Tag Archives: North West Premier

Mokgosi welcomes consistent improvement of audit outcomes, despite regress in areas

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE  

20 October 2025- North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has welcomed the 2024/25 audit outcomes which have demonstrated consistent and improved performance for provincial departments. Mokgosi said the performance mirrors governments’ ongoing efforts of building a capable, ethical and developmental state as per the dictates of Priority 3 of the Medium Term Development Plan (2024-2029).

He further said in the latest audit cycle which ended on 31 March 2025, a total of 8 out of 12 departments, received unqualified audit reports with the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, receiving clean audits. Mokgosi added that only the Department of Education and Health received qualified audit outcomes with the latter falling short of an unqualified audit opinion as compared to the previous financial year.

“The government is duty bound to ensure that public coffers are spent wisely. Section 195 of the Constitution impresses upon public servants to promote and maintain high standards of professional ethics.

“We must at all material times demonstrate and maintain high ethical standards, efficient resource use, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people, particularly the poor and downtrodden” he said.

Mokgosi said the regression of the of North West Department of Health from unqualified to qualified audit opinion and the failure by the North West Department of Education to improve to unqualified outcome for two consecutive financial years compels government to double its efforts in ensuring that the two department get out of the woods. He said these are the two important departments with the lion’s share of the provincial budget with the constitutional mandate of ensuring that the people receive uninterrupted provision of services in their hospitals, community health care centres, primary and secondary schools.

“So, new techniques will be implored in enhancing accountability and transparency to ensure that they improve their audit outcomes. Preceding the past two financial years, the province recorded 5 qualified audit outcomes prompting the provincial government to increase its support which encapsulated a comprehensive financial oversight and accountability plan.

“These efforts are now coming to fruition. We are particularly encouraged by the two clean audits outcomes and we believe that audits of similar kinds are on the horizon in other departments which just fell short of a clean audit outcome,” said Mokgosi.

He said their intervention measures will now include paying a more detailed attention to State-Owned Institutions to build public trust, enhance service delivery and improve the lives of the people of the North West.

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Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded hits Ditsobotla

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 August 2025- North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to accelerating service delivery by leading the rollout of Phase 5 of Accelerated Service Delivery Programme Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded on 22 August 2025, at Ditsobotla Local Municipality.

Mokgosi said this phase marks a strategic continuation of the provincial government’s efforts to bring integrated services closer to the people, address long-standing service delivery challenges, and strengthen public participation in governance issues.

“During Phase 5, the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure, sewer network upgrades, roads maintenance, clearing of illegal dumping sites, fighting crime and job creation will be reinforced at targeted and prioritised local municipalities which include Ditsobotla, JB Marks, City of Matlosana, Tswaing, Madibeng, Kagisano-Molopo, Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg and Mahikeng.

“On 22 August, government departments, state-owned entities and the private sector will converge at Itsoseng Community Hall at Itsoseng Township, where on-the-spot services will be provided and a community feedback session held,” he said.

Mokgosi further said central to this service delivery-oriented programme, will be the handing over of community facilities including a Community Hall at Springbokpan village, a sports facility at Itekeng Township in Biesiesvlei, a Community Hall at Tlhabologang in Coligny, and a new cemetery site at Itsoseng.

He added that through the Integrated Economic Development Services, dummy cheques will be presented to two local informal traders as proof of machinery and equipment delivered.

“An oversight visit will be conducted at the Itsoseng brick-making plant where job opportunities have been created through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), as well as an inspection of a special maintenance project on road D40 from Thusong to Itsoseng.

“Some of the standard Thuntsha Lerole features which will be performed during the day will include the fixing of high-mast lights, mass registration of indigents for Free Basic Services, clearing of illegal dumping sites, law enforcement, distribution of agricultural packages to a community agricultural project and a local school, provision of integrated primary health care services as well as distribution of sanitary towels to identified local schools,” said Mokgosi.

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Boost for Bloemhof fishermen sparks economic hopes

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi showcases the fishing equipment donated by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

By REGINALD KANYANE

27 May 2025- In a powerful show of the government’s commitment to grassroots development, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi handed over vital fishing equipment to the Makweteng Fishery Cooperative in Boitumelong Township, near Bloemhof on Friday. The handover was part of the final instalment of Phase 4 of the Thuntsha Lerole Service Delivery Programme aims to bolster sustainable livelihoods and stimulate local economic activity along the Vaal River.

Mokgosi emphasised the importance of not only addressing service delivery issues, but also laying the foundation for economic self-reliance and dignity. He said this is more than just the provision of equipment.

“It is a step toward empowering our communities to thrive economically, while ensuring they operate safely and sustainably. The accelerated service delivery programme is aimed at bridging service delivery gaps and promoting inclusive economic opportunities across the province.

“The fishing equipment, which includes nets, rods, protective gear and cold storage containers, is expected to significantly enhance the productivity and safety of local fishermen operating along the Vaal River. This further helps to ensure a stable supply of fish, which is an important source of protein and nutrition,” said Mokgosi.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Head of Department, Thupi Mokhatla, urged the fishermen to use the resources responsibly. Mokhatla further said this handover marks a significant milestone in their efforts to support fishing communities in the province.

“These tools are not just equipment but symbols of opportunity meant to be used responsibly to boost productivity, strengthen food security, restore dignity and recognise the vital role small-scale fisheries play in driving local economies and improving livelihoods,” he said.

Meanwhile, the coordinator of Makweteng Fishery/Aquaculture Cooperative Ltd, Monnapule Sentshedi, thanked the department for its support.

“The fishing equipment will help us increase our fish catch and improve our income as local fishermen in Bloemhof. This handover will not only strengthen the work of the Makweteng Cooperative, but also reinforces the value of small-scale fisheries in driving local economic growth, supporting food security, and creating sustainable livelihoods in communities along the Vaal River,” said Sentshedi.

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Morweng chairs Stilfontein rescue team    

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during a meeting/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 November 2024- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, hit the ground running by convening a meeting with relevant stakeholders that forms part of the rescue team established by the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. This comes after Mchunu appointed Morweng to chair the rescue team, which is to be responsible for developing a comprehensive rescue plan to assist in bringing the illegal miners to the surface.

On Friday, Mchunu, Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, Morweng embarked on an oversight visit to the Stilfontein shaft, where more than 1000 illegal miners have been rescued. In the meeting, Morweng requested the mine owners and rescue specialists to work on conducting the assessment, which will inform the operational plan to rescue those underground.

“We all agree that we want to rescue those people and we need the community to come on board for us to succeed in this operation. The mine owners indicated that there is a need to clear the site before any resource can be deployed on site, which they committed to implement immediately when the community members have vacated the area.

“We then made a plea to the community leaders who are part of the rescue team to start communicating with the members on site about the intentions of the government and those underground if they are able to. We need to allow the technical rescue team to make the proper risk assessment that will inform this operational plan,” he said.

Morweng further said their common ground here is to rescue those people. He added that the earlier they talk to community members on site and allow the mine owners and technical rescue team to clear the site and deploy relevant machinery to do the risk assessment, the better.

“They need to start to operationalise the plan. The rescue team led by me, composed of SAPS, District Mayor and Local Mayor, community leaders, mine owners, mine rescue technical team and government departments,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, there was allegedly an impasse between government departments in terms of who would foot the bill as the rescue team demanded answers before they could commence with their duty.  

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi wishes Grade 12 learners well in their NSC final examinations

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 October 2034- North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he would like to take this opportunity to wish the 2024 Grade 12 learners well in their final examinations. Mokgosi said he believes the province will do well given the enormous work that has been carried out to prepare for the examinations.

He further said this includes various intervention measures such as study camps that were initiated to make sure learners do not slack in their school work.

“The Department of Education has been hard at work to prepare learners for these examinations, and I have no doubt that, we will do well as a province.

“We have been on an upward trajectory in the last two academic years after receiving 79.78% and 81.63% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“Through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan dubbed Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, the government has been able to interact with communities to support School Governing Bodies (SGB), teachers and learners,” he said.

Mokgosi further said through this initiative, they have been able to attend to various challenges confronting the communities. He added that they continue to visit schools and attend to their needs.

“We were one of the first provinces to serve breakfast in our schools as part of the National School Nutrition Programme. All these measures have stabilized our communities and we no longer witness violent service delivery protests that were disrupting learning and teaching.

“Over 45 000 learners in 449 centres across the four districts of the province, will sit down for their examinations starting with English Paper I on 21 October 2024,” said Mokgosi.

He said the provincial government has, through the Department of Education, put various measures in place to deter any incident that might jeopardize the smooth running of examinations.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “I will oversee the initial seating of examinations at Tlamelang Special School on Monday. We aim to motivate learners to excel in their first examination of the season.”

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Mokgosi introduces Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi with the Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has introduced his Economic and Investment Advisory Council. Mokgosi said the council is free to robustly review any economic policy/plan, whose implementation will not translate to any improvement to the situation.

He further said their plea is that, where changes are required, it should be limited to sharpening the implementation tools and not rehashing existing plans. Mokgosi added that they have adopted a complex balancing act approach of fusing change and continuity to limit the time spent on planning.

“Therefore, any proposals we make should appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face – the 54% unemployment rate. The composition of this council is intended to facilitate cooperation and collaboration across economic sectors. Government alone will not achieve much.

“We are limited by the constraints of our fiscal size in comparison to other provinces. I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the government and the people of the North West to thank each and everyone who has accepted the invitation to serve in the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council,” he said.

Mokgosi said it takes a great courage and determination for one to make himself/herself available to serve in an economic advisory structure of a province, which has the largest unemployment rate in the country and even higher amongst the youth. He said the latest Quarterly Labour Survey Force by Statistic South Africa, paints a grim picture about the standard of living in the province with the expanded unemployment rate sitting at 54%.

“More than 30 000 people in the province, have joined the ranks of the unemployed. This inaugural meeting of the council impresses upon us to talk less and get into action. We are facing a provincial emergency of disastrous proportions, which challenges us to expedite intervention measures aimed at finding solutions to our ailing economy and the poverty afflicting our provincial population.

“The provincial government has prepared the groundwork for this council by revising the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, reviewing the functionality of our state-owned entities, and developing a provincial mega infrastructure projects implementation plan,” said Mokgosi.

He said they are quite aware that as experts in their respective fields, they may find some shortcomings with some of these initiatives. Mokgosi said they respect their professional and technical independence.

“We will value your advice. Over 60% of our provincial budget is consumed internally through funding government administrative costs and salaries. However, we have a great potential as a province to revive our economy, industries and create jobs.

“There are signs of recovery, but not at the pace and scale required to make an impact. If we introduce correct policies and plans, the agricultural industry is expected to attract investments to the tune of over R10 billion, followed by the construction sector at R6.6,” he said.

Mokgosi said this will result in the creation of over 50 000 job opportunities. He said there are opportunities to revive and harness the diverse offerings of the tourism industry, which could leverage an annual growth rate of 5% by 2030, with a potential investment value of R39 billion, where over 100 000 jobs could be created.

The names of the Members of the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council

Professor John Lamola, Professor Thabo Thekiso, Professor Raymond Parsons, Professor Mogadi Malope, Kopano Konopi, Kelepile Dintwe, Willem De Chanonnes, Zwelibanzi Mantambo and Nolitha Fakude.

This Council will also comprise of the following Members of the Executive Council

Bitsa Lenkopane, Madoda Sambatha, Wessels Morweng, Oageng Molapisi, Viola Motsumi, Kenetswe Mosenogi and Elizabeth Mokua.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to lead Provincial Youth Commemoration

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, accompanied by the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Collen Maine, and members of the Executive Council, will lead the Provincial Youth Day Commemoration to conclude Youth Month activities in the province.

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgosi recently maintained that the creation of socio-economic opportunities for youth will top the agenda of the 7th administration.

“This will among others be done through the roll-out of the Labour Activation Programme, which will be coordinated by the Office of the Premier, in partnership with Department of Labour and Employment, business, employer organisations and other social partners.

“The programme is expected to create over 30 000 work opportunities for young people. Following his address, Mokgosi will officially open the Redirile Community Library,” he said.

Setswambung said some of the services available at the library includes internet connection, collection of various categories of books for youth and adults, as well as a section of the library for visually impaired persons such as Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA).

He further said the provincial government departments will be onsite to render services to members of the public in an effort to promote a one stop shop for government information and services.

Setswambung added that the Provincial Youth Commemoration will be held Redirile Sports Ground in Derby on Saturday, at 8am.

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North West Premier, Bushy Maape engages South African embassy in Thailand inquest to lure investors

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Picture: Republic of South Africa in Thailand, Darkey Ephraim Africa and North West Premier, Bushy Maape/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Premier, Bushy Maape, who is seeking medical treatment in Thailand, paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa in Thailand, Darkey Ephraim Africa. Despite his tight medical programme, Maape made time to visit the South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand to explore opportunities for the province.

Maape spokesperson, Sello Tati said during the meeting, both Maape and Africa, discussed a wide rage of issues, more specifically the economic challenges of the North West province and its impact on the youth.

“They agreed on the need to identify trade and investment opportunities in Thailand for the province. They further agreed on the need to invite investors from Thailand in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure automotive, renewable energy and tourism.

“On his part, Africa acknowledged Maape’s desire to mobilise trade and investment for his province. He requested the South African Embassy to invite various agencies such as North West Development Corporation (NWDC), the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) and other business people to Thailand to further explore opportunities in trade and investment following his engagement with Africa,” he said.

Tatai further said Africa and the Political Counsellor, Thobeka Dlamini, assured Maape that, the Embassy will invite the province at the appropriate time for engagement. He added that, Maape accompanied by the Africa also met with Ravi Puri, a prominent businessman in real estate and hospitality to explore other opportunities in real estate.

“Maape will depart Bangkok after completion of his medical engagement,” said Tatai.

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