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DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, together with the Mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality,
Norah Mahlangu, led the Provincial Launch of the #MatlakalaKeZaka Campaign and
recognised Climate Change and Business Compliance Ambassadors at Sannieshof Lodge &
Events B&B on 13 March 2026.

Held under the theme “Clean Today, Green Tomorrow – Our Road to COP30,” the initiative
aims to mobilise communities, municipalities, environmental partners, and academic
institutions to work together in improving waste management and promoting environmental
sustainability.

The campaign forms part of the Premier Lazarus Mokgosi’s pronouncements at the State of
the Province Address and the province’s contribution to global climate action as the world
prepares for the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference. It highlights how
community-led clean-up initiatives, recycling programmes, and responsible waste
management can contribute meaningfully to the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Lenkopane emphasised that the campaign represents a shift in
how communities should view waste.

“Matlakala ke Zaka- waste is not a burden but an opportunity. Through this campaign, we want
communities to see that the waste we collect today can become tomorrow’s income, while
protecting our environment,” said MEC Lenkopane.
MEC noted that environmental challenges such as illegal dumping, littering, burning of waste,
and poor waste management practices continue to place pressure on ecosystems, public
health, and community wellbeing. These challenges are further intensified by the growing
impacts of climate change, including droughts, heatwaves, and environmental degradation.

The event also recognised Climate Change and Business Compliance Ambassadors, who
play a vital role in strengthening environmental monitoring, promoting compliance, and
supporting government’s efforts to build cleaner and safer communities.

MEC Lenkopane further highlighted the importance of partnerships with the private sector,
particularly mining houses, to support waste management programmes and strengthen
recycling initiatives across the province. She noted that waste beneficiation can unlock
economic opportunities, where materials such as plastics, glass, paper, and cans can be
recycled, reused, and transformed into products that support local enterprises and create
sustainable jobs.

Through the #MatlakalaKeZaka Campaign, government aims to promote community-led
climate action by encouraging waste separation at source, reducing illegal dumping, restoring
the dignity of towns and villages, and unlocking the economic value of recyclable materials.
Municipalities will also be allocated spot whereby sorted refuse will be collected and allocated
ro recycling processes.

MEC Lenkopane called on households, youth groups, schools, businesses, traditional leaders,
and municipalities to take collective responsibility in protecting the environment and building
climate-resilient communities.

The MEC further acknowledged the contributions of partners including Polyco, PETCO, NorthWest University, municipalities, environmental organisations, and private-sector stakeholders,
for their continued support in advancing recycling and environmental awareness initiatives in
the province.

The #MatlakalaKeZaka Campaign invites every resident of the North West to be part of
building a cleaner and greener future — because meaningful climate action begins at the with
us.

Ends.

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng (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 Bitsa Lenkopane, together with Mr Risuna Maluleke, CEO of the Young African
Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), and Local Councillor Ms Montewa Sisco, officiated the
handover of training certificates and R10 000 grant support to 30 informal traders from the
Greater Taung Local Municipality.

The ceremony, hosted on 13 March 2026, followed the successful completion of the Practical
Formalisation of Informal Business Training Programme, facilitated by the Department of
Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) in partnership
with YAEI, and held at the Depot Hall in Taung.

The programme targeted food-related informal traders, including vendors selling vegetables
and fruits, cooked food, snacks, chickens, and other animal products.
This initiative forms part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to empower local traders
with practical business skills, enabling them to improve credibility, safety standards, and
operational systems – key elements for accessing broader markets, funding opportunities, and
compliance requirements necessary for business growth.

Addressing the beneficiaries, MEC Lenkopane commended the traders for embracing the
opportunity to participate in the training programme, noting that such initiatives are critical for
strengthening small businesses.
“Government has identified and prioritised skills development as a key intervention required
to stimulate sustainable growth of small businesses. Training programmes offered by
government and its partners are essential for long-term business survival, improved
productivity, and increased profitability, enabling innovation and entrepreneurs to remain
competitive even against larger companies,” said the MEC.

She further encouraged traders not to underestimate the importance of their businesses,
highlighting the vital role played by township and village enterprises. “Your businesses may
be small, but they play a significant role in restoring dignity and sustaining communities. For
many years, township and village businesses have supported families, paid school fees, and
contributed to local livelihoods,” she said.

The MEC noted that during a time when economic growth in the province remains slower than
anticipated and unemployment levels remain high, government is looking to communities and
small enterprises to take advantage of available support programmes aimed at strengthening
and expanding businesses. “We remain committed to supporting small businesses because
they play a critical role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty,” she
added. She also encouraged traders to formalise their businesses, which would allow them to
qualify for other government support programmes aimed at business expansion and
sustainability.

Today’s certification ceremony also fulfils one of the commitments made during the MEC’s
Budget Speech, where she emphasised the Department’s intention to strengthen partnerships
with institutions of higher learning and the private sector. These include organisations such as
YAEI, North-West University (NWU), ABSA, and other partners, to collaborate on business
incubation, innovation, and the development of entrepreneurial youth who can drive
measurable socio-economic impact through active participation in the economy.
Speaking at the event, YAEI CEO, Mr Maluleke expressed appreciation to the Department for
the partnership, noting that the collaboration would contribute significantly to the growth of
township and rural economies.

He further indicated that the current incubation programme marks the first collaborative project
between the Department and YAEI targeting informal traders, adding that the organisation
looks forward to expanding the initiative to other local municipalities and scaling up the
programme in the future.

Ends.

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

The North West Climate Change Provincial Workshop was hosted by the North West
Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism on 23 and 24
February 2026 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, where the Department engaged a wide
range of stakeholders on the draft North West Climate Change Strategy and Implementation
Plan.

MMC Cllr Wesley Kgang, from the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, delivered the keynote
address on behalf of MEC Bitsa Lenkopane. The workshop reflects the Department’s
commitment to strengthening coordinated climate action and building resilience in line with the
newly enacted Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act 22 of 2024).

Key stakeholders in attendance include the Department’s strategic partner, North-West
University; the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE); the
Department of Tourism; various provincial departments; and representatives from the South
African Local Government Association (SALGA), as well as district and local municipalities.

Industry role players such as Africa Geo-Environmental Engineering and Science (AGES
Alpha), the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA),
and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are also participating and
contributing to the discussions.

The draft North West Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan remains subject to
the finalisation of the Technical Guidelines for Climate Change Needs and Response
Assessments by DFFE, which will support the full implementation of the Climate Change Act.
As the custodian of environmental management in the Province, DEDECT is committed to
finalising this Strategy to guide institutions in integrating climate change considerations into
planning and decision-making.

Stakeholders emphasised that climate change must be treated as a serious and systemic
threat affecting human health, global security, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Its impacts are
already visible in our communities — intensifying extreme weather events such as floods and
droughts, worsening food and water insecurity, displacing communities, and reversing
development gains.

Addressing climate change is therefore essential to safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring a
sustainable future for all.
The second day of the North West Climate Change Provincial Workshop continued, building
on the strong foundation established during Day 1 engagements.

The workshop deepened the discussion on the Draft North West Climate Change Strategy
and Implementation Plan, from the presentation by DEDECT, providing stakeholders with an
opportunity to engage constructively on its strategic priorities, implementation pathways, and
alignment with national legislative frameworks.

A key highlight of the day was a presentation by the South African Local Government
Association (SALGA), which outlined ongoing climate change initiatives being implemented at
the local government level. These projects underscored the vital role municipalities play as
frontline responders to the climate-related challenges facing communities.

The workshop also transitioned into plenary sessions facilitated by representatives from North
West University. These sessions promoted collaborative engagement, enabling stakeholders
to identify key priorities and contribute to solution-oriented discussions aimed at shaping a
coordinated provincial response to climate change.

Discussions throughout the day reaffirmed that effective climate governance depends on
integrated planning, shared accountability, and strong cross-sector partnerships.
Stakeholders, including DEDECT’s Environmental Clubs, North West University (NWU),
UniAppSA, Ramotse Services, and
Africa Geo-Environmental Engineering and Science (AGES Alpha) are also participating in
exhibition activities alongside the formal programme. These exhibitions showcase innovations
focused on the circular economy, sustainable materials, and digital solutions as key
interventions for mitigating the impacts of climate change, while also providing educational
insights on reducing environmental impact.

Ends.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng (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

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism (DEDECT), led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane and Head of Department Mr Relebohile
Mofokane, yesterday hosted the provincial World Consumer Rights Day celebration in
Matlosana.

The event brought together government representatives, taxi associations, regulators, civil
society organisations and industry stakeholders to raise awareness about consumer
protection and strengthen collaboration in safeguarding consumer rights.

World Consumer Rights Day is commemorated annually across the globe to highlight progress
made in advancing consumer rights, promoting consumer confidence and fostering a culture
of responsible consumer behaviour. This year’s celebration is held under the theme
“Consumers’ Right to Receive Goods that are Free from Defects,” with the province placing
particular focus on challenges faced by consumers in motor vehicle transactions, especially
in the purchase of second-hand vehicles.

Delivering the keynote address, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane emphasised the importance of
educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities when purchasing goods or
entering into contractual agreements.
“The right to receive goods that are free from defects is a fundamental consumer right. Every
consumer deserves quality, safety, dignity and honesty in the marketplace,” said MEC
Lenkopane.

She further noted that consumers across the province continue to face challenges, particularly
with second-hand motor vehicles that are sold with hidden mechanical defects, undisclosed
histories or faults that only become apparent shortly after purchase.
“These practices leave many consumers with unexpected repair costs, ongoing financial
burdens and unnecessary hardship. As government, it is our responsibility to ensure that
businesses operate fairly and that consumers are protected from unfair and unjust trade
practices,” she added.

MEC Lenkopane also outlined the critical role played by the North West Provincial Consumer
Affairs Court, which continues to provide relief to consumers through dispute resolution,
mediation and the enforcement of consumer protection legislation.
She further referenced a recent case where the court ruled in favour of a consumer who had
purchased a defective motor vehicle. Following an investigation and mediation process by the
Consumer Affairs Office, the court ordered that the sale agreement be cancelled and that the
consumer be refunded the purchase price.

“This case demonstrates that the Consumer Affairs Court remains a vital platform for justice,
ensuring that suppliers are held accountable and that consumers receive redress when their
rights are violated,” MEC Lenkopane said.

The event was held in partnership with key stakeholders including View 4 You, the Motor
Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), the National Credit Regulator (NCR), the
National Consumer Tribunal (NCT), the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa
(NFO), the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as the Klerksdorp Motor Dealership
Association.

The Department further indicated that it will intensify compliance inspections in the motor
industry through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including SAPS, MIOSA and other
national regulators, to ensure that dealerships comply with consumer protection legislation
and that unsafe or defective vehicles are not sold to communities.

In addition to enforcement efforts, DEDECT will continue to expand consumer education and
awareness campaigns across the province, particularly targeting vulnerable and rural
communities, to ensure that consumers are informed about their rights and the mechanisms
available to report unfair practices.

Consumers are also urged to exercise responsible consumer behaviour by reading and
understanding contractual agreements before signing and by reporting defective goods within
the six-month statutory period provided for in the Consumer Protection Act.

Ends.

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

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, through
the Consumer Affairs Office, marked a significant milestone by providing relief to one of its
complainants, Ms. Paballo Matsietsa of Stilfontein, in a court ruling handed down on 3 March
2026 in Klerksdorp. The complaint arose from allegations that the motor vehicle was defective
and did not meet the quality standards envisaged in the Consumer Protection Act.

On 21 April 2023, the complainant purchased a 2013 Volkswagen Polo GTI 1.4 TSI DSG from
Agenbag Motor GRP CC for an amount of R237,186.49. Ms. Matsietsa took delivery of the
vehicle on the same date, and while driving home, the dashboard displayed a message
indicating an airbag error. This was immediately reported to the dealership, and the vehicle
was returned on 24 April 2023 for repairs. The motor vehicle was subsequently returned to
the complainant after the reported defects were allegedly repaired.

Despite these repairs, the complainant continued to experience defects and repeatedly
reported the matter to the dealership. At the time, Ms. Matsietsa did not realise that this marked
the beginning of her ordeal.

After failing to obtain satisfactory assistance from the dealership, Ms. Matsietsa filed a
complaint with the Provincial Consumer Affairs Office for assistance, having realised that her
right to receive a motor vehicle in good working order and free from defects had been infringed.
The Department investigated the complaint, but mediation efforts failed. The matter was then
referred to the Provincial Consumer Affairs Court for adjudication. During the trial, the Office
presented an assessment report from King Price Insurance, which revealed that the motor
vehicle had previously been involved in a major accident in 2016 and had been written off.

In delivering judgment, the Chairperson of the North West Provincial Consumer Affairs Court,
Mr Kennedy Kgomongwe, indicated that Ms Matsietsa was entitled to cancellation of the
agreement on the basis that the dealership had been afforded several opportunities to remedy
the defects but had failed to do so. The Department relied on the expert report issued by Mr.
Lesley Maranda, a motor technician from the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa. The
Court concluded that the motor vehicle did not meet the standard and quality envisaged under
Section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and that the complainant was therefore
entitled to the remedies provided for under Section 56.

Furthermore, Mr. Kgomongwe emphasised that “The Consumer Protection Act was
promulgated to protect the fundamental rights of consumers and provides a legislative
framework regulating consumer-supplier interactions. The Act establishes comprehensive
measures to eliminate unethical business practices and to safeguard consumers, particularly
vulnerable individuals, against unscrupulous suppliers.”

The Court ordered that:
• The contract between the parties is cancelled.
• Ms. Matsietsa releases the motor vehicle to Agenbag and signs all documents
necessary to enable the Defendant to register the motor vehicle in its name, with the
dealership collecting the vehicle at its own cost.
• The dealership refunded the complainant an amount of R220,186.49, after deducting
a usage cost of R17,000.00.

Ms. Matsietsa expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Consumer Affairs Office for its
assistance and encouraged other consumers to make use of the Office when their rights are
infringed.

DEDECT remains committed to assisting consumers in exercising and enforcing their rights
while ensuring fair and ethical business practices across the province.

Ends.

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

For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng (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

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism (DEDECT) is advancing its investment attraction programme at the 2026 Investing in
African Mining Indaba, where a series of bilateral engagements led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane
yielded tangible outcomes and culminated in several strategic investment opportunities
towards industrialization.

The province’s participation reflects a deliberate effort to chart a new path for investment that
places communities at the centre of economic activity and ensures that local beneficiaries play
an active and meaningful role in the provincial economy.
During the Indaba, MEC Lenkopane and Head of Department Mr. Relebohile Mofokane have
been engaging industry leaders, investors, and partners across the exhibition floor, using
every interaction to profile the North West as a competitive and investment-ready province.

MEC’s walkabout through the exhibition hall created opportunities for continuous dialogue with
mining companies, technology innovators, financiers, and other role players, while also
showcasing the depth of investment opportunities at the North West Province exhibition stall.
These engagements highlighted district-level strengths and emphasised the province’s
readiness to welcome transformative investment.

The MEC also held several strategic meetings with investors and partners. Day one included
fruitful engagements with Glencore Empire Investment Bank, Shaanxi Non-Ferrous Metals
Group, Valterra Platinum, Sibanye-Stillwater, and Limpopo Provincial Government. Day two
consisted of bilateral meetings with Glencore, Free State Provincial Government, and many
others who are actively working with the department to advance economic interests. The
sessions explored investment prospects in mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable
energy, agro-processing, and community development initiatives. Through these
engagements, MEC reinforced that the North West is land ready, infrastructure ready, SEZ
ready, and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) ready, with a portfolio of opportunities geared
toward job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive local growth.

A notable feature of the first day was a high-level bilateral meeting with Glencore CEO, Mr.
Jappie Fullard. During these bilateral and other meetings, parties reaffirmed their commitment
to strengthening collaboration, expanding the province’s investment pipeline, and advancing
the development of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The discussions underscored a shared
vision to promote local industrial participation and ensure that mining-related investments and
post-mining economic plans and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria bring
direct benefits to communities across the province.

MEC Lenkopane emphasised the significance of the province’s mission at the Indaba, noting
that DEDECT is actively reshaping the investment landscape to open new opportunities for
local stakeholders. MEC highlighted that this platform creates unmatched opportunities for the
province to foster strategic investment partnerships, drive local market expansion,
beneficiation, explore post mining opportunities, and secure long-term sustainable growth
within the Province.

With over 1,400 mining companies, 1,300 investors, and more than 300 exhibitors, this is the
premier platform where deals are made and where both power and capital converge, creating
unmatched opportunities for strategic partnerships, market expansion, and long-term
sustainable growth.

The MEC further highlighted that the province is committed to building partnerships that drive
sustainable development and broaden economic participation. Through deliberate investment
facilitation, the Department is laying the groundwork for communities, cooperatives, SMMEs,
and local suppliers to participate more fully in the province’s economic value chains.
As the Mining Indaba continues, the North West delegation remains focused on attracting
investment, expanding opportunities, promoting local beneficiation, and positioning the
province as a destination where every investment opportunity translates into real, measurable
development on the ground.

END //

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

DEDECT MEC leads the departmental team to meet DBSA in preparation for the SEZ
designation.

In a significant move toward the road to Special Economic Zone (SEZ) designation application
and industrial park revitalization, the North West MEC for Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Ms. Bitsa Lenkopane, led a high-level
delegation on an engagement with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) at its
head office on 20 January 2026.

The MEC met with the DBSA team, led by Chief Risk Officer Mr. Mpho Kubelo, and was joined
by DEDECT Head of Department Mr. Relebohile Mofokane, NWDC Acting CEO Mr. Thapelo
Mokotedi, and various officials from the department and its entities.

The engagement focused on a structured partnership process aimed at unlocking industrial
development outcomes while simultaneously resolving institutional financial exposures. This
strategic approach is designed to transform the province’s industrial assets into functional,
well-managed anchors for investment and local economic development with the assistance of
DBSA and key stakholders. Central to this vision is the revitalization of three key industrial
hubs that serve as the foundation for the province’s growth.

The Bodirelo Industrial Site is being positioned as a future-facing growth platform specifically
aligned to the SEZ designation pathway, with plans already underway to address bulk
infrastructure constraints such as water and electricity supply.
Simultaneously, the partnership targets the Babelegi and Ga-Rankuwa Industrial Parks for
focused turnaround and stabilization interventions to restore industrial activity and improve
revenue collection.

MEC Lenkopane emphasised that restoring these sites is essential for the designation
application of the Bojanala SEZ as well as job creation, SMME development, and
industrialisation, noting that when these assets are functional, they serve as vital anchors for
local communities.

To ensure these plans move from proposal to reality, a Technical Task Team will be formally
introduced to operationalize the solution through clear deliverables and accountability
mechanisms.

This team, which includes representatives from DEDECT, NWDC, DBSA, National Treasury,
the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Gauteng Provincial Government
and City of Tshwane, is mandated to finalize infrastructure and settlement packages within a
30-day solution sprint.

The collaborative effort will also foresee the operationalisation of the Infrastructure
Development Fund to support bulk utility upgrades, ensuring that the North West Province
accelerates its industrial growth and remains a competitive destination for investment.

END //

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

DEDECT and PHASA strengthen partnership to advance wildlife economy and SEZ
designation.

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism (DEDECT), led by the MEC Bitsa Lenkopane held a strategic engagement with the
Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA) on 20 January 2026, aimed at
strengthening collaboration in support of the Province’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
designation process. This forms part of the series of stakeholder engagements toward the
designation of the province’s proposed SEZ.

These consultations are being conducted with sectors identified as central to the economic
vision of the province, ensuring that every industry with a strategic role is included in shaping
the final application and implementation framework of the SEZ. Part of the departmental
delegation included Head of Department Mr. Relebohile Mofokane, Acting CEOs of North
West Parks and Tourism Board and NWDC Jonathan Denga and Thapelo Mokotedi, as well
as PHASA CEO, President, and Chairperson, Jess de Klerk, Eardley Rudman, and Ilse de
Klerk.

The engagement focused on positioning the wildlife and biodiversity economy as a key
industrial pillar within the proposed SEZ, with emphasis on localisation, beneficiation, job
creation, skills development, and meaningful community participation.
The meeting confirmed that the SEZ programme presents an opportunity to ensure that
products derived from the Province’s wildlife economy are processed, beneficiated and
manufactured within the North West, rather than exported for processing elsewhere.
Opportunities were identified across the full wildlife value chain, including skins and hides
processing and tanning, bone-related product streams, and other wildlife-derived
manufacturing activities, supported by enabling systems such as compliance, traceability,
logistics, and market access.

PHASA reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Provincial Government by providing
technical expertise, research, and evidence-based inputs to strengthen the SEZ designation
application. The association further highlighted the importance of science-based decisionmaking and confirmed collaboration with institutions such as SANBI and Stellenbosch
University to support credible research and data-driven planning.

MEC Lenkopane placed strong emphasis on transformation and community development,
asserting that the SEZ must deliver tangible socioeconomic benefits for the people of the
province. She reiterated that the wildlife sector must support inclusive development by creating
jobs, expanding opportunities for small businesses, and ensuring that rural communities are
not excluded from economic growth. The collaboration with PHASA represents a commitment
to local enterprise development, skills development, compliance support, and targeted
interventions that will assist local businesses and previously disadvantaged individuals to
participate meaningfully in the biodiversity and wildlife economy.

A Biodiversity Economy and Manufacturing Workstream will be established to drive
coordination, project identification, and implementation, operating under clear governance and
reporting arrangements. The MEC welcomed PHASA’s commitment and reiterated that
partnerships with organised industry are critical to unlocking investment, industrial growth, and
community beneficiation in the Province.

“This engagement marks an important step in ensuring that the wildlife economy contributes
meaningfully to industrialisation, job creation, and community upliftment in the North West.
The SEZ provides a platform to turn our natural assets into inclusive economic opportunities,”
said the MEC.

Progress on the agreed action plan will be monitored and reported to the MEC as the SEZ
designation process advances.
The MEC will lead her department to also engage with mining and tourism industry role
players, as well as other government departments and municipalities.

END //

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

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