Tag Archives: Viola Motsumi

North West experience a decline on NSC candidates

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of candidates sitting for NSC examinations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 May 2025- The North West Department of Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, wishes all the best to the National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate candidates who are currently writing their final examinations, which commenced on 12 May 2025, and will conclude on 25 June 2025.

Motsumi said this year, there are 22 014 candidates, a decrease from 27 010 in 2024.

She further said the examinations are being written in 73 Senior Certificate and 403 National Senior Certificate centres across the province. Motsumi added that the number of candidates has decreased by 4997 compared to last year.

“Printing, packing, packaging and storage of question papers has been 70% completed and stored securely. Distribution of the Question papers will be done daily at least two hours before the commencement of the examination.

“The May/June 2025 examination is prepared for those candidates who wish to improve their previous results. Second Chance Matric programme candidates and other previous Senior Certificate candidates, who are above the age of 21 and could not attain their matric,” she said.

Motsumi said marking guidelines will be released daily after the papers are written. She said the marking process will be conducted from 30 June to 10 July 2025, at the identified venues in the province under strict security protocol.

“Markers will be trained fully by the Chief Markers and Internal Moderators before marking could commence. External moderation will be conducted by both DBE and UMALUSI to quality assure the marking of the candidates’ scripts.

“We attribute the decrease in the number of candidates to the performance of last year. On behalf of the department, I wish all candidates the best of luck for their examinations,” said Motsumi.

She said they are pleased to see a significant decrease in the number of candidates, which they attribute to the high pass rate achieved by the Class of 2024. Motsumi said many learners performed exceptionally well, resulting in fewer candidates needing to rewrite.

“I encourage all registered candidates aiming to improve their results to use this opportunity to write their examinations. Unlike in previous years, where some candidates did not show up for their papers, I urge our candidates to commit to writing all their examination papers.

“This will ultimately enable them to pursue their dreams of furthering their studies at tertiary institutions and beyond. Candidates who wrote these examinations will receive their results from 8 August 2025, at the district offices for Senior Certificate and schools, where they were registered for National Senior Certificate,” she said.

Motsumi said candidates who have registered for the examination are encouraged to arrive on time for the examinations and avoid irregular conduct during examinations.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi acknowledges scholar transport challenges

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Dikemedi tse pedi kwa Tigerkloof di tla tswelela go dirammogo 

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Sekolo se se kopaneng sa Tigerkloof 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

13 Mopitlwe 2025: Mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha La Thuto mono Bokone Bophirima, Viola Motsumi, are seemo se ritibetse kwa sekolong se se kopaneng sa Tigerkloof kwa Vryburg. Motsumi are ba kgonne go rarabolola mathata a ileng a tlhagisiwa ke lekgotlha-tsamaiso (School Governing Body) la sekolo kgatlhanong le maloko a Boto (Board of Directors). 

Ene ya re ka 2024, modulasetilo wa lekgotlhatsamaiso la sekolo kwa Tigerkloof, Dr George Balebe, a tlhalosa fa maloko a Board of Directors kwa sekolong, a itshona-tshona nko mo tsamaiso ya sekolo. Balebe one a bua se go tletse kwa kopanong ya makgotlha-tsamaiso a dikolo kwa Mmabatho Convention Centre kwa Mahikeng ka 2024. 

Se, se ile sa rotloetsa Motsumi go ka tlhama komiti eneng ya go batlisisa magatwe a.  

“Lefapha le ka netefatsa gore lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo kwa Tigerkloof, le ile la tlhagisa matshwenyego mabapi le go itshona-tshona nko ga maloko a Board of Directors mo tsamaisong ya sekolo. Fela, o tla gopola botlhokwa jwa go kopanya dikemedi tseo tse pedi. 

“Jaaka lefapha, re tla netefatsa gore fa e sale gona le dikemedi tse pedi kwa sekolong eleng Board of Directors le lekgotlha-tsamaiso la sekolo (School Governing Body), fa e sale sekolo se tlhamiwa,” Motsumi wa tlhalosa.  

Fela Motsumi are, maikarabelo a dikemetsi tse pedi tse, a farologane. Motsumi are le fa go ntse jalo, dikemedi tse, di dira mmogo. 

“Go botlhokwa gore o itse gore sekolo sa Tigerkloof, se agilwe mo lefatsheng le le poraevete, mme seo ka bo sone, se dira gore go nne le kemedi ya Board of Directors. Go tlaleletsa mo go seo, diphaphosi tse baithuti ba dulang mo go tsone, le tsone ga se tsa lefapha. 

“Tirisano-mmogo e, e ile ya lebisa kwa dikatlegong tse di farologaneng. Seo, se akaretsa go golagana le ditheo tse di farologaneng go ralala lefatshe. Jaanong, lefapha le bone go le botlhokwa gore dikemedi tse pedi tse, di tswelele go dira mmogo, gonne maikarabelo a tsone a le botlhokwa,” Motsumi.

Motsumi are jaanong, Board of Directors e tla tswelela go dira kwa Tigerkloof, gonne e netefatsa fa go na le tsamaiso le lolame kwa sekolong. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West MEC for Education applauds Are-Fadimeng Secondary School for Improved Matric Results

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Are-Fadimeng Secondary School logo

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 February 2015- As part of her extended Education Month programme, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, visits Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School in Jouberton, Klerksdorp on 3 February 2025, to engage with school leadership, teachers, and learners following the school’s commendable improvement in the 2024 matric results.

Motsumi’s visit forms part of her broader strategy to assess and support underperforming schools, as well as those that have shown significant progress. She said Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School achieved a 73.9% pass rate in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, reflecting a 6% improvement from the 2023 academic year.

“We would like to commend the school’s leadership and educators for their dedication, and urge them to intensify their efforts toward achieving a 95% pass rate by year-end. We acknowledge the crucial role played by the community in supporting the school’s progress.

“I am indeed pleased that Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School has improved its pass rate by 6% and had learners who ranked among the district’s top 20 performers. Credit must be given where it is due,” said Motsumi.

She further said the Are-Fadimeheng community took a firm stand against gangsterism and criminal elements that previously plagued the school. Motsumi added that their unwavering support has boosted learner morale and this is reflected in the school’s improved results.

“The school’s proactive approach is exactly the kind of progress I want to see across all our secondary schools. With continued support from district and community levels, I am confident that Are-Fadimeheng can achieve a 95% pass rate come 2025 results,” she said.

Meanwhile, expressing confidence in the school’s curriculum strategy, Principal Leatile Moromane, assured Motsumi of their commitment to further enhancing learner performance.

“We are pleased to inform the MEC that we are refining our curriculum delivery strategies to build on our recent success. Our teacher files are in order, implementation has begun, and we remain focused on continuous improvement.

“More than anything, Motsumi’s visibility at our school has bolstered our confidence. With an overall enrolment of 1,650 learners, inclusive of 202 Grade 12 learners ,Are-Fadimeheng Secondary School remains committed to sustaining and exceeding its current performance,” said Moromane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Motsumi urges parents and communities to support learners during final examinations

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A Surprise Party For Winners Of Teaching Awards

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Winners of teaching awards/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Schools containing asbestos in North West pose health risks   

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: one if the schools containing asbestos/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Some of the parents urge the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, to address asbestos challenges in various schools across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. They alleged that most of the school buildings are made up of asbestos and that pose health risks to learners and teachers at large. 

School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson at Vaaloewer Combined School in Bloemhof, Johannes Joseph said their school building contains asbestos and they have requested the department to address that matter, but their plea fell in deaf ears. 

“We urge the department to ensure that buildings that contain asbestos are demolished. This exposes hundreds pupils and teachers to serious health risks. If these asbestos structures become dilapidated, fibres are released into the air and if inhaled, they can cause deadly respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma,” he said.

Another parent said they experienced the same challenges at Charon Primary School in Schweizer Reneke. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they are in a process of replacing school buildings with asbestos across the province with appropriate building materials. 

“I must indicate that during my last financial year speech, I was very clear in terms of getting rid of the asbestos in schools. Those schools have been identified and we have received a report on a monthly basis. 

“We have taken this particular project to IDP for implementation on behalf of us. We have received a positive report and remember, there are processes that we should go through before we can determine whether the school materials are made of asbestos or not,” she said. 

Motsumi further said she can confirm that the results are out and there are those affected schools that have been identified. She added that as a department, they have taken upon themselves because the health and safety of the learners is their priority. 

“We have provided affected schools with mobile classrooms in the meantime, while we make means that we renovate those affected schools. Some of those schools will be demolished and then the department will ensure that it uses the right materials for their own health. 

“So, there is progress registered and during my budget speech, we will capitalise on that. We will also give feedback to our communities and explain how far we are in terms of all schools that have been identified,” said Motsumi. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Go tlile go tlhomiwa komiti e malebana le kago ya sekolo kwa Shaleng 

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

Baagi ba motse wa kwa Shaleng, gaufi le Taung, ba kaile fa ba itumeletse kopano e ba nnileng le yone ga mmogo le mokhuduthamaga wa lefapha la thuto mo Bokone Bophirima, Viola Motsumi, mo letsatsing la maabane. 

Baagi ba, ba ne ba bolotsa mogwanto kgatlhanong le thebolo e bokoa ya ditirelo, ebile ba kaile fa ele kgale ba ikuela gore ba agelwe sekolo, tsela ga mmogo le go neelwa dipegelo tsa madi a morafe. 

Moeteledipele wa baagi, Rogers Mongale are: “Kopano ya rona e tlile go tswelela gape mo letsatsing la gompieno le go tla ka toga-maano ya go bona gore sekolo se, se tlile go agiwa ka tsela e ntseng jang. Rena le dingongorego tse di ntsi thata, mme ya ntlha ke gore rena le madi a tsenang mo polokelong ya morafe. Fela, baagi ga ba kgone go bona ditlankana tse di supang gore gona le bokae mo polokelong eo. 

“Nna kena le dingwaga di le thataro ke le leloko la komiti eo ya ga Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi. Re mo kopile makgetlho a le mantsi gore a tle go neela baagi pegelo eo, fela ga go nnege jalo. Jaaka o bona IEC e dirisa ntlo-lehalahala e ya rona, le yone e ya duelwa mme ga re itse gore madi a teng a ya kae.” 

Mongale are go tloga ka 1994 go fitlha ga jaana, ga ba itse gore IEC e setse e duetse bokae. Are fa gone go dirwa tsela ya bone ya mmu ya dikilomitara di le 15, serori sengwe le sengwe se se neng se rora mmu, sene se duela R900, mme ga ba itse gore madi ao go dirilweng ka one. 

“Madi ao ke madi a morafe, mme ga gona ope o batlang go tsaya maikarabelo. Gape, gona le aerial ya setlamo sa megala ya letheka sa Vodacom, mme e duelwa madi a fetang R250 000, fela le madi ao ga go itsiwe gore a ya kae.

“Fela Mothibi o letse a ipofile gore o tla boela mo go rona go tla go re bontsha gore dipegelo tseo di eme jang,” Mongale wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, Motsumi are jaaka puso, ba tlile go tsereganya jaaka ba itse gore baagi ba ne ba ipelaetsa ka gore ke kgale ba tshepisitswe sekolo. Motsumi are baagi ba supile fa ba feletswe ke tshepo mo pusong, gonne sekolo seo se tshwanetswe nkabe se agilwe ka 2019. 

“Jaanong, ke bone go le maleba gore ke itelekele ka kwano, mme re buisane gore go nne le botsitso. Jaanong, re tlile go tlhoma komiti e e tla dulang e itsise baagi gore dithulaganyo tsa kago ya sekolo di tsamaya jang. 

“Ke ba tlhaloseditse gore re setse re tshimolotse ka go bapatsa tendara ya kago ya sekolo, mme re setse fela ka go tlhoma komiti e tla tlhotlhang gore ke mang o maleba go ka thapiwa jaaka mogokaganyi (consultant),” Motsumi wa tlhalosa. 

Motsumi are morago ga moo, go tla thapiwa rakonteraka, mme seo se tla bontsha baagi gore tota ke nnete lefapha le mo maikaelelong a go ba agela sekolo. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

      

North West MEC for Education handed over a R131 million newly-built school in Dinokana

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com