Tag Archives: The North West Premier

Mokgosi: “Voices of marginalised and economically disenfranchised are missing”

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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Mokgosi: “Orbit College FC’s victory epitomises resilience”

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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.

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Mosenogi appointed interim North West Premier  

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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.

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Mokgosi refutes allegations of harbouring unqualified staff  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE  

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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Mokgosi welcomes R1.5bn investment

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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.

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Mokgosi urges road users to be more vigilant

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to engage with Captains of Industries in pursuit of discuss economic growth

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE

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

Tee-Off from 9am,” he said.

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Oversight visits to key water projects  

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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.

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The refurbishment of Pilanesberg Airport will boost tourism  

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Picture: The Pilanesberg International Airport

By BAKANG MOKOTO

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.     

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‘North West Provincial Government in a better shape’

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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