Tag Archives: and Tourism (DEDECT)

North West host stakeholder engagement to advance global biodiversity agenda

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 October 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane led a two-day Biodiversity Sector Stakeholder Engagement at Sun City in Rustenburg. The engagement marked a significant milestone in the 7th administration’s first 100 days in office, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainable development through biodiversity initiatives.

In her address, Lenkopane emphasized the critical role of biodiversity conservation in securing both the economic future and environmental sustainability of the province. She also highlighted the importance of preserving the province’s unique ecosystems from the lush bushveld savannas to the red sands of the Kalahari thorn-veld, positioning the province as a key destination for ecotourism.

“I am grateful to see such a strong turnout, reflecting our shared dedication to environmental stewardship. These gatherings aim to unlock economic opportunities that will bring meaningful change to our communities.

“We would like to applaud the departmental management and the entities for their commitment to this vision. The economic potential of wildlife ranching, a thriving industry since the 1960s, now worth billions of rands. With over 1,200 game farms and two UNESCO-designated biospheres the Magaliesberg and Marico, the North West province is primed to attract local and international investment, create jobs, and build sustainable industries,” said Lenkopane.

She further stressed the need for a regulatory framework to support growth while safeguarding natural resources. Lenkopane added that the key to the progress announced at the engagement is adoption of the Biodiversity Framework aimed at ensuring that biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely.

“We need to recognise that human and ecosystem sustainability requires a global target of 30% of land and sea being placed under protection by 2030.

“This working framework balances conservation with economic growth by expanding protected areas and fostering investment in biodiversity-based enterprises,” she said.

Lenkopane said the provincial government’s dedication to biodiversity is further reinforced through proposed regulatory reforms, including the North West Biodiversity Bill, aimed at creating a more supportive environment for biodiversity businesses.

                                                                                      She said this event highlights the significant role the biodiversity economy can play in tackling the socioeconomic challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

“We are strategically positioning the biodiversity sector to respond to these needs and provide sustainable, local economic benefits.     

“We also discussed the expanding market for game meat production, community-owned enterprises, and bioprospecting opportunities, all of which contribute to rural economies and support local industries,” said Lenkopane.

She said the discussions addressed the advancement of the biodiversity economy through initiatives like ecotourism development, commercialization of biodiversity assets, and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Lenkopane said this aligns with the province’s commitment to transforming biodiversity into a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic inclusion.

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North West province launches Tourism Month

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) in collaboration with North West Parks and Tourism (NWP&TB), is excited to announce the launch of Tourism Month 2024. The department held a special event revealing the province’s plans and initiatives for this year’s celebration, embarking on a month-long journey to highlight the significance of tourism in the platinum province.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said Tourism Month, celebrated annually in September, plays a crucial role in showcasing the importance of the tourism sector to the South African economy and its contribution to job creation. Lenkopane said this year, the theme for Tourism Month is: “Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People, Places, and Culture.”

“The theme reflects the enduring impact of tourism in fostering connections and understanding across diverse communities over the past three decades. Attendees at the launch event had the opportunity to engage with industry experts and explore how the province is poised to enhance its tourism offerings to both local and international visitors.

“This month is not just a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of the richness that lies in our diverse landscapes, our vibrant wildlife, biodiversity, cultures and our warm, welcoming people. From the golden savannas of the Pilanesberg to the beautiful Magaliesberg, and the tranquil waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam, from the historical significance of the Taung World Heritage Site, to the vibrant rhythm of our local communities, to the hunting area of the province. North West is a province that tells a story like no other,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the public should join them as they have the power of tourism to bring people together and promote peace through shared experiences. She added that they are looking forward to their participation in making Tourism Month 2024, a resounding success.

“As we launch this month of celebration, I urge everyone of us to become ambassadors of this beautiful province. Let us share the stories of our unique destinations, promote our local businesses, and invite the world to experience the magic of the North West province.

“Tourism is more than just visiting places, but it’s about connecting with people. It’s reflected in the laughter of children playing in the village, the wisdom shared by our elders, the creativity of our artisans and the warm greetings from our local guides,” said Lenkopane.

She said these are the moments where visitors truly experience the unique essence of the North West as a destination. Lenkopane said South Africa, like most other countries, is currently navigating a period marked by significant challenges and opportunities.

“As the global community recovers and rebuilds from the effects of recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has shown signs of gradual recovery.

“From 2021 to 2023, international arrivals increased from 415 million in 2021 to 917 million in 2022, and 1.286 billion in 2023. Despite this upward trend, the overall growth from 2019 to 2023, still reflects a 12% decline, indicating that the industry has not yet fully returned to its pre-pandemic levels,” she said.

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R15 million set aside to empower SMMEs in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said youth development is an integral part of national transformation and a catalyst for sustainable growth. Tlhapi said as a government, they recognise the challenges faced by Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the province and they will provide much-needed support.

“Our intention is to foster a plan in collaboration with key stakeholders that caters to the needs of young entrepreneurs and ensures economic transformation for small enterprises. We also want to encourage young people to absorb and apply the shared information to seize the opportunities presented before them.

“We want them to ultimately contribute to a better future. Our department is committed and has allocated R15 million to procure equipment for both start-ups and existing small business enterprises. Under this fund, small businesses and cooperatives operating within the province can access equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200,000 for existing businesses,” she said.

Tlhapi further said the fund excludes certain industries such as liquor, gambling, tendering costs, property acquisition expenses, primary agriculture, and transportation. She added that, as part of the program, ten Empowerment Fund Program beneficiaries in the fields of laundry services, spa and beauty, steel projects, construction, printing, confectionery, catering, and architectural services received equipment.

“We would like to commend their efforts and we urge them to strive for sustainability as their success will generate employment opportunities for others. This impactful event followed a series of informative sessions held in Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom, and Bloemhof, which showcased a range of opportunities provided by the government.

“These sessions aimed to enhance the competitiveness of rural and township enterprises, start-up businesses, and high-growth potential businesses owned by youth, thereby retaining existing jobs and fostering new employment prospects.

The event received extensive support from the Bojanala District and its local municipalities, and various development finance institutions, including SEFA, SEDA, NYDA, NWDC, NDA, NEF, and SARS,” said Tlhapi.

She said these institutions encouraged SMMEs to leverage opportunities made available by the government and the private sector to fuel the growth and development of their businesses. Tlhapi said her dedication to empowering young SMMEs sets a precedent for economic transformation in the region by bridging the gap between the first and second economies.

“These efforts promise to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, promoting job creation and sustainable development,” she said.

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