The North West MEC for Education, Dr Sebonta Francinah Desbo Mohono, together with the Superintendent-General, Mr Lengane Bogatsu, today attended a meet-and-greet session hosted by the North West Department of Education with Teacher Unions and School Governing Bodies Associations at the Seasons Wedding and Conference Centre in Mahikeng. The engagement formed part of the Department’s commitment to strengthening relations with its critical social partners and laying a solid foundation for a united approach towards improving education in the province.
MEC Mohono emphasised that the Department, unions, school governing bodies associations, parents and communities all have a shared responsibility to ensure that every learner in the North West is afforded a safe, supportive and conducive environment in which to learn and thrive. “Our common purpose must be clear. We are here to serve our communities, our parents and, most importantly, our learners. We must remove every obstacle that stands in the way of quality education and work together to build an education system that responds to the needs of our people,” said MEC Mohono.
The MEC further called on all stakeholders to work hand in hand and cautioned against operating in isolation or in silos.
She stressed that the challenges facing education require collective leadership, accountability and a sense of urgency from everyone entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the future of the province’s children.
“There can be no room for a lackadaisical approach when the future of our children is at stake. Every one of us has a role to play, and we must execute that role with commitment, urgency and accountability,” added MEC Mohono.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for the MEC and the Department’s leadership to listen to the views and aspirations of organised labour and school associations, while reaffirming the importance of an open-door policy and constructive engagement. MEC Mohono acknowledged unions and school associations as important partners in the education sector and called for strengthened cooperation in addressing challenges affecting schools, educators, learners and the broader education community.
The Department remains determined to build on the progress achieved in learner performance and to ensure that the North West improves on its position in the National Senior Certificate results.
The MEC said the province cannot afford to become complacent after consistently occupying position four nationally, and that collective efforts must now be directed towards moving the North West to even greater heights.
“We must all pull in the same direction. Our learners deserve nothing less than our collective best. If we work together, remove the barriers and place the interests of our children first, there is no limit to what the North West can achieve,” said MEC Mohono.
MEC Dr Mohono is scheduled to move around the province next week to meet with School Principals and Chairpersons of School Governing Bodies to discuss unity and collaboration in schools.
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