Tag Archives: Bitsa Lenkopane

Committee welcomes turnaround strategy for Madikwe Game Reserve

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Picture: Elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism said it welcomes the turnaround strategy presented by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) regarding the management of the Madikwe Game Reserve. This follows a recent oversight visit by the committee to the Madikwe Game Reserve, attended by the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, as well as senior officials from the department and NWPTB.

The engagements focused on challenges facing the reserve, the strategic direction of the Madikwe Future Company and reports of animal welfare concerns, particularly in relation to elephant mortality.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mpho Khunou sought clarity after reports surfaced in the media highlighting high rates of elephant deaths allegedly linked to negligence. Khunou said during the session, the acting CEO of NWPTB, Jonathan Denga, confirmed that the reserve has lost 75 animals—mostly young elephants—due to malnutrition caused by overpopulation.

“With 1,633 elephants, Madikwe faces significant ecological strain, far exceeding the carrying capacity of its 60,000-hectare footprint. Current elephant density is at 2.7 per km², compared to the recommended 0.79 per km² for state-run reserves.

Lenkopane informed the committee that a provincial task team has been established, in collaboration with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. She said the task team includes NWPTB, SANBI, SANParks, DFFE and academic institutions, and will oversee the implementation of the turnaround strategy.  

“The proposed measures include sustainable elephant population management through regulated trophy hunting, contraception, and selective culling of animals with health deficiencies, aiming to preserve biodiversity and strengthen the wildlife economy.

“The strategy also aims to recover at least 65% of the R85 million in outstanding debt, improve contract consistency for concessionaires and traversing rights, and introduce access control systems at Pilanesberg and Madikwe gates to reduce revenue losses,” said Lenkopane.

Khunou said they are pleased to note this strategy and look forward to its implementation as it will resolve long outstanding issues that have seen the deterioration of the NWPTB—especially regarding employee salary payments, poaching control systems, and ensuring the surrounding communities benefit meaningfully from tourism activities.

He said the committee requested several reports from the department and NWPTB, including a comprehensive audit report on Maape and Kgomo, and Golden Leopard Resorts.

“This includes clarification on the Pilanesberg Landing Strip governance, inclusion of unaddressed infrastructure challenges in the turnaround plan and a detailed financial strategy with clear implementation timelines

“The Committee further recommended that the department strengthen its communications strategy to keep communities better informed of opportunities and developments in the conservation and tourism sectors,” said Khunou.

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Lenkopane enhances support for local businesses

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane during an oversight visit to Mahikeng Trade Fair Market together with DEDECT officials/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 April 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has enhanced support for local businesses during an oversight visit to Mahikeng Trade Fair Market. Lenkopane conducted an oversight visit to the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market as part of her aftercare programme aimed at supporting local enterprises.

She further said the visit focused on assessing the condition of the facility that accommodates small businesses and exploring opportunities to enhance their operations. Lenkopane added that the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market, which houses 20 small factories, serves as a flagship initiative, which highlights the provincial government’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable local economic development.

                                                                                  “My visit formed part of the Thuntsha Lerole Programme under the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a proactive initiative aimed at boosting economic growth through comprehensive aftercare services.

“These services include site evaluations of funded projects to assess business viability, identify operational challenges, and enhance support mechanisms for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives,” she said.

                                                                                      Lenkopane said a collaborative venture between DEDECT, the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), the Mahikeng Local Municipality and the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market, represents a foundation in the province’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, stimulate job creation and contribute to the broader provincial economy. She said during the aftercare service tour, they also visited several successful empowerment beneficiaries.

“Among them was Mum to Be Wellness Centre (Pty) in Setumo Park, Mahikeng, a wellness spa offering personal care services using DEDECT-funded equipment, which remains in pristine condition.

“In Montshioa, Chomza Technologies showcased its progress after receiving funding for the installation of a network tower located in Ramatlabama village, significantly improving connectivity in the surrounding communities,” said Lenkopane.

                                                                                     She said in Moletsamongwe village, Mahikeng, Lonaka Projects Group demonstrated its growing footprint in agriculture through poultry, egg production and vegetable farming. Lenkopane said the business has shown commendable progress, bolstered by resources provided by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).

                                                                                    “In a further show of support for informal and micro enterprises, DEDECT also hosted a flea market in Kopela village, featuring six informal traders and four Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

“The programme also profiled 14 MSMEs, the majority of which are women-owned, connecting them to developmental opportunities and support services,” she said.

                                                                                   Lenkopane said the department will continue with aftercare services and engagement platforms throughout the province to continue to empower local businesses and reinforce its mandate to create a sustainable and competitive business environment in the North West.

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NWPTB to crack the whip against employees who took part in illegal strike

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 March 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has welcomed the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) resolutions to deal with an illegal industrial action by employees. Lenkopane said employees of the entity have, for the past month or so, embarked on an unprotected strike, which destabilised operations both in the entity and the department, traumatized other staff members and disrupted tourism business operators.

She further said the Board has briefed her that the entity will take disciplinary and or prosecution action against employees or any individual involved in this illegality. Lenkopane added that, the Board has acknowledged that protesting employees had obtained a permit to picket, but flouted the rules thereof, engaging in illegal actions that included intimidations to non-striking staff, vandalism and disruption of private business at lodges and parks.

“Lodge and Park owners have since obtained a court interdict to prevent the illegal picketing and the disruption of their businesses. The Board has directed the entity’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to be firm and decisive in implementing its resolutions to deal with any element of criminality and or unsanctioned absenteeism.

“The Board has also resolved that the situation be declared an emergency, to allow the deployment of extra security resources, to protect the property of the entity and its human resource capital. This is also to enable business to normally run again,” she said.

Lenkopane said she welcomes the Board’s decision to implement a salary of 4.7% increase to the non-managerial positions. She said half of the salary increase will be implemented retrospectively from March 2024 and another half in April 2025.

“We appreciate the improved financial management of both the administration and the Directors of the entity. The department acknowledges the salary disparities between employees from the merged the then Parks and Tourism Boards.

“We also call on the current NWPTB Directors and management to bring balance thereto. We unreservedly apologised to all staff members and businesses, who experienced the unruly behaviour of the illegal picketing, and assured them that parties are working together to bring the situation to normality,” said Lenkopane.

She said they highly appreciate the efforts of all who stood up and joined hands with the government to fight against the illegal strike.

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Plans to turnaround SOEs in North West

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has taken a firm decision to turnaround State Owned Entities in the province with specific reference to the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). The department said in the 2023/4 financial year, DEDECT allocated a total of R286 million to the North West Parks and Tourism Board.

According to the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, the North West Parks and Tourism Board as a Schedule 3C Public Entity is expected to generate income in order to sustain its operations. Lenkopane said the Board is also expected to account in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Lenkopane further said, the NWPTB is mandated to collect conservation levies, process lease agreements and 34 concessionaires located around Madikwe and Pilanesberg. She added that the NWPTB also manages a number of flats including Taung Hotel and a string lodges that include the Golden Leopard Resort.

“We have since appointed a Board of Directors that is expected to implement the turnaround strategy, especially around revenue enhancement, review of policies, exploitation of biodiversity economy and ensuring that communities benefit from lodges such as Madikwe and Pilanesberg amongst others.

“To date, 13 conservation areas have been claimed by communities and recently, we have been focusing on obtaining feedback from challenges and achievements from the 6th administration,” she said.

Lenkopane said as they enter the last quarter of the first year of the 7th administration, focus is on introducing new systems to improve the overall performance and operations of the entity. She said in the board meeting that took place on 27 January 2025, she emphasized the importance of accountability, revenue generation and community participation in the biodiversity economy.

“Together, we move North West forward in terms of governance. We will focus on filling all vacancies including rangers and gate attendants. The CFO position and all other senior positions in the board will be filled and subjected to performance agreements.

“A summary of key interventions consequence management on all contracts and transactions that do not comply with the PFMA, revenue enhancement, centralisation of Supply Chain Management processes and SLA with entities on money transfers,” said Lenkopane.

She said this includes involvement of communities in the biodiversity economy, institute forensic investigation and introduction of entity oversight mechanisms.

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Lenkopane champions rural women’s economic empowerment

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Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane 

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2024 – North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has emphasized that sustainable development relies on recognizing the critical contributions of rural women to an inclusive economy. Lenkopane called on government, private sector stakeholders, and business forums to unite efforts to empower and include women as key players in economic transformation.

She made these remarks during an impactful outreach event at Sannieshof Lodge and Events, where rural women entrepreneurs from across the province gathered to gain valuable insights into government services and enterprise opportunities aimed at enhancing their economic independence and social well-being.

“The outreach aligns with the government’s broader agenda to drive economic growth and bridge gender inequalities in rural areas, supporting the 2023 Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy and advancing the goals of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act to prioritize sustainable development and social transformation.

“The event highlighted several key areas essential to supporting rural women’s economic inclusion, such as facilitating access to finance, providing skills development and training, addressing policy barriers faced by rural women, and enhancing business skills and resource accessibility to help women create sustainable jobs,” said Lenkopane.

She further said the department along with its entities, the North West Gambling Board, North West Parks & Tourism Board, and North West Development Corporation (NWDC), joined forces with development finance institutions including the NYDA, SEDFA, SARS, NEF, and WECONA, to share information on services available to empower women in business. Lenkopane added that women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners received guidance on a range of government-supported opportunities, from small business and cooperative registration to funding, business recovery programs, liquor licensing, and possibilities within biodiversity and tourism.

“Local SMMEs also showcased their products, reflecting rural women’s ambition and drive to expand their business impact. I would like to send my gratitude for the high turnout and the enthusiasm of participants’ eager to explore economic empowerment programmes led by the government.

“Our outreach initiatives, like this one and Thuntsha Lerole Reload, ensure that rural women have equal access to opportunities as their urban counterparts, fostering equitable communities and driving economic growth,” she said.

Lenkopane highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to providing financial, non-financial, and incubation support to empower women, youth, and people with disabilities across the province. She also stressed the critical role of information access in empowering communities, urging women to leverage the opportunities presented by departments and other funding institutions.

“Our department is dedicated to helping people understand and capitalize on the economic opportunities available to them, to transform lives and uplift rural communities.

“Government outreach programs like these are essential to improving public access to critical information, fostering direct engagement with officials, and cultivating a culture of economic inclusivity in rural communities,” said Lenkopane.

She re-affirmed the department’s commitment to gender equality as the economic priority, recognizing the role of women in advancing rural development and driving sustainable job creation.

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North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane donates food parcels to the needy

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 September 2024- The North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, celebrated her birthday with the congregation of Bechuana Methodist Church during their 10th Annual Convention in Setlagole.                                                                  

As a firm believer in Christ, Lenkopane decided to spend her special day giving back to the community through faith, exemplifying her commitment to service delivery.

She donated 100 food parcels and 100 blankets to vulnerable families and elderly members of the Bechuana Methodist Church, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and solidarity. Lenkopane also reflected on 1 Corinthians 12:28.

“God appoints leaders to serve the body of Christ. I am not here in my capacity as MEC, but as a servant of the 7th administration under the leadership of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi.

“Our mission is to accelerate service delivery and create jobs through government programmes. The churches play a critical role in economic development, particularly through religious and domestic tourism,” she said.

Lenkopane further said churches contribute to the local economy by organising Annual Conventions, Synods, and Circuit functions. She added that these events bring people together, leading to bookings for accommodation, the buying and selling of food through bazaars, and fundraising activities like raffles.

“There is a need to empower churches and communities to harness these opportunities, leveraging government programmes that support small businesses, especially those owned by women, youth and people with disabilities.

“These initiatives are crucial to transforming the province’s economy, creating jobs, alleviating poverty, and addressing inequality,” said Lenkopane.

In her address, she also commended the church for its role in community empowerment and urged the congregation to take advantage of available government support.

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The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane appoints NWPTB interim Board

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 September 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has appointed an interim board for the North Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). Lenkopane said the interim board is led by Advocate Matshidiso Mogale and is deputized by Advocate Obakeng Kgomo.

She further said the interim board is inclusive of representatives from the House of Traditional Affairs and community members from the auspices of People and Parks. Lekopane added that she issued a clear mandate to the interim board, which include amongst others, a transformation of parks in the province and the improved relations with Communal Property Relations (CPAs).

“This includes a review of associations and contracts signed with companies. I have further instructed the interim board to discontinue relations with any association that does not add any value and is financially reliant on the entity without tangible results.

“I’m concerned that the NWPTB and its subsidiaries received adverse audit opinions from the Auditor General (AG) in the last financial year. The AG emphasized matters of material misstatements, which led to the adverse audit opinion,” she said.

Lenkopane said such matters include but are not limited to poor financial controls, lack of consequence management against those who violate the policies of the entity, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. She said amongst other things, the AG recommended that she should take strong measures as the MEC to ensure accountability and good governance.

“It is within that context that I have taken the decision to appoint the interim board that is tasked with improving governance and addressing challenges which affect subsidiaries such as the Golden Leopards Resort (GLR),” said Lenkopane.

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