The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) continues with day 3 of its strategic planning session at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, under the leadership of MEC Bitsa Lenkopane. The session remains focused on the development of the department’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and the 2025-2026 Annual Performance Plan (APP).
This critical planning session highlights the department’s commitment to a community-centered approach. It strongly emphasizes establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicators to enhance service delivery. Day 2 focused on refining strategic output indicators, laying the foundation for impactful economic development initiatives.
Addressing the session, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane reaffirmed the department’s dedication to putting the people of the North West province first. “Our strategic plan must deliver tangible results in job creation and economic growth. We are committed to ensuring our plans directly support poverty reduction and employment initiatives, responding to the real needs of our communities,” said MEC Lenkopane.
She further emphasized the importance of leveraging private partnerships and promoting investment as key drivers of sustainable economic growth. A major focus of the session was also placed on aligning the strategic plans of DEDECT’s entities, including the North West Development Corporation, North West Parks and Tourism Board, and the North West Gambling Board. The goal is to prioritize community needs, enhance revenue generation, and reduce reliance on direct government funding.
The session sought to sharpen the department’s strategic framework to ensure effective service delivery and meaningful contributions to the province’s economic growth. In line with the National Development Plan 2030, MEC Lenkopane stressed the need for an integrated approach to planning.
“Through this unified approach, the department and its entities will complement each other by aligning their plans and ensuring the delivery of high-impact services,” said MEC Lenkopane. She reiterated the importance of tailoring departmental plans to the unique needs of the North West province, particularly its rural communities. This approach ensures that service delivery targets are realistic and directly address the province’s specific challenges and opportunities.
The planning session goes beyond initial coordination by tackling strategic priorities with a direct impact on the provincial economy and job creation. Setting realistic and achievable targets is key to revitalizing and strengthening the North West’s economic landscape. This economic upliftment will be pursued alongside ensuring a safe and protected environment, which DEDECT recognizes as vital for long-term growth. Fostering a thriving tourism sector is also seen as crucial for job creation and economic diversification.
Collaboration is further strengthened by the participation of key stakeholders, including the National Department of Public Works and Transport, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the Office of the Premier (OOP), and the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA). Their input is assisting in refining the department’s targets and priorities, ensuring alignment with national and provincial development goals.
Mr. Relebohile Mofokane, Acting Head of the Department, called on management to ensure the Annual Performance Plan (APP) accurately reflects the department’s current efforts and future goals. He emphasized the APP as a vital tool in tackling service delivery challenges and aligning with the department’s strategic targets.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Thomas Matlapeng
Media Liaison Officer
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect