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