Tag Archives: The North West Department of Economic Development

Lenkopane hand over grants and training certificates to young entrepreneurs

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Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa lenkopane and the YAEI CEO, Mr Risuna Maluleke/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

17 April 2026 – The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in partnership with the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), North West University (NWU) and Miss Naledi Pageant, hosted a certification and grant handover ceremony for 25 young participants, who successfully completed a practical innovation training programme conducted in a hackathon format in Vryburg.

This initiative forms part of DEDECT’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, as announced during the Miss Naledi 2025 pageant held in December 2025.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said the initiative was initially designed to assist participants in transforming their ideas into viable businesses, while promoting professionalisation and diversification within the pageant-linked value chain. Lenkopane said, however, the programme has since been translated into a practical intervention – North West Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Programme facilitated by DEDECT and YAEI.

“The programme has empowered 25 young people with entrepreneurship development skills and facilitated business registration through the companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The 25 participants were grouped into seven companies, where each team identified a priority problem, validated market needs, developed innovative solutions, and produced investable business pitches for adjudication.

“The initiative contributes to the government’s broader efforts to combat youth unemployment and stimulate economic participation. Business opportunities linked to the pageant value chain, which these young people may explore, include events management, pageant coaching, photography and videography, makeup and hair styling, fashion design, as well as personal branding and influencer development,” she said.

Lenkopane further said some young people proposed diversifying into agro-processing and waste management to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities. She commended them for taking the initiative to improve their lives through entrepreneurship and innovation, and for committing themselves to skills development as a foundation for success.

“We encourage other youth to organise themselves and devise solutions to challenges faced by the government in developing the lives of the people of the North West. The handover of training certificates and grand support represents more than a ceremonial milestone, but a decisive investment in the capabilities of young people, particularly young women—to move from the margins of the economy into positions of ownership, innovation, and leadership.

“By integrating skills development with financial support and tools of trade, we are not only nurturing ideas but enabling sustainable enterprises that will contribute meaningfully to local economic growth,” added Lenkopane.

She said this initiative reflects a government that is intentional, responsive and committed to delivery. Lenkopane said it signals a shift from promises to practical empowerment, where partnerships targeted

interventions and accountability converge to create real opportunities.

“The success of these beneficiaries will stand as a testament to what is possible when the government acts with purpose to unlock the full potential of its people. We also acknowledge 33 additional informal traders from

the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, who received machinery and equipment from the department.

“This support forms part of the department’s Informal Traders Support

Programme, which provides resources to traders who responded to a formal call for assistance. The event marks a significant milestone in demonstrating the impact of government support in empowering entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the economy and drive the next wave of innovation and job creation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the YAEI CEO, Risuna Maluleke, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing youth entrepreneurship, emphasising that young people are a vital source of innovation and

solutions to the country’s challenges. Maluleke said the skills you have acquired are a weapon for success, enabling them to turn entrepreneurial visions into reality and secure sustainable business growth.

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Francois Drilling (Pty) Ltd charged for contravening Section 54 of the Consumer Protection Act

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI                                                                                                                              19 March 2026- The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and holding businesses accountable, following a successful intervention by the Consumer Affairs Office and Provincial Consumer Affairs Court in a dispute involving a consumer based at Lokaleng village in Mahikeng against a drilling company.

The case, concluded during World Consumer Rights Month, highlights the decisive role of the Provincial Consumer Affairs Court in providing redress and enforcing compliance with consumer legislation and ensuring that consumers are not exploited.

The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane said Josephine Seitlhamo of Lokaleng village entered into an agreement with Francois Drilling (Pty) Ltd in November 2023, for the drilling of a 50-metre borehole, including installation of all necessary equipment. Lenkopane said Setlhamo paid R27 800 for the service.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      “However, the company failed to meet its contractual obligations. The borehole was not drilled to the agreed depth and despite the company claiming that the work had been completed according to specifications and no water was found.

“The consumer was subsequently requested to incur additional costs amounting to R11 000 for casings. She objected to a payment of a further R4 500 for a cylinder pump, without any resolution to the problem,” she said.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Lenkopane further said an independent assessment later revealed that the borehole measured only 34 metres and had no water, contradicting the service provider’s claims and pointing to conduct that falls short of acceptable business standards and boarded around misleading, unfair and otherwise improper business practices. She added that after unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter directly with the supplier, Seitlhamo lodged a complaint with the Consumer Affairs Office.                                                                                          

“Due to lack of cooperation and parties failing to reach an agreement during the mediation process, the matter was escalated to the Provincial Consumer Affairs Court. The Provincial Consumer Affairs Court summoned the company before it and it determined that it has violated the rights of the consumer by not offering the services required in terms of the contract.

“The service provider was charged for contravening Section 54 of the Consumer Protection Act by failing to provide quality service.  The case was heard on 25 February 2026,” said Lenkopane.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        She said during the hearing, Francois Drilling (Pty) Ltd undertook to drill a new borehole for Seitlhamo and to provide the necessary equipment on or before 5 March 2026. Lenkopane said the Consumer Affairs Court decided that should the undertaking not be complied with by Francois Drilling (Pty) Ltd, an order will be made for it to refund Seitlhamo an amount of R38 800.

“The undertaking was complied with as agreed, and on the 5 March 2026, a delightful Seitlhamo phoned the Consumer Protector to confirm that the new borehole was bored and that it is fully functional and yielding sufficient water, ending two years of suffering.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        “The case underscores the realization and enforcement of consumer rights as envisaged by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, which prohibits misleading, unfair, and deceptive conduct by suppliers. This achievement ensures maintenance of a consumer market that is fair, accessible, efficient, sustainable for the benefit of consumers,” she said.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Seitlhamo suffered financial loss and prolonged inconvenience, having spent approximately R38 800 and relying on water tankers for an extended period due to the supplier’s failure to deliver on agreed services.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Speaking on the outcome, Consumer Protector, Seile Letsogo, emphasised the department’s firm stance against non-compliant businesses:

“This case demonstrates that the Provincial Consumer Affairs Court is an effective platform for redress and enforcement. We urge businesses to comply with the law and treat consumers fairly. Where there is evidence of prohibited conduct, we will not hesitate to act decisively to protect consumers and ensure that justice is served.

“The department has issued a stern warning to businesses operating within the province: non-compliance with consumer protection legislation and unethical business practices will not be tolerated. The department will continue to pursue enforcement measures, including administrative penalties, against those who violate consumer rights and engage in prohibited conducts,” he said.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Letsogo said consumers are encouraged to report unfair treatment and seek assistance from the Consumer Affairs Office, which remains committed to ensuring accessible, efficient, and fair redress for all.

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Lenkopane strengthens accountability and accelerate service delivery

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

19 March 2026- The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), together with its entities, the North West Parks and Tourism Board, North West Gambling Board and North West Development Corporation, has convened a high-level strategic planning session to reset priorities, strengthen accountability and accelerate service delivery for the 2026/27 financial year.

The two-day session took place from 17–18 March 2026 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng and brought together key stakeholders from national and provincial departments, as well as state entities, to align on a clear programme of action.

The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane said at the centre of the discussions is the development of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Annual Operational Plan (AOP), with a focus on measurable outcomes, responsiveness to community needs, and improved service delivery. Setting a firm tone, Lenkopane emphasised that the process must mark a decisive shift from routine compliance to real impact.

“This cannot be business as usual. We need to reposition the department as the engine of economic development, as our communities are running out of patience. This session must correct our course, sharpen our priorities and produce a plan that is measurable, implementable and responsive to the real needs of our people.

“There is a need to reposition the department and its entities to respond directly to socio-economic challenges, adding that alignment with the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy is critical to ensuring accountability,” she said.

Lenkopane further said job creation as the department’s flagship priority, calling for targeted interventions that unlock opportunities for SMMEs, township enterprises and youth. She added that in reinforcing a culture of accountability and performance, she recognised programmes that achieved 100% targets in Quarters 2 and 3 of the 2025/26 financial year, while the North West Parks and Tourism Board was acknowledged as the most improved entity.

“Despite the department achieving a record-breaking performance of over 91% in Quarter 3, we caution against complacency. This improvement is commendable, but it is not the destination. We must elevate our performance and ensure that every target translates into real impact in the lives of our people.

“Departmental plans must deliver tangible outcomes, including inclusive economic growth, a strengthened tourism sector, sustainable use of biodiversity resources, and effective environmental conservation,” said Lenkopane.

She said the session concluded with the adoption of a clear implementation plan and monitoring framework, placing community impact, including job creation, access to services, quality of delivery and citizen satisfaction at the centre of departmental performance.

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North West province launches Tourism Month

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) in collaboration with North West Parks and Tourism (NWP&TB), is excited to announce the launch of Tourism Month 2024. The department held a special event revealing the province’s plans and initiatives for this year’s celebration, embarking on a month-long journey to highlight the significance of tourism in the platinum province.

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said Tourism Month, celebrated annually in September, plays a crucial role in showcasing the importance of the tourism sector to the South African economy and its contribution to job creation. Lenkopane said this year, the theme for Tourism Month is: “Tourism and Peace – 30 Years of Connecting People, Places, and Culture.”

“The theme reflects the enduring impact of tourism in fostering connections and understanding across diverse communities over the past three decades. Attendees at the launch event had the opportunity to engage with industry experts and explore how the province is poised to enhance its tourism offerings to both local and international visitors.

“This month is not just a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of the richness that lies in our diverse landscapes, our vibrant wildlife, biodiversity, cultures and our warm, welcoming people. From the golden savannas of the Pilanesberg to the beautiful Magaliesberg, and the tranquil waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam, from the historical significance of the Taung World Heritage Site, to the vibrant rhythm of our local communities, to the hunting area of the province. North West is a province that tells a story like no other,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the public should join them as they have the power of tourism to bring people together and promote peace through shared experiences. She added that they are looking forward to their participation in making Tourism Month 2024, a resounding success.

“As we launch this month of celebration, I urge everyone of us to become ambassadors of this beautiful province. Let us share the stories of our unique destinations, promote our local businesses, and invite the world to experience the magic of the North West province.

“Tourism is more than just visiting places, but it’s about connecting with people. It’s reflected in the laughter of children playing in the village, the wisdom shared by our elders, the creativity of our artisans and the warm greetings from our local guides,” said Lenkopane.

She said these are the moments where visitors truly experience the unique essence of the North West as a destination. Lenkopane said South Africa, like most other countries, is currently navigating a period marked by significant challenges and opportunities.

“As the global community recovers and rebuilds from the effects of recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has shown signs of gradual recovery.

“From 2021 to 2023, international arrivals increased from 415 million in 2021 to 917 million in 2022, and 1.286 billion in 2023. Despite this upward trend, the overall growth from 2019 to 2023, still reflects a 12% decline, indicating that the industry has not yet fully returned to its pre-pandemic levels,” she said.

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