Archives: News

8907 3-10-2025 NWestSeparate (1) 03102025

The MEC for North West Province Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism (DEDECT), Ms Bitsa Lenkopane, together with the Limpopo MEC for Economic
Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Mr Tshitereke Matibe, have announced the
establishment of a joint inter-provincial Beneficiation Task Team.

This decision follows a high-level engagement at Sun City Resort, where experts, industry
leaders, and senior officials from both provinces gathered in response to the national
government’s call for stronger collaboration across spheres of governance where mineral
beneficiation and biodiversity economy are concerned.

The partnership seeks to reposition Limpopo and the North West—two of South Africa’s most
mineral and biodiversity resources-rich provinces—from being mainly exporters of raw
minerals to becoming regional beneficiation hubs for greater economic benefits and job
creation.

The beneficiation strategy will prioritise minerals, fauna, and flora with high potential for
downstream industries. These minerals include Platinum Group Metals and associated metals
for catalytic converters, electro-chemical applications, smelting, and refining, chrome,
ferrochrome, and manganese for ferroalloys, stainless steel inputs, and others.

Whilst on biodiversity economy, the focus is on bioprospecting and biotrade,
Wildlife Ranching, EcoTourism, Medicinal Plants, Game meat, and Forestry.

The MECs committed to examining policies and infrastructure that support beneficiation. This
includes preferential procurement for locally beneficiated products, expediting permits and
environmental approvals, and partnering with industry to expand logistics, power, and water
infrastructure. A co-funding model with industry will also be explored for pilot projects,
research, and training hubs.

The partnership also endeavours to investigate ways of effective collaboration with research
and training institutions to drive Research & Development, advanced manufacturing, and skills
development.

The meeting concurred to a phased approach to the implementation of the framework, with
the first two years focusing on designating land within SEZs for demonstration plants, tap into
the already existing National Transformation Fund for beneficiation, and piloting two sites—
one chrome hub in Steelpoort, a PGM-linked training centre in Rustenburg among other
activities.

Concluding the session, MEC Lenkopane stressed that the initiative will directly benefit
communities in both provinces. “Our goal is to create jobs, new industries, and a sustainable
economy driven by beneficiation,” she said. MEC Matibe echoed this, adding, “The minerals
of Limpopo and North West must no longer be exported as raw commodities because this is
essentially exporting jobs. Through beneficiation, we can build industrial capacity, empower
local SMMEs, and position our regions as global players in value-added mineral products.”
The two provinces will reconvene later this year to finalise the Beneficiation Task Team’s terms
of reference and accelerate the rollout of the pilot projects.

#END#

Issued by:
DEDECT
Jerrimiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services – 072 333 0325

LEDET
Hitekani Magwedze
MEC Spokesperson – 071 864 8664

MEC Bitsa Lenkopane today hosted a Provincial Tourism Stakeholder Engagement with
industry leaders, associations and product owners at Sun City Resort. The engagement
formed part of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism’s (DEDECT) Tourism Month programme, held under the theme: “Tourism and
Sustainable Transformation.”

The session brought together captains of industry, community leaders, traditional leadership
and key stakeholders in a robust dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration to sustain and
advance the tourism sector in the North West. The resolutions arising from the engagement
will play a critical role in positioning the province as a competitive and distinctive tourism
destination of choice, with inclusion and transformation at the centre of these resolutions.

In her address, MEC Lenkopane reflected on the department’s determination to engage with
both domestic and international stakeholders on key issues of tourism in the province.

This also includes benchmarking with other provinces in aspects of systems and innovation that
would benefit the tourism industry in North West. She highlighted the North West Provincial
Tourism Media Launch earlier this month at the Mphebatho Cultural Museum in Moruleng, an
initiative underscoring the province’s rich cultural heritage as one of the foundations of its
tourism offering.

The MEC further highlighted several initiatives underscoring the need to collaborate directly
with tourism stakeholders toward shared goals. Taking lessons from the previous Stakeholder
Engagements with the industry, MEC noted that the memorandum of understanding
previously signed between the department and industry players needs to be revived.

Complementing this is the need to understand the collective views of the tourism industry. To
this end, MEC directed that the department and the NWPTB will begin profiling each tourism
establishment in the province to ascertain the collective strength that lies within the industry
and how best government can assist in the development thereof. The MEC made a clarion
call for industry standards to be improved and called on accommodation owners to take
advantage of star grading of tourism establishments to advance their businesses.

Most importantly, MEC called on the private sector to partner with government on key
initiatives that complement visitor attraction to the province. This is especially the case with
direct air connection to the province, currently being explored by the department.
“These engagements are not about ownership but about how our people, especially the
unemployed, can benefit from opportunities created through tourism and related sectors’
collaborative efforts. By working together with industry, government can do more to uplift
communities and transform the industry,” said MEC Lenkopane.

During the engagement, Sun City Resort was given an opportunity to showcase their
transformation objectives and localisation efforts which directly benefit communities and
businesses within the province. These efforts toward localisation are a direct result of
government and Sun City partnership towards uplifting small businesses within the tourism
industry. Mr Tebogo Mokgejane of Sun City presented facts around their procurement which
should be a benchmark for other established resorts in the province. Fifty-six percent of Sun
City’s total budget was spent on procuring goods and services from local suppliers. From this
amount, it was reported that 517 million rand was spent on contracts with black women-owned
enterprises.

In her conclusion, the MEC appealed to stakeholders to shift focus from challenges and work
with the department to strengthen collaboration, moving together in one direction for the
growth of the tourism sector. She emphasised that communities are not only looking to
government to improve their living conditions, but are also depending on industry leaders as
the key drivers of the economy, toward job creation.

The department will consolidate inputs from this engagement and the industry at large, to
develop a business proposal that benefits all industry players. MEC Lenkopane was
accompanied by Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela, DEDECT HOD Relebohile
Mofokane, CEO’s of entities and a visiting delegation from Limpopo led by MEC Tshitereke
Matibe.

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 Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
(DEDECT), led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, in partnership with the Department of Forestry,
Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Municipalities, Traditional Authorities, and
Environmental Clubs, has embarked on a massive tree-planting programme across the
province during the National Heritage Day 2025.

Targeting schools, clinics, and churches in all districts, the initiative forms part of the
Presidential 10 Million Trees Programme, a five-year project launched in 2021 to promote
climate action. It is also integrated with other government initiatives such as Thuntsha Lerole,
Heritage Day, and Arbour Month – ensuring that the tree planting programme is being
intensified and that the communities across the North West are being mobilised to participate
to promote Green Legacy for a sustainable future.

As custodian of the environment in the province, MEC Lenkopane officially launched the North
West One Million Trees Campaign in Mahikeng under the theme: “My Tree, My Oxygen –
Plant Yours” in Mahikeng. The provincial target is set at 115,000 trees by March 2026, to be
rolled out in phases.

To mark both Heritage Day and the province’s commitment to sustainability during this
programme in Mahikeng, MEC Lenkopane, joined by the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local
Municipality, Councillor Tshepiso Mphehlo, planted trees at the Mahikeng Nursery,
Lomanyaneng Primary, Senkgwe Primary, and Lotlamoreng Primary Schools. During these
visits, the MEC and Mayor encouraged learners to protect the environment while staying
rooted in their cultural heritage.

MEC Lenkopane further called on municipalities, schools, traditional authorities, businesses,
and community members to plant trees in public parks, libraries, religious institutions,
municipal offices, gardens, and other spaces, to contribute to the ambitious provincial target
and create a greener North West.

The campaign has also extended to municipalities in Madibeng, Tswaing, Moses Kotane,
Moretele, Rustenburg, City of Matlosana, JB Marks, Maquassi Hills, Greater Taung, Naledi,
Mamusa, Kagisano Molopo, and Lekwa Teemane. Here, DEDECT Environmental Services
officials, alongside representatives from DFFE, municipalities, NWPTB, and traditional
authorities, offered practical demonstrations on water-saving planting techniques and tree
care, empowering learners and community members to sustain the initiative.

The One Million Trees Campaign is more than a planting drive – it is a symbol of unity, climate
action, and heritage preservation. It reaffirms the North West Province’s commitment to
placing environmental sustainability at the heart of development while leaving a lasting green
legacy for generations to come.

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

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

Call for Proposals – Provision of Access to Markets for MSME’s through Exhibitions, Flea Markets and Events

The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, officially launched Tourism Month 2025 at the Mphebatho
Museum in Moruleng yesterday, accompanied by Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of the
Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela and HOD Mr Relebohile Mofokane.

The launch was celebrated under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable
Transformation”, a call to reposition tourism as a driver of inclusive growth, cultural
pride, and environmental stewardship.

In her keynote address, MEC Lenkopane highlighted the pivotal role of tourism in the
provincial economy and in transforming communities.

“To us, as government in the 7th Administration, tourism is not just about attractions,
it is about transformation. It is one of the most dynamic sectors of our economy, a
lifeline for countless entrepreneurs and families, and increasingly an instrument of
pride, preservation, and prosperity,” she said.

The MEC stressed that sustainable transformation in tourism is not an abstract idea
but a practical approach that involves local communities, create jobs across the value
chain, celebrates cultural identity, and safeguards the environment.

“Every village guesthouse visited, every township eatery supported, and every local
guide hired contributes to our economy, turning exclusion into opportunity and neglect
into empowerment,” she added.

MEC Lenkopane underscored that the theme challenges stakeholders to reimagine
tourism as a vehicle for economic growth, social justice, and long-term sustainability.
Transformation efforts, she said, must be deliberate and inclusive, with a strong focus
on women, youth, persons with disabilities and black-owned enterprises.

Tourism Month, celebrated every September, is an opportunity for South Africans to
travel, discover, and support local destinations. In the North West, the department has
curated a month-long programme showcasing the province’s rich heritage, natural
beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit. Activities include career awareness programmes,
tourism stakeholder engagements, cultural experiences, adventure tutorials, and
exhibitions for local SMMEs.

The MEC announced several initiatives that will shape the future of tourism in the
Platinum Province. She revealed that the North West Parks and Tourism Board is
being repositioned as a development agent to protect biodiversity assets and provide
world-class destination marketing.

A recent call for proposals was issued to private
sector partners to co-manage provincial reserves and hospitality facilities, which will
attract investment, infrastructure development, and diversification of tourism offerings.

To embrace digital innovation, the province is rolling out a QR code-based marketing
campaign to showcase and market products & services by Micro Small Medium
Enterprise (MSMEs) inclusive of tourism, complemented by the OR Tambo Connect
Hub at OR Tambo International Airport, launched recently by Premier Mokgosi.

The hub will serve as a flagship project to amplify North West’s visibility in both domestic
and international markets.

Part of the key programme includes highlighted the establishment of Youth in Tourism
and Women in Tourism structures to ensure greater inclusion in the sector. A series
of cultural and eco-conscious activities will be hosted throughout the month, including
the adventure tutorials in JB Marks and Matlosana, the Taung Heritage Walk, the
Mahikeng Heritage Camp and Walk and the Eco-Trail Challenge.

As this month is also dedicated to Nature and Wildlife, Conservation and Environment the province will
be participating at the one-million-tree planting initiative for National Arbor Day, to save
the environment from carbon emissions and protect humans and animals against the
effects of climate change. The province is also positioning itself as a film destination,
creating new opportunities for economic growth and creative industry expansion.

To broaden access, all North West Reserves and Parks will offer free entry during
Parks Mahala Week from 28 September to 05 October, excluding Madikwe Nature
Reserve.

This initiative is designed to give residents a free opportunity to experience
the province’s incredible wildlife, while also creating market access for young
entrepreneurs and local SMMEs who will showcase and sell their products at park
sites.

“Let this month not only be a celebration of our beautiful landscapes and cultural
heritage; let it be a rallying point for inclusive growth, equity, and long-term
sustainability. Together, let us build a truly transformative tourism sector,” concluded
MEC Lenkopane.

The North West Province invites communities, partners, and the media to join in
amplifying the voice of tourism and to support efforts to make the sector more
inclusive, transformative, and sustainable.

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 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