News – Page 2 – Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism

MEC Tlhapi empowers young SMMEs, unleashing opportunities for growth.

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) has undertaken a comprehensive study aimed at identifying lucrative export opportunities for businesses operating in the North West Province. In line with this endeavor, the Department recently organized information dissemination workshops in the Bojanala and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipalities, respectively. The purpose of these sessions was to have an engagement with existing and emerging exporters, present the research findings, and provide a platform for valuable input and perspectives on the identified export prospects. These insights will contribute to the formulation of the North West Provincial Export Strategy.

The sessions were also designed to address the challenges faced by exporters in the province. Collaborating with the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the department aims to develop effective mechanisms to assist exporters in overcoming their challenges. Mr. Ishmael Kgokong, Chief Director for Economic Planning, Trade, and Sector Development in the department, emphasized the importance of prioritizing international trade to pave the way for export-led economic growth in the province.

“As part of our mandate, the Department is dedicated to fostering essential partnerships between the government and the private sector, creating a favorable environment for business success, and ultimately driving economic growth and job creation in the province. Through our study on North West Export Opportunities, we aim to support exporters within the bounds of our resources,” stated Kgokong.

Dr. Martin Cameron, Managing Director of Trade Research Advisory, a spinout company of North West University, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the strategic aspects of the export strategy and opportunities for the North West Province. He also highlighted the vital role exports play in economic growth and job creation.

Dr. Cameron’s presentation provided valuable insights into identifying realistic export opportunities. Key factors to consider include the size and growth trends of the target market’s economy, its wealth, and associated risks. Furthermore, the characteristics of the opportunities should account for factors such as the North West Province’s supply to the target market, geographic considerations, market import-demand size, and growth patterns.

The stakeholder determined, as part of the resolutions, that a provincial exporter forum should be established to support the government’s objective of forging partnerships with the business community and expanding the province’s exports in terms of markets and products. This effort is intended to increase the departmental exporter database.

Mr. Kgokong welcomed the proposal for a provincial exporter forum on behalf of the department and highlighted the importance of the business cluster development model, which fits with the government’s District Development Model (DDM). He stated that the government will facilitate the forum and the structure and direction of the forum will ultimately be chosen by businesses. Participants also advised the department to look into options to cut logistical costs for export items through shared container space, emphasizing the potential benefits for growing exporters.

These engagement workshops are intended to strengthen ties between the government and the business community while also improving the Department’s exporter database.

Finally, the Department encourages current and prospective exporters to participate in the upcoming inaugural forum, which will take place later this year. Attendees will receive additional information in the following weeks via direct contact. Those who were unable to attend the event are encouraged to contact the department via the email mokailag@nwpg.gov.za

#Ends#

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism
For enquiries please contact:
Mr. Jerry Matebesi (DEDECT Spokesperson)
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

Department of Economic Development Initiates North West Export Opportunities Workshop to Boost Economic Growth

These engagement workshops are intended to strengthen ties between the government and the business community while also improving the Department’s exporter database.

91 youth benefit from the Tourism and Hospitality Placement Programme for 2022/23

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has created an opportunity for eligible unemployed youth graduates to be part of the North West Tourism and Hospitality Placement Programme for 2022/23. Through this programme, 91 unemployed youth were allocated work opportunities and placement at tourism establishments across all districts of the province.
The North West Tourism and Hospitality placement programme is a project under the auspices of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and aims to provide work opportunities for unemployed youth in the tourism and hospitality sector, through established host companies within the province. Host companies include accommodation establishments such as guest houses, bed and breakfasts, hotels, lodges, resorts, conference centres, attractions, recreational establishments, tour operators and travel agents. The Tourism and Hospitality placement project further assists unemployed graduates with skills development and work experience, and provide the tourism industry with temporary subsidised labour. Successful youth were placed at various participating tourism and hospitality host companies in the North West Province for a period of up to six (6) months.
The applicants were subjected to an interview process to assess their suitability, and it is expected that they will demonstrate commitment and discipline throughout the programme.. The host company will provide the beneficiary with the appropriate work based responsibilities, promote learning in the work environment and keep accurate work based records.
The beneficiaries will receive a monthly stipend from the department, and the scope of their tasks and duties will be directly related to four key areas; food and beverage, housekeeping, guest relation and administrative duties.
“As the department we would like to extent our gratitude to the companies who have partnered with us in addressing the challenges of unemployment faced by young people throughout the province. We encourage the graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity to gain experience and knowledge,” said Ms Sarah Manone – Chief Director for Tourism Growth and Development within DEDECT.
Manone also added that the programme is part of the public-private partnership initiative that seeks to address issues of unemployment and work experience within the tourism sector in the North West Province, and will go a long way in developing skills and expertise required for a flourishing tourism industry.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For enquiries please contact:
Mr Jerry Matebesi (DEDECT Spokesperson)
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

MEC Tlhapi leads the North West Province’s participation at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023

Durban: The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Ms Galebekwe Virginia Tlhapi led the North West Province delegation’s participation at a 3 day Africa Travel Indaba which took place from the 9th – 11th May 2023, at Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban under the theme “Shaping Africa’s tomorrow through connection today”.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest Tourism Marketing Events on the African calendar and one of the top three “must visit” events of its kind on the global calendar. It is an iconic African Leisure trade show, hosted annually by South African Tourism (SAT) with specific objective of creating market access for a vast range of African leisure tourism products.
Part of the MEC’s activities at the North West Provincial stand was to meet and greet tourism products owners/exhibitors with the view of knowing and understanding their business focuses in promoting tourism offerings which exists in the province.
The province afforded approximately 26 tourism enterprises an opportunity to showcase their products which range from women in tourism, tour operators, tour guides, luxury accommodation establishments to wildlife and adventure.
“I am pleased, that the province is participating in this Africa’s biggest tourism promotion platform, which creates market access for small businesses as well as big tourism players. This provides a much needed opportunity for our participants to interact and share ideas with their counterparts both from our country and the entire captive market. In my interaction with exhibitors I am convinced that the province showcased a good mix of tourism offerings which can position the North West Province as one of the preferred tourism destinations in South Africa,” said MEC Tlhapi.
At the official opening the Minister for Tourism: Patricia De Lille highlighted that as Africans, together we will craft a narrative that tells our story in our own words, sharing with the world the unique contributions we bring to the tourism community.
This year’s indaba sees more than 350 tourism products being showcased, 1000 buyers from across the tourism ecosystem and just under 1000 exhibitors.
Tourism Department supported 123 local inbound tourism enterprises through its market access support programme to showcase their products and services at the hidden gems pavilion during Africa Travel Indaba. “This investment will enable these small businesses to display their unique products and services, expand their networks and foster partnerships that will drive the growth and sustainability industry in South Africa,” said Minister De Lille.
The Africa’s Travel Indaba also saw the newly elected National Women in Tourism interim structure Chairperson, Ms Khosi Tyobeka addressing the Women in Tourism Breakfast session with the Minister of Tourism. Tyobeka is currently serving as Chairperson for the North West Women in Tourism and part of her responsibilities as the National Chairperson of the interim structure is to drive the team to ensure there is a formalised national body which will be comprised of nine (9) chapters across all the provinces. Part of their job is to develop a framework that will guide the work of provincial chapters and ensure a uniform approach in the implementation of the WiT programme that seeks to ensure that women are respected, recognized, represented, and rewarded accordingly in the sector, and identify mechanisms to address the barriers faced by women in the tourism sector.
Lastly, The North West Province also received a Silver Award in the category Large Stands Exhibitors. Categories were Small, Medium and Large Exhibitors Stands with Platinum as the highest award and followed by Gold. North West is the only Province in South Africa to have walked away with an award during this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba Award ceremony.
Ends.
Issued jointly by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism together with the North West Parks and Tourism Board.
For enquiries please contact:
Mr Jerry Matebesi (DEDECT Spokesperson)
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
and / or
Ms Mamaki Phoolo (North West Parks and Tourism Board)
083 419 5974
ephoolo@nwtb.co.za

Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

LONAKA FARM PRODUCE AIMS TO CLAIM ITS SPACE IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is a challenging endeavour with numerous ups and downs. However, for many business owners in the North West province, the rewards are worth the obstacles.
One such individual who has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment is Mr Kagiso Dirapelo, the founder and Director of Lonaka Farm Produce. Situated just outside Mahikeng in the serene village of Moletsamongwe, Lonaka Farm has flourished under Mr. Dirapelo’s visionary leadership, specializing in livestock production, horticulture, and mobile butchery. Despite humble beginnings, Lonaka Farm has experienced remarkable growth, providing valuable opportunities for the local community where job creation is of paramount importance, Lonaka Farm has played a critical role in addressing unemployment. Through strategic employment initiatives, the farm currently supports six permanent staff members and has welcomed one student as part of the government’s learnership programme.
From small seeds to blooming success, in 2009, Lonaka Farm started operations with a modest livestock count of five cattle and seven sheep. However, driven by an ambitious vision, Mr Dirapelo refused to succumb to adversity. Recognizing the potential within his grasp, he legally established the company in 2018. Since then, Lonaka Farm has witnessed remarkable expansion, boasting an impressive livestock inventory that includes over 700 broiler chickens, and 1152 layers dedicated to egg production.
Dirapelo explained that he had to sell the cattle and sheep he began with in order to start meat production and supplement his new business enterprise. Except for the chickens, the farm currently does not have its own livestock, and they rely on auctions to obtain meat and sell it to the market. In addition, the farm operates a mobile butchery, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from local supermarkets and convenience stores to social clubs and individuals seeking quality meat for special occasions such as funerals, weddings, and parties.
Mr. Dirapelo accomplished a childhood dream, and his desire to own a farm was deeply rooted in his upbringing. The responsibility of caring for his family’s livestock also fueled his passion from a young age. What truly inspired him, however, was the ability to generate wealth for his family while also creating work possibilities in the local community. The success of Lonaka Farm displays Mr. Dirapelo’s dedication to making his ambitions a reality.
Through its empowerment fund programme, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism identified Lonaka Farm’s potential and provided crucial assistance. As a result, the farm has acquired necessary machinery and equipment, such as a display fridge, senior bandsaw, meat mincer, and sausage filler. These upgrades will greatly improve the farm’s operating efficiency, allowing it to provide superior services to its valued consumers.

Although Lonaka Farm has achieved remarkable success, it faces certain challenges that are inherent to running a business. Transporting products to clients has become a hurdle due to the breakdown of the farm’s aged bakkie. Nonetheless, Mr Dirapelo and his team are actively exploring alternative means of transportation to ensure timely product delivery. Furthermore, the farm has been affected by intermittent power outages, but thanks to a small backup generator, Lonaka Farm has managed to sustain its operations and continue providing excellent service.
Mr Dirapelo expresses gratitude for the department’s assistance, noting that with its newfound assistance and resources, Lonaka Farm would be able to rise to greater heights. Mr Dirapelo sees an even brighter future, with greater revenue and a larger client base, as well as the operation of a fully equipped butchery that will employ more people. His ultimate goals include becoming one of the top commercial farmers, achieving a national and international reputation, and even exporting some of their products to neighbouring countries and beyond.
“We want Lonaka Farm’s produce to become a renowned brand throughout South Africa by producing our own livestock, having an animal feedlot, increasing our egg-laying production from 1152 layers to 12,000, and increasing the capacity for broilers and vegetables,” said Mr Dirapelo, the visionary behind Lonaka Farm’s ambitious journey towards agricultural excellence.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For enquiries please contact:
Departmental Spokesperson,
Mr Jerry Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

MEC MOSENOGI PRESENTS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MEDIA STATEMENT
To : All Editors and Journalists
Date : 30th JUNE 2022

As part of celebrating the 46th Commemoration of Youth Month, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi has challenged young people in the North West to make use of opportunities offered by the government for the growth and development of their businesses. MEC said this while addressing the Youth Support Seminar which was held on 30th June 2022 at Madidi Sports Ground, in Madibeng Local Municipality.
The seminar is part of outreach initiatives directed towards the economic empowerment of small businesses and cooperatives with an added focus on the business regulatory framework. The MEC defines the seminar as a platform that enables the government and its agencies to review measures in place to assist small businesses and cooperatives operating in the province, and where necessary reinforce initiatives that have proven to be unviable or not cost-effective.
In addressing the seminar, MEC Mosenogi encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the youth of 1967 and fight for space in the business sector and utilize the business support intervention available in government, as this will help to reduce the regulatory burdens faced by small businesses in order to grow their businesses.
“The department in partnership with Development Finance Institutions, Regulators inclusive of SARS, and municipalities, has resolved to embark on these business agreement sessions around the province to empower communities on enterprise development opportunities available and regulatory legislation that businesses should comply with. As the government, we believe that information is power, and that it takes an informed community to access the business support interventions provided by government institutions,” said MEC Mosenogi.
She further acknowledged that the Province, and the country at large, are faced with many challenges that need to be confronted, youth unemployment being the enemy number one. These are not new or unique challenges and it will not be easy to overcome them but we must never give up and we should work together to address them and bring change to the communities.
Stakeholders in attendance encouraged young people to be innovative and pitch their business ideas/concepts. Some of these ideas will be supported to migrate them into fully fletched businesses that can be funded and operationalized.
The seminar coincided with the handing over of equipment and machinery to two (2) successful applicants of the departmental economic empowerment fund. “This intervention seeks to increase capacity, strengthen and sustain enterprises that are facing economic distress, especially on financial and operational difficulties, through the provision of machinery and equipment to a limit of R200 000 per application. The applicants must have been operating a legally registered business, and be residing in the North West Province”.
The Department through the District Development Model will continue to work with other stakeholders in the service delivery ecosystem to create opportunities for youth employment and facilitate youth participation in economic opportunities by providing them with the necessary skills.
ENDS
Issued by Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT)
For media enquiries please contact:
Departmental Spokesperson Mr Jerry Matebesi
Cell: 072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

NORTH WEST GAMBLING BOARD RECIEVES A CLEAN AUDIT

The North West Gambling Board, an entity of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and responsible for the regulation of gambling in the North West Province, has managed to receive a clean bill of health in respect of the management of its finances and its administration as declared by the Auditor-General for the 2021/22 Financial Year.
The entity has managed to weather the storm despite many challenges that it faced during the year which included amongst others not having a substantive Chief Executive Officer whose term of service was terminated and also not having a full complement of Board members.
The elated Chairperson of the Board, Mr Lavelle Vere noted with appreciation the clean audit as the entity last achieved this 12 years ago and is particularly significant in light of the negative and unwarranted allegations of impropriety levelled against the Board and its Management.

“With this benchmark, not only do we hope to have restored the institutional integrity of our entity but we’ve also developed a winning formula for our continued future success. In strengthening its institutional capacity, the Board also welcomes the filling of Board vacancies with the appointment of three additional members. This will expectedly strengthen the governance capacity and outlook of the entity with the reconfiguration of the various subcommittees, which are a vital cog in the maintaining operational efficiencies” commented the elated Chairperson of the Board.
Mr Vere conveyed his greatest appreciation to his fellow Board members, the Acting CEO, Chief Financial Officer and Staff of the Board for the sterling job done.
Enquiries

Ms Tsholofelo Matlhadisa
Tel: 018 384 3215
Fax: 018 384 2290
Cell: 076 612 8688
Email: tjood@nwgb.co.za

MEC MOSENOGI HANDS OVER EQUIPMENT TO EMPOWERMENT FUND BENEFICIARIES

MEDIA STATEMENT
To : All Editors and Journalists
Date : 25 July 2022

MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi embarked on an ongoing programme of handing over business equipment and machinery to successful applicants of the Departmental Empowerment Fund for the 2021/2022 financial year.
The programme is part of the department’s interventions aimed at leveraging enterprise funding through procurement of equipment and machinery for start-ups as well as growth and expansion of enterprises which will result in job creation and poverty alleviation. The applicants must have been operating a legally registered business, and be residing in the North West Province.

“In order to reverse the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on small businesses and cooperatives, we ought to urgently provide some support to these entrepreneurs and through this hardheaded intervention by the department, they will certainly improve their competitiveness and bring up profitability, said the MEC during the handover ceremony.

She added that through this programme, the government is only reaffirming its commitment to support and sustain enterprises through operational tools. This is also proof to all entrepreneurs in the province especially young people that department’s financial assistance is not designed for a certain group of people, but for any entrepreneur who meets the qualifying criteria required for funding.

The MEC started the programme earlier this month by handing over equipment and machinery to (9) enterprises in Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts and proceeded to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. The equipment and machinery that were handed over in both districts is valued at approximately R1, 2 million for enterprises operating mostly in manufacturing, catering, baking, décor, cleaning, and environmental services.
Speaking during the handover, MEC Mosenogi urged the beneficiaries to become agents of service delivery, they should communicate the work that the government is doing, especially to the people who may say the government is not assisting small businesses.
“With this programme, we want to assist small businesses, especially those that are facing financial and operational difficulties to grow and be sustainable to prevent job losses and minimise retrenchment of workers through the provision of machinery and equipment. The focus is on youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans,” she said.

The empowerment fund assists start-ups businesses which have been in operation for less than a year with a grant worth R100 000.00, whilst existing businesses which have been in operation for more than a year are assisted with a grant of up to R200 000.00 to purchase machinery and equipment.
MEC also expressed gratitude to the beneficiaries for responding to this opportunity presented by government and for their patience and dedication bared in ensuring that they satisfy the qualifying criteria. “Patience is very important in business as SMMEs would usually be sent back for correction and supplement of necessary documents, just to ensure that their applications are being successful.”

The department will be visiting other districts within the province to hand over equipment to other beneficiaries throughout the 2021/22 financial year, to ensure that small businesses have adequate equipment and machinery that will add value to their businesses. This will assist the government in responding to the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

ENDS
Issued by Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT)
For media enquiries please contact:
Departmental Spokesperson Mr Jerry Matebesi
Cell: 072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect
Facebook: @nwdedect

MEC MEC Mosenogi Launches the Seboka Game Lodge in Koster as part of Tourism Month

MEC MEC Mosenogi Launches the Seboka Game Lodge in Koster as part of Tourism Month
Tourism Month is the celebration of people, places and products. With people at the heart of its brand, South Africa boasts a wealth of diverse landscapes, with cities, small towns, townships and villages populated with an array of tourism products to suit every traveller’s needs.
The 27th of September was celebrated worldwide as World Tourism Day (WTD), under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) theme: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. The 2021 World Tourism Day was hosted by the Free State Province, where, as per norm, all nine prov-inces converged for the celebration of this important annual event in the tourism industry calendar. The global observance of World Tourism Day by the

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