Tag Archives: Environment

Lenkopane Leads Strategic Planning Session

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Growth Hub will unlock fresh economic pathways

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Lenkopane hand over a house to disadvantaged family

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West MEC for DEDECT to host Business Forum Colloquim

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Committee welcomes turnaround strategy for Madikwe Game Reserve

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Lenkopane enhances support for local businesses

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Taung