Tag Archives: Environment

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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Lenkopane champions rural women’s economic empowerment

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Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane 

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 November 2024 – North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has emphasized that sustainable development relies on recognizing the critical contributions of rural women to an inclusive economy. Lenkopane called on government, private sector stakeholders, and business forums to unite efforts to empower and include women as key players in economic transformation.

She made these remarks during an impactful outreach event at Sannieshof Lodge and Events, where rural women entrepreneurs from across the province gathered to gain valuable insights into government services and enterprise opportunities aimed at enhancing their economic independence and social well-being.

“The outreach aligns with the government’s broader agenda to drive economic growth and bridge gender inequalities in rural areas, supporting the 2023 Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy and advancing the goals of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act to prioritize sustainable development and social transformation.

“The event highlighted several key areas essential to supporting rural women’s economic inclusion, such as facilitating access to finance, providing skills development and training, addressing policy barriers faced by rural women, and enhancing business skills and resource accessibility to help women create sustainable jobs,” said Lenkopane.

She further said the department along with its entities, the North West Gambling Board, North West Parks & Tourism Board, and North West Development Corporation (NWDC), joined forces with development finance institutions including the NYDA, SEDFA, SARS, NEF, and WECONA, to share information on services available to empower women in business. Lenkopane added that women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners received guidance on a range of government-supported opportunities, from small business and cooperative registration to funding, business recovery programs, liquor licensing, and possibilities within biodiversity and tourism.

“Local SMMEs also showcased their products, reflecting rural women’s ambition and drive to expand their business impact. I would like to send my gratitude for the high turnout and the enthusiasm of participants’ eager to explore economic empowerment programmes led by the government.

“Our outreach initiatives, like this one and Thuntsha Lerole Reload, ensure that rural women have equal access to opportunities as their urban counterparts, fostering equitable communities and driving economic growth,” she said.

Lenkopane highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to providing financial, non-financial, and incubation support to empower women, youth, and people with disabilities across the province. She also stressed the critical role of information access in empowering communities, urging women to leverage the opportunities presented by departments and other funding institutions.

“Our department is dedicated to helping people understand and capitalize on the economic opportunities available to them, to transform lives and uplift rural communities.

“Government outreach programs like these are essential to improving public access to critical information, fostering direct engagement with officials, and cultivating a culture of economic inclusivity in rural communities,” said Lenkopane.

She re-affirmed the department’s commitment to gender equality as the economic priority, recognizing the role of women in advancing rural development and driving sustainable job creation.

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DEDECT partner with NWU to find the root cause of violence surrounding Hartbeespoort Dam

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

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 November 2024- North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they are in collaboration with the North West University (NWU) in an effort to find a permanent solution on the impasse at Hartbeespoort Dam. Initially, the NWU was commissioned to scientifically investigate the root cause of the violence that affects communities residing around the Hartbeespoort Dam.

Lenkopane further said they have now expanded the scope for the scientific inquiry to research possible economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West province equally. She added that the outbreak of violence in September 2024, in Hartbeespoort Dam has been characterized as racial tension, while in some quarters the altercations were labelled as a scramble for economic opportunities and participation.

“We since intervened, calling for peace and tolerance. We want to find a permanent solution to the problem at Hartbeespoort Dam and we do not want to be seen jumping the gun by arriving at assumption based conclusions on what could be the root cause of the violence.

“What we are condemning outright as a department, are acts of violence, criminality and destruction of property. That is why we have partnered with the NWU under the leadership of Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe to bring about a proper scientific inquiry into this matter,” said Lenkopane.

She said her department has already collected some data and several business people around Hartbeespoort Dam have been interviewed. Lenkopane said the preliminary investigations would not be released until the NWU concludes its report.

“We would then release the report for public consumption and engagement. The commission of the scientific report would end all forms of speculation around the problems of violence at Hartbeespoort Dam and will also identify economic opportunities, which can benefit the people of the North West Province.

“We are working around the clock with all relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problems affecting communities around the Hartebeespoort Dam,” she said.

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North West host stakeholder engagement to advance global biodiversity agenda

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

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 October 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane led a two-day Biodiversity Sector Stakeholder Engagement at Sun City in Rustenburg. The engagement marked a significant milestone in the 7th administration’s first 100 days in office, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainable development through biodiversity initiatives.

In her address, Lenkopane emphasized the critical role of biodiversity conservation in securing both the economic future and environmental sustainability of the province. She also highlighted the importance of preserving the province’s unique ecosystems from the lush bushveld savannas to the red sands of the Kalahari thorn-veld, positioning the province as a key destination for ecotourism.

“I am grateful to see such a strong turnout, reflecting our shared dedication to environmental stewardship. These gatherings aim to unlock economic opportunities that will bring meaningful change to our communities.

“We would like to applaud the departmental management and the entities for their commitment to this vision. The economic potential of wildlife ranching, a thriving industry since the 1960s, now worth billions of rands. With over 1,200 game farms and two UNESCO-designated biospheres the Magaliesberg and Marico, the North West province is primed to attract local and international investment, create jobs, and build sustainable industries,” said Lenkopane.

She further stressed the need for a regulatory framework to support growth while safeguarding natural resources. Lenkopane added that the key to the progress announced at the engagement is adoption of the Biodiversity Framework aimed at ensuring that biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely.

“We need to recognise that human and ecosystem sustainability requires a global target of 30% of land and sea being placed under protection by 2030.

“This working framework balances conservation with economic growth by expanding protected areas and fostering investment in biodiversity-based enterprises,” she said.

Lenkopane said the provincial government’s dedication to biodiversity is further reinforced through proposed regulatory reforms, including the North West Biodiversity Bill, aimed at creating a more supportive environment for biodiversity businesses.

                                                                                      She said this event highlights the significant role the biodiversity economy can play in tackling the socioeconomic challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

“We are strategically positioning the biodiversity sector to respond to these needs and provide sustainable, local economic benefits.     

“We also discussed the expanding market for game meat production, community-owned enterprises, and bioprospecting opportunities, all of which contribute to rural economies and support local industries,” said Lenkopane.

She said the discussions addressed the advancement of the biodiversity economy through initiatives like ecotourism development, commercialization of biodiversity assets, and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Lenkopane said this aligns with the province’s commitment to transforming biodiversity into a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic inclusion.

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North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane donates food parcels to the needy

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 September 2024- The North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, celebrated her birthday with the congregation of Bechuana Methodist Church during their 10th Annual Convention in Setlagole.                                                                  

As a firm believer in Christ, Lenkopane decided to spend her special day giving back to the community through faith, exemplifying her commitment to service delivery.

She donated 100 food parcels and 100 blankets to vulnerable families and elderly members of the Bechuana Methodist Church, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and solidarity. Lenkopane also reflected on 1 Corinthians 12:28.

“God appoints leaders to serve the body of Christ. I am not here in my capacity as MEC, but as a servant of the 7th administration under the leadership of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi.

“Our mission is to accelerate service delivery and create jobs through government programmes. The churches play a critical role in economic development, particularly through religious and domestic tourism,” she said.

Lenkopane further said churches contribute to the local economy by organising Annual Conventions, Synods, and Circuit functions. She added that these events bring people together, leading to bookings for accommodation, the buying and selling of food through bazaars, and fundraising activities like raffles.

“There is a need to empower churches and communities to harness these opportunities, leveraging government programmes that support small businesses, especially those owned by women, youth and people with disabilities.

“These initiatives are crucial to transforming the province’s economy, creating jobs, alleviating poverty, and addressing inequality,” said Lenkopane.

In her address, she also commended the church for its role in community empowerment and urged the congregation to take advantage of available government support.

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North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane calls for tranquillity at Hartbeespoort amid racial tensions  

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Picture: The Hartbeespoort Dam during cleaning session/Generic 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 September 2024- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane calls on the Madibeng Local Municipality to strengthen its by-laws and raise awareness of business regulations to ensure peaceful dispute resolution without resorting to violence or property damage.

This comes after a recent violent incident in Hartbeespoort, where properties were set on fire. It is alleged that the incident was sparked by racial tensions.  

“We express our deep concern over the recent violent incident. We also acknowledged the racial tensions surrounding the incident, amid allegations that, “Afrikaans-speaking individuals”, are attempting to displace black residents and their businesses from the area.

“The matter has been reported to the police and investigations are currently underway. Transformation is ongoing in the Hartbeespoort area, particularly with the involvement of the Mekgareng Communal Property Association (MCPA) and Oberon Development, following the return of approximately 400 hectares of land to the black community,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the government has already allocated nearly R70 million towards the area’s development, with plans to create a smart city featuring office parks, a five-star hotel and other tourism-enhancing infrastructure. She added that her department remains committed to supporting Mekgareng and Oberon in advancing this significant project.

“The municipality has recorded the highest post-pandemic recovery rate in the province at 65%, particularly Brits and Hartbeespoort Dam. The area’s proximity to Gauteng’s Lanseria and OR Tambo International Airports, offers the North West a strategic advantage in attracting international tourists and revitalizing tourism in the province.

“We cannot allow these violent incidents to derail our recovery efforts, especially during Tourism Month and as we approach the festive season. We affirm that our department will continue collaborating with the Department of Community Safety and Transport, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists,” said Lenkopane.

She said roadblocks will be set up along the N4 and other major routes connecting the North West to neighbouring provinces to enhance security measures.  Lenkopane called for those responsible for unlawful activities to be held accountable and urged all parties involved in the Hartbeespoort incidents to allow law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.

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North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane happy with progress recorded over issuing of licences 

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Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT)

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she is happy with the progress recorded in the last two months on processing and issuing of licences to applicants. Lenkopane said more queries were also addressed and gave involved parties closure on matters raised and cleared paths for licensees to conduct their respective business. 

She further said among the department’s core responsibilities is to register and regularize business operations in the province, including issuing of Liquor and Gambling Licences, where revenue through levies could be sourced for re-investment into the provincial economic support, growth and service delivery. Lenkopane added that she has embarked on a meet and greet session with stakeholders of the department, including entities. 

“Through submitted reports from the directorates, we discovered deficiencies from the North West Liquor Board, where such impeded and its functionalities led to a huge backlog on adjudication of licensing applications. 

“Other members of the Board had also resigned, affecting the Board’s constitutional composition thus being disabled to make legal decisions. I appointed the Liquor Board in July and strengthened its operation to improve and accelerate its work,” she said.

Lenkopane said the chairperson and deputy chairperson were given the responsibility to reposition the entity to enable it to collect more revenue. She said they were also charged with unblocking challenges on the applications and ensuring that set targets are reached on time as many queries were received with being attended to and responses issued. 

“In July alone, the North West Liquor Board has managed to process and adjudicate 79 new licence applications and 9 secondary applications seeking relocations within the same magisterial areas. All applications received were approved and applicants will be invited to receive their licences to be handed over by me on 21 to 23 August 2024 dates. 

“These outcomes were communicated and successful applicants are expected to start operating accordingly and are warned to do so within the Liquor Act prescripts and all applicable laws. The Board has recorded improved collection of revenue from levies in the same period,” said Lenkopane. 

She said the Board has also attended to complaints regarding non-compliance from licencees ranging from non-adherence to operating hours, where a tavern from Ventersdorp was punished among others. Lenkopane appealed to licensees to comply and operate within the law as required and allow their establishments to be embraced by communities so as to contribute to the local economy and reduce unemployment. 

“We warned that those not respecting the law will not be left unpunished to ensure that the rights of all community members are secured. The province is still working on the Act that will allow the entity to, amongst others, enable adjustment with new dispensations. 

“Applicants can meet their respective market requirements such as operation on Sundays and or public holidays. This will however be done with strict compliance measures. We are also pleased with the progress recorded in Gambling Licencing applications,” she said. 

Lenkopane said in early July, she had a session with Gambling Licencees, where she recorded many complaints that included the long turnaround time for the approval of the licences. 

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R28m set aside for a major facelift of Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre  

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Picture: Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) said it has put aside R28 million for a major facelift of Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre. The centre is undergoing a major restructuring that would result in its expansion from its current capacity. 

The DEDECT spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi said 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. 

“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 with state of the art facilities. 

“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,” said Matebesi. 

He further said in the 2024/25 financial year, the department has allocated R28 million towards the renovation of the main hotel building and facilities. Matebesi added that 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,” he said.

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Lenkopane: “Collective action needed to tackle GBV, alcohol abuse and economic disparities affecting women”

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Picture: North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane

By REGINALD KANYANE 

The North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane said women play a crucial role in society and her department is committed to support community organisations.

Lenkopane, who celebrated Women’s Day in Tigane, near Klerksdorp, said 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, showed concerted efforts. She recounted the story of Mama Charlotte Maxeke, a social worker who became involved with the church after getting lost abroad. 

Lenkopane was accompanied by the City of Matlosana mayor, Fikile Mahlophe and North West Gambling Board acting CEO, Boitumelo Qalinge. She attended a special Women’s Day service at St. Luke Anglican Church and the church’s Mary Sumner Mothers’ Union in Tigane.

“The church embraced her and she, in return, mobilized other women to discuss women’s agendas and challenges. So, we urge women to return to the church and begin dialogues about today’s societal challenges. Unlike the 1956 era, today’s issues include high unemployment rates among women, their exclusion from economic roles and leadership positions and the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and social ills. 

“We encourage women to engage with these topics and develop solutions. There is a need for collective action in tackling GBV, alcohol abuse, and economic disparities affecting women. We must support one another in building an agenda, where women are empowered to thrive,” she said. 

As part of her commitment to community support, Lenkopane donated new chairs to the church and provided the Emmanuel Child Day Care Centre with essential items, including bedding materials and groceries. She said this is an act of generosity following the commitment made in July during the Nelson Mandela International Day celebration.

“The centre cares for disabled children from the villages. I would also like to encourage the church’s Mothers’ Union to remain a strong and united body, ensuring that women’s issues are addressed effectively. The church is a powerful platform that welcomes all women, regardless of their political beliefs.

“Our department is tasked with promoting economic development through support for SMMEs, regularizing and enhancing business activities and attracting investors to maximize provincial revenue,” said Lenkopane. 

She encouraged community members to ensure their businesses are registered and operate within legal frameworks, highlighting that proper registration and licensing enable the government to collect levies, which are then reinvested into communities through service delivery and donations, as demonstrated on the day.

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