EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MOURNS THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LEARNERS
By Conny Mabunda

Losing a life is deeply sad because it brings a sudden permanent end to a person`s unique existence.In an emotional pain and sorrow Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu-Lerule Ramakhanya ,Senior officials in the department together with stakeholders and community members gathered at Jupiter hall in GaMashashane area,Capricorn North Education District to honour and remember the lives of learners of Rantshu Primary school who tragically lost their lives on the way to school.
The incident happened at Diana village in GaMashashane area when a taxi and a bus collided in the early morning leaving scores of learners injured while the other three learners succumbed to the injuries. In an effort to reaffirm its commitment to supporting families and school communities affected by the tragic incident the department held a memorial service to honour their lives .
The collision occurred on the road between Jupiter and Diana in the Capricorn North Education District involving a 65-seater bus contracted by the Department to transport learners from Diana to Seipone Secondary School at Jupiter Village, as well as a privately arranged minibus taxi transporting learners to Rantshu Primary School in Diana Village.
The Department learnt with profound sadness that the three learners who lost their lives were all girls. Two were Grade 6 learners, while the third was a Grade 4 learner leaving families, friends, educators and fellow learners grappling with an immense loss.

During the visit, the Department's delegation went to Rantshu Primary School before visiting the homes of the bereaved families. The visits provided an opportunity for the Department to express its heartfelt condolences, offer comfort and assure the families that they are not alone during this difficult period.

The family representatives expressed their appreciation for the Department's involvement and presence during their time of mourning. They welcomed the condolences and support from the Department, saying that the visit demonstrated that the lives of their loved ones mattered and that the families were not facing the tragedy alone.
The Department also acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy on the learners and educators at Rantshu Primary School and the wider community. It remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary support and assistance are provided to those affected.

In remembrance of the four lives lost in the tragic crash, the Limpopo Department of Education held a memorial service at Jupiter community Hall.

MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya attended the memorial service and joined the families and school community to convey heartfelt condolences to the deceased and to offeri words of comfort during this difficult period.
“I would like to acknowledge everyone who attended the memorial service and extend my deepest respects to the bereaved families. I thank the education team, Department of Social Development and all those who supported the families and school during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the loss of our learners. As a department, we recognise scholar transport as a key concern and we will engage with the drivers and stakeholders to address these challenges. I also thank the families for entrusting us with their children and welcoming our delegations into their homes. May we give our loved ones the perfect send-off as we begin the journey towards healing,” concluded Lerule-Ramakhanya.
The memorial service served as a moment of reflection, remembrance and solidarity, while reaffirming the Department's commitment to standing alongside the affected families and school community beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
Funeral services will be on Saturday.May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

A DISTRICT ON THE MARCH: FROM BAREFOOT BOY TO VISIONARY LEADER

By Ndivhuwo Mukhada

Dr. Segwadi Joseph Kokela, Acting District Director of Sekhukhune South Education District, embodies resilience, sacrifice, and purposeful leadership. His rallying call, “90% Now, 100% Soon. Re tshaisha ge re feditse,” captures his vision of progress and excellence.

Born in Madibaneng Village, raised by his grandparents while his parents worked on farms,Dr Kokela’s childhood was marked by hardship. His grandfather’s words “You walk 30 km barefoot to school today, but tomorrow you will drive 5 km to work in your car” became a lifelong prophecy. From his mother, he learned humility and compassion; from his father, discipline and the value of education. These lessons shaped the leader he is today.

Dr. Kokela began teaching in 1992 at Ngwanakwena Secondary School, later serving at several schools including Mphahlele and Ramatshagalala Secondary. His appointment as Principal of Batau Primary exposed him to multi grade teaching, sparking research that later formed the basis of his PhD.

Beyond the classroom, Dr Kokela held union leadership roles and served in youth politics, sharpening his skills in negotiation, representation, and mobilising communities. His philosophy has remained constant: leaders exist to serve, inspire, and move organisations forward.

In 2009, he joined the Provincial Head Office as Senior Education Specialist, later becoming Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Monitoring and Evaluation. Here, he embraced data driven decision making, learning to analyse trends and design interventions. By 2017, as Circuit Manager, he applied these principles to strengthen accountability and school performance.

For Dr. Kokela, education begins in the classroom. He insists that instructional time is sacred and must never be wasted, even during examinations. He likens learners walking into exam rooms to soccer players entering the pitch: focused, prepared, and ready to perform.
His leadership in Sekhukhune South is anchored on three pillars: District Turnaround Strategy guided by Whole School Evaluation, District Calendar of Activities aligned with operational and improvement plans and District Declaration of Intent committing schools and officials to shared accountability.

Weekly plans and clear communication ensure alignment across the district. His vision has become so ingrained that even Grade R learners proudly echo the slogan “90% Now, 100% Soon.”

Dr. Kokela’s academic journey includes a Master’s from the University of London and a PhD from Tshwane University of Technology. His research on multi grade teaching links scholarship with practice. He has published inspirational books and serves as an external examiner for postgraduate students.

Known as the “Doctor of Analogies,” he simplifies complex ideas with memorable images: “Move schools from mud to mug, from rock to jewellery,” or “Don’t chase locusts, catch the buck.” His analogies make policy practical and inspire educators to focus on what truly matters, learner achievement.

Guided by philosophies of resilience and continuous improvement, Dr Kokela believes in Kaizen, progress every day. His story is one of transformation: a barefoot boy who believed in education now leads a district with conviction, inspiring communities to march forward toward excellence.

EDUCATORS CELEBRATE TRANSFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING AWARDS
By Hanedzani Mbedzi
In an effort to provides public proof of hard work and to motivates people to do their best ,educators from all 10 Education Districts in Limpopo gathered at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane for the Provincial National Teaching Awards (NTA).The event is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence, commitment and outstanding contributions to education in the province.
Amongst the attendees was MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, alongside senior departmental officials, educators, school communities and other stakeholders, who came together to honour teachers who continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners.
The National Teaching Awards provide an opportunity to recognize educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching and learning, innovative practices and leadership within their schools and communities. The provincial awards also serves as a platform to celebrate the important role teachers play in shaping the future of learners and contributing to the development of the education sector.
Limpopo Department of Education HoD, Maropene Seshibe, said the National Teaching Awards provide an important platform to recognize and celebrate educators who demonstrate excellence, professionalism, innovation and dedication in their schools and communities.
“Our teachers are at the heart of a successful education system. Let us continue to promote excellence, innovation and quality education for all," said Seshibe.
Seshibe congratulated all the finalists, commending them for their dedication and contribution to improving the lives of learners. He wished them well as they competed for top honours, emphasising that their achievements serve as an inspiration to educators across the province.
His message set the tone for the celebration, as one of the provincial finalists and eventual winners reflected on the recognition and what it means to their teaching journey.
Mothiba Maruma, a teacher from Khureng Primary School in the Zebediela Cluster under Capricorn South Education District, has secured second position, an achievement that reflects his dedication, creativity and commitment to improving the lives of his learners.
Maruma explained that the recognition motivates him to continue innovating and making a difference, particularly in a rural and under-resourced environment.
“Be creative, know your learners and believe in their potential. Teach with passion and purpose, and always remain confident and authentic," said Maruma wishing those who are going to represent the province in the national level well
Speaking at the event, MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya applauded the educators for their dedication and commitment to ensuring quality education across Limpopo. She emphasised the importance of recognising teachers whose work goes beyond the classroom and contributes to building stronger schools and communities.
“Every great learner begins with a dedicated teacher who believes in their potential and refuses to give up on them," concluded MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.
The event also celebrated the achievements of the provincial winners who will represent Limpopo at the national level. Their success reflects the province’s commitment to promoting excellence in teaching and inspiring educators to continue raising the standard of education.
As Limpopo celebrates its provincial winners, the Department wishes the educators representing the province at the national awards well and encourages them to continue flying the Limpopo flag high. "A Year of Transformation and Development."