The MEC for the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, together with senior departmental management, today held a strategic engagement with Kgosi Jeff Montshioa and the Barolong Boo Ratshidi Traditional Council at Kgotla ya Ratshidi in Mahikeng.
The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration towards the upcoming 25th Silver Jubilee Celebration of Kgosi Jeff Montshioa as the Paramount Chief of Barolong Boo Ratshidi.
Addressing the meeting, MEC Lenkopane highlighted the department’s commitment to supporting the historic celebration through Cultural Heritage Tourism initiatives to preserve and promote the rich heritage and legacy of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi nation.
Addressing the meeting, MEC Lenkopane highlighted the department’s commitment to supporting the historic celebration through Cultural Heritage Tourism initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi nation. She further indicated that the Silver Jubilee Celebration will form part of the department’s Tourism Month activities scheduled for September 2026. The celebration is expected to position the area as an important cultural tourism attraction within the province.
She indicated that the department would utilise digital tourism platforms, including QR code technology and digital media storytelling, to showcase the history, cultural significance, and heritage of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi to both local and international audiences.
“As a government, we recognise the important role traditional leadership continues to play in preserving culture, promoting social cohesion, and contributing towards economic development. This Silver Jubilee Celebration presents an opportunity to celebrate the heritage and identity of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi while positioning it as a cultural tourism product,” said MEC Lenkopane.
The MEC further announced that the department will facilitate employment opportunities for five young people from the Barolong Boo Ratshidi community through the Matlakala Ke Zaka Programme and the Game Rangers Programme as part of empowering local youth and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
During the engagement, Kgosi Montshioa also raised concerns regarding compliance by liquor outlets and tuckshops operating around Kgotla ya Ratshidi, particularly relating to business registration and liquor licensing requirements.
In response, MEC Lenkopane assured the Traditional Council that the department will work towards publishing a verified list of licensed tuckshops and liquor outlets within the area to assist the Traditional Authority in identifying compliant and non-compliant businesses.
The MEC further emphasised that the department, together with its entities, the North West Development Corporation and the North West Parks and Tourism Board, will consolidate relevant programmes and resources to support the successful hosting of the Silver Jubilee Celebration.
The meeting forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relations with Traditional Authorities and enhancing collaboration on key economic development, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, tourism development, and community empowerment programmes across the province.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect