Tag Archives: The North West MEC for Education

A newly-built school form part of Workers’ Day celebration

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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.

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Education Lekgotla to enhance educational advancement within communities 

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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. 

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The newly-built Borolelo Primary School to assist in curbing overcrowding  

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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.

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All systems go for Grade 12 mid-year examinations in North West 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is ready to administer the June exams, which start on 29 April 2024. Motsumi said to ensure a ‘smooth and fair’ process for all involved, the department has prepared 73 examination centres registered for the 2024 May/June examinations, including 39 NSC examination centres.

“The capturing of entries has been fully completed with any remaining entries. Additionally, all centres have been categorized into low, moderate, and high-risk categories, and a thorough risk profile of each examination centre has been completed.

“Furthermore, the storage of question papers has been carried out with utmost care, adhering strictly to criteria for evaluation and undergoing rigorous audits to ensure the security and integrity of the examination process,” she said.

Motsumi added that she has confirmed the readiness with parents and the education community at large. She said the May/June examination is an important milestone for the learners and they want to assure them and their parents that they have taken every measure to maintain the standards set in the October/November 2023 examinations. 

“We are committed to providing a conducive environment for all learners to demonstrate their abilities and achieve success. We urge all learners to approach these examinations with confidence and determination, knowing that the department is dedicated to support them in every step of the way,” said Motsumi.

She said the department extends its best wishes to all learners undertaking these examinations, encouraging them to showcase their knowledge and skills with confidence and integrity.

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Learner Registration Season for 2025 open for North West Schools 

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department wishes to remind parents and legal guardians of the open window for learner registration for the 2025 academic year intake. 

Motsumi said the registration period runs from 1 April until 30 September 2024. 

“The registration period will operate on a first come, first served basis. We encourage parents to seize the opportunity. Timely learner registration is crucial for effective planning within our schools. 

“It allows us to allocate resources efficiently and ensures we have adequate classrooms, furniture, and stationery for all learners come the 2025 academic year. I urge parents and guardians to avoid delays and register their children during this designated period,” she said. 

Motsumi further said the department reminds parents and guardians to bring documents such as certified copy of learner’s birth certificate, Immunisation Card, most recent report card (if applicable) and transfer letter or card from previous school (if applicable) for registration.

She added that, for learners from outside South Africa, study visa or parents’ work permit, residence permit (or proof of application for non-citizens) and asylum seeker permit or certificate granting refugee status (if applicable) will be needed. 

“While schools are required to maintain waiting lists, principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) encourage parents to submit applications before the deadline to avoid longer wait times. Schools will issue written acceptance or non-acceptance decisions to parents by 30 September 2024,” said Motsumi.

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Tosca Primary School near Ganyesa torched  

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Picture: The Tosca Primary School, near Ganyesa torched/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department is dismayed by the burning of seven classrooms of Tosca Primary School in Tosca village, near Ganyesa. Motsumi said the incident allegedly took place on19 April 2024.

“It is reported that on 16 April 2024, the Department of Labour closed a block of three classrooms, alleging that the conditions were not in good standard for teaching and learning. Later the community came to close the entire school.

“It is further alleged that on the day of the incident around 11am, a group of people entered the school premises and burnt down seven classrooms, school furniture, school files, and textbooks and damaged the Grade R equipment,” she said.

Motsumi further said they condemn the incident in the strongest terms. She added that this is extremely sad and disturbing. 

“It is disturbing that there are still communities in this province, who vent their anger by burning school properties. A school is a centre of knowledge for the community. Really, how do we expect learners to acquire information when we burn schools?

“Already learners have lost five days of learning and teaching. We have lost all the records of learners due to this horrible incident. As a department, we condemn this incident in the strongest terms and call for the immediate arrest of all those behind this fire,” said Motsumi. 

She said on 21 April 2024, the department dispatched a team of officials led by the acting Superintendent General, Maropene Seshibe to meet with leaders in the area to discuss a possible solution. Motsumi said the department committed that mobile classrooms will be delivered on 22 April 2024, in order to assist with teaching and learning.

“A team of counsellors from the department has been put on standby to counsel learners and teachers as soon as teaching and learning resumes,” she said.

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The department to rebuild Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School 

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Picture: The sod-turning of the rebuilding of Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they have undertaken a ceremonial sod-turning on Thursday at Kagisano-Barolong Secondary School in Logageng village, outside Mahikeng, which marks the commencement of another crucial infrastructural project. 

Motsumi said the rebuilding of Kagiso-Barolong Secondary School, aimed at providing inclusive education to the community of Logageng. She further said Kagisano-Barolong Secondary stands as a ‘beacon of hope’ for the community of Logageng, which has long been in need of conducive educational facilities as the current demolished structure had dilapidated. 

“This Freedom Month is fitting that, we take proactive steps towards realizing the ideals of freedom and equality in education. The sod-turning ceremony of Kagiso-Barolong Secondary School symbolizes our collective dedication to building a future, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

“We also believe the project will uplift our communities, through job opportunities both for skilled and unskilled labour. The school will boost of 16 classrooms, a multipurpose classroom, science lab, computer lab, library, admin block, nutrition centre, ablutions and a change room,” she added.

Motsumi said this will include a tuckshop, a guard house, soccer fields, two combi courts, security fencing, 24 parking bays, electricity, water and sewer treatment plant among other facilities.

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Sod-turning Batho-Batho Primary School

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Picture: The delegates during a sod-turning at Batho Batho Primary School/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department will continue to roll out its infrastructure development plan to improve schools across the province. Motsumi said this comes after they have marked another milestone with the sod-turning ceremony for the rebuilding of Batho Batho Primary School in Mareetsane village, near Mahikeng on 17 April 2024.

“Batho-Batho Primary School currently has mobile classrooms structures, which will be improved by a modern design boasting of 16 brand new classrooms, Grade R block comprising three classrooms with jungle gym and fencing.

“This also comprises of an administration block, a computer lab, a nutrition block eating area, a multipurpose hall, combo courts, and a guard house, amongst other facilities. The new structure will provide a conducive learning environment for learners, with a strong focus on creating employment opportunities for locals during the construction phase,” she said.

Motsumi further said by rebuilding Batho-Batho Primary School, they are creating a safe and stimulating learning environment ensuring inclusive and equitable for all learners in the province, as well as contributing to the economic empowerment of the Mareetsane community.

She added that, it is an important role to them as government, to ensure they use these programs to eradicate poverty, which is a much needed economic boost in the community.

“The construction of Batho Batho Primary School is another testament to the department’s ongoing commitment to replicate this success in communities across the North West,” said Motsumi.

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North West MEC for Education meets with bus accident victims

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Picture: A bus that was involved in an accident/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has met with affected individuals, who were involved in a bus accident. The bus accident ferrying 37 learners and two teachers from North West, was involved in an accident en route to Kimberly from Hopetown on 7 April 2024. 

Motsumi said one of the buses had safely arrived in North West and upon arrival, the department immediately convened at the district office to meet with the learners and officials. 

“I had the privilege of meeting with the affected individuals. Accompanied by a delegation from the Employee Health Wellness, the department provided much-needed psychological support to the learners and teachers, who were involved in the traumatic incident. 

“One teacher remains hospitalised in Kimberly due to serious injuries sustained in the accident. We send our support to the affected and their families. As a continuation of our commitment to supporting those impacted, the psychosocial team will continue to offer sessions to both the families of the learners and the teachers involved,” she said. 

Motsumi further said it is imperative that they provide ongoing care and assistance during this challenging time. She added that, during times of adversity, it is crucial that they come together to provide unwavering support to those affected. 

“Our priority is the well-being and recovery of the learners, the teachers who are both recovering at home and in hospital, as well as their families. We are committed to offering the necessary resources and assistance to help them navigate through this difficult period. 

“Our hearts go out to the injured teacher, and we wish them a speedy and full recovery. Together, as a community, we will overcome this challenge. The department will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses,” 

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