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