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.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi had a consultative engagement acting Superintendent-General, Deputy Director-Generals and the four District Directors in Rustenburg. This comes after her re-appointment to the department.
Motsumi further said she had a special meeting to discuss amongst others, strengthening the administration and management roles of Deputy Director-Generals and District Directors – monitoring implementation of the targets in the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and related expenditure.
She added that they also discussed how to strengthen support to schools to enhance learner performance.
“I will be having a meet and greet session across the department with the sole objective of improving the results. I will also conduct accountability sessions wherein departmental managers will be held accountable based on their performance.
“This accountability session is meant to highlight the challenges faced by the management responsible for each unit within the department and to bring on the amicable solutions. As the department, we believe that this meeting will improve the performance of all learners from Grade R-12, when the year comes to an end,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Mosumi during oversight visit/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handed over Ramochana Primary School and conducted an oversight visit at Chaneng Primary during the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Program on Friday. Motsumi said this is a significant milestone for education in the province.
“The Ramochana Primary School was constructed to address the severe overcrowding at Paardekraal Primary School. The new school boasts a comprehensive range of facilities, including an administration block, three Grade R classrooms with a capacity of 105 learners, a dedicated play area, classrooms for Grades 1-7 accommodating up to 840 learners, a computer room, a science lab, and an NSNP (kitchen and dining hall).
“Currently, the school has an enrolment of 1,745 learners and is staffed by 45 dedicated educators and support personnel. We express our gratitude and commitment to the continued development of educational facilities in the region,” she said.
Motsumi further said the handover of Ramochana Primary School is a testament to the government’s dedication to providing quality education and infrastructure for the children. She added that this facility will not only alleviate overcrowding, but also provide a conducive learning environment that will foster academic excellence.
“These activities mark a pivotal achievement as the 6th administration draws closer and we are committed to ensuring that every child in our province has access to quality education and the necessary resources to succeed beyond the 6th administration.
“The event also included an oversight visit to Chaneng Primary School in Chaneng village, where the department is currently undertaking construction and renovations. The project, which is 85% complete, will provide additional classrooms and improve existing facilities for the 480 learners enrolled there,” said Motsumi.
She said the construction includes six new ordinary classrooms, two Grade R classrooms with a separate fenced play area, a new NSNP facility, a new guard house, and the refurbishment of existing face brick classrooms, administrative block, toilet facilities, change rooms, and combi courts.
“Additionally, I had an opportunity to attend the SASCE District Music competitions at Platinum Village Primary School, where 42 schools are participating. The three-day choir festival features various categories, including special schools, sextet, boys choir, Grades 5-7 (Western and African), Social Ills, Jingles, and Folklore, among others.
“The handover and the ongoing projects underscore the provincial government’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure and fostering an environment where learners can thrive both academically and culturally,” said Motsumi.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi announces new changes at Maano Secondary School/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is proud to announce the official conversion of Maano Secondary School in Masutlhe II village, outside Mahikeng, to an Agricultural Focus School on 17 May 2024. Motsumi made this announcement during the second-last instalment of the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery program led by the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi.
She further said Maano Secondary School, previously a public ordinary school, was selected as one of seven Agricultural Focus Schools in Ngaka Modiri Molema in 2023, with the aim to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the agricultural economy and develop a love for farming.
Motsumi added that North West is an agrarian province and the establishment of agricultural schools is crucial to enforce these skills and love for agriculture amongst our learners.
“This will ensure a brighter future not only for our learners, but for the entire province’s agricultural sector. The school received a R2.5 million from the Maths, Science, and Technology Conditional Grant, to establish its agricultural production lines.
“Currently, the school boasts of a crop production, poultry production (including broilers, layers, free-range chickens, and egg housing), goat production, and plant production in the form of orchard,” said Motsumi.
She said the conversion of Maano Secondary School coincides with the distribution of National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) utensils to the school. Motsumi said other schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district that benefited from the NSNP, include Kebonang Secondary School, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School, St. Mary’s Special School and Motheo Thuto Secondary School.
“We also visited Boitsanape Technical School, which is currently refurbishing its school furniture. The school is additionally providing training to its General Assistants to help them further develop their skills.
“The department remains steadfast in providing its learners with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By fostering a love for agriculture and equipping students with the necessary skills,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over the newly-built school/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, officially handed over the newly built Monnamere Primary School in Dinokana village, near Zeerust on Wednesday. Motsumi said the brand new school replaces an old structure.
She further said the new school boasts a modern brick-and-mortar design, offering a conducive learning environment for pupils.
Motsumi added that the new Monnamere Primary School, features 21 classrooms, 3 Grade R classrooms, an administration block, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, a multipurpose hall, a tuck shop, a library, a guard house, covered walkways, a soccer field, combo courts and waterborne sanitation facilities.
“This includes a perimeter fence with an access gate, and ample parking. The total project budget amounted to R131.8 million, with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) serving as the implementing agent.
“The project commenced in 2021 following the handover of the site to the DBSA. We are proud to deliver this state-of-the-art facility to the Dinokana community. This school is testament to our commitment to providing quality education infrastructure in our province,” said Motsumi.
She said it is important to note that the project not only benefited the community with a new school, but also created much-needed employment opportunities. Motsumi said a total of 260 people were employed during the project construction phase, including SMMEs, youth and women.
“We also urge the community to take ownership of the school and call for active parental involvement to ensure the facility is well-maintained and fosters a productive learning environment for future generations,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over the school to the community/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said on the occasion of Workers’ Day celebration, her department does not revel only the contributions of the country’s labour force, but also marks a significant milestone in education.
Motsumi said this is marked by the handover of the newly-constructed Relebogile Primary School in Swartdam village, in Moretele Local Municipality on 1 May 2024. She further said this is a testament to the department’s commitment to provide quality education infrastructure.
“The previous state of Relebogile Primary School was dire, with a dilapidated structure that was not conducive for learning. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we announce the completion of this new facility, which will accommodate 369 learners as of 6 May 2024.
“The new Relebogile Primary School boasts modern amenities, including an administration block, two Grade R classrooms, a playground, Grade 1-7 classrooms, a library, a media centre, a science lab, and a kitchen with a nutrition centre,” she said.
Motsumi added that it is important for community stewardship in safeguarding this invaluable asset. She implored the Moeka community to stand as guardians against vandalism, ensuring that the school remains a sanctuary for knowledge and growth for generations to come.
“As we celebrate Workers Day, let us also reflect on the significance of education in shaping the future workforce of our nation. As much as the school is for learning, it is also a sanctuary for our workforce, which is the teachers, principal, administrators, guards and all in sundry. They deserve decent conditions of working as employees and it is our unwavering commitment to provide accessible and quality education for all and safe workspaces for our teachers.
“To the community of Swartdam village, our leaners, your children will be occupying the school on 6 May 2024. My plea is for you to safeguard the school against vandalism,” said Motsumi.
Meanwhile, among those who witnessed the school handover, was the Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during Education Lekgotla/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the Education Lekgotla that was held in Sun City Resort, Rustenburg, brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and strategize ways to enhance educational advancement in the communities.
Motsum said the gathering served as a platform for her department to engage with stakeholders in the business sector, urging them to collaborate closely in the department’s shared commitment to educational excellence.
“We are excited at the remarkable success of the Lekgotla. We have noted the overwhelming enthusiasm from stakeholders, many of whom demonstrated a keen willingness to pledge support towards educational initiatives.
“Today’s success at the Education Lekgotla, demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. I am heartened by the eagerness of stakeholders to invest in our educational endeavours, and I look forward to the positive impact of our collective efforts,” she said.
Motsumi further said they will continue to ask for more stakeholders to join the wagon of taking an interest in the education of the children as a demonstration of the freedom they want to see realised going forward.
She added that, among those who graced the event was the Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, who emphasized the importance of improving inter-stakeholder collaboration.
Meanwhile, Mhaule said: “Our educational goals can only be attained through a unified approach, uniting educators, administrators, community leaders and industry experts to craft a cohesive basic educational strategy.
“This includes enabling us to adapt to new teaching methods, integrate technology in our classrooms and prepare our students for a world where change is the only constant.”
She said the DBE extends its gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions towards shaping the future of education in the nation with a commitment that fosters partnerships that transcend school fence boundaries.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over Borolelo Primary School project/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the construction of the Borolelo Primary School project in Koster, will alleviate overcrowding in schools. Motsumi handed over the school worth R103 million to the community on Saturday as part of 30 years of democracy.
“The Borolelo Primary School boasts of modern facilities, including 21 classrooms for Grade 1-7 learners, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block, an ICT-equipped lab, science lab for Grade R through 7, multipurpose room, ablution facilities, change rooms for both boys and girls, fully equipped NSNP kitchen, an administration block and a library among other facilities.
“Our department is committed to address the strain faced by towns grappling with school overcrowding. As a result of high rates of in-migration, this is realised with the handover of the newly constructed school,” she said.
Mosumi further said, as they celebrate 30 years since the dawn of democracy, the opening of Borelelo Primary School signifies a vital step towards securing a brighter future for our children. She added that they constructed the school in response to overcrowding at the existing Kgetleng Primary School.
“As the department, we understand nurturing young minds needs a conducive environment that allows learners to be free and empowered to reach their full potential. We cannot leave behind the upliftment of our communities through job prospects that come from these constructions.
“This is the true essence of the freedom we celebrate today – the freedom to learn, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully to our nation. The handover of Borolelo Primary School marks a significant milestone in the province’s education sector, solidifying the government’s resolve to create an environment, where every child has the chance to excel,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 