11 March 2026- The North West Provincial Government has in the last two years increased efforts to create job opportunities. As of early this year, the province has shown significant improvement in its labour market, with the official unemployment rate decreasing by 6.2% points year-on-year.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) during the official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, lauded the provincial department of Health for contributing to the provincial employment statistics through the absorption of over 4500 Community Health Workers on a full time and temporary basis.
Mokgosi said CHWs across the province now have a confirmed employment status, either through permanent absorption into the public service or through fully standardised contractual arrangements with regulated remuneration.
“Of these, 2564 Community Health Workers who hold a matric qualification have been permanently absorbed into Level 2 posts, while 1999 workers without matric have been fully contracted and are receiving standardised pay. The department has further confirmed full back pay compliance for non-matriculant Community Health Workers.
“The Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala Platinum Districts collectively account for 69% of the provincial Community Health Worker workforce, with Ngaka Modiri Molema contributing 42.6%, followed by Bojanala Platinum at 26.5%. Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts are at 17.3% and 13.5% respectively,” he said.
Mokgosi further commended the creation of opportunities for young people through their enrolment under the Nelson Mandela–Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Programme. He added that as a provincial government, they committed to send 31 unemployed young people from across the North West into the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Programme to pursue medical studies in Cuba, and this was achieved.
“An additional thirty young people will undergo this programme in the next financial year. There are plans by the provincial administration to continue to collaborate with SETAs, Organisations in the Skills industry, as well as business to build skills capacity and human development in the province,” said Mokgosi.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi hand over RDP houses to beneficiaries/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, recently handed over six houses to rightful beneficiaries at Bokamoso and Thekwane villages in the Rustenburg Local Municipality.
Handing over the houses last Friday, Mokgosi said the gesture was not only about giving beneficiaries a roof over their heads, but also about restoring their dignity and ensuring that they have security, worth and a sense of purpose. He described this as an important aspect of living a dignified life.
“The handover came at the right time as we celebrate Human Rights, urging us to accelerate the fight against inequality and discrimination in all its forms. Government is prioritising housing developments that are fully integrated with infrastructure and social amenities.
“This approach aims to address historical spatial inequalities by ensuring that new housing developments have access to basic services and social amenities. This vision will only be realised, if all stakeholders adhere to the principles of the District Development Model (DDM),” he said.
Mokgosi further said for many years their focus has been on the number of houses built. He added that while this helped to reduce the housing backlog they are facing, they have realised that in doing so, they sometimes overlooked other basic services such as reliable water supply, sanitation and electricity.
North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi, echoed the Premier’s sentiments, stressing that access to basic services remains a critical part of the government’s housing mandate.
“Our mandate as the department goes beyond simply building houses. It is about creating sustainable human settlements and improving the quality of life for residents by ensuring that they have access to basic services.
“Government now aims to ensure that new housing projects are connected to infrastructure and social amenities in order to create communities where residents can live, work and access services without being isolated,” he said.
Molapisi urged the beneficiaries to take care of their new homes, as they are investments for their future and that of their loved ones. He said this was made possible through strong coordination between local and provincial governments in an effort to create sustainable and integrated human settlements.
Irene Taunyana (79) pensioner, who had been living in a house built from precast walls, was one of the beneficiaries who received her house during the visit to Thekwane village. Taunyana, who was overjoyed, could not hide her excitement when she received her new home and sang at the top of her voice.
“This is a miracle. My life has just changed, and this generous gesture will help restore my health forever. What the government has done for me is a clear signal of how it cares about us, its citizens,” said Taunyana.
Meanwhile, out of a total of 250 housing units in Bokamoso, 161 houses have been built, while in Thekwane 43 houses have been built out of a total of 50 houses. The Department of Human Settlements has reaffirmed its commitment to providing citizens with adequate housing connected to essential services.
10 March 2026- The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) continues to accelerate infrastructure development across the province, with several new healthcare facilities completed and additional upgrades already in the pipeline. In his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered during the official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, informed the legislature that the recently completed projects include healthcare facilities in Delareyville, the Bulk Pharmacy, and three park-home clinics situated in Sheila, Uitkyk, and Magogoe villages.
Mokgosi said these developments form part of the province’s broader strategy to improve access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, he announced that plans are underway to establish a dedicated Chemotherapy Unit at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital.
“The new oncology service is expected to enhance cancer treatment capacity within the province, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
“With tertiary services now fully established at Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, the provincial Health department will shift its focus to strengthening services at the Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital,” said Mokgosi.
He further announced a range of specialised services that have been earmarked for expansion at the Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, including Urology and the operationalisation of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit. Mokgosi added that the plans also include the introduction of Mammography services and the procurement of digital X-Ray and C-Arm equipment to increase radiology capacity.
“In addition, the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) will be upgraded to accommodate 16 beds, further enhancing critical care capacity. Specialist outreach programmes are also set to expand, with Urology services extending to Moses Kotane Hospital, Maxillofacial services to Brits District Hospital, and Ophthalmology services to Tlhabane Hospital.
“These initiatives are aimed at decentralising specialised healthcare services and ensuring that residents across the province have improved access to advanced medical treatment closer to their communities,” he said.
North West MEC for Education and ANC deputy provincial secretary, Viol Motsumi
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 February 2026- The dissections within the ANC in North West continue to deepen. This came to the bow on Thursday morning during State of the Province (SOPA) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng.
The North West MEC for Education and ANC deputy provincial secretary, Viola Motsumi was allegedly caught with her ‘pants’ down during the proceedings. Motsumi was allegedly heard in a conversation with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine on how much detestation she has towards the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, who is also the ANC deputy provincial chairperson.
In the video that only depicts Motsumi’s alleged voice said: “Where were you when s/he abused me and now you come and talk about unity? I am saying over my dead body. Where were you when hitmen were looking for me and appeared in the newspapers?
“Where were you when I was written letters? Now, you see that your project is not working, you coming with unity issue? I told her/him that s/he must never ever bring that topic up because it makes me emotional. You should never ever open that discussion again and you can go and tell Lazzy that I hate him.”
“Why didn’t you tell him about unity when he removed Collen from the list?”
According to our highly-placed source within the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), after realising that her microphone was on all along and she might have been recorded, Motsumi allegedly approached NWPL Secretary, advocate Lutendo Netshitumbu and asked him to remove the live streaming video on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook Page.
They allegedly went to the Communications and Technical teams of the North West Provincial Legislature’s cubicle, where the proceedings were live streamed and instructed the service provider to delete the purported video and restart recording the proceedings again. The service provider allegedly did not delete the video.
However, the video was finally deleted after going back and forth. The edited video of the SOPA proceedings was only uploaded again on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook Page on Friday around 1pm without the alleged part, where Motsumi was heard declaring her hatred towards Mokgosi.
The Secretary at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Adv Lutendo Netshitumbu denied any wrongdoings. Netshitumbu said the North West Provincial Legislature’s responsibility in respect of SOPA is to facilitate the sitting of the House and to ensure that proceedings are broadcast live to guarantee public access and transparency.
“I categorically denies any allegation that I instructed the Communications or Technical teams to delete or edit the live-streamed video. The Legislature does not edit official House proceedings.
“Any technical interruption, temporary removal, or platform-related issue concerning the live stream does not equate to manipulation of content. The official recording of the proceedings remains an authentic reflection of the sitting as it unfolded,” he said.
Netshitumbu further said allegations relating to the conduct, statements, or political positions of individuals mentioned in the enquiry do not fall within the mandate of the Legislature to pronounce upon and should be referred to the relevant individuals or organisations. He added that the NWPL remains committed to transparency, institutional integrity and the faithful broadcasting of its proceedings.
Motsumi refused to comment on the matter.
“But you are out of order Baks! No comment! As a brother and sister, you should understand better,” she said.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “The Premier is not aware of the purported video and shall not comment on its contents.”
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping has not responded to these allegations yet.
Meanwhile, one of the ANC members in the province alleged the North West MECs who are aligned to the ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi slate that is affectionately known as N12, continues to defy Mokgosi’s instructions and regard him as weak.
“You will remember that Mokgosi is contesting for the ANC provincial chairperson position and his campaign is gaining momentum. So, those who are aligned to the Maloyi slate, will do anything to derail him.
“There is a belief that Mokgosi is afraid to recall them because they are aligned with Maloyi. So, indeed ANC in North West continues to grapple with deep-seated internal divisions, which are actively shaping the landscape ahead of the much-anticipated ANC Provincial Elective Conference.”
The source said the party remains plagued by factional battles, with significant power struggles between key leaders. The source said there is a coup against Mokgosi hence the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee in the North West Provincial Legislature.
“In 2024, Mokgosi appointed Ndlela Kunene as the acting Head of Department (HOD) for Education, but Motsumi defied his orders and preferred to retain Maropene Seshibe in the position. This created dual acting appointments for the same role.
“Again, a few weeks ago, there was another power struggle between Mokgosi and North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng over the suspension of the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana.”
The source said a few months ago, the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has also dragged Mokgosi to court over the control of R798m North West Development Corporation (NWDC) project.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant
By REGINALD KANYANE
20 January 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton J Groep against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will resume its work from 26 to 30 January 2026. This comes after the conclusion of the first round of witness testimonies during the Committee’s sittings held from 24 to 27 November 2025, as well as the extension of the Committee’s mandate by the Legislature until 31 March 2026, to allow sufficient time for the completion of its work.
The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant said the forthcoming sittings will commence with the continuation of testimony by the former Director: Corporate Services at the Naledi Local Municipality, Thabo Appolus. Oliphant said evidence will continue to be led by the senior counsel, Pule Seleka.
“The hearings will take place at the Sun City Convention Centre, daily from 9am. I reaffirm that the Committee continues to execute its work in a manner that is fair, transparent and consistent with the principles of natural justice and the Legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, and emphasised that the Committee will not pre-empt the outcome of its deliberations.
“Members of the public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to access the Ad Hoc Committee webpage for more information on the work of the Committee at: https://nwpl.gov.za/adhoc-on-premier/. Further details regarding the programme and procedural arrangements will be communicated in due course,” he said.
21 December 2025- The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will visit Kgosi Andrew Nkoana Mogale and Bapo ba Mogale Traditional Council following a spike of illegal mining activities in Bapong village, near Brits on 22 December 2025. The national Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, as well as the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo will also be in attendance.
The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said, visit forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to illegal mining activities in Bapong and surrounding areas by engaging various stakeholders and in this regard, the Bapo Ba Mogale Traditional Council. Mogotsi said to date, 21 illegal miners have been arrested since police started a crackdown on illicit mining operations in the area.
“Heavy machinery has since been seized and removed from the site as police continue to follow all possible leads in identifying the masterminds behind these operations. The visit will be held at Bapo Ba Mogale Royal Palace (R104-Old Pretoria Road) on 22 December 2025, at 10am.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi handing over a house/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
6 November 2025- North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it will continue to prioritise vulnerable groups across all the districts. As part of government’s intervention to address housing challenge to the elderlies, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi have recently handed over houses to two elderly persons in Mmamokete village in Zeerust.
During the handover, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi commended the department for the work it has done in a short period.
“Today is about restoring dignity, pride and hope to our community. When we hand over a house we give a foundation on which future generations can build. We remain committed to providing quality housing because every family deserves a safe place to call home,” he said.
Sharing Mokgosi’s sentiments, Molapisi pointed out that the government has a vision of ensuring that communities live in decent houses. He further stated that the three spheres of government require strengthening coordination to ensure provision of services to the most deserving citizens.
“The primary responsibility of the department is to build houses, but one of our challenges is the issue of blocked projects. We have concluded that we prioritize unblocking incomplete projects. We have allocated 80% of our budget to unblocking blocked projects and 20% to new projects. We cannot build new houses whereas we have incomplete projects.
“There are 36 outstanding houses that need to be completed in Mmamokete and the project is included in the current plan of the department. The department is working timeously to improve the quality of life for households in the province and will always prioritize older persons, women and child -headed families in delivering houses across all province,” added Molapisi.
One of the beneficiaries is Eleanor Mothandi (104), who is survived by four children from the 24 she gave birth to. Mothandi is currently living with her children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
One of her daughters, Mmita Mothandi (50), who is also her caregiver, expressed her gratitude to the department. She said her family has a decent home and their lives will change for the better.
“As the family, we survive on the mother and grandchildren’s monthly social grants. I sometimes do odd jobs to survive as the social grant money is not enough to cater for the whole family,” said Mmita.
The other beneficiary was Christopher Mokwena (72). He lives with his wife, three children and one grandchild. The family has been living in a shack for a long time.
“We also survive on the monthly old age pension, and the child support grant they receive. It’s a great joy to the family to have received such a gift, it’s been long and we are grateful,” he said.
18 September 2025- The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) will on 19 September 2025 intensify its service delivery efforts in the City of Matlosana, where the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will lead the handing over of several completed projects, joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs) and executive mayors.
Mokgosi spokesperson Sello Tatai said among these projects will be the handing over of newly constructed classrooms and a cleared VU fence at Ithuseng Primary School, the additional classrooms and an administrative block at Are-Bokeng Primary School, while five classrooms and an administrative block will be officially handed over at Atamela Primary School. Tatai said these three schools are all in Kanana Township, near Orkney.
“To bolster mobile healthcare services, two TB Mobile Vehicles, generously donated by the Global Fund, will be officially handed over to support and expand access to health services in the City of Matlosana.
“Moreover, the paving of taxi routes and stormwater drainage improvements projects will be handed over in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein,” he said.
Tatai further said to encourage increased food production among localities, 11 goats (10 Does and 1 Buck) and 30 garden equipment and related packages will be handed over to identified beneficiaries. He added that environmental maintenance efforts will be heightened, with cemetery cleaning operations and the clearing of illegal dumping sites next to Tower Mall and at the corner of Tilo and Boikhutsong.
“Potholes patching and road markings will be carried out at targeted streets across the local municipality. Furthermore, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be present on-site to assist local businesses with company registration, updates, and amendments on the system.
“In a bid to strengthen government’s ability to accelerate service delivery across the province, the Thuntsha Lerole programme will be carried out at other district municipalities such in Longaneng Community Hall in Madibogo village in Ngaka Modiri Molema District,” said Tatai.
He said the programme will take place at Mmadinonyane Community Hall in Mmadinonyane village in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
25 May 2025- In line with Chapter 6, Section 131(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, has appointed the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi as the acting Premier effective from 24 May 2025 to 8 June 2025. Mokgosi said as acting Premier, Mosenogi will execute all responsibilities entrusted to her in line with the provisions of the constitution.
8 May 2025- The North West Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded is this week being rolled out in Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, targeting areas such as Swartruggens, Derby, Redirile and Senthumole section in Koster. The weeklong service delivery programme will culminate in the provision of on-site social services at Reagile Community Hall in Koster on Friday, including visits to identified infrastructure projects and a community feedback session, led by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi.
Mokgosi will be joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and District and local mayors.
The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said in an endeavour to empower local farmers and enhance food production capacity, a Shadenet tunnel will be handed over to Onalerona Community Centre, while Veteran Poultry Package comprising one 3-tier layer cage, layer mash feed and 120 point-of-lay chickens, as well as a Veteran Goats Package including ten (10) Boer Goat Does and one Boer Goat Buck, will be handed over to beneficiaries. Setswambung said, in addition, a 10-hectare centre pivot will be handed over to a farmer at Koornfontein.
“Mokgosi’s entourage will also embark on a site-inspection visit to the new Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School construction project in Reagile, along with an oversight visit to the special maintenance section of Roads P4/2, including Koster Town and sections of Road P34/2.
“Road safety will be improved through the patching of potholes while grass cutting will be undertaken at identified roads. High-mast and streetlight repairs will also be carried out across Reagile to enhance night-time safety. Furthermore, intensified litter picking and waste collection programme will target illegal dumping sites with the launch of clean cities campaign,” he said.
Setswambung further said in response to the needs of the community, sanitary towels will be issued to learners at Mphe Bana Secondary School to support hygiene and dignity. He added that, food parcels will also be distributed to needy families as part of the ongoing community relief efforts.
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