North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi is upbeat about the province’s future following a successful meeting with captains of the mining industry on the side-lines of the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba held in Cape Town.
The Premier heaped praise for the two strategic objectives contained in the province’s Growth and Development Strategy, which he’s convinced is gaining traction following their engagements at the Indaba.
Mokgosi, who is leading a high delegation of the provincial government, had placed on the agenda the Provincial Development Fund which his administration seeks to use as a vehicle to drive infrastructure development, grow the economy and create jobs.
“A collaborative effort between government and the private sector can help the province unlock various economic opportunities for residents using the fund which has been set at a budget of one hundred million rand,” said Mokgosi.
Mokgosi, who is accompanied by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism MEC Bitsa Lenkopane met with captains of the industry throughout the duration of the Indaba.
“We managed to speak to various industry leaders on the side-lines of the mining indaba.
We believe that we have presented a solid case in our continued endeavours to turn the tide against low investment patterns afflicting our developmental trajectory,” explained Mokgosi.
He is optimistic that the province is making a significant headway in the full implementation of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, which is anticipated once fully operational to create close to 20 000 jobs with investment commitments amounting to R15 billion.
“I met with the Chairperson of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, David Makhura and we agreed that my office will be interacting with the DBSA at a strategic level to explore funding avenues for bulk infrastructure projects.
This will assist with the commencement of the project,” remarked Mokgosi.
Mokgosi highlighted that the province is thoroughly positioned as a viable and preferred destination for investments in the mining sector during the Indaba.
He further maintained that North West province will be looking at hosting the provincial leg of the Indaba as part of the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the provincial economy and create jobs.
