Tag Archives: Environment

Action SA calls for a probe on the appointment of Kudakwashe Mpofu as CFO of North West Development  

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Picture: The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of North West Development Corporation, Kudakwashe Mpofu  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Action SA has called on the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) to probe the appointment of the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kudakwashe Mpofu at the NWDC. 

According to the North West MC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi, the embattled Mpofu resigned from the position with immediate effect, amid allegations that he illegally obtained his residence permit. 

The Action SA chairperson in North West, Kgosi Kwena Mangope said, even though they welcomed the resignation of Mpofu, he should not be absolved from answering questions about how he obtained his permanent residence permit in South Africa.

“We are on record requesting the DEDECT and the NWDC to provide answers on how Mpofu was employed and given a senior position in government. To that end, we are once again, appealing with the two entities to cooperate fully with all the law enforcement agencies, especially the Special Investing Unit (SIU), which has been tasked with investigating the matter.

“It remains a concern to us as a party and all law abiding citizens that our government allowed an illegal immigrant to continue to remain in the employ of the state, even though the Home AffairsDepartment declared that he has obtained his permanent residency fraudulently,” said Mangope.

He further said, Action SA believes in the rule of law and they are clear that, any foreign person entering the borders, must do so within the prescripts of the law and our immigration policy. Mangope added that no one must remain completely at ease to reside in the country’s borders without proper documentation.

“We will follow this case to ensure there is full accountability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tlhapi said: “We can confirm that Mpofu has resigned with immediate effect. Mpofu’s resignation comes after a series of news reports, which indicated that he has fraudulently obtained his residence permit. On 17 March 2024, the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, confirmed to Times Live online publication and other news sources that, indeed Mpofu who is a citizen of Zimbabwe, did not obtain his residence permit through the Department of Home Affairs. 

“The department has since noted the report by Motsoaledi and vows to cooperate with law enforcement agencies investigating this matter. As the department, we have been following this matter since last week when it appeared in the Sunday World newspaper.”

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R15 million set aside to empower SMMEs in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Virginia Tlhapi said youth development is an integral part of national transformation and a catalyst for sustainable growth. Tlhapi said as a government, they recognise the challenges faced by Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the province and they will provide much-needed support.

“Our intention is to foster a plan in collaboration with key stakeholders that caters to the needs of young entrepreneurs and ensures economic transformation for small enterprises. We also want to encourage young people to absorb and apply the shared information to seize the opportunities presented before them.

“We want them to ultimately contribute to a better future. Our department is committed and has allocated R15 million to procure equipment for both start-ups and existing small business enterprises. Under this fund, small businesses and cooperatives operating within the province can access equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200,000 for existing businesses,” she said.

Tlhapi further said the fund excludes certain industries such as liquor, gambling, tendering costs, property acquisition expenses, primary agriculture, and transportation. She added that, as part of the program, ten Empowerment Fund Program beneficiaries in the fields of laundry services, spa and beauty, steel projects, construction, printing, confectionery, catering, and architectural services received equipment.

“We would like to commend their efforts and we urge them to strive for sustainability as their success will generate employment opportunities for others. This impactful event followed a series of informative sessions held in Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom, and Bloemhof, which showcased a range of opportunities provided by the government.

“These sessions aimed to enhance the competitiveness of rural and township enterprises, start-up businesses, and high-growth potential businesses owned by youth, thereby retaining existing jobs and fostering new employment prospects.

The event received extensive support from the Bojanala District and its local municipalities, and various development finance institutions, including SEFA, SEDA, NYDA, NWDC, NDA, NEF, and SARS,” said Tlhapi.

She said these institutions encouraged SMMEs to leverage opportunities made available by the government and the private sector to fuel the growth and development of their businesses. Tlhapi said her dedication to empowering young SMMEs sets a precedent for economic transformation in the region by bridging the gap between the first and second economies.

“These efforts promise to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, promoting job creation and sustainable development,” she said.

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‘North West women shine at farming awards’

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Women Awards

BY NALEDI BOGACWI

The Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government honoured women who showed character and pedigree within the agricultural sector.

The awards ceremony was attended by amongst others, Queen Mother of Bafokeng Royal Nation Mmemogolo Semane Molotlegi, the Province’s Director-General Dr Lydia Sebego and the Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality Cllr Jostina Mothibe.

He North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said this at a glittering Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fishery Female Entrepreneur Awards (DAFF) ceremony hosted by the Provincial Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development at Haartebeespoort, Madibeng Local Municipality.

Addressing more than 600 women who attended the ceremony, Mahumapelo said the character and vigor displayed by women in the agricultural sector will go a long way in ensuring that the 6% economic growth target set by the province is reached by 2019.

“We are happy that women in this province are continuing to make an impact in the agricultural sector, and that they comprehend our prioritisation of agriculture as a key economic driver”.

“While government is mindful of the challenges they go through as agricultural entrepreneurs, we are challenging them to see those challenges as a necessary platform for their immeasurable success.

“Having placed agriculture at the apex of the province’s economic growth strategy, we remain positive that our women farmers will sustain their meaningful contribution in our collective pursuit for radical socio-economic transformation, premier Mahumapelo said.

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Manketsi Tlhape, the MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development challenged women farmers to produce more food, this in the wake of Provincial Government’s resolve to make local farmers main suppliers of agricultural produce for government institutions such as hospitals and schools.

“This is a great market opportunity government is creating for our farmers, and we challenge you to grab and make full use of this radical opportunity”, said MEC Tlhape who also implored women farmers to claim their space in the sector and treat agriculture as a serious business.

Crowning the winner of the Provincial DAFF Female Entrepreneur Award, Premier Mahumapelo announced Phindi Abdulla of Khuphuka Salgap Projects in Bojanala Platinum district as the competition overall winner.

Abdulla was a nominee for the Top Export Market category, and won R250 000.00 in cash plus agricultural infrastructure worth R1 million. The ceremony which takes place every year in August, has made a significant mark in the province and continues to inspire women to be the best in the farming business.

The programme aims at recognising improved delivery, innovation and excellence in the Agricultural mainstream economy by women.

It is also an instrument through which women’s enormous contributions in pushing back the frontiers of poverty can be recognised through the Food Security Programme.

The winners of various competition categories will represent the Province at a national awarding ceremony to be hosted by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in partnership with Total SA, later this month.

-TDN

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