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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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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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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