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.
Picture: North West MEC, Viola Motsumi visits Reabona Secondary School/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi embarked on an oversight visit to monitor examinations in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District through the Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Service Delivery Program on Friday. Motsumi, who monitored the examinations process at Reabona Secondary School in Maquassi Hills, said her visit was a success.
She further said the monitoring of examinations is aimed at ensuring effective oversight and creating a supportive environment for the 2024 cohort. Motsumi added that, she was accompanied by the North West MEC for Social Development, Susan Djantie, and MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation (ACSR), Galebekwe Tsotso Tlhapi.
“The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to the academic success of the Class of 2024, as well as the strong inter-departmental collaboration within the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), to boost learner morale and provide comprehensive support during this pivotal time.
“During the visit, Dantjie further contributed to learner welfare by distributing sanitary towels to learners at Gontshe Primary School in Maquassi, emphasizing the importance of dignity and uninterrupted access to education for girl learners,” she said.
Motsumi said reflecting on the progress of the examinations and the solidarity demonstrated by the social cluster, expressed her satisfaction. She said she is also encouraged by the commitment and resilience displayed by the Class of 2024, as they navigate this pivotal phase of their educational journey.
“The unwavering support from our sister departments exemplifies the government’s dedication to the well-being and success of our learners. This collaborative effort not only reinforces our shared objectives but also ensures that our learners feel supported every step of the way.
“The Department of Education remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality education and foster an environment where learners can excel. The continued partnership across various government sectors reflects the province’s collective vision for a thriving and empowered generation of young minds,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi addressing learners at Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they are deeply concerned following the unfortunate incidents that took place at Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg on Tuesday, where two learners from Grade 9 and Grade 10 were stabbed in separate, but related incidents that are believed to be linked to gangsterism.
Motsumi said one of the learners was attacked outside the school premises by a gang of four individuals, reportedly expelled and suspended former learners of Meriti Secondary School. She further said the learner ran towards the school for protection, and in the ensuing chaos, the gang followed him into the school premises and stabbed another learner.
“Both learners were immediately taken to local hospitals for medical treatment. One of the learners sustained four stab wounds and is currently recuperating at home. The department has assured that both affected learners will be allowed to complete their examinations upon recovery.
“The police were called to the scene to address the incidents and ensure the safety of the school community. We convened an urgent meeting with the School Governing Body (SGB), parents and the school management on 13 November 2024, to address the safety concerns and establish measures to prevent future occurrences,” said Motsumi.
To strengthen security at the school, she announced that four security personnel will be deployed to guard the school, with their deployment commencing on 14 November 2024. Motsumi emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe and conducive environment for learners as they continue with their academic activities, particularly during the examination period.
“The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are paramount. We have taken immediate action to deploy security personnel to safeguard the school premises and restore calm. I urge all members of the school community to remain calm and cooperate with the measures being put in place as we ensure by all means that those responsible get apprehended and justice is served.
“The department continues to work closely with law enforcement and other stakeholders to address any form of violence in schools and promote a safe learning environment for all learners and teachers during this examination period and beyond,” she said.
10 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they have collaborated with the North West University (NWU) to tackle mental health challenges among learners, teachers, and parents, especially during the examination period in their efforts of assisting learners in their studies. Motsumi said her department realized that many learners become overwhelmed during finals, feeling scared and uncertain about preparation.
She further said to address this, parents need to be well-informed and involved to assist their children at home. Motsumi added that the collaboration with the NWU is due to the promotion of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy adopted by the government.
“Education is a societal matter, alone we will not be able to achieve good performance without the involvement of other stakeholders. We need each other in order for learners to excel. Our learners during this period are extremely overwhelmed and their minds need to be focused.
“I wish to appeal to parents and guardians to adhere to the experts’ advice on mental health. The department has set a target of a 90% pass rate for 2024, aiming to position the province as a top performer. To support this goal, the department has implemented various initiatives, including incubation camps,” she said.
Motsumi indicated that the collaboration between the department and the NWU, is an exercise of Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC).
Meanwhile, the NWU Psychologist and Senior Lecturer, Dr Khido Ramadie visited various schools in the province prior to the examination, motivating them. Ramadies urged parents to create a calm learning environment for their children at home.
“Help set a routine study table, encourage breaks and foster open communication. Monitor progress without pressure. Parents should be able to provide reassurance to their children, be it emotional supportive and remind them that they are not alone.
“Parents should promote healthy coping. They should be mindful about deep breathing or meditation. Parents should ensure that learners embark on physical activities so that they can be fresh when they are writing examinations,” said Ramadie.
The Guardian 