Dunlop Wheel and Alignment Project Brings Economic Opportunities to JB Marks Local Municipality
The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, MEC
Bitsa Lenkopane, has rolled out a high-impact initiative in the JB Marks Local
Municipality as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
The event, held in Potchefstroom, was attended by the Premier of the North West
Province, Honourable Lazarus Mokgosi, and the Member of the Mayoral Committee
(MMC) for Local Economic Development, Ms Malverine Davis. Together, they
officiated the sod-turning ceremony for the Dunlop Wheel and Alignment Project, a
milestone that signals a new wave of transformation in township enterprise
infrastructure and local job creation.
The project which started as a commitment from the previous financial year, is now
taking shape as a catalyst for revitalising local economic activity. Once completed, the
site will be transformed into a vibrant market hub for and the informal traders and
business owners, providing a formalised and safe trading environment that fosters
entrepreneurship, strengthens MSME participation, and supports sustainable
livelihoods.
Premier Mokgosi commended DEDECT for its proactive approach to driving inclusive
economic growth. “The Thuntsha Lerole Programme demonstrates government’s
commitment to improving the lives of our people through tangible, on-the-ground
initiatives. By supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and
empowering communities, we are building a sustainable and self-reliant provincial
economy,” said Premier Mokgosi.
To strengthen support to local enterprise development, the department in partnership
with Absa Bank, recently trained 58 informal traders in business and financial
management. The group includes operators in sectors such as salons, shoe-making,
tuckshops, laundry, motor spares, car wash, shisanyama, and catering.
This initiative forms part of the department’s broader mission to fight unemployment
and poverty through entrepreneurship and skills development. Graduates of the
programme will receive start-up resources and ongoing support to help them establish
and grow viable, competitive businesses.
MEC Lenkopane reaffirmed the department’s unwavering commitment to creating
opportunities for ordinary citizens, especially youth and women.
“Our goal is to ensure that every initiative we launch translates into real impact —
empowering families, stimulating local economies, and restoring dignity through
meaningful work. The Dunlop project, our business training, and our environmental
programmes are all steps towards that vision,” said MEC Lenkopane.
To ensure sustainability, the department will continue supporting the Dunlop project
through its various programmes. Through the Business Regulations Unit, the
department will assist participants with business permit registration to ensure
compliance and formalisation. Additional support will include business development
assistance, market linkages, and aftercare services to strengthen operational
capacity.
Furthermore, the Business Licensing Unit will guide informal traders in applying for
business licences and facilitate the adjudication process through the relevant
authorities. Formalisation will enable these enterprises to be integrated into the
departmental enterprise database, improving their access to other government
support programmes, including the Tuckshop Programme led by the National
Department of Small Business Development.
As part of the departmental Matlakala ke Zaka campaign promoting environmental
sustainability, MEC Lenkopane announced plans to assist out-of-school Youth
Environmental Clubs to register a cooperative that will conduct regular cleaning
campaigns in and around the project site.
“The environmental club will have a great opportunity to collect and recycle waste
generated by informal traders within the Dunlop Project area, turning waste into wealth
while promoting a circular economy,” MEC Lenkopane added.
These integrated initiatives, aims to transform local enterprise infrastructure, empower
MSMEs, and create real job opportunities, advancing inclusive growth and sustainable
economic development across the North West Province.
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services – 072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect /
Facebook: @nwdedect
MEC Bitsa Lenkopane Restores Trust through Turnaround Strategy at Golden Leopard Resorts
For too long, employees of Golden Leopard Resorts (GLR) have faced delays in salary
payments, pension contributions, and third-party deductions. The Department of
Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is
pleased to confirm that these challenges are being decisively addressed. A 4.7%
salary increase has been approved for all GLR employees, effective from the 2024/25
financial year, with 19 months of back pay to be processed by the end of November
2025.
“This is not merely a financial correction; it is a restoration of trust, a reaffirmation of
government’s compassion, and a recognition of the human impact that administrative
and financial shortcomings have had on individuals, families, and communities,” said
MEC Bitsa Lenkopane.
On behalf of the North West Provincial Government, DEDECT extends a heartfelt
apology to all GLR employees and their families for the hardship, uncertainty, and
distress they have endured. “Your patience and perseverance have not gone
unnoticed. Your commitment, even through adversity, is the foundation upon which
this renewal is being built,” the MEC added.
The MEC announced that the Department has successfully presented the Golden
Leopard Resorts (GLR) Turnaround Strategy to the Executive Council (EXCO),
marking a significant milestone in restoring stability and sustainability at the entity. This
strategy represents more than a financial intervention; it is a commitment to rebuilding
institutional integrity, restoring employee confidence, and positioning GLR as a
sustainable and competitive contributor to the provincial tourism economy.
The history of GLR has not been without difficulty. The entity was transferred from the
North West Development Corporation (NWDC) to the North West Parks and Tourism
Board (NWPTB) without corresponding financial resources, resulting in an unfunded
mandate that placed immense strain on the Board’s financial position.
This was compounded by historical debt dating back to 2014, resulting in debt owed
to third parties, including the South African Revenue Service (SARS), provident funds,
medical aid schemes, and family court maintenance orders. These obligations have
not been honoured since 2022, despite deductions being made from employees’
salaries.
MEC Lenkopane acknowledged, with humility and sincerity, that part of the historical
debt burden stemmed from previously unapproved budgets and Annual Performance
Plans (APPs). “The Department recognises that these governance lapses contributed
to the financial distress that undermined service delivery and employee welfare. We
are now turning this page with purpose and integrity,” she said.
The department is working tirelessly to settle historical debts and strengthen
governance systems that ensure sustainable operations. The approved Turnaround
Strategy has paved the way for both operational recovery and the restoration of dignity
to the hardworking employees who have endured years of uncertainty.
“The GLR turnaround is not only about financial recovery, it is about building a
sustainable, ethical, and performance-driven organisation that values its people,
strengthens governance, and contributes meaningfully to tourism growth and job
creation in the North West Province,” said MEC Lenkopane.
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services – 072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect /
Facebook: @nwded
INVITATION FOR NORTH WEST EXPORTERS TO REGISTER FOR MARKET DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM
The North West Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment,
Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is developing a database and platform for Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large-scale exporters to improve market access,
presence, and efficiency through technology. The department is inviting export-ready
businesses to submit their details for registration on the platform and be considered for
marketing on government-endorsed digital platforms.
Interested businesses must:
• Be located and operating in the North West Province
• Be compliant with CIPC & SARS and have a SARS Exporter Registration Certificate
• Have products that are market-ready – Packaging, labeling, quality standards,
certifications (e.g., SABS, HACCP & ISO9000)
CLOSING DATE: 17 NOVEMBER 2025
Interested exporters are requested to register using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/gNDzssnfa1
For More Information Contact exportersdatabase@nwpg.gov.za.
DEDECT actively participates in the 2025 Sun City GM’s Kasi Ride.
The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT),
and Its Agencies, North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) and North West Gambling Board
(NWGB) led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, joined thousands of enthusiastic participants at the Sun
City GM’s Kasi Ride on 26 October 2025 – a vibrant celebration of health, fitness, and social
cohesion.
The event, hosted within the scenic Sun City Resort, featured cycling, running, and walking
activities that combined wellness with local tourism. Kasi Ride also offers participants an
opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tourism attractions of the Bojanala region while
promoting a healthy lifestyle.
True to its commitment to social development and responsible citizenship, DEDECT used the
opportunity to advance its ongoing campaigns on responsible drinking and gambling. These
awareness initiatives form a vital part of the department’s mandate and are continuously rolled out
through roadshows, outreach activities, and flagship programmes such as Thuntsha Lerole.
Several departmental staff members also took part in the walk and run, proudly representing
DEDECT and embodying the department’s message of balanced, healthy living.
In alignment with its mission to drive inclusive economic growth, DEDECT once again placed micro,
small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the centre of the event. Through its Access to Market
Programme, the department provided eight enterprises from the Bojanala district with an invaluable
platform to showcase and sell their proudly local products and services to thousands of attendees.
The featured MSMEs included: The Eve Essential, Paleigh Designs, Oliviavalentia Pty Ltd,
TshegoM Enterprise, Candleberry Craft, Mmukwa Pty Ltd, Mpi Ntokozo, and Beige Butterfly. This
initiative underscores DEDECT’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for local
entrepreneurs, promoting local procurement, and supporting job creation within communities.
MEC Lenkopane commended the event’s spirit of collaboration, noting that platforms like the Kasi
Ride not only promote wellness but also strengthen community bonds and economic participation.
The MEC also conveyed the department’s message of promoting responsible drinking and
gambling, while discouraging support for unlicensed outlets. She also encouraged all Kasi Ride
participants and community members to continue supporting MSMEs by buying local to stimulate
their sustainable growth.
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
DEDECT drives compliance and empowerment under Thuntsha Lerole
The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT)
is executed its dual mandate of regulatory compliance and economic empowerment as part of the
provincial Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery programme taking place on 24 October
2025 within the Madibeng Local Municipality.
Today, DEDECT spearheaded an environmental compliance inspection at a chrome wash plant in
Hartbeespoort. This operation focused on monitoring the facility’s adherence to a previous
compliance directive issued following a February inspection. The initial investigation found the plant
was non-compliant with environmental legislation, specifically due to the unauthorised clearing of
indigenous vegetation in a Critical Biodiversity Area.
DEDECT Environmental Compliance, confirmed that while the Section 24G process of the National
Environmental Management Act (NEMA) is ongoing and until the plant regularises its activities and
the necessary Section 24G application process is concluded, its operations cannot continue.
This intervention is aimed at persuing local economic benefits from the plant, such as job creation
and skills development, all within the confines of environmental law.
In another Thuntsha Lerole engagement, Women entrepreneurs who own Micro, Small, and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Madibeng received accredited certificates after successfully
completing a DEDECT business and financial management training programme.
The training, a key initiative delivered in partnership with the Madibeng Local Municipality, aims to
equip women with the necessary skills to strategically grow and manage their businesses
effectively. The certificates were officially handed over at the DEDECT Brits office, officiated by Mr.
Mojalefa Nale (CEO) and Mr. Thapelo Mokotedi from the NWDC, alongside Madibeng LED
Director Ms. Seithati Monyake.
This initiative underscores the commitment of the provincial and local government to supporting
women in business, ensuring they are positioned for success and play a vital role in the economy
of the North West Province.
By conducting crucial compliance checks and simultaneously investing in local business skills,
DEDECT is implementing the Thuntsha Lerole programme to foster a North West economy that is
both vibrant and environmentally responsible.
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
