MEC Bitsa Lenkopane set a powerful tone for the MEC’s Colloquium for Business Forums in
the North West, which took place on 15th July 2025 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre,
hailing it as a platform poised to ignite inclusive economic growth across the Province.
The colloquium forms part of the MEC’s build-up programme towards the departmental budget
speech.
In her keynote address, MEC Lenkopane emphasised that the colloquium transcends a
meeting and is a vital platform for collaboration, transformation, and shared prosperity. MEC
reaffirmed the government’s need for businesses to be organised and its unwavering
commitment to fostering a transparent, fair, and empowering environment for all businesses,
especially SMMEs, township entrepreneurs, and historically disadvantaged individuals.
MEC further highlighted key interventions immediately available to attendees, including the
Business Turnaround Interventions Programme, the General Dealer Support Programme
and the Informal Traders Support Programme. She strongly encouraged entrepreneurs to
register for the provincial MSME database and leverage the support offered by Enterprise
Support Centres and incubation initiatives.
With a sharp focus on localisation, industrialisation, and access to finance, businesses were
urged to formalise, collaborate, and explore emerging sectors such as the biodiversity and
wildlife economy.
The colloquium is firmly anchored in action and accountability, echoed by MEC Lenkopane.
The department is actively forging partnerships with development finance institutions, banks,
and support agencies to enhance the accessibility of funding and essential support to
businesses in the province.
MEC Lenkopane’s message was clear: by working in unison, government, business forums,
and entrepreneurs can create a thriving, inclusive economy that benefits all people of the
North West.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development,
Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Ms. Suzan Molaodi
Media Liaison Officer
082 979 0459
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect