Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Education

Stakeholders donate blankets, wash bins to Rauwane learners

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Picture: The learners at Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School received wash bins/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 November 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said despite challenging circumstances, the Rauwane Sepeng Secondary School is now nearing readiness to resume its matric camps. Motsumi said, thanks to the generous assistance extended by neighbouring high schools and a local supermarket.

“This outpouring of support has been instrumental in ensuring that Grade 12 learners can continue their preparations without further disruption. Donations include sleeping mattresses, wash basins, blankets and pillows to restore dignity to the camping learners.

“The department expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all donors and supporters, who stepped in during this difficult time. Their swift response has enabled the school to navigate through this period and make significant progress,” she said.

 Motsumi further said this includes the development of a revised timetable for Grades 8-11, to ensure continuity of learning and examinations. She commended the collaborative efforts demonstrated by the community.

“The support shown to the school highlights the true spirit of unity and resilience within our community. When we come together to support our learners, we demonstrate that the education of each child is indeed a collective responsibility.

“We thank all the donors and stakeholders whose contributions have made it possible for Rauwane Sepeng to continue its mission of education, even in the face of adversity,” said Motsumi.

She added that the department remains committed to working closely with the school to ensure all learners receive the education they deserve as recovery efforts continue.

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Motsumi urges parents and communities to support learners during final examinations

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 October 2024- In efforts to mobilize parents and communities in supporting learners, particularly during the demanding examination period, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, held a crucial engagement session with School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and ward councillors from underperforming schools at Victory Primary School in Mahikeng on 30 October 2024.

The department is making a heartfelt appeal to parents to step forward and support learners by providing vital assistance at school incubation camps, which require additional manpower to operate effectively. Motsumi emphasises that the role of SGBs should extend beyond administrative tasks to focus on enhancing teaching and learning quality.

“When we launched the last push campaign in September, we called on all stakeholders including the parent component to rally behind our candidates during the examination time to acquire the desired results at the end of the year.

“Now, we need to take action on the last push we launched knowing that it takes a village to raise a child. I urge every SGB member to prioritise the learners’ best interests above all else. We need SGBs that are committed to fostering a curriculum that truly supports our learners,” she said.

Motsumi further said the session underscores that many SGBs in underperforming schools dedicate excessive time to administrative responsibilities, often overlooking their critical role in actively managing and monitoring educational quality, which is essential for improving learner outcomes. She added that simultaneously, similar engagement sessions are taking place across all four districts in the province, led by senior officials from the department, to ensure a united effort in addressing educational challenges at all levels.

“The department is encouraged by the commitment of newly-elected SGBs in schools facing performance challenges. Their active involvement will be pivotal in enhancing school operations, addressing community needs, and improving learner success,” said Motsumi.

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‘A tavern near incubation camp a concern’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

27 October 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they will address concerns over a tavern near Boitshoko Secondary School Incubation Camp in Mahikeng. Motsumi said this was discovered following her unannounced visit to the incubation camp on Sunday.

She further expressed concern over the proximity and noise levels of a nearby tavern. She added that parents and teachers, who were there during Motsumi’s visit, also raised their concerns regarding the tavern’s location, which is closer to the school’s incubation camp than permitted by law.

“In accordance with the Liquor Act, liquor establishments must maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from schools. However, the tavern’s current location has raised concerns about safety and the learning environment, particularly as matric candidates focus on their final examinations.

“We have tasked senior departmental officials to facilitate a meeting with stakeholders on 28 October 2024. This meeting will include representatives from the school, the community, and the tavern owner to collaboratively explore solutions that balance community standards with the legislative requirements set forth by the Liquor Act,” said Motsumi.

She added that the safety and focus of the learners are paramount, especially during this critical examination period. Motsumi said they are committed to finding an amicable solution that respects both the rights of business owners and the well-being of our candidates.

“Our proactive approach underscores the department’s commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that learning spaces are conducive to academic success,” she said.

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2024 NSC Final Examinations Kick-off To A good Start In North West  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during her visit at Tlamelang Special School in Gelukspan/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 October 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations kicked-off to a good start today. Motsumi said there are no major disruptions recorded across the province.

She visited Tlamelang Special School in Gelukspan and Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Mmabatho, near Mahikeng, to oversee the administration of the first NSC paper. Motsumi further said NSC candidates across the country began their exams today with the morning session dedicated to English Paper III.

“Tlamelang Special School, which caters to learners with special needs, has 13 candidates sitting for the NSC exams at three different centres. These learners are provided with accommodations and concessions, including among others, an additional 20 minutes per hour, as well as a scribe and a reader, depending on the severity of their needs.

“These provisions are in line with the South African Schools Act of 1996, the National Education Policy Act of 1996 and SAIS policy. In 2023, Tlamelang Special School achieved a commendable 77% pass rate, and the department hopes to see similar success this year,” she said.

Motsumi added that, at Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary, 149 candidates across four centres also began their exams without any disruptions. She expressed her satisfaction with the smooth start of the examination process at both schools.

“It is encouraging to see that our learners, especially those with special needs, are receiving the support they need to succeed in their exams.

“We wish them continued success as they progress and we remain committed to ensuring that every learner has a fair and equal opportunity to achieve their academic goals,” said Motsumi.

This afternoon, candidates sit for a three-hour Afrikaans Paper III from 2pm.

Meanwhile, the provincial Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “In appealing for support and no disruption, MRM wished all learners who started with their examinations the very best and urged them to stay focused and not to be distracted from the task at hand.

“We urge communities to allow learners the opportunity to write their final exams in a peaceful and conducive environment. The sacrifices and extra effort they have had to put as part of preparing for the exams throughout the year, must be safeguarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams.”

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Underperforming schools get boost ahead NSC final examinations  

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

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 October 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi convened a critical meeting with circuit managers, Chief Education Specialists (CES), school principals, and retired school managers to strategize interventions aimed at improving the performance of underperforming schools across the province. Motsumi said they held a meeting following a detailed unpacking of results from the past three terms, focused on developing collaborative solutions to elevate the province’s academic standing, with the goal of securing a top-three national position in the upcoming year-end examinations.

During the meeting, she further emphasized the importance of collective expertise and knowledge-sharing in identifying the most effective strategies to address persistent challenges.

“It is crucial that we pool our insights and experiences to close the gaps in learner performance. Our commitment is to ensure that every learner is given the opportunity to succeed, and that we lift the educational standards of our province.

“Currently, schools are implementing the “Last Push” revision program, which aims to reinforce learner preparedness as the syllabus for the year has been concluded,” said Motsumi.

She added that this program plays a vital role in addressing content gaps identified throughout the academic season and is designed to give learners the necessary tools to excel in their final examinations. In addition, Motsumi said her department has engaged key stakeholders to support learners with both electronic and hard copy study guides.

“Partners such as Vodacom have been instrumental in providing access to e-learning platforms, ensuring that learners across the province benefit from digital resources,” she said.

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North West Department of Education officials nabbed for fraud

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 September 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the arrest of two departmental officials for fraud, marks a crucial step in addressing fraudulent activities within her department. Motsumi said these officials from the Bojanala District Office, were arrested by the Hawks in connection with fraudulent documents.

She further said the arrests follow a thorough investigation and they briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024. Motsumi added that the case involves officials who were appointed in 1998 and another in 2008.

“They were both found with fraudulent matric certificates. The verification process revealed that the matric certificates purportedly issued were invalid, as confirmed by the Umalusi.

“Following these findings, the matter was referred to the Department’s Labour Unit for intervention prior to the Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) investigations. The accused persons were granted R12 000 and R2000 bail respectively,” she said.

Motsumi expressed the department’s commitment to clean governance and eradicating fraudulent behaviour within the education sector. She said as a department, one of the priorities that they are pursuing is to improve education, training, and innovation, and to contribute towards building a developmental state in the country.

“When we improve education, training, and innovation, we want the department to be regarded as the apex of good governance. To achieve that, we must clean up corrupt or fraudulent tendencies within the department.

“These arrests are a result of an ongoing investigation that has appeared in various media platforms in recent months. It is time for the law to take its course, and we trust that the state will handle these matters appropriately,” said Motsumi.

She said as the department, they will not interfere with the process. Motsumi said their focus remains on preparing the learners for the upcoming exams, with a targeted 90% pass rate across the province.

“While this matter is before law enforcement, our primary responsibility remains to ensure a quality education for all learners. The department will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure transparency and accountability within the sector,” she said.

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2025 Learner Registration in North West to close on 30 September 2024

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 September 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she would like to thank all parents and legal guardians who have already applied for early learner registration for the 2025 academic year. Motsumi said early registration is crucial in reducing the burden on schools in January and ensuring that the placement process is smooth and timely.

“The department urges parents and guardians who have not yet applied to do so before the final registration deadline on 30 September 2024, to avoid disruptions to your teaching and learning. The department will begin the placement process for all learners on the waiting list following the registration deadline.

“The learner placement plans are in place and urges schools to talk to parents for application outcomes. I take time then to thank parents who have heeded the call to apply in the past months and urge parents to do so before the end of September,” she said.

Motsumi further said schools are also required to communicate the outcomes of applications to parents and guardians promptly, ensuring that learners are placed in schools registered with the North West Department of Education. She added that it is important to register learners with accredited schools within their local communities.

“We encourage all parents and guardians to register their children with our public ordinary schools within their radius. This helps parents to avoid falling victim to bogus institutions. Early registration helps us plan more effectively and ensures that no child is left behind.

“The department remains committed to ensuring that all learners have access to quality education in properly accredited institutions,” said Motsumi.

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RBI commended for its efforts in promoting accountancy education

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi commended the Royal Bafokeng Institute [RBI] for its efforts in promoting accountancy education among learners/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 September 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has commended the Royal Bafokeng Institute [RBI] for its efforts in promoting accountancy education among learners. Motsumi delivered an address at the RBI Accountancy Education Summit held at the Phokeng Civic Centre today.

She further said the theme was: “The South African Accountancy Education Crisis: How do we solve the challenges?” Motsumi added that the summit’s objective was to examine the current state of accountancy education in South Africa, encompassing primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions and the industry.

“The overarching aim is to tackle the issues confronting accountancy education and devise strategies to stimulate interest and performance in this crucial field of study.

“These challenges include declining enrolment numbers, as well as learners’ underperformance and teachers’ inadequate grasp of the curriculum.There is a necessity of comprehending the historical context of accountancy education in South Africa, particularly within previously disadvantaged communities, to address these challenges effectively,” she said.

Motsumi said they must reconceptualize their schools as hubs of excellence, where accountancy education is accorded priority and students are encouraged to pursue this field of study with confidence. She said her department remains committed to addressing these challenges, facing the accountancy fraternity with urgency by working closely with the Royal Bafokeng Institute to produce a generation of financial professionals within the province.

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INKAL Oral History competition winners congratulated

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Picture: Some of the National Inkosi Albert Luthuli (INKAL) Oral History competition winners/Supplied

26 August 2024

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is proud to announce that their learners have excelled in the National Inkosi Albert Luthuli (INKAL) Oral History competition held at ANEW Hotel in Benoni, Gauteng from 23 until 24 August 2024.

Motsumi said the iNkosi Albert Luthuli competition, is a project held annually with the aim of encouraging learners, as well as teachers to increase their interest in personal and community history.

“The North West successfully held their iNKAL competition. The department was able to produce learners, who represented the province at the national competitions. The National INKAL Oral History winners from the North West Department of Education are Refilwe Ramodia from Christiana Special School for the Blind in Christiana.

“Ramodia has obtained the first position in the Special School – African Poetry category. Oreabetse Mokowe from Lichtenburg English Secondary School in Lichtenburg, obtained the first position in the Young Historian – Grade 8 category, while Oarabile Molefe from Lichtenburg English Secondary in Lichtenburg, obtained the first position in the Young Historian – Grade 10 category,” she said.

Motsumi further said Asikhona Mphokane from Molebatsi Secondary school, obtained the second position in the Young Historian – Grade 11 category, while Bonolo Williams from Nkang Mahlale in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp, obtained the second position in the Story Writing category.

“Phemelo Londt from Phiri Secondary School in Ventersdorp, obtained the third position in the Young Historian – Grade 9. On behalf of the department, l take this moment to congratulate all the top performers from our province,” she said.

Motsumi added that she really wish to thank the teachers for their sterling work in the schools. She said this achievement is due to their efforts they put in schools.

“To those who didn’t get the top positions at national, they should know that as a department, we are proud of them. They should regroup and try again next year. All the winners received vouchers as prizes,” said Motsumi.

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