, but becomes a reality.
“As an incubator of knowledge, Unisa will ensure that, we improve the quality of education and impart the such knowledge,” he said.
The Guardian 