North West Dept of Economic Development, Environment Conservation & Tourism

North West Dept of Economic Development, Environment Conservation & Tourism The northern and western parts of the province have many sheep farms and cattle and game ranches.

The mainstay of the economy of North West Province is mining, which generates more than half of the province's gross domestic product and provides jobs for a quarter of its workforce. The chief minerals are gold, mined at Orkney and Klerksdorp; uranium, mined at Klerksdorp; platinum, mined at Rustenburg and Brits; and diamonds, mined at Lichtenburg, Christiana, and Bloemhof. The eastern and southe

rn parts are crop-growing regions that produce maize (corn), sunflowers, to***co, cotton, and citrus fruits. The entertainment and casino complex at Sun City and Lost City also contributes to the provincial economy.

10/09/2026

[WATCH] MEC Bitsa Lenkopane today addressing the Magaliesberg Biosphere Nature Positive Initiative Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, at the Sibanye Stillwater Conference Center in Mooinooi. MEC elaboratss on the Biosphere's unique qualities and balancing environmental conservation with tourism and economic opportunities for the benefit of surrounding communities.

North West Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) MEC Bitsa Lenkopane today attended the M...
10/09/2026

North West Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) MEC Bitsa Lenkopane today attended the Magaliesberg Biosphere Nature Positive Initiative Stakeholder Engagement Workshop at the Sibanye Stillwater Conference Center in Mooinooi. MEC Lenkopane was joined by the Gauteng MEC for Environment, Mr. Ewan Botha.

​The initiative aims to pioneer a "Nature Positive" framework for post-mining landscapes and regional conservation. It serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable, low-environmental-impact strategies that protect the UNESCO-recognised Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve and the nearby Cradle of Humankind. During the event, MEC Lenkopane outlined and handed out the NW Biodiversity Sector Plan 2025 and NW Protected Area Expansion Strategy 2025-2030 booklets, which map out critical ecosystems to prevent destructive land development while actively expanding and connecting formally protected conservation areas.

​The interprovincial engagement underscored a shared commitment to balancing critical economic activity with lasting environmental stewardship.

DEDECT INTENSIFIES THUNTSHA LEROLE BUILD-UP ACTIVITIES IN GA-KHUNWANA VILLAGEThe Department of Economic Development, Env...
10/09/2026

DEDECT INTENSIFIES THUNTSHA LEROLE BUILD-UP ACTIVITIES IN GA-KHUNWANA VILLAGE

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is intensifying its build-up activities ahead of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, which will be held in Ga-Khunwana Village.

As part of the build-up programme, DEDECT’s Consumer Affairs Office, together with the Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Home Affairs, Environmental Health Practitioners and the South African Police Service (SAPS), conducted a Compliance Inspection at 5 shops in Ga-Khunwana Village.

The inspection focused on promoting compliance with relevant legislation and protecting consumers and employees.
Of the 5 shops inspected, the Consumer Affairs Office found 3 to be non-compliant and issued notices to address the identified areas of concern.

The Department of Employment and Labour also found 3 shops to be non-compliant, while the Department of Home Affairs found all 5 shops to be compliant. Environmental Health Practitioners found 4 shops to be non-compliant for not having a Certificate of Acceptability (COA), while 1 shop had the required certificate.

SAPS also conducted compliance checks at the 5 shops, with 3 establishments issued fines (J 534). 2 were fined R2 000 each for persons found sleeping in the shops, while 1 was fined R500 for failure to wear protective clothing. No arrests were made.

Separately, the Liquor Authority visited 6 liquor outlets and issued 1 fine in terms of Section 61 of the Liquor Act 6 of 2016.

The Environmental Services unit conducted awareness campaign on biodiversity management, climate change, and Arbor Month. Thebenyane and Kopela Primary got a number of trees that were planted as part of Arbor Month.

These activities form part of DEDECT’s efforts to bring government services closer to communities, promote compliance with legislation and address key areas of consumer protection and law enforcement ahead of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Ga-Khunwana Village.

DEDECT EMPOWERS WOMEN IN BUSINESS THROUGH CONSUMER EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL LITERACYDEDECT, through its Consumer Affairs ...
10/09/2026

DEDECT EMPOWERS WOMEN IN BUSINESS THROUGH CONSUMER EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY

DEDECT, through its Consumer Affairs Office, is empowering women in business with knowledge to protect their consumer rights, make informed financial decisions and operate their businesses in compliance with relevant regulations.

The Consumer Affairs Office hosted a Women in Business Workshop at Embassy Hall in Lonely Park, Mahikeng, yesterday, bringing together women entrepreneurs for an engagement focused on consumer affairs services, financial literacy, banking products, credit, business regulation and standards. The workshop was held under the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.”

The workshop forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to ensure that consumers and business owners are equipped with the knowledge necessary to understand their rights and responsibilities and navigate the regulatory environment in which they operate.

Women entrepreneurs received practical knowledge on business compliance and responsible borrowing, while the National Credit Regulator shared insights on maintaining a healthy credit profile, understanding credit bureau records, correcting inaccurate credit information and accessing support when experiencing over-indebtedness.

The discussion also went beyond the day-to-day running of a business. Women entrepreneurs were reminded of the importance of having a valid will and understanding the role of the Master of the High Court in administering deceased estates.

For women who are working every day to build something of their own, protecting that business also means protecting the legacy they hope to leave for their families.

NORTH WEST MOVES TO TURN MUNICIPAL SUPPORT INTO JOBS, INVESTMENT AND CLEANER COMMUNITIES ​The North West Department of E...
10/09/2026

NORTH WEST MOVES TO TURN MUNICIPAL SUPPORT INTO JOBS, INVESTMENT AND CLEANER COMMUNITIES

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is moving decisively to strengthen support to municipalities and ensure that intergovernmental cooperation translates into investment, jobs, local economic development and cleaner communities.

​This follows the Provincial-Municipal Engagement (MUNMEC) on Local Economic Development convened by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane with Mayors, MMCs, Municipal Managers and senior officials. The engagement focused on practical interventions that strengthen Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) and give effect to the Premier's directive that DEDECT must support municipalities within its mandate.

FROM REGULATION TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

​MEC Lenkopane has challenged DEDECT to ensure that regulation, compliance and economic development work together to benefit communities.

She said, "Every time we regulate or regularise an activity, we must ask: where is the economy in this? How does it benefit our people? Does it create opportunities, attract investment and contribute towards reducing poverty and unemployment?"

DEDECT will strengthen support in local economic development, investment mobilisation, environmental management, waste management, tourism, biodiversity, enterprise development and the waste economy.

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT MUST DELIVER RESULTS

Municipalities requiring assistance will be supported through structured interventions, including MOUs that clearly identify responsibilities, actions, timelines and measurable outcomes. This includes appropriate support contemplated under Section 154 of the Constitution.

The Department will prioritise municipalities facing challenges relating to waste management, environmental compliance, Integrated Waste Management Plans and illegal dumping, including interventions arising from concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission.

​MEC Lenkopane said government must move beyond acknowledging problems to demonstrating what has changed on the ground.

TURNING WASTE INTO JOBS

DEDECT will work with municipalities, environmental clubs and communities through to strengthen waste separation, recycling, clean-up programmes, cooperatives and circular-economy initiatives.

​The MEC emphasised that environmental activism must also create pathways to skills development, enterprise opportunities and jobs, particularly for young people and women.

​INVESTMENT MUST MOVE FROM PIPELINES TO IMPLEMENTATION

Municipalities have been directed to consolidate investment projects into a credible provincial-municipal investment pipeline, clearly showing project readiness, compliance, investment value, potential jobs and outstanding government support.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality has been identified for focused engagement because of its strategic tourism, mining and investment opportunities, while collaboration with Rustenburg and other municipalities will also be strengthened.

ONE PROVINCIAL ECONOMY - 22 MUNICIPALITIES

DEDECT will establish an intervention framework covering all 22 municipalities, while tailoring support to their individual challenges and economic opportunities.

"There cannot be a provincial economy somewhere outside municipality. Investment lands in a municipality. Businesses operate in municipalities. Tourists visit municipalities. Waste is generated and managed in municipalities. Our people look for jobs in municipalities. That is why provincial and local government must work as one," said MEC Lenkopane.

The Department will now focus on implementation-driven IGR, with clear interventions, responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes.

"We must be able to return to communities and demonstrate what changed: which investment was unlocked, which business was supported, which jobs were created, which dumping site was addressed and which municipality became cleaner and more capable because government worked together," concluded MEC Lenkopane.

​END //

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism

DEDECT and NWGB participate and host an Educational Campaign in Khunwana Village
09/09/2026

DEDECT and NWGB participate and host an Educational Campaign in Khunwana Village


Environmental Services unit visits Laba Primary School in Deelpan for Arbor Month Activities – Phase 6 of the Thuntsha L...
09/09/2026

Environmental Services unit visits Laba Primary School in Deelpan for Arbor Month Activities – Phase 6 of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (Build Up)

Today, DEDECT's Environmental Services visited Laba Primary School in Deelpan as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme's Build Up. The visit aimed to raise awareness about Arbor Month and highlight the importance of planting trees and caring for the environment.

Environmental Services officials, together with the Deelpan Environmental Club, demonstrated to pupils how to plant indigenous trees on the school premises. Proper planting techniques are essential to ensure that trees grow well and receive the necessary nutrients from the soil.

During the planting process, after digging a hole about half a foot deep, you gently remove the plastic covering from the tree's roots. Place the tree in the centre of the hole. When refilling the hole, first add the topsoil to provide the roots with essential nutrients, then cover with the bottom soil.

For a more successful planting method, especially in areas with rocky or hard soil, you can place an empty two-litre bottle next to the tree's roots. Make small holes at the bottom of the bottle to allow water to flow directly to the roots when watering. This technique helps the tree continue to receive water for several days after planting.

The Environmental Officials also held an engagement session with Natural Science pupils, explaining the vital importance of the environment and the correlation between Arbor, tourism, and heritage.

DEDECT remains committed to continuing such programmes to support communities and serve the people.


09/09/2026

This Tourism Month, explore, experience and enjoy the four districts of the North West Province : Ngaka Modiri Molema District





JOINT COMPLIANCE INSPECTION IN MAHIKENG CBDThe Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism...
08/09/2026

JOINT COMPLIANCE INSPECTION IN MAHIKENG CBD

The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), through its Business Regulations Unit, Liquor Regulations and Consumer Affairs Office, today participated in a Joint Compliance Inspection in Mahikeng CBD, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.

The inspection was conducted in collaboration with the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), National Department of Agriculture, Department of Employment and Labour, and Department of Home Affairs.

The joint operation targeted liquor outlets and supermarkets in the area to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and licensing requirements.

During the inspection, the teams visited several businesses and assessed compliance in line with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and the North West Liquor Licensing Act, among other applicable laws and regulations.

The government remains committed to working together with law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to promote compliance, protect consumers, and ensure that businesses operate within the prescribed legal framework.

Communities and businesses are encouraged to act responsibly and to report any suspected non-compliance to the relevant authorities.

04/09/2026

Why Mahala Week?

Address

Cnr Provident And University Drive
Mafikeng
2735

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27183885870

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