Tag Archives: Environment

ANC’s January 8th statement celebration brings significant economic impact

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Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By AGISANANG SCUFF

5 January 2026- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she has noted the significant and growing economic impact generated by the ANC’s January 8th Statement Celebration taking place at Moruleng Stadium, near Rustenburg on 10 January 2026.

Speaking on the sidelines of preparations, Lenkopane welcomed the economic opportunities created by the event.

“I am encouraged by the tangible economic activities already being generated by the ANC January 8th Statement Celebration in our province. This event goes far beyond politics — it unlocks meaningful opportunities for the local traders, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), accommodation providers, transport operators and businesses across the tourism value chain, particularly as the sector continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19.

“We invited tourists to experience the beauty of the province parallel to the celebration. We invite visitors not only to attend the celebrations, but to experience the full tourism offering of the North West, including destinations such as the Pilanesberg and other cultural and leisure attractions,” she said.

Lenkopane further said as they open the province for business, they call on all visitors and residents to respect and protect their wildlife, including rhinos, pangolins, tortoises, and all protected species and to help keep their environment clean. She added environmental protection and responsible tourism are key to attracting investment, sustaining jobs and securing long-term economic growth.

“A dedicated, multi-stakeholder task team has been appointed, led by the North West Parks and Tourism entity, to consolidate, coordinate and oversee all tourism activities related to the ANC January 8th Statement Celebration.

This structure has been put in place to ensure orderly coordination, compliance, and accountability and to decisively prevent and respond to fraudulent activities.

“The department has noted with serious concern and disappointment that certain individuals and groups are attempting to exploit this event through scams and unlawful practices. The department wishes to state unequivocally that it is working around the clock to identify, address, and eliminate such activities, while protecting visitors, service providers and local communities,” said Lenkopane.

She said in line with expanding inclusive participation, the department is also actively supporting residents who wish to convert their homes into guest accommodation. Lenkopane said all such establishments will undergo proper assessment and guidance, including grading through recognised tourism grading structures, to ensure safety, quality standards and regulatory compliance.

“Furthermore, we confirm that the department and its entities have been conducting intensive oversight visits to tourism establishments across the province, including major resorts, museums and large-scale tourism facilities. These visits have included direct engagements with tourism associations and key industry stakeholders, including Sun City, as part of readiness checks and sector coordination.

“The department encourages residents and visitors to support only licensed, regulated and compliant tourism and gambling establishments, including authorised casinos and gaming outlets,” she said.

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Lenkopane to probe mismanagement and misappropriation of funds at NWPTB   

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Picture: The North West MEC DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

26 December 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they welcome the settlement of long outstanding third-party obligations affecting employees of the Golden Leopard Resorts (Soc) Ltd (GLR) and Madikwe, following decisive steps by the department and the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). Lenkopane said for more than three years, pension contributions were deducted from salaries but never paid over to the pension fund administrators.

She further said this failure left employees without retirement security and in tragic cases, families of deceased staff unable to access benefits. Lenkopane added that previous allocations from the department to address the arrears were never implemented, deepening the hardship.

“In the latest adjustment, DEDECT allocated R42.5 million to resolve these issues, R12.5 million for pension fund arrears, R26 million to settle SARS obligations including VAT and payroll taxes and R4 million for overdue salary increases covering 19 months from April 2024 to October 2025.

“Payments have now been made in full, bringing pension contributions up to date for all staff members affected.

This settlement benefits more than 300 employees of GLR and Madikwe,” she said.

Lenkopane commended the current leadership of the departmental accounting office and the entity for taking decisive action to resolve the matter, describing it as a significant relief and a worthy Christmas gift to affected employees and their families. She said the resolution of this matter demonstrates that the 7th administration continues to place the interests of the people at the centre of its work and remains committed to addressing historical challenges, restoring confidence in public entities and ensuring accountability and sound financial management.

“In addition to the settlement, we have an intensified investigation into the matter, aimed at holding those responsible accountable. The probe will cover the period when GLR was still a subsidiary of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and criminal charges will be pursued against individuals implicated in depriving employees and families of their rightful benefits.

“DEDECT and its entities have also strengthened governance and accountability measures to ensure such failures never recur. Enhanced monitoring of salary deductions and third-party payments is now embedded in GLR’s turnaround strategy, which has been endorsed by the provincial executive council,” said Lenkopane.

She said this correction is a promise kept—and a trust restored. Lenkopane said their work does not stop here.

“We remain committed to sustainable, ethical, and people-centred operations across all DEDECT entities,” she said.

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Implementation of the North West Liquor Licensing Act to take effect

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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.

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Kasi Ride Drives Local Economic Growth and Market Access for Small Businesses

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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.

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Lenkopane Leads Strategic Planning Session

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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.

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Growth Hub will unlock fresh economic pathways

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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.

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Lenkopane hand over a house to disadvantaged family

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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.

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North West MEC for DEDECT to host Business Forum Colloquim

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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.

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