Tag Archives: The North West Premier

North West Premier aims to turn the tide against litany of socio-economic challenges

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they are hard at work to turn the tide against a litany of socio-economic challenges afflicting their developmental path. Mokgosi said the upward trajectory in audit outcomes speaks to the systems they have put in place to ensure that they put emphasis on ethical leadership.

Mokgosi, who was delivering his speech during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Cape Town on Tuesday, said eight out of ten departments in the province received clean and unqualified outcomes in the last audit cycle. He said this stability has trickled down to the Departments such as Health as it continues to lead the pack in drug-resistant TB management in the country with a success rate of between 84% and 86%.

“These efforts have also been bolstered by an allocation of additional R200 million rand for the employment of nurses, doctors as well as procurement of new ambulances.

Furthermore, the NSC results of 2025, which currently sits at 88.94%, the fourth highest in the country after affluent provinces, is consistent with our efforts of infrastructure development in our distressed communities.

“There are equally improvements in the overall outcome of these results in rural and farm schools. As a consequence, we managed to reduce the learner performance gap between disadvantaged schools with resourced ones, and as a matter of fact 54% of Bachelor passes in our province were recorded in no-fee schools,” he said.

Mokgosi further said they are fixing the local government and working hand in glove with the national government. He added that they have brought stability in Ditsobotla Local Municipality following the introduction of the National Cabinet Representative.

“We are monitoring developments in Matlosana Local Municipality with a view of strengthening existing intervention measures to improve the situation. On a positive note the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality will this Friday sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Infrastructure South Africa under the auspices of Adopt A Municipality Initiative.

“This will see the municipality benefiting from various infrastructure projects that are aimed at expediting provision of services for residents. This municipality has ticked all the right boxes in the form of improved audit outcomes as well as honouring payments with third parties,” said Mokgosi.

He said they have recently held the Local Government Kgotha-Kgothe under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”. Mokgosi said this is part of the ongoing commitment by the provincial government to ensure that all municipalities are functional, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve.

“There are encouraging signs of recovery after the province recorded 42 000 new jobs in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Our efforts of creating an additional 12 000 jobs are gaining traction as we seek to implement the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, which will be anchored on investment commitments amounting to R12 billion.

“We envision the SEZ to be licensed in the next financial year.

In giving impetus to these bold pronouncements we will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure this Friday, to resuscitate the Pilanesberg Airport,” he said.

Mokgosi said once fully operational the airport will serve as a strategic access point to Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park, as well as the Special Economic Zone, thus creating various economic opportunities for locals. He said this economic drive is further amplified by the implementation of four critical road projects at Madibeng, Moses Kotane and Taung Local Municipalities and they will serve as strategic corridor routes between the provinces of Gauteng and Northern Cape.

“A total budget of R980 million has been set aside for this initiative. The Department of Public Works and Roads has been allocated an additional R256 million, which includes R150 million in the form of a disaster relief fund to address repairs of roads and bridges that were damaged by floods last year.

“Moreover, the construction of 2900 housing units across the four districts of our province is well underway. We have resolved to allocate 80% of the budget to complete all blocked housing projects,” said Mokgosi.

He said to date 70% of these projects have been completed. Mokgosi said just last year, they handed over 300 housing units to residents of Tshing Extension 19, near Ventersdorp.

“Through Operation Bulela Metsi, several water infrastructure projects in Dinokana, Tlhabane, Ipelegeng, Ikageng, Lonely Park, Jourbeton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma are at different stages of completion to ensure consistent supply of water in these areas.

“Plans are already in motion for the commercialisation of rural and communal farms, at Springbokpan in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Over 100 farmers across 23 villages will benefit from these R40 million initiatives in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality,” he said.

Mokgosi said the provincial disaster management centre has been activated to assist farmers and help arrest the spread of foot and mouth disease. He said they have also put measures in place for farmers to adhere to the dictates of the protocols for the movement of cattle as a means to avert and curb new infections.

“We have never claimed to be perfect, but we will be true to the course of reversing all the injustices meted on our people by over 300 years of Colonial-Apartheid Rule,” said Mokgosi.

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Matebesi’s passing a great loss to interfaith community

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Picture: The late Bishop Daniel Matebesi

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

13 January 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he learnt with deep sadness about the passing of Bishop Daniel Matebesi of the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa (ICCSA). Mokgosi said Matebesi was a devoted servant of God and a respected leader within the interfaith and broader community.

He further said Matebesi dedicated his life to ministry, offering spiritual guidance, wisdom and compassion to congregants and community members. Mokgosi added that beyond the pulpit, Matebesi was known for his humility, commitment to service and dedication to uplifting others.

“His consistent involvement in the provincial government’s programmes, notably, the Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme, as a Patron of the Gender Based Violence Forum and Chairperson of Moral Regeneration Movement in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, did not go unnoticed, as he selflessly dedicated his time and contribution to restoring dignity and hope to those in need.

“I wish to, on behalf of the North West Provincial Government, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Matebesi family, the faith-based organisations, and all who were touched by his life and ministry,” he said.

Mokgosi said may they all find comfort in the legacy of faith, love and service that Matebesi leaves behind. He said he will be amongst the mourners who will pay their last respect to Matebesi during his funeral service scheduled for 15 January 2026, at the Grace Bible Church in Mahikeng.

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Mokgosi saddened by the passing of Mmutle Mothandi

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Picture: The deceased, Mmutle Mothandi/Screengrab

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 January 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has expressed sadness at the passing of the Mma Mmutle Mothandi (104), who passed away on 30 December 2025. Last year, Mokgosi intervened on a pressing need that was identified through the Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme by building a Temporary Residential Unit and a house which had furniture for Mothandi, who was staying with her children and grandchildren.

“The family was further provided with cutlery and tools to start a fast-food business, for self-sustenance. At the time, Mothandi appreciated the intervention and believed it would outlive her and would ensure lasting dignity for her family.

“The Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme commits to ensuring that she gets a funeral service befitting her stature, tenacious character and resilience. The service will be held at Mmamokete Section, outside Zeerust on Saturday,” he said.

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North West to commemorate World Aids Day in Tlhabane

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Provincial Council on Aids (PCA), will lead the commemoration of World Aids Day in Tlhabane Township, near Rustenburg on 28 November 2025. Mokgosi will be accompanied by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, the executive mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, the Rustenburg Local Municipality mayor and leaders from civil society and provincial council on Aids.

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said the 2025 World Aids Day is commemorated under the theme: “Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitments to End Aids”, which is a rallying call highlighting the importance and full potential of community leadership to enable the end of Aids. Tatai said the provincial World Aids Day commemoration event will be combined with the roll out of the Accelerated Service Delivery Thuntsha Lerole Programme and Operation Dignity in Tlhabane.

“This as part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to intensify HIV/AIDS awareness, strengthens community engagement, and accelerates the delivery of essential government services. This integrated service delivery programme will bring together government departments, state-owned entities (SOEs), civil society, developmental partners, and community structures to mobilise residents towards HIV prevention, testing, treatment adherence, and the provision of social support.

“The provincial integrated World Aids Day commemoration and Thuntsha Lerole programme will include the rendering of on-site services to be held at Tlhabane Stadium, Rustenburg at 8am.

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Mokgosi takes Thuntsha Lerole programme to Kagisano-Molopo  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By AGISANANG SCUFF

19 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi who will on Friday be joined by the MECs, the executive mayor of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Motseokae Maje and Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality mayor in rolling out Phase 5 of Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, will officially hand over the Rural Water Supply Project at Matlabatlaba village. Mokgosi said this in response to the community’s need for reliable and clean water services.

“We will also conduct oversight visits to water infrastructure projects, which include the Bona Bona Bulk Water Supply Project, Tlapeng Bulk Water Supply and Mabone Rural Water Supply, which upon completion, will ensure sustainable, uninterrupted water provision to households, businesses and public facilities in the municipality.

“This intervention is in line with the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to stabilise water supply systems across the province, and to accelerate service delivery,” he said.

Mokgosi further said driven by its commitment to continue providing decent housing for the poor, the leadership will hand over five of the completed RDP houses out of the 73 which were part of a blocked housing project in Tlapeng village. He further said with a focused intention to enhance safety across the local municipality’s rural areas, three Solar High Mast Lights out of the 50 that are erected at villages, including, Ganyesa, Austrey, Moswana, Setabeng, Makabole, Bona Bona, and Morekweng, will be handed over at Tseoge.

“Oversight visits will also be conducted at public schools and health facilities to assess service delivery progress and community needs. School furniture distribution will be carried out at Bray Intermediate School, this as part of the provincial government’s continued efforts to create a comfortable and productive learning and teaching environment.

“A range of social support services which will include the distribution of food parcels to identified older persons’ households through Operation Dignity, and distribution of agricultural support packages to ten identified households, will also be carried out,” said Mokgosi.

He said in an attempt to ease accessibility to public facilities such as clinics and schools, patching of potholes and blading of internal access roads will be amplified. Mokgosi said the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will also be onsite to assist local SMMEs with registration, updating and amendment of their registered companies.

“The Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will be rolled out in three other districts such as in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. The programme will be rolled out in Mahikeng Local Municipality at New Stars Sports Ground, in Rooigrond, while in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, public services will be rendered at Boskuil Community Hall in Maquassi Hills Local Municipality.

“In Bojanala Platinum District, the programme will be rooled out at Mositwane Community Hall at Lerome village in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. As a constant and critical feature of this service delivery programme, a platform will be created for MECs, executive mayors and I, to engage with the community on progress registered in implementing various service delivery projects and programmes in their municipality,” he said.

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Mokgosi committed to bring dignity to communities through housing delivery

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi /Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has hailed the multi-million rand housing project at Tshing Township in Ventersdorp as a significant step towards bringing back the people’s dignity. Mokgosi said this bold move by the North West Department of Human Settlements will see 1500 beneficiaries moving into their new houses before the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Mokgosi who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, executive mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Gaba Thithiba ka Qhele and Head of Department (HOD, Kgomotso Mahlobo, visited the area on Friday last week as part of Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme to assess progress on the construction of the houses as well as hand over of five completed houses to beneficiaries.

“It is important to deliver houses to communities as this act is not only about ensuring beneficiaries have a roof over their heads, but realising their right to live in safety and dignity in a decent home. We also urge beneficiaries to refrain from selling their houses or renting them out to foreigners who later turn them into spaza shops or unlicensed liquor stores.

“We have noted that there are beneficiaries who have been in the waiting list from as early as the dawn of democracy. As a government, we are pleased that soon those beneficiaries will be moving into their houses, but our challenge is that the very same beneficiaries, after receiving the houses, sell or rent them out and go back to living in the informal settlements,’’ he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Betty Gama (85) lived in a two room shack for seven years with her son, Botha Gama (28). The family has been surviving on old age grants.

According to Gama, their shack burnt down with everything inside forcing them to find solace from neighbours. She is one of the beneficiaries who were prioritised to receive a house as she did not have a proper place to stay.

“I have nothing but praise for the department. The assistance and support I received from the government is impressive. I was carried by my shoulders through a difficult time of my life and my dignity was restored through provision of a wonderful new home,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Petros Shuping (70), who lives with his family of four, spent many years living in a dilapidated shack which made their stay very unpleasant during the rainy season and the cold weather. The Shuping family depends on government grants for survival as they also experience scarcity of jobs or employment in the area.

Meanwhile, Molapisi said: “The Tshing housing project is one of the fastest moving projects in the province and this is all made possible by the dedication and commitment shown by contractors. We would like to applaud the contractors on ensuring the houses are built in excellent standards and handed over to rightful beneficiaries.

“As department, we are ensuring we work hand in hand with our contractors to improve housing delivery. We would like to thank all the contractors working on this project to ensure that our communities are provided with decent houses.”  

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42 000 jobs created in North West in quest to alleviates unemployment  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he has noted and welcomed the recent figures of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, where unemployment in the province dropped by 2%. Mokgosi said the third quarter report on the unemployment rate in the North West by Statistics South Africa indicates that the province managed to create 42 000 jobs between July and September 2025.

He further said early this year, the province adopted the Growth and Development Strategy to drive economic recovery plans centered on infrastructure development, service delivery, investments and job creation.  Mokgosi added that while the province is not out of the woods yet, the figures are encouraging.

“These figures are indicative of an administration hard at work to address the scourge of unemployment and poverty confronting the province. I have been crisscrossing the province speaking to various enterprises to see how best we can turn the tide on high unemployment figures in the province, and I believe that our efforts are yielding desired results.

“Efforts to create jobs in the province will be given impetus by the Provincial Mining Indaba and Investment Conference planned for early next year. We recently met with the Cabinet where we tabled our efforts to lure investments and drive our economic recovery initiatives and President Cyril Ramaphosa gave us thumbs up on these ambitious efforts while offering some counselling on how we can circumvent these challenges,” he said.

Mokgosi said the province has also made some significant strides in deterring job losses in ferrochrome mines. He said all these efforts and many others will find expression through a jobs summit that is aimed at devising strategies on preserving the available jobs while creating new ones in various industries as envisioned in the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.

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Department and JB Marks Local Municipality sign agreement to speed-up housing delivery

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 November 2025- The North West Provincial Government through the Department of Human Settlements has granted the JB Marks Local Municipality accreditation to perform Level 1 subsidy functions. This means that the municipality will be responsible for managing and administering housing subsidies in the area. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the agreement will facilitate a collaborative framework in which the provincial government and the local municipality operate as partners towards a shared commitment to service delivery and excellence.

“Housing is not merely about brick and mortar; it is the cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity. Through this implementation protocol, we are entrusting the JB Marks Local Municipality with greater autonomy and resources to address the housing needs of our residents.

“This decentralization of power is a bold move that underscores our belief in local governance and its proximity to the people, for they better understand the needs of a community than those who pass-by its streets every day,’’ he said.  

Mokgosi further said that the signing of the agreement will go a long way in addressing the housing backlog the Department of Human Settlements is currently faced with. He added that with this development, the municipality will be able to implement housing projects faster and the department will retain its role of oversight.

Sharing Mokgosi’s sentiments, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said that the municipality will be responsible for the management and administering of housing projects and programmes as per the level one accreditation functions, this includes budget planning, identification of housing projects and programmes, beneficiary management and housing subsidy registration among many other programmes. 

Molapisi said his department has already appointed a service provider as part of its post accreditation support plan to assist the municipality with the implementation protocol.

“The department will provide the municipality with all the necessary assistance for them to be able to carry out these tasks and ensure that communities receive efficient housing services,” he said.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi effects changes in provincial administration  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has effected changes in the provincial administration with the redeployment of Superintendent General of the North West Department of Health, Obakeng Eden Mongale to the Office of the Premier to coordinate the provincial segment of the National Dialogue. The Head of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mothupi Mokhatla, will now take over the reins at the North West Department of Health, whilst Kenalemang Bodigelo-Nyezi will hold the fort in an acting capacity.

Mokgosi maintains these changes are aimed to bolster administrative stability, efficiency and provision of services in the province.

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NWPG continues to priorities vulnerable groups across the province

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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.

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