Daily Archives: March 19, 2025

R55 billion budget allocation for North West   

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Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

19 March 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the 2025/26 Provincial Budget proposals that she tabled at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng today, are not just mere abstract numbers, but is intended to address the lived realities of millions, the silent struggles of the youth and the deferred dreams of generations, who placed their faith in the democracy.

Mosenogi said the budget allocated for 2025/26 financial year is R55.740 billion, which is geared towards addressing the priorities of government which are linked to goals of the MTDP. She said the provincial budget allocation grows to R56.352 billion in 2026/27 and R58.329 billion in the last year of the 2025 MTEF. 

“This translates to a cumulative allocation of R170.421 billion over the 2025 MTEF is available at the disposal of government for efforts to address the socio-economic challenges faced by our citizens in the province.

“The Provincial Budget comprises transfers from National Government made up of Provincial Equitable Share (PES) and Conditional Grants. The PES allocation amounts to R44.733 billion in 2025/26, R46.145 billion in 2026/27 and R47.659 billion in 2027/28,” said Mosenogi.

She further said the Provincial Legislature receives R522.583 million to enable Legislature to conduct oversight effectively and efficiently over the Executive and to promote good corporate governance. Mosenogi added that the Office of the Premier is allocated R519.498 million, which is meant to facilitate integrated governance, planning and accelerate service delivery in the North West province.

“The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management is allocated an amount of R2.446 billion to promote community and road safety, exercise civilian oversight of police and coordinate transport services.

“The Provincial Treasury’s allocation is R695.181 million to assist the department in providing leadership in the management of public resources. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to monitor and support local government and institutions of Traditional Leadership, the department receives R681.869 million,” she said. 

Mosenogi said the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), is allocated R1.013 billion. She said the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has been allocated R1.219 billion in 2025/26 financial year.

“The Department of Public Works and Roads is allocated R4.207 billion in 2025/26 and R7.271 billion. The Department of Health is allocated R17.040 billion to render accessible, equitable and client orientated healthcare services. 

“The Department of Human Settlements is allocated R1.848 billion in the first year of the 2025 MTEF. The allocation for the Department of Education in 2025/26 financial year amounts to R22.895 billion,” said Mosenogi. 

She said in an endeavour to ensure that sports, arts and culture activities are accessible to all in the province, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation is allocated an amount of R776.063 million. Mosenogi said an amount of R1.876 billion is allocated to the Department of Social Development in 2025/26. 

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North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub to serve as catalyst for business

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, NWU Principal and vice chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka and other delegates/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 March 2025- The North West University (NWU) said the highly anticipated North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub will serve as a catalyst for business growth and innovation in the province. The state-of-the-art project site was officially handed over at the North West University (Mahikeng campus) on Wednesday.

The NWU principal and vice chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said the milestone event marks a significant step in the province’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth. Tyobeka said the university is in partnership with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) and the Young

African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI).

“The handover brought together government officials, academia, development agencies, and young entrepreneurs. The event signified the formal transfer of the building site, paving the way for the construction of a state-of-the-art Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub that will serve as a catalyst for business growth and innovation in the province. 

“As the province’s knowledge hub, the NWU will play a strategic role in driving economic development. The initiative will not only benefit students, but also empower entrepreneurs across the province by equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to transform their ideas into thriving businesses,” he said. 

Tyobeka further said universities are no longer just institutions of learning. He added that they have become dynamic hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The NWU is committed to fostering a culture of creativity, supporting startups, and facilitating knowledge transfer through research, technology, and networking.

“This will ultimately drive economic growth and address global challenges,” said Tyobeka.  

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to the project by officially announcing funding support, reinforcing its dedication to creating sustainable economic opportunities and job creation for the province. 

Lenkopane who delivering the keynote address, emphasized the importance of investing in youth and innovation.

“The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is proud to support this visionary project. This hub will serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering access to skills development, mentorship, and funding opportunities that are critical for business success,” she said.   

Echoing this sentiment, YAEI CEO, Risuna Maluleke emphasized the transformative impact of the project.

“The hub is more than just a building. It is a symbol of our collective belief in the potential of young people in the North West. YAEI is excited to see this vision come to life and to continue working with partners who share our commitment to empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs.   

“A symbolic site handover ceremony marked the official commencement of the hub’s development, generating a shared sense of excitement and optimism among stakeholders,” said Maluleke.

Meanwhile, the North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub is expected to be a game-changer, providing a space where ideas will flourish, businesses will thrive, and the province’s economic landscape will be transformed. 

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