The North West’s education fraternity has welcomed the appointment of Dr Sebonta Francinah Desbo Mohono as the new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education, following her official swearing-in ceremony.
The occasion marked a significant transition for Dr Mohono, who brings extensive experience in education, organised labour, public administration and political leadership to the portfolio.
Speaking during the ceremony, North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi said the swearing-in was an important announcement to the entire education fraternity, including parents, learners, educators, principals and the broader education community.
Premier Mokgosi emphasised that Dr Mohono is no stranger to the education sector, having served as a teacher and as a shop steward within the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU). Her experience, he said, has afforded her a deep understanding of the various dynamics within the education environment, including teaching, management, organised labour and politics.
Premier Mokgosi expressed confidence that Dr Mohono’s appointment would bring stability and progress to the department, while strengthening its ability to respond to the needs of communities across the province.
He also acknowledged the contribution of former MEC for Education, Ms Viola Motsumi, saying Dr Mohono would now take the baton and build on the work already undertaken under her leadership.
Accepting her new responsibility, Dr Mohono said she did not take lightly the significant responsibility entrusted to her.
She called on the entire education community to offer their support and work collectively with her to advance the province’s education agenda.
Dr Mohono committed herself to continuing from where former MEC Motsumi left off, while building on existing programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and supporting learners, educators and communities.
She stressed that the success of the department would depend on collaboration and the commitment of all stakeholders, including educators, principals, parents, learners, labour unions and education officials.
Dr Mohono further acknowledged the significance of assuming the portfolio at a particularly crucial time for the sector, as learners and schools are engaged in examinations.
She said the transition must therefore be managed with the necessary focus and stability to ensure that learners remain supported during this important period in the academic calendar.
Her appointment brings to the Education Department a leader with first-hand experience of the classroom, organised labour, public institutions and political leadership. This combination of experience positions Dr Mohono to engage meaningfully with the diverse stakeholders who form part of the province’s education system.
As she assumes her new role, Dr Mohono has pledged to work with the education fraternity to strengthen the department and ensure that the interests of learners and communities remain at the centre of its work.
Her swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter for the North West Department of Education, with expectations of stability, continuity, collaboration and meaningful progress in the province’s education sector.
For more information, please contact:
Dr Elias Malindi | Director: Communication Services | 072 892 8399/072 115 4855
