Author: Koketso Dikobe
The North West Provincial Treasury has launched a province-wide initiative aimed at strengthening municipal procurement systems, a move expected to improve governance and create a more transparent business environment for companies seeking to do business with municipalities. Chief Director for Municipal Finance, Linda Nengovhela, said the programme is designed to equip municipal supply chain management officials with the skills needed to improve procurement processes, strengthen financial management and ensure compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and its Supply Chain Management Regulations. For businesses, the initiative is expected to enhance fairness and accountability in the awarding and management of…
Young people from across the country have been encouraged to use opportunities available through government programmes to become entrepreneurs, create jobs and help shape South Africa’s economic future. The message was delivered at the three-day National Youth Empowerment Summit hosted by the Department of Social Development at the Orion Hotel in Rustenburg. Speaking at the summit, SASSA Chief Executive Officer Themba Matlou highlighted that, while the agency supports about nine million beneficiaries, its broader goal is to help young people transition from dependency to economic independence. He encouraged beneficiaries to use the skills, training and support they receive to build…
In a district that produces much of the world’s platinum yet continues to grapple with high unemployment, leaders gathered at the Bojanala Platinum District Economic Development Symposium with a shared message: economic growth must begin improving the lives of ordinary people. Addressing government officials, business leaders and community stakeholders, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi acknowledged the difficult reality facing many residents. Despite the province’s rich mineral resources and strong mining sector, thousands of young people remain unemployed while poverty and inequality continue to affect communities. Mokgosi noted that South Africa’s economy is expected to grow by only one to two…
The Special Provincial Official Funeral of former North West Premier Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape is taking place in Huhudi, outside Vryburg, on Saturday morning, with mourners gathering to honour his life and legacy. Maape passed away last Saturday following a short illness at a Johannesburg hospital. His death continues to prompt widespread tributes from political leaders, government officials and community members across the province and beyond. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is delivering the eulogy at the funeral service, which is attended by members of the Provincial Executive Council, mayors and other dignitaries. Maape served as Premier of the North West and…
The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management says all roads that were closed this morning in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda region following a taxi blockade that left commuters frustrated, have been reopened. The department says the roads were reopened following engagements with the protesting operators, but has however urged motorists to continue driving with caution. The blockade affected major transport corridors including the R503 between Hartbeesfontein/Tigane and Klerksdorp, as well as the R30 towards Orkney. Several internal roads were also obstructed, severely impacting mobility in and around the region. According to the Chairperson of the South African…
Communities residing around or near mining operations in Rustenburg, North West, have been implored to take a more active role in shaping their own future. This emerged during the Rustenburg Chrome Community Empowerment Trust Annual General Meeting held at the Orion Hotel in Rustenburg. The trust, which is just over a year old, was formed through a series of community engagements that led to the recruitment of trustees and its formal registration as a legal entity. It was established to support socio-economic development in host communities affected by the Rustenburg Chrome Mining operations, and it also provide financial resources for…
The Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, is optimistic that stronger coordination between institutions will be key to addressing ongoing water supply challenges affecting communities in the Bojanala District Municipality in the North West. He was speaking during an engagement with Magalies Water, as well as the Rustenburg and Moses Kotane Local Municipalities, at the Rustenburg Civic Centre. The meeting forms part of efforts by the department to identify the root causes of persistent water interruptions affecting several communities and to develop a coordinated plan to restore stable supply. Delegates assessed the condition of several key water infrastructure systems…
Residents of Ward 32 in Marikana, near Rustenburg, say they are optimistic that long-standing service delivery challenges will finally receive attention after the provincial government brought the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme to the local Braampie Sports Ground. For many residents, the programme represents a rare opportunity to speak directly to government leaders about the daily struggles they face. The aim of the programme is to fast-track service delivery and bring government services closer to the people. It was led by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, alongside MECs, mayors, and traditional leaders. Some community members say the lack of basic services…