Staff Reporter
The newly elected president of the North West Representative Council of Learners says special schools and school infrastructure will be among the top priorities for the province’s 2026 learner leadership structure.
Angelina Mokoena, from Ikatisong Secondary School in Letlhabile in the Bojanala District, was elected president of the Provincial RCL Executive during the North West Department of Education’s Provincial Launch of the Representative Council of Learners, held from May 29 to 31 at Woodlands Country Lodge in Parys.
A total of 108 RCL representatives from 18 Local Education Offices attended the launch, alongside departmental officials.
“My plan for this term is to focus on special schools. I will ensure that learners with special needs receive all the resources and support they require. The committee will also prioritise improving school infrastructure, but our immediate priority is to secure a meeting with the MEC to map out a way forward,” Mokoena said.
The discussions at the launch focused on the functionality of RCLs in schools, strategies for safer schools, challenges faced by RCLs, discipline in schools, and the role of RCLs in promoting school culture and vision.
North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi congratulated the new committee and said the department would support the learner leadership structure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the learners who have been elected to the leadership of the Provincial RCL. I also want to encourage those who were not elected not to lose hope. Your opportunity will come. Some of you will be pursuing your studies at tertiary institutions next year, where you will have further opportunities to take on leadership roles and be elected to student structures. This is not the end of your journey; rather, it is the beginning of many new opportunities ahead.
“On behalf of the Department, I would like to confirm that this committee will receive our full support at all levels of management. I also want to urge school principals to work closely with the RCLs in their respective schools. The future of this country rests in the hands of these young people; therefore, we must mentor and guide them effectively so that they can succeed in their responsibilities and leadership roles,” Motsumi said.
The elected 2026 Provincial RCL Executive is made up of Mokoena as president; Kago Sebetwane from Ramotshere Secondary School in Dinokana Village, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, as deputy president; Rendani Msimang from Hoërskool Haartebees in Haartebees, Bojanala District, as secretary; and Classeng Enrique from Promosa Secondary School in Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, as deputy secretary.
Athulile Mhlongo from Hoërskool Orkney in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District was elected treasurer, while Khaya Matuane from Seabo Secondary School in Kokomeng Village, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, was elected public relations officer. Hlomamo Loabile from Kismet Secondary School in Vryburg, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, was elected as an additional member.
INSIDE EDUCATION
