Picture: Protesters in Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 July 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has welcomed the report from the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), confirming that public order and peace prevailed across the province during marches held on 30 June 2026, in support of the national campaign against irregular migrants. Mokgosi commended the marches organisers and participants for conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly, with looting and public violence related offences reported only in Pudimoe in Taung and Letlhabile.
He further said 17 suspects linked to these unlawful activities were arrested. Mokgosi also thanked the SAPS members supported by the law enforcement partners for their coordinated efforts in maintaining a visible presence throughout the day and for ensuring the safety of communities and businesses across the province.
“Acknowledging the memoranda handed over to authorities by some communities during these marches, including from Itsoseng Township, near Lichtenburg and Zeerust, we committed to ensure that the concerns raised by the communities are given due consideration and responded to.
“According to the PROVJOINTS, out of the approximately 40 locations identified as potential hotspots for the marches across the province, only 13 recorded protest activities. We urge communities to continue conducting themselves in an orderly and lawful manner beyond today,” he added.
Mokgosi said communities are further urged to refrain from any acts of abuse, intimidation or vigilantism directed at irregular migrants and to allow the relevant government authorities to address such cases through the relevant processes.
29 June 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua and North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, will on 30 June 2026, officially introduce contractors appointed to implement two strategic infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to public services in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Bojanala Platinum District. Mokgosi said the first engagement will mark the official introduction of the contractor appointed to construct the Mabeskraal Community Library, followed by the introduction of the contractor for the upgrading of the Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai Road through Pitsedisulejang.
“The official introduction of the contractors will take place at Batlhako Ba Matutu Administrative Offices (Mabeskraal Village) at 10:30am. In second activity, introduction of Contractor for Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai through Pitsedisulejang road will take place at Barokologadi Ba Ga Maotwe Tribal Offices (Pitsedisulejang Village) at 1pm,” he said.
23 June 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will table the Office of the Premier’s 2026/27 Budget Vote and Policy Speech on Friday at the North West Provincial Legislature. The Budget Vote and Policy Speech is expected to outline the Office’s strategic priorities and planned interventions for the 2026/27 financial year, as well as measures aimed at strengthening coordination of service delivery, enhancing good governance and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Mokgosi is also expected to reaffirm the Office’s commitment to empowering youth, women and persons with disabilities through programmes that are aimed at enhancing skills development, creating employment opportunities and promoting inclusive socio-economic participation.
The Office of the Premier Budget Vote and Policy Speech will be delivered at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Friday at 9am.
25 May 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will undertake a visit to the Molosankwe family following the gruesome killing of community activist, Thato Molosankwe. Affectionately known as Senganga, Sanusi and Ramatsela, Molosankwe was widely recognised for his activism and community mobilisation efforts against crime and service delivery across many communities in North West.
Mokgosi described Molosankwe as a courageous and outspoken community leader, who dedicated his life to the service of communities and residents of the province.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Molosankwe. His contribution towards community activism and social justice will not be forgotten. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the broader community during this difficult period.
“We will be visiting Molosankwe’s family in Lomanyaneng village, near Mahikeng on Tuesday at 2pm,” he said.
The North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has called for calm following the brutal killing of Molosankwe. Morweng said according to the police, Molosankwe was shot and killed in the early hours of this morning, 20 May 2026, at the family business premises in Lomanyaneng village, outside Mahikeng.
“We appeal for calm to allow the police to conduct the investigation unobstructed. We implore the community to assist the police with any information, however innocuous it may seem to expedite speedy apprehension of the doers of this heinous crime.
“Molosankwe sprung to national prominence about 16 years ago when he walked over 1 300 kilometres from Cape Town to Mahikeng. The gruelling but meritorious act was to raise awareness of women and child abuse. In 2018, he embarked on yet another even more arduous but ambitious solo walk from Cape to Cairo.
“This trip, had it been successful, would have covered 24 000 kilometres going through 49 of the 54 African countries. However, immigration challenges experienced in Zambia meant cul-de-sac to the trip,” he said.
Morweng further said it was after this that he began community activism sharply raising various societal issues, especially about service delivery. He added that it was during what is referred to as the ‘July Unrest’ that he endeared himself to local business.
“The July 2021 unrest primarily affected the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces resulting in over 350 deaths and an estimated R50 billion in economic damages. Molosankwe and a group of other local activists galvanised local communities to not only desist from looting shops, but protect businesses from acts of any criminality.
“With the community support, the cold-blooded criminals who did this will be apprehended. Once more, we are appealing for calm as such a dastardly act has a potential to whip up emotions. We are confident that soon the police will have a breakthrough.
We send our deepest sympathies to the Molosankwe family and all those whose lives have been touched by Thato’s generosity”, said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the Tshenolo PI said: “As we undertake the investigation into the tragic killing of Molosankwe, we would like to appreciate each and every person who may have information that could assist in this case.
“We are specifically requesting any information regarding the incident. Screenshots of posts or comments made by individuals who allegedly stated that Molosankwe would die. Especially comments linked to previous statements he made regarding a biker who was killed.”
The investigating pundit said any small piece of information may assist greatly in the investigation. Tshenolo PI said they urge anyone who has information to contact them privately, anonymously, or simply send the information to their inbox.
“A reward will also be made available for credible information and credible informants. We believe that people assisting in the fight for justice should not work for free. Please contact us on 066 472 7099 or 060 853 9338 on WhatsApp.
“All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and your identity will be protected. Our team has already developed several leads, and we strongly believe that with public assistance together with the information already gathered, we stand a much better chance of solving this matter as quickly as possible,” said Tshenolo PI.
They said they are working tirelessly on this case. Tshenolo PI said their team did not sleep last night because they are determined to make progress before Molosankwe is laid to rest.
“Let us work together. Justice must prevail,” they said.
6 April 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on 8 April 2026, update members of the media on progress made towards modernising the provincial government’s digital infrastructure, following the recent approval of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy by the Executive Council.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in February 2026, Mokgosi announced that government will be implementing a number of digital transformation initiatives from 1 April 2026, this with a view to improving governance, strengthening service delivery and enhancing operational efficiency across the provincial administration. Tatai said Mokgosi’s update seeks to reinforce the provincial government’s firm commitment to using technology as a key enabler for development and responsive governance.
“Executives from Microsoft and Boxfusion who are partners in implementing the provincial digital transformation agenda, will also be attending the media briefing which will be held at Mmabatho Palms Hotel on Wednesday at 2:30pm.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders/Facebook
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
19 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said this year marks the 30th anniversary since the adoption of the democratic constitution and this serves as a reminder of the many battles waged by traditional leaders in the fight against Colonial-Apartheid rule. Mokgosi, who delivered the keynote address during the official opening of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders for the year 2026, said this includes the fight against land dispossession, the plundering of the natural resources and the exploitation of the people.
He further said their bravery laid a firm foundation in invigorating a spirit of patriotism, which culminated in the country’s democratic breakthrough with the adoption of a new Constitution in 1996 centered on promoting and preservation of the rights, customs and ethos of traditional leadership. Mokgosi added that as they mark 30 years of this important milestone, they do so cognizant of the important role played by Kgosi Besele of Barolong, Kgosi Galeshewe of Batlhaping, Kgosi Lentswe of Bakgatla, Kgosi Sechele of Bakwena and many others whose contribution continue to encourage many of them to forge ahead with their National Democratic Project.
“As President Cyril Ramaphosa remarked during the opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders “the institution of traditional leadership, forms sturdy roots that hold the tree of our nation up.
“Traditional leadership is the institution that anchors us in history. It nourishes our identity. It stabilizes us when storms rage. We meet here today following the presentation of the State of the Province Address (SOPA), as well as the Budget Speech,” he said.
Mokgosi said these two policy statements have prioritized challenges affecting their rural and traditional communities under the jurisdiction of Dikgosi. He said these issues include, but are not limited to road infrastructure, water provision, housing, refurbishment of schools and agricultural development.
“Therefore, the adequate provision of services in our communities will make the role played by our traditional leaders in fostering development seamless. It is a fact that our traditional leaders remain enablers of our socio-economic trajectory particularly as custodians of our land.
“As the provincial government, we reaffirm our support in recognition of traditional leadership as a central pillar of governance, land stewardship, and socio-economic development,” said Mokgosi.
He said they are deliberately repositioning traditional institutions from being peripheral stakeholders to becoming primary partners in economic transformation, investment facilitation and
sustainable development. Mokgosi said at the center of this approach is a programme of institutional reform and economic
realignment, led by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), which seeks to correct historical imbalances and unlock the economic potential of land under traditional leadership.
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 Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has announced the implementation of a coordinated provincial response to reduce the scourge of teenage pregnancy and strengthen support for adolescent mothers. Mokgosi, who outlined this plan while delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature recently, said the initiative which will be led by the North West Department of Health, will see the Departments of Social Development and Education coming on board to implement this multi-sectoral effort.
“The coordinated response will ensure a unified, evidence‑driven response that protects our girls, supports young mothers, and strengthens the wellbeing of communities. The scourge of teenage pregnancy in our province, particularly among under‑age girls, can no longer be normalised.
“Teenage pregnancy in the North West is a critical concern for the government with a 12.8% birth rate among women under 20, driving school dropouts and socio-economic instability. Significant concern has been raised regarding high rates of underage pregnancy in areas like Setlagole and the Ditsobotla sub-district,” he said.
Mokgosi further said working hand in glove with the North West Departments of Social Development and Education, the Department of Health has been assigned to lead this initiative, recognising that teenage pregnancy is a downstream effect of broader social determinants including poverty, school dropout, violence, and limited access to youth‑friendly services.
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 