The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), in partnership with the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWP&TB), has welcomed the establishment of the Madibeng Tourism Association as a step towards strengthening the tourism sector and advancing tourism-led economic development in the province.
The stakeholder engagement, held at Harties Harbour in Hartbeespoort, aimed at discussing opportunities to grow the tourism economy and unlocking the area’s development potential.
Addressing stakeholders, MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, said Hartbeespoort remains one of the province’s most important tourism destinations and holds enormous potential to drive investment, enterprise development and job creation.
The newly established Madibeng Tourism Association aims to mobilise stakeholders around a common vision for tourism development, promote collaboration between the public and private sectors, support destination marketing efforts and facilitate tourism projects that benefit local communities.
The engagement, which forms part of the build-up to Tourism Month in September, was attended by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Mr Jonathan Denga, representatives of the North West Gambling Board, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, the Madibeng Tourism
Association, Madibeng Local Municipality, tourism businesses, community members, potential investors and government officials.
MEC Lenkopane said direct engagement with organised structures is critical to ensuring that communities and businesses are able to access economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the provincial economy.
“Government alone cannot drive economic development. Sustainable growth requires strong partnerships between the public sector, private sector and communities. It is through engagements such as these that we can identify opportunities, address challenges and work together to unlock the full potential of tourism in our province,” said Lenkopane.
She described the Madibeng Tourism Association as a strategic platform that can help coordinate tourism initiatives, attract investment, support enterprise development and create employment opportunities within the local tourism economy.
“Hartbeespoort remains one of the most important tourism destinations in the North West. We must pull every available lever to support economic development opportunities in the area and ensure that tourism continues to contribute to local livelihoods and business growth,” she said.
Among the initiatives discussed during the engagement was the proposed Harties Steam Train Project, a catalytic tourism development aimed at revitalising a section of the historic railway line in Hartbeespoort. The MEC and stakeholders conducted a site visit to assess progress on the project, which has already completed feasibility studies and preparatory work.
Once operational, the project is expected to introduce a unique tourism attraction to the area while creating opportunities for business growth, skills development, employment creation and broader local economic development.
Lenkopane welcomed the innovative tourism products and experiences emerging from Madibeng, saying they have the potential to strengthen the competitiveness of the North West tourism offering and attract more domestic and international visitors.
“We appreciate initiatives that benefit our communities, support local businesses and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector. The unique tourism products and
experiences being developed in Madibeng have the potential to distinguish the North West as a destination of choice and enable us to compete with other leading tourism destinations across the country,” she said.
The MEC highlighted government’s commitment to working closely with the Madibeng Tourism Association and other tourism stakeholders to advance inclusive economic growth and create sustainable opportunities for local communities.
“We are committed to working with the Madibeng Tourism Association and tourism stakeholders. Your success is our collective success. Together, we can build a thriving tourism economy that creates jobs, attracts investment and contributes to the inclusive growth of the North West 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