The minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube, alongside deputy minister of basic education, Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, conducted a successful “Listening and Learning” tour in the Bojanala District on Monday (14/10). 

The tour included visits to four schools – Tlhabane West Primary School, Oom Paul Special School, Johan Mokolobetsi Secondary School, and Wagpos Hoërskool – where they engaged with school management, teachers, and learners to better understand the challenges facing the schools.

Gwarube praised South Africa’s compulsory education system, stating that it is doing better than many developing countries because education is compulsory in the country. ”We are really doing well in terms of including learners in the system.”

Siviwe Gwarube, alongside Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, and Viola Motsumi. Photo: Facebook

She stressed, however, that the focus must shift to ensuring that learners who leave with an NSC are not only passing but also receiving quality education that allows them to unlock economic opportunities.

“We need to focus on the quality of the NSC, and also ensure learners have opportunities beyond high school. That’s the obsession I believe we must have,” she added.

Learners from Oom Paul Skool in Rustenburg, showcasing their abilities to the minister of basic education. Photo supplied

Gwarube highlighted the importance of strengthening foundational learning phases to help reduce dropout rates.

“If a child has a strong foundation phase learning, they are more likely to complete matric. We must not over-emphasise matric results alone but ensure students are prepared throughout their schooling journey,” she said.

Meanwhile, Motsumi reaffirmed the province’s commitment to achieving a 90% pass rate for the 2024 academic year. Motsumi also set the goal of securing a top 3 position in the national matric results, after the province attained fourth place in 2023 with an 81.6% pass rate, an improvement of 1.8%. The Bojanala District led the way in the province with a pass rate of 84.2%.

“We are committed to ensuring that our learners have every opportunity to excel, and we are working closely with the national department to ensure the necessary resources and support are in place. From our side as the province, we have started incubation classes, weekend classes, over and above spring camps for Grade 12 learners as part of our last push revision programme,” Motsumi said.

Gwarube praised Motsumi for her dedication and leadership, particularly in addressing the educational challenges in North West.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg