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.
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.
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.
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.
Picture: The VIP Protection Unit vehicle/Screengrab
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said a VIP Protection Unit vehicle with registration KTR 824 NW circulating on various social media pages, does not belong to any Member of the Executive Council (MEC) as purported in the video. Mokgosi said they can confirm that the said vehicle belongs to the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and has been allocated to the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to strengthen its work.
He further said he has since issued an instruction to the department to investigate circumstances around the use of this vehicle on matters not related to government work. Mokgosi added that the investigation will also include what appears to be fitment of blue lights on the vehicle and whether due processes were followed within the relevant prescripts of the law.
Meanwhile, the said vehicle was seen parked at one of the filling stations in Mahikeng with an unknown woman seen coming out of driver’ seat suggesting that she might have been driving the vehicle.
20 October 2025- Three educators from the North West are part of the Department of Basic Education contingent jetting off to the People’s Republic of China on a DBE-Chinese Embassy Partnership from 20 October to 13 November 2025. The partnership, among others, involves Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology E-learning educators who shall have emerged through the processes of the National Teaching Awards will take part in the learning exchange programme.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said one of the three educators is Dimakatso Sefora from Moremogolo Primary School in the Bojanala District. Motsumi said Sefora won the 2023 competition and obtained position 3 in the Technology-enhanced Teaching and Learning Category.
“She is also a SchoolNet winner due to her integration of ICT-centred teaching. Her passion for digital learning had in the past earned her the award of Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) Super Teacher of the Year and the EduWeek Africa ICT Implementer of the Year (2018).
“Another educator is Itumeleng Komane, is a young and vibrant North West University alumni who has just been promoted to be the Departmental Head at Boitekong II Secondary School in the Bojanala District. He is the 2024 national winner of the ICT-enhanced teaching category,” she said.
Motsumi further said another educator, Mxolisi Tyobeka, is the E-learning specialist in the North West Department of Education and has played a role both as a Provincial Adjudicator and coach of the Technology-enhanced teaching and learning category. She added that Tyobeka is an ardent proponent of digital learning and integration of ICT in teaching and learning.
“We wish them a wonderful journey and a productive learning experience in their three-week stay in the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the department, I wish our educators a very safe journey to the Republic of China.
“They should ensure that they learn everything they come across during their tour, so they can share their experiences with peers in our schools. Let’s grow the North West and South Africa together,” said Motsumi.
2 October 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday lead the roll-out of the Thuntsha Lerole programme in Tswaing Local Municipality, which falls under Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Identified as one of the ten local municipalities prioritised for implementation of phase 5 of the provincial government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole, Tswaing Local Municipality is experiencing several service delivery challenges, including inconsistent water supply and poor state of roads infrastructure.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said through a coordinated effort to enhance access to quality services, Mokgosi who will be joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs), will officially hand over an internal road in Matshelapad. Tatai said as an ongoing endeavour to improve the state of local road infrastructure, potholes patching will be undertaken from Delareyville to Ottosdal, while blading will be conducted in identified internal roads across the local municipality.
“As part of the Title Deeds Friday campaign, a nationwide title deeds restoration programme, Mokgosi will symbolically issue 10 out of the available 1 282 title deeds to the rightful owners, while three completed RDP houses will be handed over to the identified beneficiaries.
“The provincial leadership will also undertake an oversight visit to the new Delareyville Bulk Pharmacy construction site, which once completed, will not only strengthen medicine supply across the local municipality and neighbouring health facilities, but will also improve availability and equitable healthcare delivery,” he said.
Tatai further said as part of the day’s programme, fresh produce will be handed over to indigent families in Matshelapad, Jachtkraal, and Skierlik, while 105 food parcels will be distributed to households in Thawane village. He added that in support of youth development, sports equipment will be issued to nine identified schools, while traditional attire will be presented to Agisanang Traditional Group.
“To enhance access to economic opportunities, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be available on-site to assist with the registration, updating, and amendment of company profiles.
“In addition, integrated primary health care services will be offered to ensure that community members receive vital health screenings and support,” said Tatai.
He said in support of the clean cities initiative, the clearing of illegal dumping sites will also be undertaken across the local municipality. Tatai said the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will also be rolled out in two other districts.
“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the programme will be rolled out at Greater Taung Local Municipality – Pitsong Community Hall in Taung, while in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, public services will be rendered at Tswelelang Township, in Wolmaranstad, Maquassi Hills Local Municipality,” he said.
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.
The Guardian 