Tag Archives: Environment

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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It’s been 100 years since the discovery of Taung Skull, but….!

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Picture: The late professor and palaeoanthropologist Phillip Vallentine Tobias holds the Taung skull. / Wikipedia

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 April 2025- Taung World Heritage Site, which is a significant piece of South African heritage, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The site is where a crucial early hominin fossil was discovered.

However, one of the founders of Vaal Taung Tourism Association, Ontshebile Joseph Tshamboko, who is affectionately known as ‘OJ The Dreamer” said, it is disheartening to see that there are no builds-up event to celebrate 100 years anniversary since the discovery of Taung Skull. Tshamboko calls on the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) to make means that it brings Taung Skull from Wits University to Taung, at least for a month.

He further said that it will benefit the economy of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District at large. Tshamboko said that will also inspire young people who are passionate about tourism.    

“For years, as the tourism product owners across the province, we have submitted numerous proposals to previous MECs, but nothing is happening. We do see that tourism in Bojanala is booming, whereas Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District also has the potential.

“When it comes to the Taung Skull issue, it is really throbbing. Yes, we see development but they have been there for the past 10 years. Today, the area is still in the developmental stage, though they said they are completing soon,” he said.

Tshamboko said it will be great if locals have a touch or feel the skull within their jurisdiction as part of its centenary celebration. He said even if there is no physical touch, just to see it will make a difference.

“I think some of us will rest in peace knowing that we have seen our fossil with our naked eyes. When are we going to lay our eyes on that particular precious skull?

“If they are concerned about security, they can do the same thing as they do when showcasing the World Cup trophies. We will be able to generate income and tourism product owners will make profits,” said Tshamboko.

He said people are prepared to pay to see that skull. Tshamboko said the government can even deploy South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to guard the Taung Skull as part of activation.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Evelyn Lenkopane said: “I have been receiving a lot of calls regarding Taung Skull. We are closing shop now and will no longer be a construction site.

“Taung Skull must generate income for the people of Taung. We are busy digitising it and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will hand it over to the community, so that activation and economical activities can start rolling.”

Lenkopane said the government has already spent almost R500 million on the Taung World Heritage Site project since its inception. She said they have appointed a project management team that has given a timeline.

“We cannot forever pump money into the project. So, we are giving it to the community and releasing a digitised version of it. We are also engaging Wits University,” said Lenkopane.

Meanwhile, the fossilised skull of a child was discovered by unsuspecting workers in a limestone quarry in Buxton village in 1924. Taung Skull or Taung Child, which was later named Australopithecus africanus, was the first hominid fossil to be discovered on the African continent.

Taung Skull was formally discovered and studied by Raymond Dart. The skull was taken to the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg for research purposes, where it is currently located.

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Picture: Taung  

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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New contractor appointed for Taung Hotel School project 

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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. 

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Lenkopane vows to fight corruption at NWPTB

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 February 2025- North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in North West, have been confronted with historic operational inefficiencies and they are focusing on rooting out mismanagement. Lenkopane, who addressed the media today in Mahikeng said, they have taken disciplinary actions against employees for alleged misconduct, property damage and unlawful protest participation.

She further said the SOEs such as the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) are faced with financial distress. Lenkopane added that the Board is confronting financial problems at the NWPTB that are due to multiple factors, including corruption, poor financial management and low revenue generation.

“Golden Leopards Resorts (GLR), a subsidiary of the NWPTB, has also experienced financial difficulties, resulting in unpaid salaries and taxes. Our turnaround plan at GLR has yielded a breakthrough and we will unpack this after the SOPA. DEDECT has gone to extraordinary lengths to fund the NWPTB.

“Despite these efforts, employee salaries were regrettably delayed this month due to internal challenges within the entity. I can confirm that all salaries were paid this past weekend. To ensure that our transformative interventions build better capacity for service delivery, multi-stakeholder engagements, including labour unions and entity boards, will continue to be convened to address these urgent matters,” she said.

Lenkopane said this has necessitated personnel reassignments to expedite service delivery and to facilitate investigations in the department and its entities. She said she will report the alleged corruption to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

“Our commitment to building capable state institutions is unshaken. The Acting Head of Department and I, are engaging constructively with labour unions to resolve employee concerns. In these engagements, we have always put our employees first, respecting their rights and treating each person with dignity.

“The Gambling Board and NWDC have initiated disciplinary proceedings for employee transgressions, including theft and sabotage. Disciplinary proceedings at the Gambling Board have been widely reported and we can confirm that the SAPS has made arrests in this matter,” said Lenkopane.

She said the department’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been seconded to the NWDC to strengthen financial governance at the entity. According to Lenkopane, these interventions are proof of their commitment to consequence management and proactive leadership.

“A new Board has been appointed to the NWPTB to improve governance and address adverse audit findings. DEDECT is actively engaging with the North West Provincial Legislature’s Committees to address mutual concerns and ensure alignment,” she said.

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North West MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane’s ‘bad’ behaviour under scrutiny after ‘attacking’ SCOPA members  

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

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 February 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane is under scrutiny after she allegedly attacked the Members of Provincial Legislature (MPLs) in North West.

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA), Smuts Matshe, who condemned the alleged behaviour of Lenkopane, said she opted to abuse her presence at a Scopa meeting convened on 12 February 2024, in Schweizer Reneke, to process the 2023/24 Audit Report of the North West Parks and Tourism Board by attacking Members of the Provincial Public Accounts Committee.

Matshe said the previous day, 11 February 2025, Lenkopane was scheduled to appear before the committee with the department and all its entities, but unfortunately the North West Parks and Tourism Board, failed to attend. He further said the committee resolved that the absence of the North West Parks and Tourism Board from the session is unacceptable and within 24 hours, the entity should present its report, hence the meeting that was held on Wednesday.

“The presentation from the North West Parks and Tourism Board failed to respond to all written pre-submitted questions of the committee. The committee then directed that since there was no report to be engaged, the Board must submit a proper report within seven days.

“I was surprised by the behaviour of Lenkopane towards the conclusion of the meeting as she attacked almost all Members of the Committee, accusing them of having vested interests in the entity,” said Matshe.

He added that, the Members of the Committee had not even put forward their views since there was no report to engage.

“An attack on Members of the Committee was the last thing one expected from a Member of the Executive Council. To even accuse members of being conflicted is not only being arrogant but disrespectful to the work of the Legislature.

“I am satisfied that none of the Members of the Committee were ever employed or deployed to oversee the North West Parks and Tourism Board for the period under review (2023/24) and therefore there should be nothing stopping them from carrying out their work as Members of the Legislature,” said Matshe.

He said the conduct of Lenkopane appears to be an attempt to intimidate and silence Members of the Committee from effectively playing their oversight role. Matshe said Lenkopane has no authority to direct SCOPA or any of its members on any matter, including how they must process reports from her department or its entities.

“Lenkopane should be advised that there is no credibility crisis regarding MPLs elected to serve in different committees. The view of the committee is that the conduct of Lenkopane is quite unfortunate, unlawful and at best immoral.

“I will be taking up this matter with the Political Office Bearers of the Legislature as well as relevant structures of the House to ensure that no MEC is allowed to undermine committees of the North West Provincial Legislature,” he said.

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NWPTB employees not paid their salaries

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 January 2025- The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has strengthened its monitoring and oversight mechanisms to intervene at the North West Parks and Tourism (NWPTB). This comes after the entity’s failure to pay employee salaries, despite receiving its quarterly financial allocation from the department at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the current financial year.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they have consistently released the quarterly allocation to the entity as per the legislation, with the last of the year released earlier following the entity’s request. Lenkopane said failure to pay salaries might be a bad omen brewing a regress on the department’s employed mechanism to right the financial wrongs and deficiencies that adversely affected the entity’s audit outcomes.

“This is a risk and the entity’s financial management needs more attention. It is inconceivable that the entity is unable to pay salary at the beginning of the fourth quarter, while the funds have already been transferred.

“This appears to be a regular occurrence, but it needs to change. The risk of not paying salaries is not a new phenomenon in the entity. This situation has been prevalent in the previous administration dating back as far as 2022,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the records prove that the entity has failed to generate and or sustainability manage revenue for its benefit. She added that this situation cannot continue unattended, especially in this new administration.

“The department is left with no choice but to put magnifying glasses on the financial affairs of the Board. I have since instructed the department’s Accounting Officer, where necessary, to invoke the Treasury Regulation 8.4.2.

“It gives him powers to withhold a transfer payment or grant, other than division of revenue, if he is satisfied that the entity is failing to meet certain financial conditions, and no financial value is realized,” said Lenkopane.

She said this provision of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) applies to all the entities. Lenkopane said the department has begun the process of putting measures to strengthen the oversight on the entities.

“This is to help steer the ailing entities to the right direction. A task team consisting of financial experts and auditors from DEDECT will be appointed to look closely into the finances of the entity.

“The team will also be mandated to open all the reports written by the experts that were appointed by the Board of Directors during the 6th administration and to implement their recommendations,” she said.

Lenkopane said the NWPT Board of Directors has, in its first meeting of 2025, drafted a Revenue Enhancement Plan and resolved to appoint a subcommittee to look into Revenue Enhancement, and exploit the opportunities in biodiversity economy. She said her department is in full support of this initiative in quest for diversification to explore closely into these particular untapped and sustainable biological resources, altogether with their markets for contribution into the Provincial Gross Domestic Product.

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Two white rhinos dehorned and killed by criminals

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Picture: Rhino horns

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she strongly condemns the recent rhino poaching incident that happened at Botsalano Nature Reserve over the Christmas holidays.

Lenkopane Lenkopane further condemns the barbaric deeds by perpetrators, who allegedly shot and killed two white rhinos (bull and a cow), which were previously legally dehorned by departmental conservation personnel.

She further said the carcasses of poached rhinos were discovered by field rangers, whilst conducting their routine security operational patrols in the nature reserve. Lenkopane added that, they are well aware that poaching perpetrators are taking advantage of the festive holidays to infiltrate the reserves, but they are intensifying security to prevent this criminality from happening again.

“The investigations are well underway and we are working together with all relevant law enforcement agencies. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of those who have carried out these evil deeds.

“Communities around the reserves are encouraged to silently observe and alert law enforcement agencies when suspicious activities are detected as some of these criminals harbour within nearby communities either before or after such crimes are committed,” she said.

Lenkopane said the police together with the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) and the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMIs), are jointly investigating the matter with the single objective of bringing suspects to book. She said her department wishes to inform the public that the escape of two rhinos at Mafikeng Nature Reserve on 25 December 2024, is a separate incident and not related to the Botsalano rhino poaching incidents.

“Escaped rhinos were successfully driven back into the reserve by staff members on 26 December 2024,” said Lenkopane.

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