Back to school: 30 Years of Democracy

As part of the nationwide celebrations marking 30 years of democracy, the Democracy Bus made a meaningful stop in the North West province.

This special tour aimed to honour the province’s top matric achievers and inspire the next generation of learners.

Led by North West MEC for Education, Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, the tour also supported the Back-to-School campaign, which encouraged Grade 12 learners as they embarked on the academic year ahead.

MEC Motsumi made her announcement at City on a Hill Church in Klerksdorp.

“Today, we stand proud as we celebrate the achievements of our learners, teachers, and schools across the North West. The Class of 2024 has shown incredible resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and excelling despite difficult circumstances. Their hard work has paid off,” said MEC Motsumi.

One of the province’s top achievers, Johannes Jones from Rustenburg High School, who received six distinctions, expressed his excitement about his results.

“I will be studying medicine at the University of the Free State. I want to give back to South Africa, and I plan to tutor Grade 12 learners at my school,” said Jones.

An overjoyed Jones was in disbelief when he received a call from the provincial Department of Education confirming his status as a top achiever.

After an uplifting journey celebrating outstanding matriculants, the bus made a stop at Phiri High School in Ventersdorp. The goal was to motivate the Class of 2025.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Executive Mayor, Nikiwe Num, accompanied the visit to celebrate the Class of 2024.

Mayor Num highlighted that improving matric results remained a top priority.

“The Back-to-School campaign will be a key focus for us. Every year, we will visit schools to assess their needs, ensuring we provide the necessary support to improve matric results across the province,” said Mayor Num.

The next stop was Rustenburg, where the Democracy Bus visited Vuka Primary School. Learners received school shoes and stationery from the Rustenburg Local Municipality.

Rustenburg Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Sheila Mabale-Huma, was part of the campaign.

“The municipality is actively involved in the Back-to-School campaign to ensure that teaching has commenced smoothly. Vuka Primary School is a farm school, meaning learners travel long distances to attend. Some come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our visit is primarily to assess where the municipality can provide assistance,” she said.

With 30 years of democracy as the overarching theme, the final stop was Saruchera Primary School in Vryburg, where school principal Malhomola Seriti expressed his excitement at the opportunity for his learners to engage with the campaign.

“Vryburg is a very rural area, and we rarely receive visits like this. It was truly a privilege for our school to be selected as part of the Back-to-School campaign. Our learners were thrilled to be part of this experience,” said Seriti.

Saruchera Primary School, which officially opened its doors in April 2024, symbolises the province’s ongoing commitment to improving educational infrastructure and providing learners with a brighter future.