Tag Archives: Viola Motsumi

‘Libraries are sanctuary spaces’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over a library/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 March 2026- The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi officially opened a new Community Library in Thekwane. The collaborative efforts of the strategic stakeholders that comprises Rustenburg Chrome mine, Royal Bafokeng institute, Rustenburg Local Municipality and the department, culminated into the establishment of Tshukudu Community Library.

Tlhapi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, officially handed a new library to the community of Thekwane on Friday, during the Provincial Thuntsha Lerole Programme in Marikana.  She said Tshukudu Community Library epitomises the commitment of the private sector collaboration with Government in developing and uplifting industry-hosting communities through infrastructural community development.

“Tshukudu Community Library offers a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to meet the diverse needs of Thekwane community. The library features a reception area and a dedicated librarian’s office, Internet and Wi-Fi access for patrons and ablution facilities for convenience.

“This includes a shelving area housing more than 2 500 books, a kitchenette for staff use, a children’s and toddlers’ collection area with age-appropriate resources, computer stations for research, study, and digital access and a specialized section equipped with resources and assistive technology for people living with Disabilities,” she said.

Tlhapi further said on behalf of the North West Provincial Government and the people of Thekwane, they convey a sense of gratitude to the Rustenburg Chrome mine and Royal Bafokeng institute for their courtesy and commitment to social investment. She added that they sincerely appreciate their strategic stakeholders in safeguarding the future of Thekwane by honouring their community with this invaluable information graveyard, it is now their property and they should protect it with their own lives, because protecting it, is securing the future of their young people.

“Libraries are sanctuary spaces, a place where silence and tranquillity meet and offer comfort and inspiration. Within the library walls, people can find comfort and peace that allows them to unlock their dreams and awaken their true potential,” said Tlhapi.

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SANCO warns against factionalism and internal conflict ahead of ANC elective conference in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 March 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West has expressed grave concern regarding the audio clip circulating in the public domain, which allegedly captured gossip and divisive conduct involving the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, together with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine.SANCO said it is widely understood that as political parties approach elective conferences, leadership contests often become factional, with some individuals resorting to discrediting opponents in pursuit of positions within executive structures.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said in such instances, personal ambition is placed above the interests of the organisation, sometimes resulting in the mobilisation of support for leaders, who may lack the necessary competence, but who are elevated due to factional victories and subsequently deployed into government. Jam said these unhealthy political practices are beginning to manifest within the ANC in the North West as it moves closer to its provincial elective conference.

“SANCO is deeply disappointed by the conduct of certain ANC leaders in the lead-up to this critical gathering. Recent public developments during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) have revealed the extent to which internal factional battles have shaped how members of the same political party speak about one another.

“It has now become evident to the people of the North West that ANC leaders who publicly preach unity and renewal hold deeply opposing views behind the scenes. The reported utterances by Motsumi concerning her Deputy Chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi raise serious concerns. Such statements, emerging from the livestream of SOPA, appear not merely factional, but explicitly hostile toward Mokgosi,” he said.

Jam further said this behaviour reflects a troubling pattern of internal sabotage within ANC leadership ranks and raises doubts about the movement’s commitment to its renewal agenda. He added that one cannot help, but wonder what message this sends to communities about the state of ANC leadership.

“The people of the North West deserve leaders who rise above personal grudges and factional battles. Hostility directed at Mokgosi or any elected leader eventually leads to weakened governance and undermines service delivery.

“It is deeply concerning when such attitudes appear to emanate from within the ranks of the ANC itself, particularly from a member of the provincial executive, when it is centered around the Premier. This is reckless and dangerous. It undermines organisational cohesion and sends a damaging message to communities who expect stability, maturity, and discipline from their leaders,” said Jam.

He said unity cannot be selective. Jam said one cannot profess loyalty to the movement while simultaneously fueling divisions against its democratically elected leadership.

“The Premier was entrusted with his responsibilities through established organisational processes and any grievances must be addressed through proper internal structures, not through gossip.

SANCO is further concerned that ANC deployee, North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, took his employer and superior, Mokgosi to court over governance disputes that could have been

resolved internally, thereby risking the unnecessary use of public funds.

“This is one of many incidents that demonstrate that the ANC’s renewal project is merely a fallacy, while the organisation itself continues to bleed. As SANCO and the community of the North West, we are aware and witnessing a serious factional effort in the ANC aimed at discrediting the Premier, as seen and echoed in the Ad Hoc committee established to investigate allegations that Mokgosi interfered with the appointment of Municipal Manager, Modisenyane Segapo at Naledi Local Municipality a matter that could have been addressed internally,” he said.

Jam said the resort to legal processes to settle internal governance matters signals a troubling erosion of cohesion and suggests that the contestation for political power within the ANC is taking precedence over stability and effective service delivery. He said this raises serious concerns about whether the centre is holding in the ANC.

“SANCO remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting unity within the ANC and safeguarding the integrity of our liberation movement.

“We call on all comrades to prioritise organisational discipline over personal vendettas and to recognise that internal division serves only to weaken the movement. History teaches us that unity builds, while division destroys,” said Jam.

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North West experience a decline on NSC candidates

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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.

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

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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.

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Dikemedi tse pedi kwa Tigerkloof di tla tswelela go dirammogo 

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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. 

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

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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.

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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 Surprise Party For Winners Of Teaching Awards

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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.

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Schools containing asbestos in North West pose health risks   

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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. 

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