In a grand gesture of appreciation, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, hosted a surprise gala dinner on 22 August 2024, at Kgaswane Lodge in Rustenburg for the provincial winners of the Teaching Awards. The winners will soon represent the province on the national stage at the prestigious National Teaching Awards.
Motsumi said the exclusive event was a night to remember. She further took the opportunity to personally thank the teachers for their unparalleled dedication to uplifting the standard of education in the province.
“These exceptional teachers have not only excelled in their classrooms, but have also become shining examples of what passion, commitment, and innovation can achieve in our education system.
“Their contributions are the foundation upon, which our future generations will build. So, tonight, we celebrate their extraordinary efforts. I do not doubt that our educators will make us proud,” added Motsumi.
She said they carry with them the hopes and dreams of the province. Motsumi said she believes they will leave an indelible mark on the national competition.
“The provincial winners are currently fine-tuning their presentations in preparation for the national event, which will take place on October 5th at the Birchwood Hotel.
“With a blend of excitement and nerves, these educators are set to showcase the best of North West’s educational excellence,” she said.
The North West MEC for Education,Viola Motsumi commended the swift action by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and the community of Pella village, which led to the recovery of stolen assets following burglaries at three schools over the weekend. Motsumi said the schools that were affected by the break-ins are Tapos Primary School, Sewagodimo Technical School, and Morare Secondary School.
“They suffered losses, including tablets designated for Grade R learners and a refrigerator. Thanks to a tip-off from vigilant community members, the CPF was able to recover these stolen items.
“So far, one of the perpetrators has been apprehended and investigations are ongoing. We would like to praise the community and CPF for their prompt response and active role in safeguarding the schools,” she said.
Motsumi further extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Community Police Forum and the residents of Pella, for their swift action in recovering the stolen assets. She added that their vigilance and commitment to protecting the schools are invaluable.
“Incidents like these remind us that the security of our schools is not just the responsibility of the department, but of the entire community. Together, we can ensure that our learners’ educational resources are protected and that our schools remain safe environments for all.
“As department, we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and the community to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice and that such incidents are prevented in the future,” said Motsumi.
Picture: A panga allegedly being used during a confrontation/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she strongly condemns the violent trespassing incident at Boitshoko Secondary School in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng, where intruders threatened teachers and learners with pangas at the beginning of August 2024. According to Motsumi, this disturbing event highlights the urgent need for enhanced partnership between the department and communities.
“This collaboration, particularly in high-risk communities plagued by gangsterism, will return discipline to the learners. We strongly condemn the trespassing into the school properties. The activities of trespassers seriously jeopardize departmental initiatives to raise learners’ achievement in the classroom.
“We are losing important infrastructure in our schools due to this criminal activity, which is not only a waste of taxpayer money, but it also belittles the diligent efforts of all law-abiding citizens,” she said.
Motsumi further said that education is a societal matter, therefore, all stakeholders should take part in ensuring that learners get quality education.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi with learners/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she was honoured to be part of the launch of the Job Shadowing Programme. Motsumi said this is a transformative initiative spearheaded by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) in collaboration with Sibanye Stillwater, TechnoGirl Trust and Agape Youth Movement.
She further said the launch event took place on 12 August 2024, at the Sibanye Stillwater Recreation Club in Rustenburg, aligning with the celebrations of International Youth Day (IYD). Motsumi added that the DWYPD, as the national custodian for youth development, continues to champion the empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in all their diversities.
“The Job Shadowing Programme has been conceptualized as a critical step towards equipping young people with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world.
“By providing opportunities for youth to gain insights and hands-on experience in various professions, the programme is a significant stride towards fostering digital inclusion and ensuring that no young person is left behind,” she said.
Motsumi commended the DWYPD for its commitment to creating opportunities that empower the youth. She said the programs like these are not just opportunities—they are lifelines that will help them build a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all.
“Our department came along with senior managers and 24 learners from various in and around Rustenburg. We remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that provide youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the modern workforce.
“Through collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, the department will continue to prioritize youth development and ensure that young people across the province have access to opportunities that will shape their futures,” said Motsumi.
The Deputy Minister of DWYPD, Steve Letsike emphasised the importance of the partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
“We cannot leave the Department of Basic Education behind when we speak of youth. There’s a need for digital skills in STEM, as well as skills acquisition, for a country to truly achieve digital inclusion,” he said.
Picture: A school choir during music competition/Google
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they wish schools representing the province at the 2024 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) Championships well. Motsumi said the province is sending 22 choirs from 18 schools that will be competing at the national championships, that is 7 primary schools and 14 secondary schools (other schools are competing in two sections).
The national championships will take place at Rhema Church, Randburg from 7-11 August 2024.
“Choirs will be accompanied by 47 teachers including conductors and 18 departmental officials and the Provincial Task Team members. Day 1 Choirs for primary schools are Reoleboge Primary School from Bojanala District, which will be competing in the Own Choice category, Ramaifala Primary School from Bojanala District will be competing in the Sextet and Boys Choir categories.
“Motlhabane Primary School from Ngaka Modiri Molema District will be competing in the Boys Choir category. Kgwanyape Primary School Bojanala District will be competing in the Mixed Choir (Western) and Mixed Choir (African) categories. Sunrise View Primary School from Bojanala District will be competing in the Folklore category,” she said.
Motsumi further said Day 2 Choirs, which are secondary school include Tlamelang Special School in Ngaka Modiri Molema District that will be performing in the Own Choice category, Moedwil Combined School in Bojanala District will be performing in the MDQ and SATB Chamber Choir, Mothutlung Secondary School in Bojanala District will be competing in the Mixed Choir B (African). She added that Ikatisong Secondary School in Bojanala District will be competing in the Mixed Choir B (African).
“During Day 3, which falls under secondary schools, Batswana Secondary School will be competing in the Soprano Solo category, Baitshoki Secondary School will be competing in the Tenor Solo category, Kebonang Secondary School will be competing in the Male Choir (TTBB) category, Mmabatho Secondary School will be competing in the Female Choir (SSA) category, while Kgaphamadi Secondary School will be competing in the Mixed Choir A (Western) category.
“On Day 4 (Secondary School), Tshebedisano Secondary School in Dr Kenneth Kaunda will be competing in Mezzo Soprano Solo category, Ntolo Secondary School in Bojanala District will be competing in the Baritone/Bass Solo category, Kebonang Secondary School in Ngaka Modiri Molema District will be competing in Septet category, Matlosana Secondary School in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District will be competing in Mixed Choir A (Afican) category, while Setilo Secondary School in Ngaka Modiri Molema District will be competing in the Folklore category,” said Motsumi.
She conveyed her heartfelt well wishes to the choirs and urges them to bring the trophies home. Motsumi also extended her sincerest gratitude to the dedicated teachers, who have worked tirelessly with the learners throughout this musical journey.
“I also express my appreciation to the parents for their unwavering support. Your contributions have been invaluable. Choirs will be traveling from 6-11 August 2024. The department will accommodate and cater learners, teachers and the officials during the championship period,” she said.
Picture: Some of conductors with their trophies/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2024 Provincial ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) Championships, which ran smoothly without any reported incidents. Motsumi said the event was held at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on 18 to 20 July 2024.
She further said the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod programme is one of the most critical school enrichment programmes that promotes unity in diversity, national reconciliation and social cohesion amongst the learners. Motsumi added that almost 2600 secondary and primary school learners from all over the province competed in different categories of the music competition.
“All the position ones are proceeding to represent the province at the national championships. We urge artists from the province to feature learners in their albums. I wish to congratulate each and every learner who has made it to this level.
“It has not been easy for every one of you to reach the provincial level. Credit and recognition should be given to our teachers for their sterling work. As a department, we do not only teach learners in class, we also mould their talents out of the class in music and in sports,” she said.
Motsumi said they want to make a humble request to artists in the province to consider featuring learners in their albums because they are highly talented. She said the following schools are proceeding to compete at the national championships:
Foundation Phase: Grades 3-4
Reoleboge Special school from Bojanala District obtained the first position in Own Choice category.
Motlhabane Primary School from Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in the Boys Choir category, Ramaifala Primary School from Bojanala District obtained two first positions in the Sextet and Chamber Choirs categories, Kgwanyape Primary School from Bojanala District obtained the first positions in two different categories namely; Mixed Choir Western and Mixed Choir African and Sunrise View Primary School from Ramoshana Township, Bojanala District obtained a first position in the Social-ills Jingle and Folklore Items categories.
Secondary Schools: Open Section
Tlamelang Special School in Gelukspan, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in the Own Choice category, Batswana Secondary School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District scooped the first position in the Soprano Solo category, Baitshoki Secondary School in Itsoseng Township, Ngaka Modiri Molema District scooped the first position in the Tenor Solo category, Tshebedisano Secondary School in Jouberton, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained the first position in Mezzo Soprano category, Ntolo Secondary School in Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Bass/Baritone Solo category, Kebonang Secondary School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in the Septet category
Secondary B Schools
Mothutlung Secondary school in Mothutlung, Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Mixed Choirs (Western) category, Ikatisong Secondary School in Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Mixed Choirs (African) category.
Farm and Small Schools
Moedwil Combined School in Bojanala District obtained two first positions in the Sextet and Chamber Choirs category.
Secondary Schools: Open Section
Mmabatho Secondary School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in the SSA Choirs category, Kebonang Secondary School in Mafikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained the first position in the TTBB Choirs category.
Secondary A Schools
Kgaphamadi Secondary School from Bojanala District obtained the first position in the Mixed Choirs (Western), Matlosana Secondary School from Matlosana district scooped the first position in Mixed Choir (African) and Setilo Secondary School from Mareetsane village in Ngaka Modiri Molema District scooped the first position in the Social-ills Jingle and Folklore Items category.
The national championships took place from 07 to 10 August 2024 at Rhema Church in Randburg, Gauteng Province.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi engaging with learners at GF Podile Primary School/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the successful reopening of schools for the third term on 9 July 2024. Motsumi said the commencement of this term marks a significant milestone in the educational calendar, with a strong start evidenced by high teacher and learner attendance across the province.
“We express our satisfaction with the smooth start to the term. We are delighted to see our teachers and learners return with such enthusiasm and commitment. Despite minor setbacks, their dedication sets a positive tone for the term ahead.
“It is a testament to the resilience and determination of our educational community. However, we acknowledge that two schools in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Seabo Secondary and Batlhaping Secondary, faced attendance challenges due to water supply issues in Pomfret,” she said.
Motsumi further said the district municipality is actively addressing this challenge to ensure that learners can return to their studies without further delay. She added that other glitches experienced are learner transport- related in Bojanala and cable theft in schools.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education’s acting Superintendent-General, Maropene Seshibe, said they are dealing with those issues.
Seshibe said: “We would like to emphasise the readiness of the department to tackle the term ahead. Our administrative teams have worked tirelessly to prepare for this term. We are committed to providing unwavering support to all our schools, ensuring that teaching and learning continue seamlessly.
“Our focus remains on creating an environment where every learner can thrive”, The department extends its gratitude to all educators, learners, parents, and stakeholders for their cooperation and support.”
He said together, they are dedicated to advancing the quality of education and overcoming any obstacles that arise.
Picture: The police officials during parade/Google
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dispelled misinformation circulating on social media regarding an old advertisement to recruit 10 000 entry level police trainees. This comes after the SAPS received numerous enquiries regarding this.
The SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said this particular application process had already closed on 31 August 2023. Van Wyk further said the first batch of 4 500 trainees for the 2024/2025 intake have already embarked with training at various SAPS academies across the country.
“The second batch of 5 500 recruits will commence with training in January 2025 and this process is yet to be finalised. Community members are encouraged to visit the SAPS’ website and other official social media platforms to stay informed of advertised posts,” she added.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Education, Vila Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the reopening of schools for the third quarter on 8 July 2024, following the winter recess. Motsumi extends her heartfelt gratitude to parents for their dedication and care in looking after their children during the break.
She further urges parents to ensure that all learners return to school promptly to complete the curriculum.
“We are deeply grateful to all parents for their continued support and care for our learners during the winter recess. As we reopen schools, our children must return and engage fully with their lessons to achieve the educational milestones set for this year.
“Education is a shared responsibility, and your role is indispensable in ensuring that our learners remain on track. We warmly welcome teachers back from their well-deserved break and call upon them to be prepared to resume the curriculum with renewed energy and commitment,” said Motsumi.
She added that their teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our learners. Motsumi said she encourages all educators to approach this term with enthusiasm and dedication as they work together to provide quality education for all.
“To ensure a smooth transition and effective monitoring of the reopening process, departmental senior managers will be monitoring various schools across the province. These visits are aimed at assessing readiness and providing necessary support to both learners and educators.
“The department remains committed to providing a conducive learning environment and ensuring that all learners receive the education they deserve,” she said.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce the successful completion of the winter camps for matriculants held without any incidents. Motsumi said this year, a total of 113 camps were organised across the province, benefiting 26,335 learners.
Motsumi further said the camps aimed to provide targeted support to learners in their critical areas of learning. She added that the winter camps commenced at the start of the winter holiday recess and have now concluded just in time for the opening of schools for the third quarter on 9 July 2024.
“I would like to commend the smooth execution of the camps and highlight their significance in enhancing learner academic performance. These winter camps are instrumental in helping learners tackle their problematic areas of learning.
“By offering intensive, focused study sessions and personalised support, we are able to equip our matriculants with the necessary tools to excel in their final examinations. The department remains committed to providing quality education and necessary interventions to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to succeed,” said Motsumi.
The winter camps are just one of many initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes in the province.
The Guardian 