The MEC for the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, delivered a keynote address at the Mahikeng Local Economic Development (LED) Strategic Review Workshop held at the Mahikeng Civic Centre today.
MEC Lenkopane highlighted a sobering picture of the socio-economic realities facing the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, where unemployment remains above 30 percent, rising to nearly 35 percent in Mahikeng and exceeding 45 percent among the youth.
“This is not just an economic challenge; it is a social and dignity crisis,” said MEC Lenkopane. “Our people are not waiting for another strategy. They are waiting for jobs, for opportunity, and for real change.”
She noted that the workshop comes at a critical moment to reposition Local Economic Development as a central pillar of the province’s developmental agenda, aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth, job creation, and economic resilience.
“By the end of this strategy review session, we must develop a clear and measurable Local Economic Development Action Plan, with improved alignment across the three spheres of government, and strengthened mechanisms to support MSME-led growth in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030,” she said.
MEC Lenkopane further emphasised that while the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, launched by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, provides a clear framework for inclusive growth, industrialisation, and job creation, the real challenge lies in execution.
“Strategies do not create jobs; implementation does. Execution does. Leadership does,” she said.
The MEC called on stakeholders to reposition the District Development Model (DDM) as a tool for coordinated delivery rather than consultation, warning that fragmentation continues to undermine progress.
“When we work in silos, we fail. Fragmentation kills collaboration. But when we coordinate, we unlock impact,” she added.
Highlighting key priorities, MEC Lenkopane stressed the importance of attracting credible investors and coordinating investment into bankable projects across key sectors such as agro-processing, tourism, township economies, green economy initiatives, and digital innovation.
“Jobs do not come from speeches; they come from investment. We must package projects properly and actively bring in investors to unlock sustainable economic opportunities,” she said.
She further noted that the department, through its entities including the North West Development Corporation and the North West Parks and Tourism Board, has identified the waste economy as a key driver of local economic development.
“Waste is not just something we dispose of; it is a resource. If properly managed, it can generate income, support enterprises, and create sustainable jobs,” she said.
In advancing this agenda, MEC Lenkopane announced that the department has already employed 90 young people through learnership programmes under the Matlakala ke Zaka initiative, focusing on waste management and related skills development.
“No economy is going to work without skills,” she emphasised.
The MEC also highlighted the importance of aligning mining-sector activities with local development priorities, calling for Social and Labour Plans to deliver tangible benefits such as skills development, enterprise support, and infrastructure development for local communities.
She further committed to engaging Executive Mayors to align the programmes of the North West Parks and Tourism Board with Local Economic Development strategies to unlock tourism and conservation opportunities.
“At the centre of all of this is partnership. The government cannot do it alone. We need a shared economic mission between government, business, communities, and institutions,” she said.
Concluding her address, MEC Lenkopane called on all stakeholders to act with purpose and urgency in building a working economy for Mahikeng.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng
083 687 3649
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
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