Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane
By AGISANANG SCUFF
25 November 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has confirmed the implementation of the North West Liquor Licensing Act, 2016 (Act No. 6 of 2016) for the 2025/26 financial year, following all legislative processes undertaken during the bill stage. Lenkopane said in line with the Act, her department, through the Liquor Regulations Unit, commenced the liquor licence renewal process on 14 November 2025, which will run until 26 February 2026.
She further said the new renewal fees payable for the 2025/26 financial year are now in full effect. Lenkopane added that the published schedule of fees applies to all liquor license holders and payments must be made strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
“The department has noted with great concern the recent statements circulating from a group of individuals claiming to represent license holders and encouraging them not to renew their licenses due to the increase in fees as per the new Provincial Act.
“At this stage, the department emphasizes that such statements do not reflect the position of the broader liquor industry and urges the traders to adhere to their license conditions by renewing for the 2025/26 financial year,” she said.
Lenkopane further said they have already assisted a significant number of license holders in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, who have complied with the legislation, while others are awaiting the unfolding of the renewal process. She added that there will be no consideration of any reduction in the fees.
“The current fees are a product of extensive and transparent consultations conducted during the legislative process and are therefore binding in law. Since the campaign’s inception on 14 November 2025, the department has managed to collect R496 000 from liquor traders operating within the municipalities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“This week, the campaign will be heading to the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture. All liquor traders in the area are urged to respond to the call to renew their licenses. The department further warns liquor traders of a concerning scam, in which fraudsters impersonate liquor officials and contact traders to solicit payments for license renewals through cash-send and e-wallet transactions,” said Lenkopane.
She said these actions are illegal and aimed at exploiting unsuspecting business owners. Lenkopane said liquor traders and members of the public are urged to exercise caution, remain vigilant and verify any communication related to license renewals directly with the department before making any payments.
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 27 October 2025- Small businesses supported by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), showcased their products and services at the Sun City GM’s Kasi Ride 2025 this weekend, an initiative that brought meaningful economic benefits to the local community while promoting inclusive tourism and wellness. Through this partnership with Sun City Resort, DEDECT and other departments created a collaborative platform that promotes market access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), township economic participation, and local tourism development.
The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said for this event represents more than just a cycling experience, it is a platform for economic empowerment and community pride. Lenkopane said they wanted to ensure that MSMEs from across the Bojanala District take centre stage and benefit directly from the opportunities created here.
“It was inspiring to see eight local enterprises proudly exhibiting their North West-made products, from food and pastries to crafts, beauty, and fashion gaining visibility, new customers, and confidence to grow their businesses.
“The Kasi Ride has demonstrated how inclusive events can transform local economies. When we create spaces for small businesses to participate, we not only promote entrepreneurship but also stimulate local spending across guest houses, shops, filling stations, and entertainment establishments,” said Lenkopane.
She further said their role as the department is to ensure that township and rural-based enterprises are not spectators, but active contributors to the provincial economy. Lenkopane added that the Kasi Ride, a lifestyle and tourism-driven initiative, celebrates township culture, entrepreneurship, and creativity through cycling, entertainment, and exhibitions.
“It bridges township and mainstream tourism by linking local MSMEs to established destinations and broader markets. This partnership aligns with the department’s Access to Market Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at creating an enabling environment for the growth and long-term sustainability of small enterprises.
“Through the programme, MSMEs are linked to major tourism platforms such as the Kasi Ride, to drive job creation, encourage local procurement, and foster inclusive economic growth across the North West,” she said.
Lenkopane said beyond economic empowerment, the department also used the event to promote its Responsible Drinking and Responsible Gambling campaigns, critical components of the department’s consumer education and social responsibility mandate. She said participants were cautioned to be vigilant during festive season by acting responsibly, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption to ensure safety.
“The Kasi Ride 2025 attracted thousands of fitness and tourism enthusiasts who participated in cycling, running, and walking activities around the Sun City Resort. The event provided a unique experience that blended health, wellness, and local tourism while showcasing the scenic beauty of the Bojanala region and its vibrant hospitality offerings,” said Lenkopane.
Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane and Head of Department (HoD), Relebohile Mofokane/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF 11 October 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane and Head of Department (HoD), Relebohile Mofokane, have concluded a two-day Strategic Planning Session aimed at refining the departmental 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Operational Plan (AOP). Lenkopane said the session held from 8–9 October 2025 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng, was attended by senior management, Heads of Entities, and strategic partners.
She further said it served as a platform to ensure that departmental priorities are aligned with the 7th Administration’s vision of inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. Lenkopane added that there should be urgency in implementing impactful programmes that stimulate local economies, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities.
“This department contributes exceedingly to the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), which is the cornerstone of economic transformation in our province. We must collectively drive investment, tackle poverty, and reduce unemployment; the people of this province depend on our success.
“Departmental strategic plans must be bold and solution-driven. Our province has immense mineral wealth, yet it continues to face high unemployment. We must change this narrative by packaging our investment pillars to attract meaningful economic growth and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
Lenkopane said for the 2025/26 financial year, DEDECT and its public entities, the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWP&TB), and North West Gambling Board (NWGB), will strengthen partnerships with the private sector to stimulate job creation, promote compliance, and advance inclusive economic development across the province. She said the session aimed to consolidate departmental strategies and ensure alignment with key policy frameworks, including the PGDS, Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), Departmental Budget Speech, Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and other special project plans.
“We urge departmental leaders, programme managers, and entity CEOs to use the session as a platform for robust engagement and evidence-based planning. Our strategies must directly address the challenges faced by our businesses, particularly in the energy and mining sectors.
“High electricity costs are crippling industries and leading to retrenchments. As the engine of economic development, DEDECT must champion investment in alternative energy solutions to stabilise and revitalise the provincial economy,” said Lenkopane.
She said to strengthen investment readiness, she has directed that feasibility studies by various entities be finalised and presented to ensure that investor targeting is precise and aligned with district-specific economic priorities. Lenkopane said highlighting logistics as a key enabler of growth, she has instructed the department to enhance coordination in the transport sector, including revitalising the province’s airports and improving airline connectivity to stimulate trade, tourism, and investment.
“We also announced plans for beneficiation initiatives in the chrome and platinum sectors, in partnership with the Limpopo Province, to advance industrialisation and value addition. Outcomes of this collaboration will be presented to the Premier and the President in due course.
“The effective management of mega projects remains critical. Coordination, monitoring, and timely implementation are essential to ensure these projects deliver tangible results in job creation and economic growth. As part of ongoing efforts to attract investment, we also announced that the department will host its own Investment Conference and Jobs Summit by the end of November 2025,” she said.
Lenkopane said this will assist in focusing on sector-specific opportunities and building on existing international market engagements. She said this initiative will build upon existing international market profiling, particularly where demand for products such as citrus fruit has already been identified.
“We urge delegates to ensure that the APP for 2025/26 reflects practical, measurable strategies that align with the 7th Administration’s priorities, driving inclusive economic growth, promoting industrial development, and creating sustainable jobs. The collaboration across all programmes, entities, and stakeholders will be essential to ensure the successful implementation of these strategic interventions.
“We need to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the 2026/27 plans are actionable, measurable, and transformative, our people depend on us to position the North West as a competitive hub for economic growth and sustainable development,” said Lenkopane.
She said the strategic planning session was attended by DEDECT’s key partners, including the Provincial Treasury (Internal Audit), Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), National Department of Tourism (NDT), Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), Office of the Premier, and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
Lenkopane said additional strategic partners in attendance include the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA), universities such as North-West University (NWU), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and the University of South Africa (UNISA), the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and representatives from District Municipalities’ Local Economic Development (LED) units all contributing valuable insights to the session.
Picture: The North West Provincial Government delegates/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane and Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, Sheila Huma, launched the North West Growth Hub today at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.
The Growth Hub, based at Shop No. 17 at OR Tambo International Airport, is a game-changer for local Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), providing enhanced visibility in competitive markets, support in accessing digital platforms, and opportunities to collaborate across industries.
Mokgosi further said with a strong focus on showcasing their rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, the Growth Hub will unlock fresh economic pathways across agriculture, conservation, manufacturing, and hospitality. He added that this strategic milestone is set to significantly enhance the province’s digital marketing and branding capacity, positioning the North West as a compelling destination for tourism, trade, and investment.
“The North West Growth Hub aims to amplify visibility for the province’s diverse Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), promote its rich biodiversity, and unlock growing economic opportunities.
“Through this Growth Hub we aim to amplify the visibility of the province to this lucrative market by exposing it to our rich biodiversity, and unlock growing economic opportunities across various sectors,” said Mokgosi.
He said the Growth Hub programme also aligns with the objectives of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, which will be launched in due course. Mokgosi said, however, at the centre of this initiative is to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and inclusive economy, which can help the province address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequalities in their communities.
“The Growth Hub is a flagship initiative of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), aligning with the department’s digital transformation priorities as pronounced by Lenkopane during the 2025 Budget Vote.
“It is a core pillar in the province’s broader strategy to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and inclusive economy. Once fully equipped with modern digital infrastructure, the hub will serve as a sustainable platform for marketing the North West as a premier tourism destination,” he said.
Mokgosi said the hub will also accelerate the development of township economies and promote localisation.
Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane handed over a house/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 July 2025- As part of the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Evelyn Lonkopane, handed over a newly-built home to the Pule family.
The Pule family, headed by a grandfather who had been living in a shack with his four siblings and four great-grandchildren, received the keys to their new home – bringing hope and dignity to their lives. Lenkopane said the donation was made following the passing of the family’s nephew, who was one of the providers and had been working for Mankwe Game Trackers.
“He sadly passed away due to COVID-19. The house, located at No. 2312, Lekwa Section in Ledig, was fully sponsored by Mankwe Game Trackers, a valued tourism stakeholder of the DEDECT. The family also received other donations including household contents from other tourism role players.
“In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the 67 minutes of service led by our dignitaries were dedicated to finalizing the painting of the home, which includes a toilet facility, planting of vegetable garden seedlings, and groceries donated by other tourism sector partners (Sun City, Kwa Maritane, Zimasa Travel, Ivory Tree, and Kingdom Resorts),” she said.
Lenkopane further said this initiative reflects the power of public-private partnerships, which she strongly advocates for among role players in the Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism sector and highlights the impact of collective action in uplifting the communities.
“We are now seeing the positive impact of our investments in Sun City Resort and other areas, thanks to the collaboration with various stakeholders. The quality of our work must really reflect the spirit of Tata Mandela, providing sustainable assistance to families, enabling them to maintain their dignity and improve their living conditions.
“We urge other tourism stakeholders to join in supporting communities. Let’s invest in our people and share valuable opportunities with them, embodying the spirit of “Tata Madiba’s” values. As part of the 67 minute gesture, the department also handed over equipment to 17 Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises owned by people with disabilities across all the districts of the province,” said Lenkopane.
In addition, she handed over certificates to Semphete Cooperative members operating in Morokweng village, who attended Product Development Training recently. Lenkopane added that they cannot just train and leave them.
“We will further assist them with access to market platforms like G20 activities and market linkages so they can profile themselves and market their products,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 July 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane will host a Business Forum Colloquium in partnership with key stakeholders in the MSME sector across the North West.
Lenkopane said the colloquium is part of her department’ strategic build-up to the 2025/26 budget speech and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships, foster dialogue, and align departmental interventions with inclusive economic priorities.
“This platform will bring together registered business forums, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and key government entities to deliberate on pressing economic challenges affecting the MSME sector, particularly access to bridging finance, regulatory bottlenecks, and institutional support.
“With a strong focus on empowerment, financial solutions, and stakeholder collaboration, the event under the theme “Driving Economic Empowerment” will also align with South Africa’s broader G20 2025 priorities of inclusive growth and sustainable economic development, especially in rural and underserved areas,” she said.
Lenkopane further said forums play a vital role in unlocking local economic opportunities, and this engagement reaffirms the department’s commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and resilient provincial economy. She added that, the event will be held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre on 15 July 2025, at 12pm.
Picture: The North West DEDECT and Free State delegates during meeting/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
30 June 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane hosted an interprovincial engagement with her counterpart, Free State MEC for Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Ketso Makume, with the aim of forging a collaboration to unlock cross-border initiatives and deliver mutual benefit for the two provinces.
Lenkopane further said the session ran parallel to the third G20 Sherpa meeting held on 25 and 26 June 2025, at Sun City Resort, in Rustenburg. In her opening remarks, Lenkopane added that two provinces shared geographic assets and economic interests hence it is strategic for them to engage and promote interprovincial economic cooperation.
“Identified areas of cooperation and mutual learning include Special Economic Zones, tourism, heritage and cultural activities, agriculture, industrial parks, enterprise development opportunities around airports, dams and Vredefort Dome UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The envisaged MoU will activate working forums and facilitate follow-up meetings to implement the agreed upon initiatives. So, I am excited to see the collaboration of the two provinces bringing a caring government to the people of North West and the Free State,” she said.
Meanwhile, Makume echoed the same sentiments when he said they should not allow the provincial borders to be barriers of progress. He said they should put communities first, considering that communities and labour are already intertwined.
“The meeting engaged in robust deliberations on cross border opportunities and areas of cooperation. The discussions explored economic sectors of cooperation such as agro-industrial development, renewable and green energy, industrial and logistics, tourism and cultural routes as well as skills and enterprise support.
“Following the deliberations, the two provinces came to an agreement to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU will give guidance on areas of implementation and practicalities thereof,” said Makume.
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.
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.
Picture: The Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre under construction
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 March 2025- A R28 million facelift project at Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre was marred by challenges. Now, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), was forced to terminate the contractor after he allegedly failed to reach contractual obligations.
The centre is currently undergoing a major restructuring that would result in its expansion from its current capacity. In 2015, the then Department of Tourism (now the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism), embarked on the development and construction of the Taung Hotel School and Conference Centre Infrastructure Programme in efforts to improve the tourism infrastructure and skills development in the province.
According to the North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, the main purpose of the infrastructure programme is to renovate and build additional infrastructure at the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in an attempt to convert the existing infrastructure to a Hotel School and Convention Centre into a State-of-art facilities.
Lenkopane said the resulting infrastructure is designed to provide a holistic educational and hospitality environment for beneficiary communities within the context of a Local Economic Development (LED), Rural Development and Community Development. She further said in the 2024/25 financial year, the department has allocated R28 million towards the renovation of the main hotel building and facilities.
“Many job opportunities will be created through the construction project of Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre. The ongoing project has created 78 jobs through local labourers and sub–contracting. This would continue to benefit the community for decades and would positively impact on the lives of many persons, who would in turn positively impact the lives of the community they reside in and the province as a whole.
“Yes, it is true we must close shops, we cannot be a construction site forever. Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre is a hotel and hotels must make money. We also have appointed new people who will complete the project. We told the IDT as implementing service that we are going to terminate its contract, if it does not deliver. So, it is true that they have terminated the contractor and the Head of Department briefed me that they have appointed the new one,” she said.
Lenkopane added that, once the hotel is up and running, they will hand it over.
The Guardian 