Media reports emerged suggesting that North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi’s absence at the SAHRC meeting was due to a leisure trip to Turin, Italy, at the expense of taxpayers.

The spokesperson for the North West Education Department, Mphata Molokwane, said Motsumi’s trip to Italy was not for personal leisure but to support learners from the province participating in international athletics competitions.

“MEC Motsumi went abroad to observe and support other learners who are from the province and are participating in the international athletics happening in Italy,” Molokwane clarified. He also said in Motsumi’s absence, Premier Lazarus Mokgosi appointed Public Works MEC Elizabeth Mokua as acting MEC for Education.

Molokwane said while the SAHRC meeting had requested political oversight from the department, Mokua was unavailable.

“What the commission wanted was political oversight or the commitment from political heads to also make some commitment to the commission, and also brief them on what kind of recommendations can be made to the commission so that this issue of scholar transport can be resolved across the province.”

Molokwane previously reported the North West Education Department had been preparing for the 2026 National Special Olympics, with Motsumi expressing optimism about the province’s ability to host the event.

Motsumi, along with the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, have been participating in an observation mission at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. 

Motsumi highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for learners with special needs and expressed confidence that the experience would help ensure the success of the 2026 Games.

“Learners with special needs must be acknowledged and recognised by other provinces, including the whole world. With this experience, I am confident that we will be able to host a successful event,” said Motsumi. She also mentioned that the two departments would collaborate closely to strategise and execute the event.

Concerns were raised regarding the timing of Motsumi’s trip, as she was reportedly notified in January about the SAHRC’s request for her and her team to appear before the commission. 

According to media reports, the trip to Italy, involving a delegation of seven senior officials, has been criticised for the considerable taxpayer funds it allegedly consumed. Reports indicate that the department spent over R18,400 on visa applications for the team, R92,000 on delegation attire, and a significant R162,570 on flight tickets. While most of the team flew economy class, Motsumi travelled business class, with her flight costing R75,768, plus R10,396 for travel insurance.

Furthermore, the department spent R392,973 on accommodation and meals for the delegation, while Motsumi’s accommodation and meals amounted to R60,179. Additionally, R244,682.80 was reportedly spent on transport for the officials to move around in Turin.

OFM News reported that the commission had launched its investigation due to numerous complaints and reports highlighting systemic issues with the provision of transport for students in North West. 

According to SAHRC Commissioner, Nomahlubi Kwinana, an inspection of more than 70 buses revealed a deep-rooted crisis that requires immediate attention.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg