Dr Desbo Mohono says school infrastructure and matric trial examinations will demand immediate attention as she takes charge of the North West education department. She was officially sworn in on Friday (14/8). 

The province’s education fraternity welcomed her appointment. The former North West Legislature speaker replaces Viola Motsumi, who has been removed from the provincial executive and appointed speaker of the legislature.

Mohono called on communities across the province to support her as she sought to take the department forward. 

Dr Desbo Mohono pledged to continue infrastructure work started under her predecessor. Photo supplied

She said Grade 12 trial examinations would require immediate attention, while infrastructure shortages and other challenges affecting learners and teachers would also feature prominently among her priorities.

“We are fully aware that these changes come at a time when the Grade 12s start writing their trial examinations. This is one of the tasks that I must hit the ground running immediately,” Mohono said, adding that her time as speaker had broadened her understanding of government.

Mohono also highlighted the needs of left-handed learners, saying they should be accommodated and appreciated rather than mocked or forced to use their right hands. She added the lack of suitable equipment for left-handed learners at some schools had particularly concerned her.

The new MEC pledged to continue infrastructure work started under Motsumi, saying learners could not be expected to study outside classrooms or attend schools without adequate sanitation. 

She warned officials and companies doing business with the department that projects would have to move with greater urgency.

“I’m not going to fight anybody, I’m not going to fire anyone, but if people were relaxing, they must know there’s no time to relax,” Mohono said, stressing that unfinished school projects would require immediate attention.

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi described Mohono’s swearing-in as an important development for parents, learners, educators, principals and the wider education community. 

He said her previous experience as a teacher and Sadtu shop steward had given her insight into teaching, management, organised labour, and politics.

Mokgosi expressed confidence that Mohono’s appointment would bring stability and progress to the department and strengthen its response to communities. He also acknowledged Motsumi’s contribution during her tenure, saying Mohono would now take over and build on work already undertaken under her predecessor.

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