The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has undertaken to settle the long outstanding debt of Unemployment Insurance Fund, Provident Fund and employees Tax returns owed to the workers at the Golden Leopard Resorts (GLR) in the province. This after the department MEC Bitsa Lenkopane told the North West Provincial Legislature that she is taking decisive steps to restore trust, sustainability, and value across the province’s key tourism and conservation assets, which includes both GLR and the province’s protected areas, such as the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Speaking on YOUFM Newshour, Lenkopane said that she has publicly apologized for the mishap and assured labour unions that the workers will not lose their jobs.
“I had an engagement with SACCAWU where these employees used to pay, we are also intending to settle an amount of all the debt so that when we deal with the second stage of this intervention at least we know we have settled this debt.For those in retirement ages and wishing to retire to get their pension money, for the families of those who have unfortunately passed on to also receive their money. I am grappling with that, and I am confident that by the end of this year, the debt will be settled,” assured Lenkopane.
She highlighted their intention on restoration of trust, as a reaffirmation of government’s compassion, and recognition of the human and financial impact on the employees and their families.
“Employees at GLR faced delays in salary payments, pension contributions, and third-party deductions, causing hardship and uncertainty. The department has now approved a 4.7% salary increase, effective from the 2024/25 financial year, with 19 months of back pay to be processed by the end of November 2025,” said the MEC.
Meanwhile, Lenkopane has defended her decision to approve an adjusted entrance fees across the province’s protected areas. She argued that this measure forms part of her Department’s Revenue Enhancement and Turnaround Strategy, aimed at restoring the financial health, infrastructure, and sustainability of provincial parks.
“I am certain you would not even call that an adjustment, for years or since the inception of democracy, we haven’t been doing well for our people especially the landowners. I’ll tell you that those who have been benefitting even unduly so, will always make noise.But we have what we call the core management agreement with the landowners around the reserves (all 14 of them) in the province and infrastructure is dilapidated due to lack of proper maintenance, because of finances,” explained the MEC.
In addition, Lenkopane said a community conservation levy of 5% for South African visitors and 10% for international guests has been included to guarantee that surrounding communities directly benefit from tourism and biodiversity economy opportunities.
“The adjustment of entrance fees is not just an operational decision, it is a strategic step to reposition our parks, restore their dignity, and ensure that both employees and communities share in the benefits of our province’s natural treasures. At Pilanesberg alone, infrastructure recapitalisation would require billions of rands. Without sustainable funding, we risk compromising conservation, visitor experience, and local economic growth,” emphasised Lenkopane.
