By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Kenetswe Mosenogi said Mosenogi said the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is confident that the visit by the United States Consul General, Vincent Spera and his delegation will ultimately facilitate improved collaboration and delivery of services to the people of the province.
Mosenogi said their discussion touched on trade and investment opportunities available in the province, which include mining and mineral processing value chain, ICT Broadband, Agriculture and Agro-Processing and renewable energy.
“We have agreed that the NWPG and the US Consul General will as part of exploring areas for possible trade and investment, engage the affected stakeholders and arrange a visit to the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“We would also like to thank the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg for their continued support and shared interest in contributing towards the province’s economic prosperity and strengthening its health system for the benefit of the people of the province,” she said.
Spera heads the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, a branch of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to South Africa, is responsible for exploring areas for collaboration and investment in the North West, Free State and Gauteng Provinces.
In his meetings with the Mosenogi, and department of Health, Spera stated that two of the top priorities of the Consulate Johannesburg, and the U.S. Mission more broadly, are sharing prosperity through economic development and improving health outcomes.
“With the already existing partnership, particularly on issues of health which include government’s response to HIV, TB and COVID-19 amongst others, we need to determine whether we are sharing the same priorities.
“The extent to which the partnership is making the desired impact, and where there are challenges, how can we collectively resolve them for the benefit of the North West community,” he said.
He added that he had the pleasure of meeting with local and provincial leaders as well as business and labour representatives. Spera also said he welcome the depth of the conversations he held during his visit including the desire of the leadership to continue working with them.
“These direct connections have helped our team better understand the issues and priorities in the province from a variety of perspectives. I look forward to future engagements to continue to build the relationship between the United States and South Africa,” said Spera.
He also met with the executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and his executive, as well as Kgosi Neo Mokgweetsi who represented Kgosi Jeff Montshioa. They discussed areas of possible collaboration with the local municipality, particularly the socio-economic issues.
The delegation also embarked on a walk-about to Lonely-Park clinic and the North West University (Mafikeng campus). On 3 February 2022, the Consul General and his delegation visit the USAID and PACT supported Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in Koster where he was joined by the MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa.
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