By Lebone Rodah Mosima
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has appointed Dr Sebonta Francinah Desbo Mohono as the province’s new MEC for Education, replacing Viola Motsumi following a cabinet reshuffle.
Mohono, the former Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, was sworn in on Friday and takes over the education portfolio with learners and schools engaged in examinations.
The North West Department of Education said the appointment marked a significant transition and that Mohono brought experience in education, organised labour, public administration and political leadership to the role.
Mokgosi said the appointment was important for the province’s 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),” the department said.
“Her experience has afforded her a deep understanding of the various dynamics within the education environment, including teaching, management, organised labour, and politics.”
The department said Mokgosi was confident Mohono’s appointment would bring stability and progress while strengthening its ability to respond to the needs of communities across the province.
Mokgosi also acknowledged the contribution of Motsumi, saying Mohono would take over and build on the work undertaken during her predecessor’s tenure.
“Accepting her new responsibility, Dr Mohono said she did not take lightly the significant responsibility entrusted to her,” the department said.
“She called on the entire education community to offer their support and work collectively with her to advance the province’s education agenda.”
Mohono committed herself to building on existing programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and supporting learners, educators and communities.
The department said she stressed that its success would depend on cooperation between educators, principals, parents, learners, labour unions and education officials.
“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,” the department said.
“Her appointment brings to the Education Department a leader with first-hand experience of the classroom, organised labour, public institutions, and political leadership.”
The department said Mohono’s experience positioned her to engage with the range of stakeholders involved in the province’s education system.
INSIDE EDUCATION
