The North West MEC for Education has reaffirmed her commitment to rooting out corruption within the education sector, following the arrest of two educators for allegedly forging their qualifications.

The two suspects appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (25/9), after an investigation led by the Hawks revealed that both had been using fraudulent matric certificates.

 ‘We must clean up corrupt or fraudulent tendencies within the department’

According to the departmental spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, the two officials from the Bojanala District were appointed in 1998 and 2008 respectively, but their qualifications were recently discovered to be fake during a verification process. Umalusi, the body responsible for ensuring quality education, confirmed that the matric certificates presented by the individuals were invalid. 

The case was subsequently referred to the labour department’s unit for intervention before the Hawks and NPA stepped in. The accused were released on R12,000 and R2,000 bail, respectively.

Molokwane emphasised that the arrests were a significant step in the department’s effort to eliminate fraudulent activities within the education sector. MEC Motsumi echoed this sentiment, stressing the department’s unwavering focus on clean governance and transparency.

“As the department of education, one of the priorities which we are pursuing is to improve education, training, and innovation, and to contribute towards building a developmental state in the country. When we improve education, training, and innovation, we want the education department to be regarded as the apex of good governance. To achieve that, we must clean up corrupt or fraudulent tendencies within the department,” Motsumi said.

She also mentioned that the arrests come as part of an ongoing investigation into fraudulent behaviour within the department, a matter that has gained attention in recent months. Motsumi expressed confidence in the legal process, assuring the public that the department would not interfere but would allow the law to take its course.

“Our focus remains on preparing our learners for the upcoming exams, with a targeted 90% pass rate across the province. While this matter is before law enforcement, our primary responsibility remains to ensure a quality education for all learners,” she added.

Motsumi reiterated that her department will continue to work closely with law enforcement to maintain transparency, accountability, and integrity in the North West’s education system.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg