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The North West Province marked the celebration of World Ranger Day at Lefa Boutique Hotel
in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, on 11th August 2025, with an award ceremony
officiated by DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane. The day paid tribute to the dedication, courage,
and sacrifices of Park Rangers – frontline custodians who work tirelessly to safeguard wildlife, a
cornerstone of both provincial pride and economic growth through tourism.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jonathan Denga, Acting CEO of the North West Parks and Tourism
Board (NWPTB), highlighted the importance of ensuring that rangers receive the same
protection they provide for the province’s natural heritage. “The support must start at home, by
uplifting the Rangers’ morale and giving them the tools they need to safeguard our province’s
natural treasures,” said Mr. Denga.

Delivering the keynote address, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane reaffirmed the department’s
commitment to transforming the environmental and biodiversity sectors in the North West. She
emphasised the importance of this transformation for the benefit of both rangers and
communities across the province.

The MEC further highlighted that the Board and Department remain dedicated to training
rangers, offering wellness support, and enhancing their professional capabilities. “We are facing
a situation where too many of our rangers resign, and this needs to end. Capacitating our
rangers and making sure they are well taken care of is of utmost importance to our
conservation efforts,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards recognising the invaluable
contributions of rangers. Honours were given for their excellence in competitive skills drills, field
knowledge, shooting, obstacle courses, cross-country running, and other exercises designed to
sharpen their physical and mental readiness in the field.

Ends.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:

Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459

OR

Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) convened a Provincial
Stakeholder Consultation on the Development of Climate Change Adaptation Scenarios on 6
August 2025 at the Protea Hotel in Mahikeng.

The workshop brought together key environmental stakeholders, including the North West Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and the South African Weather Service
(SAWS), to strengthen South Africa’s resilience against climate change.

The consultation provided a critical platform for dialogue on regional vulnerabilities and longterm adaptation strategies. Officials underscored the need for intergovernmental cooperation and scientifically grounded planning to ensure meaningful progress in addressing the climate crisis.

Declining Rainfall Patterns in North West
A significant presentation from SAWS revealed alarming trends in the province’s rainfall
patterns between 2001 and 2023:
– A sustained decline in annual rainfall compared to other provinces.
– Increased variability and unpredictability in seasonal weather.
– Disruptions to agriculture, threatening food security and local economic stability.

Water Sector at Risk
The discussions also highlighted the severe impact of climate change on water resources.
Declining rainfall and rising temperatures are putting pressure on both surface and groundwater
systems, resulting in:
– Falling dam levels and aquifer depletion.
– Drought-induced hardship for farmers and rural communities.
– The urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, early warning systems, and sustainable
water governance.

Path Forward
Participants collectively agreed on the importance of developing robust Climate Change
Adaptation Scenarios to guide policy and decision-making across sectors, including agriculture,
biodiversity conservation, and water management.
The workshop marked a decisive step toward building a more climate-resilient North West
Province and contributing to South Africa’s broader efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate
change.

Ends.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect

North West Premier, Mr. Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, accompanied by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane for
Economic Development and Executive Mayor of Rustenburg, Cllr. Sheila Mabale Huma,
launched the North West Growth Hub on 31st July 2025 at OR Tambo International Airport.
The Growth Hub, based at Shop No. 17 at OR Tambo International Airport, is a game-changer
for local Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), providing enhanced visibility in
competitive markets, support in accessing digital platforms, and opportunities to collaborate
across industries. With a strong focus on showcasing our rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and
entrepreneurial spirit, the Growth Hub will unlock fresh economic pathways across agriculture,
conservation, manufacturing, and hospitality.

This strategic milestone is set to significantly enhance the province’s digital marketing and
branding capacity, positioning the North West as a compelling destination for tourism, trade,
and investment. The North West Growth Hub aims to amplify visibility for the province’s diverse
Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), promote its rich biodiversity, and unlock
growing economic opportunities.

“Through this Growth Hub, we aim to amplify the visibility of the province to this lucrative market
by exposing it to our rich biodiversity, and unlock growing economic opportunities across
various sectors,” said Premier Mokgosi.

Premier Mokgosi added that the Growth Hub programme also aligns with the objectives of the
Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, which will be launched in due course.

“However, at the centre of this initiative is to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and inclusive
economy which can help the province address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and
inequalities in our communities,” maintained Premier Mokgosi.

The Growth Hub is a flagship initiative of the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), aligning with the department’s digital
transformation priorities as pronounced by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane during the 2025 Budget Vote.
It is a core pillar in the province’s broader strategy to build a digitally enabled, competitive, and
inclusive economy.

Once fully equipped with modern digital infrastructure, the hub will serve as a sustainable
platform for marketing the North West as a premier tourism destination, while also accelerating
the development of township economies and promoting localisation.
Ends.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459

OR

Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect

As part of the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, the DEDECT, led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane
and HOD Mofokane, together with Moses Kotane, Acting Mayor, Cllr Dithothi Tshetlhane, MMC
for LED Nkeifeng Motshabi, Kgosi Papi Monnakgotla, joined the CEO of Mankwe Game
Trackers, Mr Chris Thai, along with his management team, to hand over a newly built home to
the Pule family.

The Pule family, headed by a grandfather who had been living in a shack with his four siblings
and four great-grandchildren, received the keys to their new home on Nelson Monday Day, 18th
July 2025 – bringing hope and dignity to their lives.

The donation was made following the passing of the family’s nephew, who was one of the
providers and had been working for Mankwe Game Trackers. He sadly passed away due to
COVID-19.

The house, located at No. 2312, Lekwa Section in Ledig, was fully sponsored by Mankwe
Game Trackers, a valued tourism stakeholder of the DEDECT. The family also received other
donations, including household contents, from other tourism role players.

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the 67 minutes of service led by our dignitaries were
dedicated to finalizing the painting of the home, which includes a toilet facility, planting of
vegetable garden seedlings, and groceries donated by other tourism sector partners (Sun City,
Kwa Maritane, Zimasa Travel, Ivory Tree, and Kingdom Resorts).

This initiative reflects the power of public-private partnerships, which MEC Lenkopane strongly
advocates for among role players in the Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism
Sector, and highlights the impact of collective action in uplifting our communities.

Ends.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459

OR

Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect

MEC Bitsa Lenkopane set a powerful tone for the MEC’s Colloquium for Business Forums in
the North West, which took place on 15th July 2025 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre,
hailing it as a platform poised to ignite inclusive economic growth across the Province.
The colloquium forms part of the MEC’s build-up programme towards the departmental budget
speech.

In her keynote address, MEC Lenkopane emphasised that the colloquium transcends a
meeting and is a vital platform for collaboration, transformation, and shared prosperity. MEC
reaffirmed the government’s need for businesses to be organised and its unwavering
commitment to fostering a transparent, fair, and empowering environment for all businesses,
especially SMMEs, township entrepreneurs, and historically disadvantaged individuals.

MEC further highlighted key interventions immediately available to attendees, including the
Business Turnaround Interventions Programme, the General Dealer Support Programme
and the Informal Traders Support Programme. She strongly encouraged entrepreneurs to
register for the provincial MSME database and leverage the support offered by Enterprise
Support Centres and incubation initiatives.

With a sharp focus on localisation, industrialisation, and access to finance, businesses were
urged to formalise, collaborate, and explore emerging sectors such as the biodiversity and
wildlife economy.

The colloquium is firmly anchored in action and accountability, echoed by MEC Lenkopane.
The department is actively forging partnerships with development finance institutions, banks,
and support agencies to enhance the accessibility of funding and essential support to
businesses in the province.

MEC Lenkopane’s message was clear: by working in unison, government, business forums,
and entrepreneurs can create a thriving, inclusive economy that benefits all people of the
North West.

Ends.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459

OR

Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect

MEDIA STATEMENT
To : All Media Houses
Date : 26 June 20252025

Interprovincial meeting commits to expanding economic opportunities for the North West and Free State Provinces

The MEC for the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane hosted an interprovincial engagement with her counterpart, MEC for the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Ketso Makume with the aim of forging a collaboration to unlock cross-border initiatives and deliver mutual benefit for the two provinces. The session ran parallel to the third G20 Sherpa meeting held on the 25th-26th June 2025, at Sun City Resort, Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

The interprovincial session was attended by HOD for DEDECT, CEO of North West Development Corporation as well as Senior Managers from both departments.

In her opening remarks MEC Lenkopane highlighted that the two provinces shared geographic assets and economic interests, hence it is strategic for them to engage and promote interprovincial economic cooperation.

MEC Makume echoed the same sentiments when he said we should not allow the provincial borders to be barriers of progress. We should put communities first, considering that communities and labour are already intertwined.

The meeting engaged in robust deliberations on cross border opportunities and areas of cooperation. The discussions explored economic sectors of cooperation such as agro-industrial development, renewable and green energy, industrial and logistics, tourism and cultural routes as well as skills and enterprise support.

Following the deliberations, the two provinces came to an agreement to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU will give guidance on areas of implementation and practicalities thereof. Identified areas of cooperation and mutual learning include Special Economic Zones, tourism, heritage and cultural activities, agriculture, industrial parks, enterprise development opportunities around airports, dams and Vredefort Dome UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The envisaged MoU will activate working forums and facilitate follow-up meetings to implement the agreed upon initiatives.

In concluding the meeting, the host MEC Lenkopane remarked that she was excited to see the collaboration of the two provinces bringing a caring government to the people of North West and Free State.

Ends
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect

The DEDECT MEC, Ms. Bitsa Lenkopane is pleased to officially announce the appointment of Mr. Relebohile Mofokane as Head of Department DEDECT, effective 1 July 2025. We look forward to working together under his administrative leadership to achieve our shared goals.

The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism,
Bitsa Lenkopane, has called for bold, collaborative action to dismantle systemic barriers
that continue to exclude women from full economic participation.
Speaking at a high-impact engagement on Women’s Financial Inclusion, hosted under the
banner of G20 South Africa at the Carousel Casino & Hotel in Hammanskraal, MEC
Lenkopane emphasized the urgent need to centre women in the transformation of financial
systems.

“Too many women remain locked out of economic opportunities — not because they lack
potential, but because they are systematically excluded from access to land, finance, and
influence,” said MEC Lenkopane. “This is not a failure of women; it is a failure of systems. It
requires a collective response from the banking sector and other key stakeholders to rebuild
systems with women at the core.”

The session, held in partnership with the Mayor of Moretele Local Municipality, Cllr Masango
George Manyike, Speaker of Moretele Local Municipality, Cllr Freda Mapele, Cllr Ditshego
Mbezi, Speaker of Madibeng Local Municipality, and local ward councillors brought together
women from rural and urban communities to explore financial instruments, digital skills
development, and institutional support mechanisms available to them.

MEC Lenkopane underlined the North West Province’s commitment to enabling womenowned businesses to thrive through improved access to credit, procurement opportunities,
and representation in decision-making structures.

“Our goal is not just awareness but empowerment. We must ensure women are supported,
not only to know about opportunities but to seize them,” she said.

The engagement forms part of the province’s G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group
(EWWG) sessions, which aim to address critical priorities, including:
• Advancing the care economy;
• Promoting financial inclusion for and of women;
• Combating gender-based violence and femicide.

Local Economic Development initiatives, Industrial Parks, the Bojanala Special Economic
Zone, Biodiversity Economy Markets, and beneficiation programmes were highlighted as
strategic enablers for women’s economic advancement. Women in the province have long
driven informal economies through stokvels, cooperatives, and village savings groups, and
now, pathways are being opened for them to scale, formalise, and trade beyond borders.

“But as we rise, we must lift others. We must be intentional about opening the door wider for
the next woman in line,” added MEC Lenkopane.

She also urged the financial sector to reimagine inclusive systems that serve the unique
needs of women entrepreneurs, particularly those running micro and small enterprises. The
call to action was echoed by the Mayor of Moretele Local Municipality, Cllr Manyike, who
reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to economic empowerment through local
interventions such as mentorship platforms, microloans, and funding support.

Participating women had the opportunity to engage with representatives from strategic
institutions including African Bank, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), Small Enterprise
Development Finance Agency (SEFA), SARS, UNISA, and the Young African Entrepreneurs
Institute (YAEI), which was recently launched in partnership with North-West University to
boost entrepreneurship and reduce graduate unemployment.

MEC Lenkopane further encouraged the adoption of circular economy models within the
province’s economic strategy, spotlighting waste-to-wealth enterprises, agro-processing,
upcycling, and bio-energy as practical areas where women can lead.

“From bee farmers turned wine exporters in Taung, to skincare innovators in Mogwase, and
the globally recognized Mor-Gin brand in Moretele, women in the North West are already
trailblazers,” she said. “These are not just success stories, but blueprints of what’s possible
when women are given equal access to capital, markets, and knowledge.”

The session concluded with a resounding commitment to ensuring that women in the North
West are not only beneficiaries of development but also agents of economic transformation,
equipped, empowered, and enabled to lead the province toward inclusive and sustainable
growth.