The North West Department of Education is taking significant steps to address the longstanding issue of overcrowding in schools across the province. In a bid to temporarily relieve pressure on saturated institutions, the department has committed to acquiring mobile classrooms while also tackling critical infrastructure challenges that have long plagued the province’s education system.
Recent findings from the department revealed a shocking reality: only 11 out of 1,471 schools in the North West province are in excellent condition, with a staggering 930 schools cited as needing urgent maintenance and renovations. MEC Viola Motsumi, in an interview with YOUFM Newshour, emphasised the department’s dedication to rectifying these alarming statistics by not only repairing existing structures but also investing in the construction of new schools.
“The department has in fact been trying to address this challenge that we are quite aware of, even before the elections. I was accused of electioneering when we were handing over several schools across the province. But it didn’t end there; I continued to hand over other projects after the national government elections,” Motsumi said. Currently, seven sod turnings have been conducted since the elections, with five projects set for completion by December this year, marking a stride towards improving educational facilities ahead of the 2026 academic year.
Motsumi further shared updates on initiatives aimed at enhancing learning environments. Several schools, including Tlakgameng Primary School, have officially reopened following significant renovations. “I recently handed over Mokala Primary School to a community in Ratlou Local Municipality. We are trying our level best to address the infrastructure backlog,” she said. Nonetheless, not all projects are moving forward smoothly; she acknowledged ongoing challenges with the commencement of some school projects, most notably the Kagiso Barolong project, which has yet to begin despite prior commitments.
In addition to addressing general school infrastructure, the department has recognised a pressing need for special schooling. Plans are underway to construct an Autism School in response to a shortage of special education facilities across the province. “We have only 32 special schools, which I am convinced are not enough,” Motsumi said, noting that many learners with special needs might be left without adequate educational support. The new Autism School project is reported to be at an advanced stage, with tender processes about to commence.
As the department pushes forward with its ambitious plans, Motsumi has condemned recent attacks on school infrastructure. Vandalism and burglary incidents have surged, particularly during preparatory exam periods. In Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati municipalities, reports indicate that Setumo Secondary School lost three laptops and 28 tables, and Reveilo Secondary School in Taung was robbed of 35 laptops, chargers, and two external drives. The department has since opened cases of burglary and theft for these incidents.
