Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has reiterated the government’s bold commitment to inclusive economic growth, investment attraction, tourism expansion and sustainable job creation during his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA).
Delivering the address at the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng, Mokgosi emphasised that the government remains resolute in tackling socio-economic challenges and ensuring that the gains of democracy translate into real opportunities for all citizens. Demonstrating tangible progress, Mokgosi informed the provincial legislature that the province created 78 000 jobs in the last two quarters of 2025, resulting in a 6.2% decline in official unemployment, which is the largest decrease recorded nationally during that period.
“This milestone reflects the successful implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), positioning the North West as a competitive and attractive investment destination.
“To strengthen local economic infrastructure and advance environmental sustainability, the Premier has directed the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism to intensify targeted support to municipalities, particularly Ditsobotla and City of Matlosana,” he said.
In a concerted effort to unlock tourism potential in the province, Mokgosi emphasised key infrastructure initiatives which include the reactivation of Pilanesberg International Airport in partnership with Infrastructure South Africa. He further said this project is expected to boost tourism and stimulate commercial activity in major hubs such as Sun City Resort and Pilanesberg National Park.
“The R150 million Majakaneng to Sun City Road project will further improve access and strengthen tourism infrastructure. To drive industrialisation and large-scale investment, the province will revitalise and officially license the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in the 2026/27 financial year.
“Supported by R12 billion in investments, the SEZ is projected to create 12 000 additional jobs and unlock opportunities across diverse economic sectors. International economic cooperation is also being deepened with strategic partners including Botswana, Namibia and People’s Republic of China, particularly along the Trans-Kalahari Economic Corridor, to promote trade, skills development and investment flows,” added Mokgosi.
He said a comprehensive turnaround strategy is also being implemented in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to restore the financial sustainability of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and strengthen its investment facilitation capacity. Mokgosi said in advancing environmental sustainability and rural economic inclusion, the government has launched the commercialisation of fourteen provincial nature reserves, securing investment commitments of approximately R420 million.
“This initiative is set to create jobs, stimulate enterprise development and ensure that rural communities, landowners and traditional authorities benefit meaningfully from the province’s natural resources.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to build a province free from poverty, inequality and unemployment, and to create opportunities that improve the lives of our people,” he concluded.
The Guardian 