Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature Conducts School Readiness Oversight Visits in Madikwe

– Moses Kotane Local Municipality
As part of the North West Provincial Legislature’s (NWPL) ongoing province-wide oversight programme to assess the state of readiness for the reopening of schools ahead of the 2026 academic year, the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Hon. Dr Desbo Mohono, conducted school readiness monitoring visits in Madikwe, within the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, from 13 to 14 January 2026.

The oversight visits formed part of the Legislature’s constitutional mandate to ensure that public schools are adequately prepared to provide safe, functional, and conducive learning and teaching environments at the start of the academic year, with a specific focus on infrastructure, governance, learner welfare, scholar transport, and academic performance.

On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, the Speaker, accompanied by a delegation from the Legislature, visited Gabonewe Secondary School and Mojabeng Primary School. The programme continued on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, with visits to Morare Secondary School, Bogatsu Primary School, BotIhale Primary School, and Mojabeng Primary School (Ward 21).

Day One: Gabonewe Secondary School and Mojabeng Primary School
Gabonewe Secondary School serves an enrolment of 299 learners and is led by Principal Mrs Matlala, supported by Head of Department Ms Mekgwe. Mojabeng Primary School, under the leadership of Principal Mr Ramokgadi, caters for 303 learners between the ages of 6 and 13. Both schools operate with learner–teacher ratios of approximately 1:40 and each has one educator vacancy, which has been formally reported to the circuit office.
Educator commitment was found to be commendable, with attendance recorded at 100% at Gabonewe Secondary School and 90% at Mojabeng Primary School. All educators at both schools have been vetted and cleared against criminal and sexual offence registers.

Learner administration at both schools was largely compliant, with the majority of learners in possession of birth certificates. One undocumented learner was reported at each school, requiring interdepartmental support. Verification of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries remains outstanding. All learners benefit from the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), supplemented by community and non-governmental organisation support through school uniforms and shoes.

Academically, the schools continue to demonstrate resilience and strong performance. Gabonewe Secondary School recorded only one learner failure in the previous academic year, while Mojabeng Primary School achieved an estimated 95% pass rate and produced a Spelling Bee Champion in 2024.
However, significant infrastructure challenges persist. Gabonewe Secondary School sustained storm damage that destroyed several classrooms and furniture, resulting in a shortage of learner chairs. Mojabeng Primary School faces deteriorating classrooms, leaking roofs, eroded floors, shortages of learner and office furniture, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Learners rely on pit toilets located across a road, posing serious safety risks. Both schools also lack adequate perimeter fencing and security personnel.

Limited parental involvement was identified as a cross-cutting challenge affecting learner discipline, textbook retrieval, and attendance at both schools.
Day Two: Morare Secondary School, Bogatsu Primary School, BotIhale Primary School and Mojabeng Primary School (Ward 21)
On 14 January 2026, the Speaker continued the oversight programme at Morare Secondary School, where she addressed learners during an assembly, encouraging discipline, resilience, and responsible decision-making.

“Bojanala remains number one in the province, and you carry the responsibility of continuing to make South Africa proud. Education remains your strongest tool to break cycles of poverty and social challenges,” said the Speaker.
Entrepreneur and actor Mr Tshepo Senatle, popularly known for his role on Skeem Saam, also addressed learners, motivating them to remain humble, focused, and committed to their education, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.

Morare Secondary School, led by Principal Ms Moeketsi, has an enrolment of 685 learners and a learner–teacher ratio of approximately 1:40. All educator posts are filled, and a 100% educator attendance rate was recorded. All learners are in possession of birth certificates, and a significant number benefit from SASSA grants, although the exact figure could not be confirmed at the time of the visit.

All learners are enrolled in the NSNP; however, the absence of a dedicated kitchen remains a challenge. A classroom has been converted into a kitchen, with food stored in the principal’s office. Approximately 150 learners rely on government-subsidised scholar transport, which remains unreliable due to frequent breakdowns and unsuitable routes, resulting in late arrivals and disruptions to teaching and learning.

The school requires three additional mobile classrooms, for which a formal request has been submitted to the Department of Education. While textbook supply is adequate, furniture shortages were noted and are expected to worsen should additional classrooms be provided. Infrastructure concerns include outstanding ceiling replacements, despite roof leaks having been repaired. Security remains a concern due to the absence of permanent security personnel.

Three cases of teenage pregnancy were reported, with all affected learners supported to continue their education and successfully pass their examinations. SAPS maintains a positive working relationship with the school and conducts regular visits to address minor substance abuse challenges. Compliance with HPV health screenings is satisfactory, and all staff members have been vetted, with the exception of one newly appointed volunteer whose vetting process is underway.

At Bogatsu Primary School, led by Principal Mr Modise, the Speaker was briefed on the school’s enrolment of 577 learners supported by 18 educators, resulting in a learner–teacher ratio of approximately 1:35. All educator vacancies have been filled, and a 99% educator attendance rate was recorded.

The school reported three undocumented learners—one South African citizen and two foreign nationals. The Speaker directed the Ward Councillor to assist in facilitating the acquisition of identity documents, particularly for the South African learner lacking parental support. All learners benefit from the NSNP and are in full school uniform, with additional support provided by a community member. Ablution facilities are in good condition, pit toilets have been demolished, and access to water and electricity is stable. Minor infrastructure issues, including damaged ceilings and fencing, are being addressed with the support of the School Governing Body. Strong parental involvement and regular SAPS visits were commended.

During visits to BotIhale Primary School and Mojabeng Primary School (Ward 21), the Speaker donated 50 pairs of school shoes to learners at each school as part of efforts to promote learner dignity and wellbeing.
Addressing learners across the schools visited, the Speaker urged them to prioritise their education, remain disciplined, and avoid substance abuse and negative peer influence, cautioning that decisions made during youth have long-term consequences.

Dr Mohono reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to continued oversight, accountability, and engagement with the Department of Education, communities, and other stakeholders to address infrastructure backlogs, scholar transport challenges, parental involvement gaps, and learner support needs.

“Strengthening parental involvement, expanding learner support and mentorship initiatives, and enhancing collaboration between schools, communities, and government stakeholders remain critical to sustaining educational progress and safeguarding learner wellbeing across Madikwe,” said Hon. Dr Mohono.

Ends