North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi is optimistic that the province is on the right path, to turn the tide against several socio-economic challenges affecting the development of the province.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Debate (SONA) in parliament, the premier cited among others the upward trajectory in audit outcomes ethical leadership, turnaround strategies at municipalities, and the creation of 36 000 jobs in the fourth quarter of last year as announced by the Statistician-General of Tuesday.
The premier said these strategies have seen eight out of ten departments receive clean and unqualified outcomes in the last audit cycle.
“This stability has trickled down to Departments such as Health as it continues to lead the pack in drug-resistant TB management in the country with a success rate of between 84% and 86%.
These efforts have also been bolstered by an allocation of additional R200 million for the employment of nurses, doctors as well as procurement of new ambulances,” said Mokgosi.
The Premier also noted that the province received 88.94% during the 2025 matric results, adding that it is consistent with the provincial government’s efforts of infrastructure development in distressed communities.
According to Mokgosi, these plans have also seen positive developments at the province’s municipalities, following years of maladministration, corruption and failure to deliver services.
Mokgosi said in conjunction with the national government, they’ve managed to bring stability at the troubled Ditsobotla Local Municipality, following the introduction of the National Cabinet Representative.
“We are monitoring developments in Matlosana Local Municipality with a view of strengthening existing intervention measures to improve the situation.
On a positive note, the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality will this Friday sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Infrastructure South Africa under the auspices of Adopt A Municipality Initiative.
This will see the municipality benefiting from various infrastructure projects that are aimed at expediting provision of services for residents,” explained the premier.
The Premier has described as encouraging signs of recovery after the province recorded 36 000 new jobs in the fourth quarter of last year.
Mokgosi highlighted that plans are at an advanced stage, to create more jobs in the province.
“Our efforts of creating an additional 12 000 jobs are gaining traction as we seek to implement the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which will be anchored on investment commitments amounting to R12 billion.
We envision the SEZ to be licensed in the next financial year.
In giving impetus to these bold pronouncements, we will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure this Friday, to resuscitate the Pilanesberg Airport,” remarked Mokgosi.
Mokgosi added that once fully operational, the airport will serve as a strategic access point to Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park, as well as the Special Economic Zone, and help create various economic opportunities for locals.
Furthermore, he said that the economic drive is further amplified by the implementation of four critical road projects at Madibeng, Moses Kotane and Taung Local Municipalities, which will serve as strategic corridor routes between the provinces of Gauteng and Northern Cape.
A total budget of R980 million has been set aside for this initiative.
The premier also revealed that the Department of Public Works and Roads has been allocated an additional R256 million which includes R150 million in the form of a disaster relief fund to address repairs of roads and bridges that were damaged by floods last year.
Regarding human settlements, Mokgosi said the construction of 2900 housing units is underway across the province, adding that 80% of the budget has been allocated to complete all blocked housing projects.
“Through Operation Bulela Metsi several water infrastructure projects in Dinokana, Tlhabane, Ipelegeng, Ikageng, Lonely Park, Jourbeton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma are at different stages of completion to ensure consistent supply of water in these areas,” said the premier.
Mokgosi also announced that plans are underway, for the commercialisation of rural and communal farms, at Springbokpan in Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
“Over 100 farmers across twenty-three villages will benefit from this R40 million-rand initiative in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
The provincial disaster management centre has been activated to assist farmers and help arrest the spread of foot and mouth disease.
We have also put measures in place for farmers to adhere to the dictates of the protocols for the movement of cattle to avert and curb new infections,” concluded the premier.
