By STAFF REPORTER
23 June 2026 – The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development and Community Safety and Transport Management will table their departmental Budget Votes on 24 June 2026, at the North West Provincial Legislature.
MEC Bitsa Lenkopane will reflect on key milestones achieved in advancing job creation across the province, as well as the support provided to MSMEs and cooperatives. Lenkopane will further outline significant plans aimed at accelerating economic development, with a strong focus on the biodiversity economy, waste management, investment promotion, business compliance, tourism, revenue enhancement, and other strategic programmes.
These initiatives include targeted skills development interventions aligned with market demands, ensuring that small enterprises and communities are equipped with the capabilities needed to access future employment opportunities and benefit from essential economic services. The Budget Speech will further highlight key strategies to drive inclusive economic growth in the province through the department and its entities during the 2026/27 financial year.
MEC Madoda Sambatha is expected to outline clear priorities to advance agricultural transformation, strengthen food security, and accelerate rural development across the province.
The spotlight will be on targeted interventions to support farmers, improve access to markets, enhance agricultural productivity, and build resilience within the sector.
Attention is expected to be given to empowering young people and women to participate meaningfully in agriculture through skills development, access to funding, mentorship programmes and opportunities for agribusiness growth, positioning the sector as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“The address will also provide a comprehensive account of the Department’s performance and progress against its commitments, while outlining measures to protect and grow the livestock industry.
“This comes at a pivotal time as the province battles the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with stakeholders expecting updates on vaccination programmes, disease surveillance and containment measures, biosecurity interventions, and efforts to limit the economic impact on farmers and agricultural value chains,” said Sambatha.
Meanwhile, the MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, will outline the department’s policy priorities and programme of action for the year. Morweng will present a budget that will address stumbling blocks in service delivery, in line with the department’s mandate.
“The budget speech will detail plans to improve the efficiency of scholar transport and commuter services. It will set out the blueprint to enhance crime prevention initiatives and the repositioning of the GD Montshioa and Pilanesberg Airports as key drivers of the economy,” said Morweng.
The Guardian 