The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries in the National Council of Provinces, during its oversight visit to the North West, has noted that children with special needs in the province struggle with the recognition of certificates.
The committee today started its oversight visit to Klerksdorp, in the Matlosana Local Municipality with a visit to Keurhof, a special education school.
The MEC for Education in the North West, Ms Viola Motsumi, has informed the committee that she has arranged meetings with the Department of Basic Education to raise the challenges faced by children with special needs who want to go to other provinces for work and further education.
Noting the challenges, the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the committee was not “out to get the department” and that it would make recommendations where necessary. He urged the officials to be open with the committee about the challenges they faced.
The committee is in the North West to monitor and understand the challenges facing schools in the provinces. Among the challenges identified are infrastructure challenges, learners without birth certificates, the state of early childhood development, the status of the National School Nutrition Programme in North West schools, the provision of scholar transport, safety and security in schools, and incidences of bullying in schools.
The MEC said there were 26 special schools in the province. Other schools to be visited later in the day are Vukani Mawethu Secondary School, Mofatlhosi Secondary School and PA Theron Primary School. The Auditor General’s office will also brief the committee.
Sibongile Maputi
22 April 2026
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