Budget Speeches: Over 1 300 North West Teachers to Be Made Permanent – MEC Motsomi

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsomi, has announced that over 1 300 teachers will be converted to permanent employment before the end of the second quarter of the current financial year. Motsomi tabled the department’s budget speech today (22 July 2025) at the North West Provincial Legislature, outlining interventions aimed at stabilising the education system.

“A total of 1 311 teachers have been identified for conversion to permanent employment, bringing security and stability to the employment of teachers,” she told the House.

The MEC also revealed that 1 498 promotional school-based posts have been advertised to mitigate vacancy rates in schools and that these posts are at an advanced stage of being filled.

Motsomi highlighted infrastructure development as a critical pillar for delivering quality education. “The Department initially projected for practical completion and occupation of over 10 schools during the past financial year. To date, eight schools have been successfully occupied, and two others are at an advanced stage for occupation,” she said.

Completed schools include:

Bojanala District: Chaneng Primary, Gaseitsiwe Secondary, Mokala Primary, and Mphebana Secondary

Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Kgosi Shope Primary and Tshedimoso Primary

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District: Sarafina Secondary

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District: Tlakgameng Primary

After interventions to unblock barriers, the following schools are expected to be ready for occupation in the 2026 academic year: Sediko Primary, Dirang Ka Natla Secondary, DP Kgotleng Primary, Kagiso Barolong Primary, and Tigane Secondary.

Motsomi also reported progress at Mochusi Secondary School, where the first phase, including additional classrooms, a science laboratory, ablution blocks, and an administration block, has been completed. The second phase, which involves classroom renovations, will be completed in the 2026 academic year.

“These schools will provide significant relief to the persistent overcrowding challenges faced in the province,” she said, adding that collectively, the projects created 4 272 jobs during their construction, delivering substantial economic benefits.

In addition, the long-delayed Schweizer-Reneke Primary School is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2025, while planning for Loretlweng Primary has commenced.

Motsomi further announced that the department has appointed contract managers to begin repairs on over 147 schools damaged by storms across the province. The process of introducing appointed contractors to stakeholders has already started.

She emphasised that the department remains committed to delivering safe, dignified, and conducive learning environments for all learners in the North West.