Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Harmony Gold mine CEO, Beyers Nel/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 May 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has applauded Harmony Gold for an investment of R1.5 billion at its Stilfontein Operations in Klerksdorp. Mokgosi, who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi and acting Director General, Ndlela Kunene, lauded the mine for their investment initiatives and have urged them to support the Province’s Development Fund, which is primarily aimed at addressing infrastructure backlogs in the province.
Mokgosi further said the investment is a culmination of ongoing efforts to lure investments and address the scourge of unemployment afflicting the province. He added that, earlier this year, he met with the company’s Executive Management on the side-lines of the Africa Mining Indaba to discuss a number of issues relating to diversification, localization and SMME Development.
“The initiative, which will create several job opportunities for the people of the province, adds to R7 billion worth of investment by the mine in 2022, which includes an extension of Moab-Khotsong operations at Stilfontein.
“The investment gives credence to the government’s efforts of fostering partnerships with the various stakeholders to create an enabling environment for investment and job creation,” said Mokgosi.
He further said this forms part of a broader strategy by the government to encourage investments in the province. Mokgosi added that, he has no doubt that as more investments trickle in, several more job and business opportunities will be created and this will help reduce the high unemployment figures afflicting the province.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Beyers Nel, maintains that the renewable energy investment forms part of its long-term investment and diversification strategy. Nel said through their R7bn investment in 2022, they managed to preserve 6000 jobs for locals, extending the mine’s lifespan by 20 years.
“In 2020, we acquired Mine Waste Solutions leading to an investment of R2bn and we have created close to 2500 jobs, 7% of which are locals,” he said.
17 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi wishes all Christian-faith based organizations a safe and peaceful Easter Weekend filled with spiritual rejuvenation. Mokgosi has called on residents to observe this weekend with extra care and caution following inclement weather conditions, which have damaged private property and public infrastructure.
He further appeals to road users to be vigilant as thousands will be travelling to various holiday destinations and denominations for divine intervention. Mokgosi added that faith-based organizations remain an important puzzle of the province’s social fabric, particularly as the government continues to forge ahead with finding solutions to a number of challenges afflicting the province.
“The country’s democratic foundation was among others spearheaded by faith-based organizations, as South Africa will mark thirty-one years of freedom on 27 April. The participation of faith-based organizations in community driven development issues is needed more than ever.
“Through liberation theology leaders of faith-based organizations were instrumental in raising the alarm on atrocities which were meted on our people by Apartheid. While we have made progress in addressing this legacy, the next 30 years requires all of us to work together and in particular faith-based organizations to work hand in glove with the government to find permanent solutions to a number of challenges afflicting our communities,” he said.
Mokgosi said, furthermore, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, has been hard at work activating the Easter Weekend Plans, which among others, encapsulate a thorough monitoring of arterial routes such as N4, N12, N14 as well as N18. He said priority will also be given to provincial roads, as well as rural areas, where there has been a growing trend of accidents in the last few years.
15 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on 16 April 2025, host a roundtable discussion with Captains of Industries to discuss areas for collaboration towards the successful and comprehensive implementation of key 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) pronouncements. The engagement will afford the provincial government and business sector the opportunity to also explore strategic enablers and barriers to economic growth in the North West province, focusing on sectors that are dominant in the economy of the province including Mining, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, ICT, Engineering and Construction.
The North West Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said: “Hosted in collaboration with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), the roundtable will underscore ways of creating sustainable job opportunities and alternative strategies to alleviate poverty in line with the 2025 SOPA injunctions.
“The roundtable discussion will be attended by Captains of Industries, Members of Executive Council (MECs), Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council and Heads of Departments.”
Setswambung further said this engagement will be followed by Premier’s maiden Charity Golf Tournament, which will be attended by prominent golfers from business fraternity and professional organisations. He added that, the proceeds from Premier’s Charity Golf Tournament will be awarded to a school in Moretele Local Municipality, Kgomo-Kgomo, and another in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where Mokgosi, together with MTN and Metropolitan will donate laptops, sanitary towels, and Wi-Fi for the Grade 12 learners.
“The two-day programme with Captains of Industries will be held in Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg on Wednesday, where Mokgosi will engage in Premier’s roundtable discussion with Captains of Industries from 2pm to 5pm.
“On Thursday, Mokgosi will embark on Premier’s Charity Golf Tournament at Sun City Golf Course
Picture: The executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
8 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe, conducted an oversight visit to four key water projects across villages in Mahikeng. The visit aimed at improving water access and addressing infrastructure challenges faced by locals.
Molefe said the visit will include inspections of water projects in Mmasutlhe, Magogoe, Dithakong, Setumo Park, Signal Hill and Lonely Park. He further said during these visits, Mokgosi will be engaging with local authorities and related stakeholders in an effort to evaluate the progress of each water project and assessing the impact on the surrounding communities.
“These projects are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to provide sustainable water solutions in rural areas, ensuring equitable access to this essential resource.
“In Mmasutlhe, Magogoe, Dithakong, Setumo Park, Signal Hill and Lonely Park, Mokgosi will further observe significant strides in water infrastructure development, including the installation of new pipelines, repair of aging systems, and the establishment of reliable water supply points,” said Molefe.
He added that they took the opportunity to discuss future plans for the expansion of these projects and the necessary improvements to meet the growing needs of the communities. Molefe said the visit underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location, have access to clean and safe drinking water.
“The Government of National Unity (GNU) continues to prioritize water security as part of its broader development goals, with further investments planned to enhance water access and infrastructure across the region,” he said.
8 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they have invested R25 million in the refurbishment of the Pilanesberg Airport to support the booming tourist numbers in the Bojanala, Sun City and Pilanesberg nodal point. Mokgosi said in addition, the road between Majakaneng and Sun City will be given a facelift of R29 million.
He further said discussions are underway between the provincial government and SANRAL to revamp an additional 40km of this road in preparation of G20 activities. Mokgosi added that, the construction of the D424 road and Visser Street in Mahikeng has commenced.
“The major road works set at a budget of R68m will start from Lonely Park, passing through Embassy and Golf View all the way up to the R49 intersection.
“We have resolved in our last EXCO session to appoint the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to spearhead the establishment of the North West Road Agency,” he said.
Mokgosi said the establishment of an agency dedicated to the road infrastructure will enable better management and maintenance of the provincial road network through innovative models and reforms. He said this will be achieved by building internal capacity of professionals and will strengthen the collaborative engagements with investors for the agency to mobilise finances to increase investment in road infrastructure.
“The North West Provincial Government has set aside a budget of R100m to kick start the Growth Fund, which will attract further collaboration with the private sector to work together to deliver on strategic projects and fund initiatives that create jobs and grow the economy of the province.
“The foundation is laid and the North West Provincial Government service delivery machinery is moving ahead at great speed to radically transform government performance and delivery for the tenure of the current administration,” said Mokgosi.
He said this assertion is not only their boastful claims, but has been confirmed by the Auditor General in the PFMA audit outcomes and in several meetings they have had with the AG since taking office. Mokgosi said they are convinced that with the improvements in the audit outcomes at a provincial level, they can achieve clean audits for all provincial government departments by the end of the term of the 7th administration.
“We currently have two departments which are Provincial Treasury and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation with clean audits. This achievement is a product of our dedicated and focused monitoring and support to departments in the implementation of post audit action plans across departments.
“The Office of the Premier and Social Development should boast our numbers of clean audits soon. We have concluded the 2024/25 financial year with no new material audit concerns, recording a satisfactory expenditure level of 99.2 %,” he said.
Mokgosi said the preliminary spending report which is still to be subjected to the audit indicates that of R54.3 billion adjusted budget, actual expenditure accounts for R53.8 billion. He said this improved performance will be sustained in the current fiscal year and it remains this government commitment that no funds would be returned to the national coffers as they have the responsibility to provide much needed services to the people through this utilization of limited resources.
“Moreover, the R421 million which was not utilized by the Departments will be rolled over to the new financial year and will be spent on projects already committed by the government.
“At the beginning of the 7th administration, we dedicated this term of office to job creation, in particular opportunities aimed at changing the lives of the youth,” said Mokgosi.
He said this commitment remains a driving inspiration behind government programmes and all development initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Justice Dabampe said: “We welcome the decision by the North West Provincial Government to support EFF policies on building state capacity and doing away with tenders and outsourcing.
“You will remember that, it has been our battle cry that we must build state capacity and we said through the establishment of the state road agency, such will be realised.”
Dabampe said they will ensure that the state road agency does not become yet another cash cow or a failed project of the ruling party as it is the case with the NTI and Mmabana Foundation. He said they will ensure that permanent people are employed after the establishment of the agency.
“We should not rely on outsourcing because the agency is progressive and will assist as we know our road conditions are bad. There are no roads that are trafficable, especially during the rainy season because tenderpreneurs are just doing it for money without the interests of the people of the province at heart.
“So, this road agency asserts our long call that we have to do away with tenders and build state capacity. This will ensure that everything is done inhouse without outsourcing. There is nothing about the people of the North West without them,” he said.
8 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the month of April 2025 marks the beginning of the first full financial year of the 7th administration following the completion of the 2024/2025 financial year half of which fell under the 6th administration. Mokgosi who was briefing the media in Mahikeng last week regarding the EXCO outcome said, they are happy that they have ended the 2024/25 financial year on a high note.
He further said they have laid a firm administrative foundation to launch the Programme of Action of the 7th administration under the newly adopted Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) centered on three strategic focus areas, which is to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.
“This includes building a capable, ethical and developmental state. The implementation of the MTDP will be outlined during the tabling of departmental budgets in the upcoming months. The North West Provincial Government is in a better shape than ever before with all governance and service delivery structures in place and functioning at optimum levels.
“The Executive Council has not missed a single of its meetings since the inception of the 7th administration and all EXCO cluster meetings have been held as scheduled, supported by Technical Clusters of Heads of Departments under the leadership of the Director General,” said Mokgosi.
He added that all committees supporting and advising him to exercise his constitutional role as Head of Government are in place and meeting regularly. Mokgosi said this includes the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council, Infrastructure Coordinating Council, Premier’s Political Oversight Committee on municipalities and the Shareholders Political Committee on State Owned Entities.
“In the next two months, all Provincial Government Departments will have substantive Heads of Departments after conclusion of recruitment processes for the remaining vacant posts.
“We have improved coordination and cooperation with local governments through the North West Premier’s Coordinating Council with Executive Mayors and Mayors of municipalities. The work of this intergovernmental structure is yielding desired results as captured in the MFMA improved audit outcomes as reported by the Auditor General,” he said.
Mokgosi said all municipalities submitted their 2023/24 Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and were subjected to the audit, resulting in 3 unqualified audit opinions, 13 qualified audit, 3 adverse and 3 disclaimers. He said this indicates an improvement from the previous financial years with disclaimers being reduced from 9 to 3.
“As government, we are fully committed to assist all municipalities with good governance practices that would ensure that we do away with adverse and disclaimers audit outcomes and we convert from unqualified to clean audits.
“Furthermore, we have deployed experts in town planning, engineering, finance and ICT in various fields as part of the local government turn-around strategy and to assist municipalities with skills transfer,” said Mokgosi.
He said the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, continues to receive support in terms of Section 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) albeit under difficult conditions. Mokgosi said the municipality is also being supported in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution.
“A multi-disciplinary team of officials from different government departments and other entities has been established to unblock service delivery challenges afflicting the municipality.
“We are moving Bokone Bophirima forward. Our province will host no less than 5 sector meetings of the G20 as part of the build up to South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Heads of State summit later in the year,” he said.
Mokgosi said this includes, the Women Empowerment Working Group, Energy Transition and Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Leadership Assembly among others. He said the opportunity to be awarded the right to host these meetings came at the right time to align with our already ongoing programme to build strategic infrastructure projects to support our tourism drive.
Picture: The civilians fighting against apartheid system/Google
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 March 2025- The North West Premier, Dr Zamani Saul will lead the commemoration of Human Rights Day in Okiep, in the Namakwa District on 21 March 2025. Saul spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe said Human Rights Day is commemorated under the theme: “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,” which emphasises the continuous need for transformative action to ensure that human rights are not only recognised but fully realised for every individual, everywhere.
Gaosekwe further said Human Rights Month continues to remember and honour those who enabled them to achieve freedom and democracy. She added that this includes the courageous men and women who marched in Sharpeville and Langa on 21 March 1960, for the total abolition of
pass laws.
“The Sharpeville Massacre and Langa March exposed the brutality of apartheid for the whole world to see and united our people’s unyielding resolve for freedom. This year’s commemoration of Human Rights Month coincides with the 70th
anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter. The Freedom Charter proclaims that, “South Africa belongs to all who live in it” and that “all shall be equal before the law”.
“It is the foundation on which our world acclaimed Constitution was drafted. As we commemorate Human Rights Month, it is important to note that Library Week is also celebrated annually from the 17 – 23 March in South Africa. An array of
programs to foster a culture of reading and encourage community members to sign up for membership at their local libraries has been planned for this week,” said Gaosekwe.
She said these programs will be held in all 5 Districts of the Northern Cape at the various community libraries and will be linked to the important role libraries play as an integral and often
underappreciated role in promoting social justice and safeguarding human rights. Gaosekwe said this year, as part of commemorating Human Rights Month, the Northern Cape Provincial Government will also honour Grace Seboto through the
unveiling of a tombstone on 20 March 2025, in Paballelo.
“Grace Seboto was one the first women of the Northern Cape, who went into exile, where she was subjected to vigorous training in order to be part of a detachment to fight for the freedom and liberation of South Africa. The very Freedom we are enjoying today,” she said.
Picture: The deceased, MmaKgosi Rosemary Mangope of Bahurutshe Boo-Manyaane at Motswedi village/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has on behalf of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), expressed sadness at the passing of MmaKgosi Rosemary Mangope of Bahurutshe Boo-Manyaane at Motswedi village in Lehurutshe, Zeerust. Rosemary is the wife of Kgosi Kwena Mangope, who is also the leader of Action SA in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).
The Action SA president, Herman Mashaba said in a statement that, it is with profound sadness that they announce the passing of the beloved Rosemary Nishebo Mangope, the Queen of Bahurutshe boo Manyane, who departed this life on Saturday following a battle with cancer. Masahaba said Nishebo, as she was affectionately known, was not only a loyal and trusted member of the political party, but also a beacon of hope and progress in community development across South Africa.
“Mmakgosi’s remarkable legacy spans decades of selfless dedication to service and upliftment communities. A highly educated leader, she held multiple degrees including a BA in Social Science, Honours in Sociology, and an MA Social Science from the then University of Bophuthatswana, now the North West University (NWU).
“Her passion for education saw her obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from the Indira Gandhi Open University in New Delhi. Amongst some of her remarkable achievements was founding the Mmabana Arts Cultural Centres that have produced numerous prominent South African artists,” he said.
Mashaba further said throughout Nishebo’s career, she held several prestigious positions, including Chief Director at the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, Divisional Executive at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and CEO of the Arts Council until her retirement in April 2022. He added that, up until her passing, Mmaarona Mmakgosi remained committed to community development projects through her signature initiatives including Ikanye & Moito Projects.
“Her campaigns embodied her philosophy of self-reliance and empowerment, captured in the saying “Mphe mphe o a lapisa, motho o kgonwa ke sa gagwe” (Believe in yourself, believe in your own strength). We have lost several very dear people in Action SA over the relatively short period of our existence as a party.
“All of them are a great loss to us and to South Africa, mindful of their contribution to our political journey. To my family – especially to Connie, my dear wife, Ntshebo was a lot more than a colleague, but a friend,” said Mashaba.
He said they are deeply saddened by her passing and they hold her husband and their dear friend, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, close to their hearts. Mashaba said Nishebo’s passing is another big loss to the country.
“Nishebo is survived by her two children, two grandchildren and her husband, Kgosi Kwena Mangope, the leader of the Bahurutshe Boo Manyana Traditional Community. Action SA calls upon all South Africans to keep Kgosi Kwena Mangope and the entire Mangope family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“Her warm personality, infectious energy, and dedication to community service will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” he said.
Mokgosi said an academic in her own right, MmaKgosi Mangope was an astute administrator who left an indelible mark in the country’s Arts and Culture fraternity as well as youth development.
“In relation to the latter, she was the founder of the Mmabana Arts Foundation centred on giving opportunities to young people in rural and periphery communities to excel in arts and sports.
“A life-long commitment which produced globally recognised stars in music, dramatic arts and gymnastics among others,” he said.
6 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday, lead the rollout of Accelerated Service Delivery Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Programme in Matloding village, near Mahikeng. The roll out of Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded activities in Matloding comes after the pronouncement by Mokgosi in his recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) that the Matloding Cultural Village is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said to give impetus to this announcement, Mokgosi will on Friday conduct an oversight visit to the cultural village, to monitor progress in this regard. Tatai said this visit underscores the commitment to completing the project on time, which aims to enhance cultural heritage and tourism in the region.
“In recognition of the challenges faced by young people in the area, Mokgosi will also lead the handing over of livestock and vegetables packages linked to the Presidential Employment Stimulus Phase 3, to nine local beneficiaries. The packages include animal feed and medication, fertilizers, water tanks and garden tools.
“Additionally, utensils for the National School Nutrition Programme will be delivered to Mothusi Marumoloa Secondary School, while fresh vegetables will be donated to the Matloding Community Nutrition Development Centre, benefiting the Masamane and Matloding areas. Integrated health services will be provided on-site, offering a range of essential health interventions aimed at improving residents’ overall well-being,” he said.
Tatai further said, assistive devices, including six wheelchairs and five walking frames, will be issued to identified beneficiaries during the feedback session. He added that road maintenance and improvement activities will also be carried out to enhance road safety and infrastructure.
“Planned activities include the blading of Road Z455 from D414 through Matloding to Logageng, as well as potholes patching on D414 from Seweding to Matloding. Maintenance work will also be done on roads D979 and D970 covering the stretch from Setlagole N18 through Mosita to P183/1 Matloding, benefiting various villages along the route. “Potholes patching and blading of the Logageng internal roads in Ward 4 will also be performed. As part of encouraging a cleaner environment and proper waste management in rural areas, a campaign will be held to address illegal dumping in Moshawane, Logageng and Matloding villages,” said Tatai.
He said these initiatives aim to improve the overall condition of the roads and maintain a cleaner, safer environment for all residents in the affected areas. Tatai said Mokgosi will be joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs), District and Local Municipality Executive Mayors and the local traditional leadership.
Picture: Learners receiving food in school through NSNP/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said his government has allocated over R690 million to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the next financial year. Mokgosi will assist to feed more than 750 000 learners in 1300 schools across the province.
He further said the monthly stipend that they pay to food handlers will be increased to R2190. Mokgosi added that North West is the first province to introduce breakfast in 300 schools across the province to cushion learners in impoverished communities against high poverty levels in their communities through the NSNP.
“We can report to the people of the North West that breakfast will now be rolled out to cover all secondary schools, while the number of primary schools benefiting from this initiative will be increased from 272 to 350.
“This means that the government will serve two meals per day in these schools. This includes Bonwakgogo Primary School in Chaneng in Rustenburg, Gaetsho Secondary School in Boikhutso, Ditsobotla, Saruchera Primary School in Huhudi and Mmokeng Secondary
School in Kanana, Orkney,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said NSNP is the government programme that provides one nutritious meal to all learners in poorer primary and secondary schools. The department said its objective is to provide nutritious meals to learners so as to improve their ability to learn. The DBE said according to its 2013/14 annual report, the programme has reached more than 9 million learners in quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools.
“The programme also teaches learners and parents how to lead a healthy lifestyle, and promotes development of school vegetable gardens.”
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