Tag Archives: Conservation and Tourism

Irked liquor traders give North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane 48 hours to respond to their grievances

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Picture: Liquor traders marched to the North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane’s office in Mahikeng/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane has today formally received a memorandum from liquor traders who marched to the department’s offices in Mahikeng to raise concerns on the on the North West Liquor Licensing Act 06 of 2016, which came into effect in April 2025. Lenkopane said the key issue raised is an increase in the annual renewal fees to R2000.

She further said the memorandum submitted by representatives of liquor traders operating in Mahikeng and the surrounding areas, outlines several key concerns, including an increase in licence renewal fees, a request to extend the renewal deadline, financialsupport measures for traders, and clarity on the transitional arrangements provided for in the new legislation. She added that the traders have given the her 48 hours to provide a formal response.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised and confirmed government’s commitment to constructive engagement and due process. We appreciate the orderly manner in which the liquor traders have exercised their constitutional right to engage with the government.

“I will be consulting with the Liquor Board and the management of the department to ensure that we make an informed, fair and responsible decision in responding to the issues raised in the memorandum within the stipulated timeframe,” said Lenkopane.

Lenkopane emphasised that the consultative process is critical to ensure that any response considers legislative requirements, the sustainability of the liquor industry, and the broader public interest. She further reaffirmed that the implementation of the North West Liquor Licensing Act is aimed at strengthening regulation, promoting responsible trading, and ensuring the sustainability and transformation of the liquor industry to contribute the economy of the province.

“The department will ensure that liquor traders are in compliant with business legislative prescripts to able to access government support programmes for creation of jobs to the people of the North West.

“The department has urged all stakeholders to allow the engagement process to unfold and has reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and cooperative governance,” she added.

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North West Legislature Committee on Economic Development to Engage SIU and NWDC on Status of Christiana All Seasons Resort

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 February 2026- The North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has resolved to convene a meeting with the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and other relevant stakeholders to solicit detailed findings on the status of the Christiana All Seasons Resort. This resolution follows an oversight visit conducted by the committee at the Christiana All Seasons Resort to assess progress since the facility was acquired by the NWDC in 2015.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Mpho Khunou said during the visit, the committee raised serious concerns regarding the uncertainty surrounding the full extent of the land purchased by the NWDC, including discrepancies linked to the original auction process. Khunou said the committee further noted with concern that the department did not conduct an audit of the resort’s assets nor adequately account for the company’s obligations relating to maintenance and upgrading of the facility, as stipulated in the initial lease agreement.

“The department had previously entered into a lease agreement with a company trading as 360 Degrees, which concluded in November 2023 and was subsequently converted into a month-to-month contract. The committee observed that no asset audits were conducted during either the initial lease period or the month-to-month arrangement.

“In response, the committee advised the department to urgently conduct a comprehensive audit of all assets associated with the resort. The committee also engaged with local SMMEs, who raised concerns regarding the poor state of maintenance and upgrading of the facility, particularly the damaged fencing between the resort and an adjacent game farm,” he said.

Khunou further said the compromised fencing has reportedly resulted in wildlife straying onto the N12 national road, posing a serious risk to motorists. He added that the committee further interacted with representatives from 360 Degrees, who provided a guided tour of the facility and presented a detailed report on renovations undertaken.

“However, the company also raised concerns regarding the lack of clarity on the full extent of the property acquired during the auction from the original owner—an issue similarly highlighted in the SIU’s preliminary findings. Following deliberations, the committee also considered medium- to long-term plans for the future of the resort, including the possible transfer of the facility to the North West Parks and Tourism Board for management and operation.

“We believe that a final decision on the long-term future of these assets cannot be delayed any further. The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) must act decisively and resolve this matter expeditiously,” said Khunou.

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A clear roadmap to transform Mogwase Shopping Complex

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 January 2026- In an effort to address the operational challenges at the Mogwase Shopping Complex, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane held a stakeholder engagement for business operators at the Bakgatla Resort in Pilanesberg. Lenkopane was joined by the acting CEO of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), Thapelo Mokotedi and the NWDC property team.

She further said the meeting served as a direct follow-up to her oversight visit in December 2025, where she assessed the state of the facility and observed the vital role in supporting livelihoods through its diverse range of enterprises, small businesses and taxi operations.  Lenkopane added that she acknowledged the current state of the facility, signalling the department’s full awareness of the infrastructure and maintenance issues that have hindered its performance.

“The engagement served as a platform for tenants and operators to present the concerns they face, ensuring that the provincial government’s intervention is directly informed by the lived realities of those on the ground.

“During the session, we emphasised that the department is moving swiftly to transition the complex from its current state toward a path of comprehensive renewal, using a phased approach coupled with public-private partnership to unlock development,” she said.

Lenkopane said to facilitate this, a technical task team was previously deployed to conduct a professional assessment of the facility’s risks and requirements. She said this committee has now submitted a formal report detailing the specific mechanisms needed to stabilize and upgrade the complex.

“We can confirm that a strategic plan based on these findings will be shared with stakeholders, outlining a clear roadmap to transform the Mogwase Shopping Complex into a well-serving, modern economic node that fosters business stability and job creation,” said Lenkopane.

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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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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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