Two prominent issues some communities in the North West Province face are the overcrowding of schools and the long distances children have to walk to get to their schools. This is a statement made by the MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi, in a North West provincial government podcast while she was discussing some of the challenges the education system faces in the province.

North West community members are eagerly waiting for the completion of the Lerotloeng Primary School and Tlotlang Thuto, two school projects taken on by the department of public works five years ago. These schools were going to help alleviate the issue of overcrowding in schools and children having to walk long distances to reach other schools.

In the podcast, MEC Motsumi mentioned the North West Province still does not have schools for children living with autism, which results in them not being given enough attention. Most of them roam the streets because of the uncertainty of what the future has to offer them.

[NWPG PODCAST] Episode 7 streaming today at 14:00. Guest; North West MEC for the Department of Education, Viola Motsumi. #NWPG #NWPGPodcast #ViolaMotsumi #LeaveNoOneBehind #LetsGrowNorthWestTogether pic.twitter.com/a1dph2ww3d

— NWPG (@NWPGOV) October 2, 2024

Public transport remains a prominent issue in the North West. According to SABC News, the South African National Small Bus Operator Council (SANSBOC) in the North West says the provincial community safety and transport management department’s failure to pay scholar transport operators on time is crippling their businesses.

These delays hinder the operator’s ability to pay drivers, maintain buses and adhere to operational standards. The situation is alarming with some operators going unpaid for six months and more leading to financial strains, potential liquidation, contract terminations and learners not going to school.

In the podcast, MEC Motsumi mentioned that her budget speech was largely centred on the commitment to the construction of more schools in the province. Building a school for autistic children will also be prioritised. She mentioned that the issue of overcrowding in schools is not just a bad thing as it shows the interest and commitment the youth has in building a better future for themselves.

OFM News/Rethabile Monyane cg