GROWTH in the tourism industry is the only sure thing that will raise the profile of North West province.

These were the words of tourism MEC, Desbo Mohono at the opening of the Durban Tourism Indaba held at the Dr Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Saturday.

She said that the province’s aim was to push into the top four category of most visited regions in the country.

“North West province remains committed to its mandate of growing the tourism industry. We have experienced increase on number of visitors. A Re Yeng Bokone Bophirima also propels us into reaching out 2020 vision. Our objective is to see the province being amongst the top four of most visited provinces in South Africa.

“The North West Tourism Board (NWTB) took advantage of the opportunity created by government through South African Tourism to market Destination North West at this annual event. The Tourism Indaba is an established top travel show. It provides opportunity to the tourism industry. The event also allows us to partake in the South African leisure tourism show,” Mohono said.

She added that the North West province exhibitors comprised of a wide range of product owners. Mohono said exhibitors were ready and well positioned to showcase their products to the Africa’s biggest and best travel trade show.

According to Mohono, the show drew exhibitors from across the continent. She said it offered ravel buyers an unrivaled platform to do business with the cream of the African leisure tourism industry.

“Attention was deliberately given to product owners in villages, townships and small dorpies in line with the vision of the fifth administration in the province. We assisted tour operators to sell a diversity of attractions to discerning tourists.

Tourism provincial head of department, advocate Neo Sephoti shared the same sentiments. She said tour operators met with buyers on one-one session.

“They gained competitive advantage in the sector and met with other sale representatives from more than 1200 exhibiting companies. The aim was to let them do direct business with them. Prime attractions and companies like Sun City through Sun Intentional, Pilanesburg National Park, Madikwe River Lodge used the platform to amplify the positioning of North West as a prime and preferred destination for tourists,” Sephoti said.

Tourism minister, Derek Hanekom said: “Africa is vibrant melting pot for tourism. The diverse cultures, customs and traditions of our people merged with the endless variety of our landscapes, blended with our unique biodiversity, tempered by our historical legacy, and fired by the spirit of freedom and equality.”

-TDN

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FIVE people aged between 21 and 42 are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today (Monday) on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as contravention of the national environmental management.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the five were arrested in Khuma location, near Stilfontein on Thursday. He said they were also linked to a rhino poaching incident that took place in April at Hartbeesfontein farm.

Two rhinos were killed and dehorned.

Mokgwabone said police investigation led to the suspects at a certain house in Khuma Location, near Stilfontein.

“The police pounced and searched the suspects. They allegedly found a hunting rifle with a silencer, one pistol and five ammunitions in their car. They are facing conspiracy to commit crime, trespassing, possession of dangerous weapons and contravention of Section 57(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No.10 of 2004).

“The sixth suspect linked to rhino poaching was nabbed in Hartbeesfontein on Tuesday. The suspect appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded in custody until May 12,” Mokgwabone said.

-TDN

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THE Justice and Constitutional Development department in North West embarked on a series of activities to address racism.

At an event held at Mmabatho Palms in Mahikeng, regional head of department, Joseph Makutle said the main objective was to acknowledge efforts and strides that put the country where it was today.

Makutle said that they encouraged sense of liberation and that employers should encouraged their employees to become familiar with the constitution.

“We want our employees to utilise their daily guide on all matters of legislation requirements. The awareness campaign commenced on April 25 and was spread across the province. We engaged with various stakeholders. Issues that were discussed were family advocate, South African Human Rights Commission and the launch of the national action plan on anti-racism.

“Pledge banners against racism were signed. We encouraged community members to stand against any form of racism. The department also affianced with farm owners in Venterdorp. We want to assure them that the government is doing everything in its power to provide safety and security to all citizens,” he said.

Regional spokesperson, Thabo Seadira said they will ensure that the rule of law is adhered. He said they also pleaded with farmers to familiarise themselves with labour laws.

“We believe that will avoid unnecessary conflicts between farmers and their employees. Farmers urged government to provide their employees with all necessary welfare challenges like identity document and social security on a regular base.

“We also conducted education and awareness campaign to farm communities at Rysmierbult, Klippan, Buffelsvlei and Sterktroom farms. We will continue to work with various stakeholders like Ventersdorp local municipality, Office of the Premier, social development, health, local government and human settlement, community safety and transport management and South African Human Rights Commission to reach broader communities,” Seadira said.

One of residents in Ventersdorp, Mothusiotsile Godisamang said: “We are grateful for justice department to share information about the services they render and available opportunities. We were also afforded an opportunity to air our views.”

Another resident said: “We had opportunity to enquire about justice related matters. And justice department officials provided information and assistance. We urge the department to conduct such campaigns on a regular base as they enlighten us.”

-TDN

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MEC for health Dr Magome Masike said his department cleared R751m accruals which were reported in the last financial year. He said accruals have been crippling his department’s budget over the years.

“We have overcome this after we introduced transaction accuracy system and the provincial treasury intervention played integral role. We have also implemented enhanced financial accounting procedures. These procedures were introduced to avoid the re-occurrences of accruals in future.

“We believe that the success is due to the fact that we implemented a turnaround strategy. The cost-cautious programme was also imperative. The department has substantially reduced the high rental costs by sharing office space. We are now sharing the space with Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality at the new Office Park.

“We have approached the similar method in our district offices. The Tirelo Building Office lease is now officially behind us. We have plans to accommodate Mahikeng Sub-district in the offices currently occupied by Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital once we move to the new hospital. We will continue to look at opportunities of creating more office space within our facilities and safe as much as we could,” Masike said.

The health department said they will continue to implement measures to prevent unauthorised expenditure. Masike further added that they will continue to pay service providers within 30 days except for those projects or services were queries of service provisions.

North West provincial legislature approved health department’s R9 460 530 budget for 2016-17 financial year.

Masike said the department was now in a position to do better with the allocated budget. He said the accruals hindered his department’ service delivery.

Provincial chairperson for the portfolio committee on health and social development, Nono Maloyi said: “The portfolio committee is pleased that the department has cleared the accruals. This means there will be enough budgets to address health service delivery issues. Maintenance of health facilities was identified as challenges by the portfolio committee recently during the visits.”

-TDN

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