PENDING CLOSURE OF BUFFALO LODGE RESTURANT AND FOOD LOVERS MARKET IN MAHIKENG PROMPT MEC BITSA LENKOPANE’S DECISIVE INTERVENTION

The MEC of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism in the North West
Province has taken a decision to intervene at Buffalo Lodge, GLR and Food Lovers Market.

Food Lovers Market

Food lovers Market is a popular grocery and vegetable outlet stationed at Mega City in Mahikeng.
The news of pending closure of this important food outlet prompted MEC Bitsa Lenkopane to
intervene with the sole objective of preventing possible job losses and livelihoods.
According to the outcome of the meeting with management of Food Lovers Market, the lease signed between the
company and Mega City Management has come to an end and negotiations of renewal have failed.
Other risk factors such as security concerns have contributed to the pending closure of Food Lovers
Market.
It is envisaged that another popular brand Boxer Superstore will occupy the space where
Food Lovers Market is situated at Mega City.
However, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane was able to negotiate the absorption of Food Lovers Market employees into Boxer Superstore.

Buffalo Lodge

In another separate event, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane received a call from the employees of another
popular eatery in Mahikeng, Buffalo Lodge, which is also facing possible closure. Close to 20 staff
members are likely to lose their jobs.
North West government, represented by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, is currently negotiating with owners
of Buffalo Lodge with the objective of allowing employees to be incubated into business
management programs and continue to run the place.

Golden Leopards Resort

The Acting Head of Department Relebohile Mofokane’s addressed employees at the Golden
Leopard Resort (GLR) amid challenges faced by the entity.
The department has turned the tide at GLR where the entity has been swimming in a sea of financial mismanagement and debts for the
past three years.
Employees had to go home empty handed for several months with the entity failing to pay their
salaries and their third party deductions that include tax and provident funds amongst others.
Many passed on and/or retired without any payouts.
In the past six months the department managed to settle all third party deductions and made
provisions for salaries.
The MEC is confident that GLR will perform better in the new financial year.

/end/

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Thomas Matlapeng
Media Liaison Officer
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedec

DEDECT STRENGTHENS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS TO INTERVENE ON THE AFFAIRS OF NORTH WEST PARKS AND TOURISM

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has strengthened its monitoring and oversight mechanisms to intervene at the North West Parks and Tourism (NWPTB). This follows the entity’s failure to pay employee salaries despite receiving its quarterly financial allocation from the department at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The department has consistently released the quarterly allocation to the entity as per the legislation, with the last of the year released earlier following the entity’s request.

Failure to pay salaries might be a bad omen brewing a regress on the department’s employed mechanism to right the financial wrongs and deficiencies that adversely affected the entity’s audit outcomes. DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane lamented this risk and said the entity’s financial management needs more attention. “It is inconceivable that the entity is unable to pay salary at the beginning of the fourth quarter while the funds have already been transferred,” said MEC Lenkopane.

She notes that this appears to be a regular occurrence, but says it needs to change. “The risk of not paying salaries is not a new phenomenon in the entity. This situation has been prevalent in the previous administration dating back as far as 2022. The records prove that the entity has failed to generate and or sustainability manage revenue for its benefit. This situation cannot continue unattended, especially in this new administration. The department is left with no choice but to put magnifying glasses on the financial affairs of the Board,” emphasized MEC Lenkopane.

The MEC has since instructed the department’s Accounting Officer, where necessary, to invoke the Treasury Regulation 8.4.2, which gives him powers to withhold a transfer payment or grant, other than division of revenue, if he is satisfied that the entity is failing to meet certain financial conditions, and no financial value is realized. This provision of the Public Finance Management Act applies to all the entities.

The department has begun the process of putting measures to strengthen the oversight on the entities. This is to help steer the ailing entities to the right direction. A task team consisting of financial experts and auditors from DEDECT will be appointed to look closely into the financials of the entity. The team will also be mandated to open all the reports written by the experts that were appointed by the Board of Directors during the Sixth Administration, and to implement their recommendations.

The NWPT Board of Directors has, in its first meeting of 2025, drafted a Revenue Enhancement Plan and resolved to appoint a subcommittee to look into Revenue Enhancement, and exploit the opportunities in biodiversity economy. The Department is in full support on this initiative in quest for diversification to explore closely into these particular untapped and sustainable biological resources, altogether with their markets for contribution into the Provincial Gross Domestic Product.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism

For inquiries, contact: Mr. Thomas Matlapeng Media Liaison Officer
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za Twitter: @nwpg_dedect Facebook: @nwdedect

MEC LENKOPANE AND HER TEAM GRACES THE 2025 DALLAS SAFARI CLUB CONVENTION TO ATTRACT BIODIVERSITY FOREIGN INVESTMENT

This year, the prestigious Dallas Safari Club Convention is currently taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States of America. This important event, is one of the world’s largest platforms for the international safari industry. It also provides a crucial opportunity to attract foreign investment and showcase South Africa’s unique biodiversity.

Leading the North West Province delegation at this inaugural Atlanta convention is MEC Bitsa Lenkopane. In the absence of the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, MEC Lenkopane assumes the role of South Africa’s representative, emphasising the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife utilisation.

The convention serves as a vital platform for engaging with leading international conservationists and investors. MEC Lenkopane is actively participating in discussions with counterparts from Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. These SADC counterparts are addressing shared challenges such as the management of burgeoning elephant populations in the region.

MEC Lenkopane emphasised that “the primary objective of attending the Dallas Safari Club Convention is to attract foreign investment in order to revitalise the North West Province’s protected areas network and enhance contribution to South Africa’s biodiversity economy.”

Key to this effort are South Africa’s professional hunting associations: the Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation South Africa and the Professional Hunting Association of South Africa. Representing over 154 outfitters, these associations are actively promoting South Africa as a
premier hunting tourism destination.

Together we move North West Forward

The delegation is working closely with these associations to address concerns regarding the current export quota processes, which the government is committed to resolving expeditiously.

The North West Province, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, currently ranks third in South Africa for its contribution to the national GDP through international hunting tourism, following Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and

Tourism

For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jonathan Denga Director Biodiversity Management
0728108521
Email: DengaJ@nwpg.gov.za Twitter: @nwpg_dedect Facebook: @nwdedect

FIRE AT MANYANE GAME LODGE AND ELEPHANT POPULATION GROWTH AT MADIKWE GAME RESERVE

The Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in the North West Province would like to keep the public informed about the recent developments at Manyane Game Lodge in Mahikeng and the issue of elephant population growth at Madikwe Game Reserve in Bojanala District.

On the question of Manyane Game Lodge, DEDECT confirms the following: On the 03rd December 2024, fire started in the afternoon as a subcontractor was busy waterproofing roof level concrete water channels on top of completed structures. The thatch roofing had been completed on the affected structures. Apparently they used gas torches with open flame to stretch materials used.

During this process, thatch material from the building they were working on caught fire. Wind fanned the fire and blew it across to the nearby building. All in all three buildings were gutted – restaurant, conference hall and the entrance gate.

Mafikeng fire services had responded to the incident and has been working hard to minimize damages. All the flames were dowsed off by 16h00. In the end, the three structures have lost their roofs completely while the brickworks are still standing. The chalets are not affected in fire and are still intact.

Technical staff and Working on Fire teams are on site to ensure that the fire does not affect the reserve area.

On the question of Madikwe Game Reserve, DEDECT confirms the following: The department note the concerns raised by The True Green Alliance Wildlife NGO on the starvation and death of elephants in Madkwe Game Reserve. The conservation unit in the department has indicated that the elephant population at Madikwe Game Reserve has been growing at a fast pace over the 30 years. The elephant population expanded to more than 1600 in 2024.

MEC Bitsa Lenkopane has instructed Conservation Specialist in the department to consider all scientific methods of controlling elephant population growth at Madikwe Game Reserve in order prevent the ongoing negative impact on biodiversity in the park. MEC Lenkopane said “the team should explore options which include but not limited to non-lethal methods of population control such as translocations of elephants to other parks in the country or any of the SADC countries that has diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements with the government of South Africa on environment and conservation.”

DEDECT is assembling a team of experts to investigate the Manyane Game Lodge fire incident. The department is also engaging the National Department of Tourism since renovations at Manyane Game Lodge is a collaborative effort between the two spheres of government.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism

DEDECT WELCOMES ALL VISITORS TO THE MAHIKA MAHIKENG CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival is an annual event in South Africa that showcases modern traditional music, arts, and culture in the North West Province. It aims to promote cultural diversity, social cohesion, and economic development through a series of events such as a gospel show, traditional festival, arts and crafts exhibitions, and hip hop show.

The North West Provincial Government sees this festival as an opportunity to uplift the hopelessness of its citizens and share information through Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Singing poetry, and dancing are a part of African heritage and are used for prayer and communication with ancestors and for expressing both joy and sadness.

We hope you enjoy this one of a kind experience, there are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible.

IN THE HOTEL
• Ensure that identifiable staff assist you with luggage on arrival at your accommodation establishment.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked in your room.
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Keep your room locked at all times.
• Hand the key in at the desk when you leave the hotel- it is advised that you tell someone at the reception where you are going.
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.

IN THE STREETS
• Plan your route beforehand.
• Avoid stopping at remote areas.
• Don’t stop people to ask for directions or check your map on the streets.
• It is better to explore in groups and stick to well-lit busy streets.
• If you want to go on a trip, your accommodation establishment or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.
• It is not advisable to carry large sums of money around.

ON THE ROAD
• Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.
• Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.
• Get a map of the route and study it.
• Keep doors locked while driving.
• Store luggage in the car’s boot (trunk) where it is out of sight.
• If your car is bumped by another car, think before you get out. If you are in doubt or feel uncomfortable, signal to the driver to follow you to the nearby police station or a busy, well-lit area where it is safe to get out of the car.

IN THE CAR
• Keep the doors locked and windows up all times.
• Do not use cell phones unless you have a hand free kit.
• Lock your valuables inside the boot (trunk) before departure.
• At night, park in well-lit arears.
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.

SAFETY AT THE ATM
• Be alert at all times and if you see anything suspicious, stop your transaction and leave.
• Never give your pin to anyone, not even a bank official or security personnel.
• Never accept assistance from a stranger.

HOW TO AVOID MUGGING
• Look around you and be aware of your surroundings. Remember, an area is not safe just because you are familiar with it.
• Carry your bag around your neck and diagonally across your body. Do not carry hanging over one shoulder. You may as well clutch your bag and hold it to the front.
• Walk in well-lit busy streets and walk in a group if possible
• If you know or suspect that a pedestrian is following you, go to the nearest well-lit or busy area and call the police.
• Avoid taking short-cuts through deserted areas such as parks, empty areas and passages.
• Do not publicise your valuables.
• If you are followed by a suspicious vehicle, never try to outrun it. Turn and walk in the opposite direction. React by yelling or shouting if possible.
• Hide your cell phone and do not walk around talking on it as it will distract you.

SIGHTSEEING AND ENTERTAINMENT
• Use registered, qualified tour guides, identifiable by a certified tour guide badge and card.
• Do not leave valuables on chairs, under tables or on restroom hooks.

REPORTING CRIME – STEPS TO FOLLOW
• Dial the telephone number 10111 anywhere in South Africa.
• A call centre operator will answer the incoming call and take all necessary particulars.
• The complaint is the assigned to the local South African Police Services, Community Services Centre’s Sector Vehicle or the nearest Flying Squad vehicle.
For more complaints of a less serious nature and for general enquiries the nearest police station should instead be called. It is therefore very important that numbers of one’s nearest local police station be on hand.

FOR FURTHER CLARITY OR LODGING ANY TOURISM RELATED COMPLAINTS PLEASE CONTACT:
Provinical Registrar – Tourist Guides – Gabriel Dichabe:
gdichabe@nwpg.gov.za • 083 413 1022
George Masomako:
gmosomako@nwpg.gov.za • 082 740 6662

MEC BITSA LENKOPANE WELCOMES STATS SA REPORT ON JOBS CREATED IN NORTH WEST PROVINCE

The Department of Economic Development Environment Conservation and Tourism in the North West Province note and welcomes the slight decrease in the unemployment rate in the country.

According to the Stats SA Quarterly Labor Force Survey (QLFS) Q3 released today 12/11/2024, there was an increase of 294 000 in the number of employed persons and that increased the total number of employed people in the country to 16, 9 million.

Changes in the employment and unemployment rate resulted in the official unemployment rate deceasing by 1, 4% from 33, 5% in the second quarter of 2024 to 32, 1% in the third quarter of 2024.

Stats SA report also indicate the largest increase in employment were observed in Easter Cape (83 000), Western Cape (75 000) North West Province (69 000) and Mpumalanga (49 000). Decreases were only observed in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu-Natal.

Having studied the Quarterly Labour Force Survey results as they relate to the North West Province,
MEC Bitsa Lenkopane said “As a department that is ceased with the mandate of creating an enabling environment for jobs to be created, we are a bit relieved that the North West Provinces has increased employment. We are equally not going to be complacent because 69 000 job opportunities in a population of close to 4 million people in the province is nothing but a drop in the ocean”

MEC Bitsa Lenkopane pointed to the stability of the electricity grid in the country as one of the factors that might be contributing to positive results in the employment figures. The MEC also reiterated that the province will accelerate the attraction of investment into the province.

Skills development and unlocking opportunities in the tourism sector and non-traditional sectors like
biodiversity will be prioritized.

The MEC further stated the tempo on SMME support will be increased and the vision of industrializing the province through the Special Economic Zone is receiving maximum attention.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism

For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Thomas Matlapeng
Media Liaison Officer
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

MEC’s OUTREACH: EXPOSING RURAL WOMEN TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, convened a gathering on 8 November, at Sannieshof Lodge and Events for women, primarily from rural areas of North West Province. The aim of this outreach programme was to empower women about government services and enterprise opportunities that can improve their socioeconomic conditions.
This initiative is part of a broader government plan to stimulate economic growth and address gender disparities in rural communities, aligning with the Government’s Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy launched in 2023. It also supports sustainable economic development and social transformation goals as outlined in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act.
DEDECT empowered women in business and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing information on support services the Department and its agencies offer, such as small business and cooperative registration, empowerment funds, business turnaround and recovery programmes, liquor license applications, opportunities in the biodiversity and tourism sectors, and compliance with business regulatory laws. Other participating government institutions, including the NYDA, SEDFA, SARS, NWGB, Goldrush, V Slot, NEF, WECONA, and others, shared insights into their services. Local SMMEs were also afforded the opportunity to showcase their products, demonstrating women’s commitment to actively participating in and growing their businesses.
In her address, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane expressed satisfaction at the turnout and the strong interest shown by women eager to learn about the government’s offerings, demonstrating the need for rural women’s empowerment to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build stronger, more equitable communities.
The MEC also highlighted that the Department’s initiatives align with the priorities of the current administration, which is committed to accelerating service delivery and empowering communities through outreach programmes like Thuntsha Lerole. She further indicated the DEDECT’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with other government institutions and the private sector to unlock economic opportunities for North West residents. “A core focus of DEDECT, as the primary department facilitating economic development in the province, should be to provide clarity, guidance, and incubation support to our people. Access to information is critical and should not be undermined as it empowers communities to understand and seize the opportunities available and meant to transform their livelihoods. Through this outreach, we want to ensure that women, youth, and people with disabilities are not left behind,” said MEC Lenkopane.
These government outreach programmes are essential to improving public access to government information, enabling communities to engage directly with officials and gain a better understanding of available opportunities. By actively disseminating information, the government fulfils its responsibility to empower communities and respond to their challenges while receiving feedback to enhance service delivery.