Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 September 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has committed to repair the dilapidated internal road in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein, which prohibits school children to attend schools and residents to do their daily errands during the rainy season. Mokgosi, who was accompanied by the Executive Mayors of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Nikiwe Num and City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlope, handed over the Phase 1 of a newly-constructed 2km paved road and storm water project in Khuma Ext. 32 and 39.
He further said the handover was part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Phase 5 in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. Mokgosi added that residents of Khuma, expressed their gratitude as the government officially handed over the paved road and storm water project saying it has given their area the necessary facelift.
“Even though residents are delighted about the completed road, the problematic section which was not part of Phase 1, must be constructed soonest. We appreciate the completion of the paved road.
“However, we have not included in the project the road which gets water locked during the rainy season. Through the City of Matlosana there will be re-allocation of resources and proper planning so that we resolve this matter permanently” he said.
Mokgosi said residents further expressed their delight that a problematic area will now receive attention. He said the project forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to resolve service delivery backlogs in various communities across the province through the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme-Thuntsha Lerole.
5 September 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi who is also the ANC deputy provincial chairperson, is alleged to be taking legal action against his detractors as ANC factional battles within the party play out.
This comes after explosive WhatsApp messages making rounds on various social media platforms alleging that he interfered with the appointment processes of the Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Segapo by fabricating some evidence.
According to WhatsApp messages that depict and suggest Thabo Appolus’ as the author, alleged that Mokgosi and other three people met with Appolus to fabricate evidence on Segapo’s appointment. Currently, Appolus and others are challenging Segapo’s appointment in court and the matter is now with the Supreme of Appeal Court as the municipality challenged the outcome of the verdict that was in the applicants favour.
The WhatsApp messages read: “Good morning comrade Lazzy, today is 2 April 20225, three years later since you drove from Vryburg to pay me a visit like Nicodemus of the old. While Nicodemus meeting with Jesus Kreste in the middle of the night, your meeting on the day with me catered for three more people, Doreen Mariri, Aobakwe Mathontshi and Boy Sejake.
“Cde Premier, I wish you to know it is with much pain that I write you the reflections of that meeting on the 02nd April 2023. The pain is caused by the fact that you brought me a letter that spoke about Modisenyane Segapo, and this you made clear must never leak because even the then MEC of Cogta, Cde Nono Maloyi does not know about it.”
“Yes, as per your instructionI worked on that letter. Between you and me, of course with those 3 other persons, you have misled Cde Nono Maloyi as the MEC of Cogta hence Naledi is where it is today.
“Fast forward, on the dawn of March2025 you linked up with the EFF Senior Politician and called my lawyer with the intent to have my case jeopardized because of your wish to lure Segapo. To this end I will caution you Premier Lazy Mokgosi, you’re treading on thin ice. Let me bring this to your attention, the case of Segapo will be resolved not as per your wish to further cause confusion and divisions in the NorthWest Province.”
“In fact, as a revolutionary I am duty bound to defend Segapo against you AND that’s what is now going to happen. Kgale o betsa ke thiba, jaanong o thibe.
“Like Martin of old, what is about to happen to me I do not know, and I care less to know. But as the 1946 Youth League informed President General Alfred Xuma, I wish to inform you, you’re not going to be the next ANC Provincial Chairperson. Stay tuned.”
As chickens might be coming home to roost, Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has taken note of the allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, councillor Groep. Mokgosi won’t comment further on this matter as it is sub-judice.”
Appolus could not be reached for comment as he did not respond to our messages and calls to confirm the eligibility of the WhatsApp messages.
Meanwhile, in the letter written by Professor of African Politics and International Relations, University of Pretoria, Christopher Isike with headlines: Factionalism and corruption could kill the ANC – unless it kills both first and published on May 12, 2019 12.39pm SAST said, the ANC suffers from all these anti-progress traits and must engage them head-on. Isike said this is because the regimental (command-and-obey) culture that drives liberation movements, fosters leadership arrogance, authoritarianism and corruption.
“It also stifles innovation, especially from youth. Growing disenchantment with the government of a ruling party over recurring high levels of corruption represents another reason for the loss of the hegemony,” he said.
28 August 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has expressed optimism in the upcoming visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cabinet in the province due to be undertaken on 12 September in Rustenburg. Mokgosi said the visit stems from the National Government Programme of Action of 2025, to foster and strengthen Inter-Government Relations to see to the full implementation of the priorities of the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP-2024-2029).
“As part of addressing challenges of unemployment and poverty, the province recently adopted the Growth and Development Strategy. It is centered on repositioning the provincial economy through its main economic drivers which are mining, agriculture and tourism.
“This includes prioritizing the full functioning of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone. The SEZ which has so far garnered investments commitments of over two hundred billion rand will create close to twenty thousand jobs once granted an operational license,” he said.
Mokgosi further said the SEZ once operational will go a long way in assisting the province address the scourge of unemployment and poverty afflicting our communities. He added that they have met several mining companies since the start of this year and have expressed interest in seeing to it that the SEZ succeeds and achieves its intended objectives.
“In relation to the state of local governance, the province recently launched the fifth phase of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme-Thuntsha Lerole to assist municipalities address various service delivery challenges impacting their administrative and developmental trajectory.
“Local government is critical towards addressing challenges bedeviling our developmental trajectory. Therefore without proper infrastructure we will not be able to address these challenges hence the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme initiative,” said Mokgosi.
He said they will use this engagement to highlight areas which require support and collaboration from the national government to unlock growth and development initiatives in the province.
4 August 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he has recently re-launched the North West Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at Orbit TVET College in (Mankwe Campus) in Mabele-A-Podi village, near Rustenburg. Mokgosi said the primary objective of the Council is to harness the provincial skills base as a vehicle for socio-economic development to address the scourge of unemployment and poverty in the province.
He further said it forms part of the reconceptualised national HRDC strategy and Master Skills Plan to align the country’s education and training systems with labour market demands. Mokgosi added that the Council will be a multi-sectoral advisory and coordination platform that brings together government departments, municipalities, Higher Education and Training institutions, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Organised Labour and Business, Civil Society and Community Stakeholders.
“The Council will serve as both a strategic and catalytic platform that will accelerate human capital development in the province. Of critical importance is to commit to skills development as part of the province’s continued endeavours to empower young people to grow the economy and create jobs.
“While the province is endowed with natural resources, the low skill levels have deterred the ability of the province to fully exploit its economic potential. We have recently adopted the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy which has identified key economic drivers such as Mining, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Tourism, Renewable Energy and Green Economy, and Infrastructure Development as our key economic drivers,” he said.
Mokgosi said, however, none of these sectors can grow without the right skills base. He said the HRDC will therefore serve as the engine that drives skills planning, coordination, and implementation to support these sectors.
“The Council which among others will be tasked with strengthening artisan development and technical skills training, expanding workplace-based learning, internships and learnerships, as well as empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities through targeted programmes is composed of MECs and District Executive Mayors.
“This includes the Economic and Investment Advisory Committee under the stewardship of Professor John Lamola and Professor Raymond Parsons, representatives of Institutions of Higher Learning through the capable leadership of Prof Bismark Tyobeka and Dr Pradheep Balkrishen, as well as organised Labour, Business and Civil Society which will be represented by Mr Kabelo Kgoro, Mr Benedict Modise and Ms Dieketseng Diale respectively,” said Mokgosi.
He urged Council Members to lead with integrity, transparency and urgency and ensure that skills development budgets are better spent and better targeted.
Picture: The North West Provincial Government delegates/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
31 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane and Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, Sheila Huma, launched the North West Growth Hub today at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.
The Growth Hub, based at Shop No. 17 at OR Tambo International Airport, is a game-changer for local Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), providing enhanced visibility in competitive markets, support in accessing digital platforms, and opportunities to collaborate across industries.
Mokgosi further said with a strong focus on showcasing their rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, the Growth Hub will unlock fresh economic pathways across agriculture, conservation, manufacturing, and hospitality. He added that this strategic milestone is set to significantly enhance the province’s digital marketing and branding capacity, positioning the North West as a compelling destination for tourism, trade, and investment.
“The North West Growth Hub aims to amplify visibility for the province’s diverse Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), promote its rich biodiversity, and unlock growing economic opportunities.
“Through this Growth Hub we aim to amplify the visibility of the province to this lucrative market by exposing it to our rich biodiversity, and unlock growing economic opportunities across various sectors,” said Mokgosi.
He said the Growth Hub programme also aligns with the objectives of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, which will be launched in due course. Mokgosi said, however, at the centre of this initiative is to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and inclusive economy, which can help the province address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequalities in their communities.
“The Growth Hub is a flagship initiative of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), aligning with the department’s digital transformation priorities as pronounced by Lenkopane during the 2025 Budget Vote.
“It is a core pillar in the province’s broader strategy to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and inclusive economy. Once fully equipped with modern digital infrastructure, the hub will serve as a sustainable platform for marketing the North West as a premier tourism destination,” he said.
Mokgosi said the hub will also accelerate the development of township economies and promote localisation.
30 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will officially launch the North West Growth Hub on 31 July 2025, at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, in Gauteng. Mokgosi said this strategic milestone is set to significantly enhance the province’s digital marketing and branding capacity, positioning the North West as a compelling destination for tourism, trade, and investment.
He further said the North West Growth Hub aims to amplify visibility for the province’s diverse Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), promote its rich biodiversity, and unlock growing economic opportunities across sectors. Mokgosi added that the Growth Hub is a flagship initiative of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), aligning with the department’s digital transformation priorities as pronounced by the North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, during the 2025 Budget Vote.
“It is a core pillar in the province’s broader strategy to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and inclusive economy. Once fully equipped with modern digital infrastructure, the hub will serve as a sustainable platform for marketing the North West as a premier tourism destination, while also accelerating the development of township economies and promoting localisation.
“The launch event will bring together government leaders, industry stakeholders, development partners, and members of the media to witness the unveiling of this transformative project,” said Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the event will be held at O.R Tambo International Airport, Shop No 17 Ground Floor at 10am on 31 July 2025.
24 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the success of the democratic dispensation faces a serious credibility deficit, if they fail to resolve the job crisis confronting the province. Mokgosi who delivered the 2025/2026 financial year at the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng on Thursday said, the voices of the marginalized and economically disenfranchised are missing in the celebratory chorus of the 31 years of the country’s democratic breakthrough.
He further said many of the people comprising largely the youth are outside the economic system, locked out of opportunities to share the dividends of democracy. Mokgosi added that, therefore, the promises they make in changing the lives of the youth for the better must not ring hollow in improving their socio-economic conditions.
“We meet in this house today to complete the last round of the process to release public resources to implement objectives set out in the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029) adopted by the 7th administration. The apex priorities are (i) to drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs, (ii) reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living as
well as (iii) building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“Addressing the National Assembly during the tabling of the
Presidency Budget Vote a week ago, His Excellency President Cyril
Ramaphosa made an impassioned plea to meet the aforementioned objectives in our Programme of Action,” he said.
Mokgosi said the government in the province only employs 6% of all working people with 94% employed in the private sector. He said for this reason, they cannot win the battle against youth unemployment without the role and contribution of the private sector.
“We have established a Development Fund set at R100 million as a seed fund to co-fund social and developmental initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and infrastructure backlogs in the province. We are encouraged by interest displayed by various industries to play a more meaningful role in this regard. If the private sector matches this government commitment, more pathways could be opened for jobs and other social relief interventions.
“The resuscitation of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in Moses Kotane Local Municipality is in full swing and a team led by the Premier comprising the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bojanala and Moses Kotane Municipalities have been assembled to strengthen the provincial government’s business case. These intervention measures will culminate in the creation of 919 000 direct jobs once granted a license,” said Mokgosi.
He said for the successful implementation of the Annual
Performance Plan tabled in this August House, he requested for the appropriation to vote 1, Office of the Premier, as outlined hereunder. Mokgosi said the total budget allocation is R519 498.
“Administration will be allocated R 129,067, Institutional Development will receive R 273,759, while Policy and Governance will be allocated R116 672. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to thank the Speaker and Deputy for their continued support and guidance. The Honourable Members of the Executive Council for their ever-ready support as well Honourable members of the portfolio committee and the Opposition for their robust and relevant engagements, advice and oversight role.
“The DG and the entire staff of the Office of the Premier, the Chief of Staff, Advisors and the entire Private Office Staff, Traditional Leaders, my
beautiful wife and children for their encouragement and support,” he said.
Picture: The Orbit College FC player against Vape Town City player in a match/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 June 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he wishes the newly-promoted team, Orbit College Football Club well following their promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League. This comes after Mswenko Boys as Orbit College FC is affectionately known, defeated Cape Town City 1-0 on Wednesday at the packed and electrifying Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
Mokgosi said Mswenko Boys demonstrated courage and resilience throughout the campaign.
“We witnessed a remarkable performance by Orbit College FC, which guarantees them a spot in the Premier Soccer League. As a province, we congratulate them on this historic victory which epitomises resilience and courage but further gives impetus to our ongoing efforts to set our province on a path of growth and development.
“The provincial government will explore various ways and means to support the team in the forthcoming PSL season, as well as partnering with the private sector to guarantee its success,” he said.
Mokgosi further said the private sector and in particular mining houses around the Bojanala area will have to be roped in to assist the team through various means to ensure its sustainability and growth. He added that the success of the team will yield different economic spin-offs for locals.
“This promotion will culminate into the creation of various economic opportunities for the people of the North West and in particular the tourism and retail sector. It further impresses upon us to prioritise the refurbishment of infrastructure such as our stadiums and training facilities,” said Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the North West Sports Confederation president, Thebe Sekoto said the promotion of Orbit College to the Betway Premiership is more than just a big win in football. Sekoto said it is a proud and important moment for the North West.
“What started as a small college football team has now become one of the top clubs in the country. Their fast rise from the lower leagues to the top division has excited fans across the North West and brought back hope and pride to the province.
“This moment is important not only for the team, but for the whole community. Teams like Orbit are more than just football clubs. They create jobs, bring in investment, help young people grow and bring people together. Promotion is not just a prize, it is a chance to improve our communities,” he said.
Sekoto said having a North West team in the Premiership again puts the province back on the national stage. He said he believes this proves the province is ready to host big events, grow young talent and take part in major sports conversations.
“This achievement means two big things. For Orbit College, it shows how a small team with big dreams and hard work can reach the top. For the province, it supports the idea that sports can help build better communities and boost the local economy.
“The North West has waited for years to have a team in the top league again. Now, with Orbit’s success, that dream has come true. Their story, built on discipline, planning and belief, shows what can happen when talent is given a chance,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
25 May 2025- In line with Chapter 6, Section 131(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, has appointed the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi as the acting Premier effective from 24 May 2025 to 8 June 2025. Mokgosi said as acting Premier, Mosenogi will execute all responsibilities entrusted to her in line with the provisions of the constitution.
25 May 2025- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the North West said it is outraged by the News24 report confirming that 36% of staff in the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi’s office is not qualified for the positions they occupied. The party said this shocking figure is only the tip of the iceberg — because the truth is, Mokgosi himself is not qualified to lead this province.
According to MKP provincial convenor, Alfred Motsi, Mokgosi has never emerged through any proper political or organizational processes within the ANC — not at branch level, not at regional level. Motsi said Mokgosi is a political unknown, who was elevated to power purely because of his allegiance to a faction led by ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi.
“Mokgosi is nothing more than a puppet of Maloyi, installed to protect factional interests, not to serve the people of this province. This is a betrayal of democracy, governance and public trust.
“We demand a public explanation from Mokgosi on his own qualifications and political background. A full independent audit of all staff appointments in the Office of the Premier. Immediate removal of all unqualified personnel,” he said.
Motsi further said they also demand a clear commitment to merit-based, transparent appointments free from factional influence. He added that, the North West deserves competent, ethical and experienced leadership.
“What we have now is a state-captured provincial government run by factional interests and deployed puppets, who cannot deliver services, cannot govern and do not respect the people.
“MKP is rising to break this cycle of corruption, cadre deployment and incompetence. We are building a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” said Motsi.
However, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has refuted reports that only 36% of his staff is qualified. Mokgosi said all 44 senior managers qualify and met all the requirements for the positions they currently hold at the time of their appointments.
“Following engagements with the Public Service Commission (PSC), it was established that certain information in relation to the suitability of some managers was not captured correctly when a survey on senior management qualifications was conducted.
“The Office of the Premier can confirm that qualifications relating to all senior managers have been authenticated, and they all meet the minimum entry requirements into the Senior Management Service,” he said.
Mokgosi said an updated report in relation to this matter will be shared with the Public Service Commission (PSC). He said that he is committed to the professionalisation of the Public Service, as well as ethical leadership, which encapsulates accountability and transparency.
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