MEC Nelson meets the learners of Bray Intermediate School

MEC NELSON RETURNS TO TOSCA AND BRAY SCHOOLS TO COMMEMORATE WOMEN’S MONTH

The MEC for Finance Economy and Enterprise Development,

Ms. Wendy Nelson, returned to Tosca and Bray on Monday, 22 August 2016 to fulfil her promise of donating sanitary packs to the Tosca Primary School and Bray Intermediate School, in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, as part of commemorating Women’s month.

The re-visit comes after the MEC’s recent visit to the areas where she and the Transport Minister, Ms. Dipuo Peters spent their 67 minutes for Madiba by visiting the schools. During the visit, they realised that an intervention is needed to address some of the challenges in order to alleviate their plight, particularly that of the girl child, who sometimes misses school due to the lack of sanitary pads during their monthly cycle.

The project, dubbed the “Women’s Month Outreach Programme” was initiated after MEC Nelson explained how she was touched by the plight of the children in the schools. She then tasked a team made up of FEED, North West Gambling Board and North West Development

Corporation staff to arrange a re-visit to the schools in order to make a difference in the learners’ lives.

According to the MEC, the sanitary packs that where donated did not cause any dent to the departmental budget as the donations came directly from her departmental staff and its agencies. Each unit in the department and agencies contributed a stipulated number of packs for both boy and girl learners. These packs were paid for by staff members themselves, whom have generously contributed funds from their own pockets.

On average many girls miss at least one week of school per month when it is that time of the month because of a lack of resources. This is the case experienced by more than 9 million girls in school ranging from age 13-19, in South Africa, which causes them to miss at least 25% of their yearly schooling.

Ms Edith Makhoana, principal at Tosca Primary School, could not

hold back her excitement as she explained how the visit changed the lives of the learners. “We are

very grateful to the department for donating this packs to our school as most learners especially girls really needs them”, she explained. “Sometimes it becomes difficult for us (teachers) to see girls messing themselves. The donation really means a lot to us. This will at least restore human dignity and confidence amongst the learners,” said Makhoana.A Grade 10 learner from Bray Intermediate, Kenaleone Matlapeng, warmly appreciated the sanitary pack as she used to use pieces of cloth during her monthly cycle.

“I am so happy for the generous donation because I really need them. At least now I know that I have pads that will help me” expressed Matlapeng. Apart from the sanitary packs, learners from both schools also received fruit packs and other necessary toiletries.

Together moving Bokone Bophirima Province forward

TOGETHER WE MOVE BOKONE BOPHIRIMA PROVINCE FORWARD

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THE NORTH WEST PROVINCIAL GOVERNEMNT CLARIFIES THE D ACCOUNT MATTER

Following the release of preliminary report by the Office of the Public Protector on D

Account, which indicates that millions of Rands have been used and are unaccounted for, the provincial government moved swiftly to put the matter relating to the account in perspective.

The Provincial Government has noted media reports on investigations relating to the D account and has observed glaring limitations and information gaps on work done by North West Provincial Government at least since May 2014.

The Provincial Government advises that any money spent by Traditional Councils would be in accordance with the estimates submitted by the same Traditional Councils.There are procedures for funds to be spent which include that expenditure be authorized by the Traditional Council to the Provincial Administration.

Government will therefore cooperate with the investigation to assess compliance with these procedures.In an effort to broaden transparency and accountability on matters like this, the Provincial Government is working on an auditing framework for Traditional Councils which will ensure that audits are embarked upon that would accord government the necessary legislative authority to unravel any misuse of funds and take corrective action, which includes bringing culprits to book.

It remains the understanding of the Provincial Government that through cooperating with the Public Protector we will ensure that culprits are brought to book.The Provincial Government welcomes the Public Protector on matters relating to Bapo Ba Mogale and it is in this spirit that when she requested information the Provincial Government was ready to cooperate with her as it did a lot of work in gathering information relating to the D account.

A delegation of the Provincial Government led by the MEC for Culture, Arts & Traditional Affairs (CATA) with a strong team of Heads of Department from CATA and Finance met with her on Tuesday 26 July 2016 and shared information she required on the D account.

The Provincial Government remains committed to ensuring continued cooperation with the Public Protector until this matter is concluded.It is governments view that in instances where it is found that people misuse government money that would be brought to book. It is government’s view that we would work jointly to ensure that information is provided on matters of Bapong. Engagements between the Public Protector and the community were to communicate progress to date and how government would have worked with the Public Protector to ensure the matter is concluded.

We maintain our commitment to the Public Protector that Government will not institute a parallel inquiry into the D account but will cooperate with her office’s investigation into the account. It is unfair to castigate the fifth administration’s efforts to resolve the D account matter only two years into the 5th administration’s term of office when the matter has dragged-on for the last 21 years.

The D Account is where mining companies pay mineral royalties to communities where mining operations are taking place.

FEED MEC Wendy Nelson with CATA MEC Ontlametse Mochware set the record straight with regards to the D Account findings.

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MEC NELSON CELEBRATES MANDELA DAY IN TOSCAMEC NELSON CELEBRATES MANDELA DAY IN TOSCA

Every year on the 18th July people from all corners of the world join the global movement to celebrate

the life of former president of South Africa and world icon Nelson Mandela, the Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development led by MEC Wendy Joy Nelson rolled out a series of activities making a positive impact on the lives of people of the Bokone Bophirima province in this Mandela month.

The rollout started in Tosca, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Monpati District, wherein the department assisted two elderly led households.The team FEED kick-started the day’s activities by painting walls of the houses, doing laundry, washing dishes and mending other odds and ends that needed attention.

The houses belong to Mr Penepene Mokomele and Ms Selinah Mankis, and while the other one is belonging to Mr Noor Fale and Ms Sophy Mathawe. Both households have no source of income and rely solely on social grants. In addition to their financial circumstances, the elders also have ailments which they are attempting to deal with as well.

FEED also donated sanitary/toiletry packs which were generously donated by ABSA to school girls at Tosca Primary School. This gesture was also extended to Sekolopo Primary School at Morwasetlha village near Makhubung

in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. It is envisioned that these packs will assist female leaner’s at adhering to the basic hygienic needs which mostly affect learners in rural areas, and restoring human dignity and confidence among the learners. The packs comprised of sanitary towels, a toothbrush, tooth paste, a face cloth, roll-on, body scrub, and bath soap.

FEED also visited Oratile Semunza Disability Centre at Makhubung in Mahikeng to hand over toiletries sponsored by ABSA, food parcels, books and blankets sponsored by Mmabatho Palms, and paint and curtains sponsored by FEED. The premises were also being cleaned and laundry was done as well.MEC Nelson passes her sincere gratitude to the stakeholders involved as well as staff members for their selfless efforts of lending a helping hand to make a difference in the lives of the people assisted.

She said that it is through such joint efforts that the lives of people who are in need can be changed for the better. Making a reference to former president Nelson Mandela’s words, MEC Nelson denoted that “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.It is what difference we have made in the lives of others that matters.”

School girls at Tosca Primary School in a group picture with MEC Nelson

Ms Semunza (in an orange top) alongside Mmabatho Palms representative and departmental senior management presenting donations for the centre

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SUBMISSION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MUST BE QUALITY DRIVEN

As local government enters a new chapter after the recent

elections, new mayors, councilors and chief Financial Officers have promised to work together to improve sound financial management in their municipalities which will be reflected in the positive audit outcomes in future.

This emerged during the submission of annual financial statements by all municipalities and municipal entities in Bokone Bophirima yesterday, which was attended by Executive Mayors, Mayors, Chief Financial Officers and Municipal Managers.

Speaking at the handover, the MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development Wendy Nelson said that much as the province is proud of full compliance for submission, this does not translate into positive outcome and they would like to see changes after the audit period.

The 2014/15 Auditor General’s Report acknowledges that the province has sustained its ability

to submit AFS within the legislated deadline. However, the quality of these financial statements and performance reports has been of sub-standard,” indicated Nelson.

She expressed her optimism that considering the support, capacity building and intervention programmes her department gave to municipalities during the year, there will be marked improvement in audit outcomes this time around.“As the province we expect a significant improvement in the audit outcomes and will support municipalities to achieve this milestone.

A clean Audit is only possible when it is made a key organizational objective with the Council and the Accounting Officer setting the right tone at the top,” said MEC Nelson.MEC Nelson told the gathering that the provincial government is worried about a number of issues which have a direct impact on the financial statement.

These include vacancies in key positions, extensive reliance on

consultants and little or no transfer of skills to officials. She urged the councils to attend to them speedily. She urged municipalities to co-operate with the Auditor General during the audit process and confirmed that if there is any issue that requires the intervention of the department, her team will always be present in all municipalities.

To ensure that documents and information required by the auditors is retrieved speedily, no official will be allowed to take leave during the process.In their meeting with the Auditor General two weeks ago, the Provincial Accountant General and officials from municipal support agreed to abide by certain rules which will assist the audit process to run smoothly.

The Provincial Auditor General, Mr Liaquath Ally, mentioned that submission of financial statement is not about legislative compliance but defines how the municipalities have performed throughout the audit year.

Ngaka Modiri Molema Executive mayor Justice Makolomakwa looks on as Mahikeng Mayor, Mme Betty Diakanyo hands over AFSs to MEC Wendy Nelson and AG Liquath Ally

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Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development Department (FEED) as the leading role-

players in the Enterprise Development portfolio participated in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Mayoral Road Show that took place recently across all the local municipalities in the district.

The road show as part of the youth month commemoration, aimed at addressing challenges youth are facing in the district. This youth outreach programmes created networking sessions wherein young people were profiled and mentored on entrepreneurship by various stakeholders including prominent people from the creative industry, the likes of Stoan Seate, Katlego Danke and Kagiso Modupe.

The programme reached over 700 hundred young people. The seminars had commissions addressing issues of skills development and bursaries, enterprises, and access to the creative industry. Attendees were not only empowered in terms of information sharing but also able to receive immediate assistance as it is the objective of the programme to redress issues of the youth as matter of urgency.

Cases of the tertiary dropouts due to outstanding balances were immediately attended to and arrangements were made to assist them by officials from the office of the Mayor.

Those with business interest were in good hands as were able to get the answers and guidance they needed on matters of business

registration, funding, and skills and training from Thabo Ramogogane, manager from EED Economic Empowerment division, and staff from National Youth Development Agency.

These prospective entrepreneurs were more than fortunate as they had a chance to meet Mr Sanele Makinane, season 2 winner of the Big-Break Legacy multimillion rand television entrepreneur competition show, who committed to incubate those with greater potential.

He also gave advice to the beginners as well and gave them a task of making sure that they register their small enterprises in two days and reverting back to him for further consultation and mentorship.

According to Mr Makinane, in business time is money and the road to business success is a long and bumpy one, and requires determination, hard work and patience. He also advised prospective entrepreneurs to move away from the mentality of ‘looking for funding to start a business’ and told them that government funding should be used to grow their business and not to start the business. “Many of the success entrepreneurs did not depend entirely on government to take their businesses off the ground and it is high time youth adopt this mentality,” He added.

The seminars were also supported by other stakeholders such as ABSA Bank and National Financial Literacy Association.

FEED SUPPORT DR KENNETH KAUNDA MAYORAL ROAD SHOW

Youth in attendance for the Ventersdorp road shows.

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B R A Y INTERMEDIATE

LEARNERS RECIEVE CAREER

GUIDANCEDuring the recent outreach

programme in celebration of Women’s month in Tosca primary and Bray Intermediate school by the department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, the managerfor Human Resources and Development unit Mr Aubrey Kgaboand HR senior manager Ms Desiree Mafulako interacted with learners and enlightened them about career choice particularly those regarded as scarce skills needed by the country’s economy.

The career information session was necessitated by the fact that most of them live in rural areas where information does not reach them in time and as a result most do not know about career options available.

According to Mr Kgabo from Human Resource development, the career guidance programme is directed towards the accounting and financial areas, and as thus is specifically aimed at but not limited to commercial schools in the North West Province. The programme is executed in conjunction with its Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for Finance, A c c o u n t i n g , M a n a g e m e n t Consulting and other Financial Services (FASSET).Mr Kgabo told learners that there is a short supply of people pursuing careers in

accounting, financial management, book-keeping and auditing, these are key areas that the programme focused on in order to raise learners’ awareness because of their scarcity. Scarcity of certain qualifications can be attributed to the assumption that people are not aware of the occupation, therefore very few people study in its direction.

He further informed learners that studying for a scarce skill makes finding a job much easier; it also makes progressing through your careers easier. Studying for a scarce skill not only benefits an individual, but their country as well.He interacted mostly with Grade 10 – 12 learners and advised them about the importance of making informed career choices earlier during their studies.

Attention is given to learners in these grades because they are at a point in their life where they need to start making well informed career choices. Apart from that, the career guidance programme also gives learners contact information regarding tertiary institutions where they register topursue their chosen careers.The programme also encourages learners to apply to tertiary institutions for admission and financial assistance in time. They were also given bursary

forms from various financial aid schemes, amongst these were National Student Financial Aid scheme (NSFAS) as well as Provincial bursaries.

The learners were informed about different institutions for further education such as Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges as alternative to university where they can still study accounting or financial management, and apart from going to tertiary institutions, learners should also be on the look-out for learnerships which is another area that address scarce skills.

“Even if their career interest does not lie in finance or accounting, they should also explore other career options that are available, the aim is to encourage learners to further their education” said Mr Kgabo in closing. They were given information about learnerships, apart from going to tertiary institutions they should also check for learnership opportunities that government offers. The learners expressed their appreciation for information they received and said this will help them in making informed career choice.

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FUND TO BOOST ENTREPRENEURS

The Department of Economy and Enterprise Development has recently conducted assessment

sessions with SMMEs and Cooperatives across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. The sessions were aimed at affording enterprises which have applied for funding to come and present their proposals to the Empowerment Fund Assessment Committee.

The Empowerment Fund is a support grant aimed at increasing capacity and strengthening the qualifying SMME`s and Cooperatives that are owned by Youth, Women and People with Disabilities. Individuals who have applied for the funding are natural South African citizens and have applied for the provision of machinery and or equipment of not more than R100 000 per application. The fund is in line with

national growth and industrial objectives which aim to increase SMME participation in the mainstream economy and create more job opportunities.

The assessment session was held as part of the Setsokotsane Programme currently which took place at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and will be succeeded by site inspections whereby Committee members will visit the projects to check its livelihood.

The Department urges all SMMEs and Cooperatives seeking government support to send applications to the departmental offices which are situated in all the four districts of the province.

KHUDUTHAMAGA YA POROFENSE E IKGOLAGANYA LE BAAGI

Letsa re go arabe, nomore ke 0800 701 701.Seno ke

maikemisetso a puso go tlisa tharabololo ya mathata a baagi ba itemogelang one ka thebolelo ya ditirelo.Fa o leletsa nomore eno, o kgona go bua le puso katlhamalalo.Kgolagano magareng ga puso le baagi ke selo se sebotlhokwa thata.

Mo malobeng puso e ne ya tla ka lenaneo la puisano le baagi le leneng le itsege ka Imbizo mme ga jaana puso ya bokone Bophirima e tsentse tirisong mokgwa wa go ikgolaganya le khuduthamaga ka mokgwawa go letsa mogala go bega bothata bongwe le bongwe bo bo itemogelwang ka ga ditirelo.

Khuduthamaga ya bokone Bophirima e sweditse gore bakhuduthamaga botlhe ba tla nna le kgolagano le baagi,fa baagi ba tla bo ba leletsa mogala go Setsokotsane Call Center go bega ka mathata mangwe le mangwe ,ditshitshinyo le ditharabololo tse ba nang le tsone go tokafatsa thomelo ya ditirelo mo mafelong a bona a tulo.

Puso ya bokone Bophirima ya re seno se ka thusa thata go bona fa puso le batho ba tsweletsa kgolagano le go dira mmogo, ka moano wa Saamwerk, Saamtrek, go bona fa puso le baagi badirammogo go aga setshaba se se botoka.

“Re batla go bona batho ba rona ba bua ka tlhamalalo le bakhuduthama ga ba bone mme bone batsibogele matshwenyego a baagi kakakaretso.

Mokhuduthamaga mongwe le mongwe e tla re gangwe mokgweding go simolola ka 07H30 go fitlha ka 08H30, e leng sebaka sa ura, mo mosong ba arabele dilelo tse baagi baka neng ba di bega ka mafapha a bona.

Mongwe le mongwe o tla arabela lefapha la gagwe go ya ka dipotso kgotsa matshwenyego a tlabeng a begwa ke baagi kakakaretso,

FEED has yet again unveiled another youth employment and township revitalisation project

in Taung, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. Leano Ke Karolo 1829 is a 100% black youth owned enterprise and a beneficiary of the Departmental Empowerment Fund meant to support and sustain local economic development projects within the Bokone Bophirima Province.

The enterprise, formed in 2013, is owned by 28 year old Letlhogonolo Tladi from Nommer1 Village in Taung and offers services ranging from carnival events, educational tours and also rents out jumping castles for kiddie’s parties and events. According to Letlhogonolo, he started the business of renting out

jumping castles and doing children shows around Taung, after realising that there is no entertainment for small children in the area and wanted to do something that would bring families together. His ultimate goal for the enterprise is to establish a park with amusement rides (merry go rounds), outdoor and indoor games and a convention centre within the Taung area.

Just like many other business, Letlhogonolo had no start-up capital which meant he had to take the risk of using his last cent to start this endeavour. A lack of equipment was another challenge as he had to lease merry go-rounds and jumping castles from elsewhere and then rent them out to local communities, affecting profit margins drastically.

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seno re se dira go tlisa puso gaufi le batho, ka re le puso ya batho ka batho,” ga bua jalo tautona ya bokone Bophirima Rre Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo.

E tla re go simologa ka Laboraro mongwe le mongwe wa bobedi wa kgwedi ya Lwetse bakhuduthamaga botlhe ba iponaga tse m omegaleng go buisana le baagi.

Tautona Mahumapelo o begile fa le ene a tlile go ikgolaganya le baagi ka mokgwa ono mo isagong le gore ene a ka etela

Setsokotsane Call Centre nako e nngwe le e nngwe a sa solofelwa.

O boile fa dinomore tsa bakhuduthamaga e se tsa poraefete mme di tla phasaladiwa gore moagi mongwe le mongwe a nne le tsone gonne bakhuduthamaga e le badiredi setshaba e bile basadira makwalo kopo a tiro fa ba thapiwa mo maemomg a bone.

“Matsatsi a gore o bue le bathusi ba bakhuduthamaga(PA) pele o bona tshono ya go bua le mokhuduthamaga ka tlhamalalo

a fedile,” ga rialo Mahumapelo.

Go tloga mo tshimologong ya sone, Setsokotsane Call Centre e e dirang go tshwana le presidential hotline se fitlheletse tsibogo e e namatsang go tswa go baagi ba tswelelang go leletsa senthara eo go bua le puso ka maiteko a puso ka go itlhaganedisa thebolelo ya ditirelo ka kakaretso le gore mo go nang le mathata tharabololo e ka nna efe.

Senthara e dira di ura di le some a mabedi le bone, matsatsi otlhe abeke.

YOUTH ENTERPRISE GETS BOOST FROM BOKONE BOPHIRIMA GOVERNMENT

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“We started the business by renting equipment, which was very expensive and we thus ended up either in debt or with a small margin of profit,” Letlhogonolo saidSpeaking during the project visit, MEC Wendy Nelson said her department appreciates the fact that young people are beginning to clear off all negative perceptions they had about entrepreneurship, and are grabbing and pioneering opportunities presented to them by government. MEC Nelson further encouraged young people to make use of all opportunities government has availed to assist them.

“Without innovation and dedication our economy will go nowhere, there are initiatives that are being rolled out to help our young people, we also urge young people who have ideas to come forward,” Nelson said.As part of its support towards developing

youth projects, the department of Economy and Enterprise Development has committed a grant of R10 million towards assisting youth enterprises around the province with a key focus on Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies.

Letlhogonolo thanked the department for assisting him through the empowerment fund, he added that the injection of funds will really assist his business to grow, he will no longer have to lease from other companies and the business will now be afforded a chance to grow.

“We have already created temporary employment for 5 local young people and we hope that the department will do the same to other aspiring young entrepreneurs out there so we can grow our economy and create more jobs for our communities,” Letlhogonolo added.

ANDRE NEL SCOOPS AUDITOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

MEC Wendy Nelson congratulates André Nel,

the Chief Audit Executive from Provincial Internal Audit for his achievement as the best in internal audit.

Nel added yet another feather in his caps when he scooped the award of the Auditor of the Year by the Institute of Internal Audit for his demonstrated dedication and excellence in the field of internal auditing.

“Nel’s achievement demonstrates that as a province we have adequately experienced anddedicated senior managers who

through discharging their duties put the Bokone Bophirima on the map.

As a department we are proud of his achievement and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him hoping that his achievement will inspire others to strive towards excellence.

Such achievement inspire us as a province to work towards improving the provincial audit outcomes and him winning the award indicates that we have the right person in the position to help us realise that,” said MEC Nelson. Nel’s manager, Geo Paul, said that “Internal audit adds value particularly towards the achievement of favourable audit outcomes, which the province is striving towards. There has been progress since Nel took over the internal audit function and is doing his work honestly and with passion”. According to the Institute of Internal

Audit, nominations for the award are considered annually on the basis of nominees' achievements and their contributions to research, education, publications, or other developments and activities in the field of internal auditing. Nel indicated that his achievement could not have been possible without the support from his colleagues and his family. “There’s no “I” in “we”, none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the contribution and continued support of my colleagues and to my wife who put up with me after a stressful day at work”, he said

He further advised his colleagues to find good roles models and try to emulate them but not be like them, to be the best that they can be and not to compare themselves and lastly, to never be afraid to admit to their mistakes at work.

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The Mokgalwana Bakery in Mokgalwaneng village, within

the Moses Kotane Local Municipality is yet another sustainable triumph for the Department of Economy and Enterprise Development.

The project is mainly intended to advance economic participation of previously disadvantaged groups in the Bokone Bophirima Province.

After having realised the rising unemployment rate and poverty around Mokgalwaneng village, 13 men and women decided to form a cooperative which they will use to better their lives, generate income and promote economic growth within their community and the province at large.

The cooperative was registered in 2014, but due to financial constraints they could not get the bakery off the ground. That did not drive them away from their goal as they had dedication and commitment, the cooperative managed to grow their business and make a success out of it.

The cooperativenow operates with 13 members (6 young people, 4 women and 3 men) from Mokgalwaneng Village, about 90kms outside Rustenburg. All

the members were unemployed before establishing the bakery cooperative; thus far, it has proven to have provided a key source of livelihood to them.

According to Felicia Malebye; chairperson of the cooperative, they approached the Department of Economy and Enterprise Development to seek information on registration of cooperative and funding opportunities, and by God’s grace, their plea was received with warm hands.

During May 2015, The Sun City Resort, through an intervention by the department offered the cooperative five (5) day training inclusive of accommodation and meals as part of their role in uplifting local communities.

The training was focusing on basic baking skills, financial management, and bookkeeping. Sun International also provided them with chef’s uniform.Adding to that, nine (9) out of the 13 members attended the New Venture Creation Course offered by Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

The training assisted cooperative members with knowledge and expertise on how to run a bakery business, it also encouraged the cooperative not to limit them in terms of expanding their business, the members were again advised to always try new markets.“Despite the enthusiasm to conquer the market, there was one little problem, only three of us had baking expertise,” said the chairperson of the cooperative.

The bakery received equipment from the department which includes an oven electric prover, bread mixer, cake mixer, moulder, bread slicer, dough divider, bread and cake pans, and a backup generator in case of load shedding.

In addition, the Department has linked the cooperative with SEDA to provide them with branding and marketing materials for easy identification by their clients, such as; light box, sign boards, business cards, gazebo, invoicing books, and email and website.

They also supplied stock for the bakery to kick start the business. The bakery is currently supplying bread, biscuits, muffins, wedding and birthday cakes, scones, mosball (known as dikgaragana), rolls, buns and rock buns to local schools, shops, community members and other neighbouring villages.Malebye said a huge chunk of their market still lies in Mokgalwaneng where demand is even greater on weekends.

Commending stakeholders, MEC Nelson said she is very happy to see private companies and government agencies working together with government towards bettering the lives of the people.

“We are pleased about this partnership as government and hope they continue to do the same in other municipalities as part of working towards rebranding, repositioning and renewal of Bokone Bophirima”, said MEC Nelson.MEC Nelson urged cooperatives members to take their business seriously and work hard to take

Mokgaolwaneng Bakery employees

BAKERY COOPERATIVE BOOSTS LOCAL ECONOMY

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Mokhuduthamaga wa Matlotlo, Ikonomi le Tsweletso ya

Dikgwebo Mme Wendy Nelson a patilwe ke batsamaisi le badiri balefapha ba ne mo malobeng ba keteka kgwedi ya basadi ka go abelana le barutwana ba sekolo se sepotlana sa Tosca le sa Bray Intermediate kwa mmasepaleng wa Kagisano Molopo o o fitlhelwang mo seterekeng sa Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.

Seno se tlhotlheleditswe ke go lemoga ditlhokego tsa barutwana mo ketelong ya gagwe kwa lefelong leo fa go ne go ketekiwa letsatsi la Boditshaba la Nelson Mandela pejana mokgweding ya phukwi a tlhola malatsi a le some le borobedi.

Jaaka puo ya Setswana e bua, e re moeng goroga re je, kgorogo ya Mokhuduthamaga e ne ya tlisa boitumelo le tsholofelo e ntsi thata eseng fela go barutwana mme le go tlhogo ya sekolo Mme Edith Makhoana.

Mme Makhoana o ne a leboga lefapha le badiriba lona thata ka dithuso tsa bona mme a boa a ipiletsa go mokhuduthamaga go thusa sekolo sa bona ka go sena setheo sepe kgotsa gope kwa ba boning thuso teng.

Barutwanaba ne bafiwa maungo, disepa mme ba basetsanyana bafiwale (mesangwana) sanitary towels, tse di tlhokegang thata segolo bogolo mo matsatsing a ba yang kgweding ka one.

Go ya ka dipatlisiso, baithuti ba basetsana ga baiponatse kwa dikolong mo nakong eno mme seno se nna le seabe mo dithutong tsa bona ka ba fetiwa ke dithuto mme bontsi bo salele morago.

Diphuthelwana tse di filweng barutwana e ne ele dikatso go tswa go badiri balefapha morago ga go tsibogela kopo ya mokhuduthamaga go thusa ka moo ba ka kgonang ka teng go bona gore barutwana

le batsadi baimololowamorwalo.Mo puong ya gagwe, mokhuduthamaga o kaile fa lefapha le ikgatholositse go keteka kgwedi ya basadi jaaka ba ne ba dira go le gale mme mono ngwaga basweditse go keteka ka go abelana le ba badikobodikhutswane.

O boile a tlhotlheletsabarutwana go tsayathutotsa bona tsia le gore maemo a bona a gajaanaga a tshwanela go banyemi sa mooko mme go bona gore badira ka natla go fetola seemo ka go bona thuto, e yona e leng botlhokwa mo go tsheleng botshelo jo bo botoka mo isagong le go lwantsha khumanego.

Mokhuduthamaga o ne a bua a sa kgale mathe ganong ka botlhokwa jwa thuto mme a bua gore Mopresidente wa maloba Rre Nelson Mandela o kile a bua a re thuto ke yone sediriswa se setla fetolang maemo a ngwana wa moAfrika.

LEFAPHA LE TLHAGA BARUTWANA THUSO

it to another level as it has the potential to grow and contribute in eradicating poverty and unemployment in Mokgalwaneng Village and the province.

Chairperson of the cooperative, Ms Felicia Malebye said she is very grateful for the support that

government has given to their project and felt very confident that they will look after the business and ensure that it flourishes and reaches greater heights.

The cooperative has to date created temporary employment for 2 people, 1 as a chef and

the other as a cleaner. Their ultimate goal is to eventually create more jobs and contribute to the economy of the province.

The department will continue to monitor the operations and offer support where necessary for the growth of this cooperative.

Barutwana ba Tosca Primary

The Provincial spending by the departments, has improved, albeit by a percentage as compared

to this time in the past three years. This was revealed bypremier of the North West Mr Supra Mahumapelo during the media briefing held recently.

Mahumapelo said: “We are happy to announce that in c o m p a r i s o n to the last three years the fifth administration d u r i n g this financial y e a r h a s increased s p e n d i n g by one percentage i n

comparison to the last three

y e a r s .

According to the PFMA by this time we are supposed to have spent a minimum of 25% of the budget so far we are at 26%”he said.The premier further indicated that it has been agreed that 70% of expenditure will be dedicated to villages, townships and small dorpies.

On the issue of the increasing spending towards VTSD economic development initiative the premier said the intention is to combat the triple

challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“The strategic objective of the initiative is to make sure our economy is driven through the concerted focus on the villages, townships and small dorpies because that is where poverty, inequality and unemployment is embedded.”

He further stated that the Executive Council (EXCO) of the province has taken a decision that all the 807 villages in the province will by the end of November 2016 through the department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development and the convener of economic cluster have ensured that all the 807 villages have their own chamber of commerce.

“All the townships in the province, the 74 townships will have a township chamber of commerce and all the 23 small dorpies will have also launched their chamber of commerce.”

The reason for the initiative, said Mahumapelo is“to make sure that we continue our program of economic empowerment of blacks in general because for many years blacks have been pushed to the periphery of the country’s economy”.

If there is a foreign investor who wants to undertake business in a specific business in the province be it mining or construction for example they would have to go through the chamber of commerce. The chamber of commerce will be in charge of all investment that will take place across the province.

SPENDING IMPROVES & IN FAVOUR OF VTSD

Premier Supra Mahumapelo said spending has improved by 1% as compared to the previous years.

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Ka go ne go na le pheswana e tsiditsana mo letsatsing leo, badiri ba lefapha ba ne ba amega thata go bona bangwe ba bana ba tlile sekolong ba sa apara uniforomo e bothito ebile ba tsamaya ba sa rwala ditlhako mme ba boa bakopanya matsogo go thusa ba ba senang ditlhako tsa sekolo go ba rekela tsone.

Kwa bofelong, madi a kana ka

R1250 a ne a kolekwa go bona gore barekelwa ditlhako tsa sekolo. Go le jalo, mokhuduthamaga o ne a fetela kwa sekolong sa Bray Combined kwa teng o neng a ema baithuti ka lefoko le go ba rotloetsa go dira ka natal mo dithutong tsa bona.

Mo puong ya gagwe, mogokgo wa sekolo o ne a re jaaka setheo sa thuto baitumeletse dikabo le ketelo ya mokhuduthamaga le

fa seno se bontsha fa puso e lebala baagi ba kwa metsemagae.

Mo puong ya tebogo mo boemong jwa baithuti, moemedi wa bona o ne a re dikabo di tlile go ba thusa thata mme a boa a leboga thata gore kemedi ya puso ya bo e etetse setheo sa bona.

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Adhering to the principles of Setsokotsane, MEC Wendy Nelson and Departmental officials took

government services to Taung. This was done by sharing information with communities regarding their rights and responsibilities as consumers, liquor regulation matters and enterprise development initiatives, especially to those operating without proper registration.

Members of the community came out in numbers to enquire about unfair treatment by some funeral parlours, to check the registration of their businesses on the Central Supply Database and assistance with funding to grow their small businesses.

Information on the informal traders operating in Taung Taxi Rank was collated for inclusion in the database of the Informal Traders Upliftment Programme. The programme is spearheaded by the Department of Small Business Development and Wholesale and Retail Seta, which offer training and procure equipment’s for the beneficiaries to sustain their businesses.

The Department conducted compliance inspections in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs on consumer and liquor legislations in the trading environment. It was observed that most of the businesses were contravening legislations such as the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Immigration Act and the Liquor Act.

Non-complaint businesses were given sanctions and 30 days’ notice to comply with the relevant legislations.

One business was closed by the Environmental Health Practitioners due to noncompliance with Food and Safety Regulations, expired goods confiscated and 7 foreigners were arrested for not possessing relevant documentation.“We felt that through these engagements with communities we will be able to unlock small business barriers as our approach is to build an inclusive VTSD economy that promotes enterprise and industrial development, reduce unemployment in rural areas and utilise existing capacities within rural households to promote entrepreneurship, said MEC Wendy Nelson.

Nelson concluded the programme by visiting two projects owned by young people which were funded through the Departmental Empowerment Fund to check progress registered to date. “We will link these projects with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) to offer assistance with marketing material and proper signage’s.

I have also requested Departmental officials to facilitate research on process of rendering beauty and spa through medical aid and also link the spa with registered wellness centres for information sharing and growth”, explained MEC Nelson.

MEC Nelson further urged young people to come up with innovative ideas and approach government for assistance to address the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Community members get services as part of the Setsokotsane initiative

SETSOKOTSANE BRINGS SERVICES TO TAUNG COMMUNITY

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Departmental official, members of the

community and 16 Steps Disability

Centre outsite the centre building

after the awareness programme

16 STEPS DISABILITY CENTRE

To mark Nelson Mandela Day, the Department of Economy and Enterprise Development

deemed it fit to visit a less privileged Disability centre which is situated in Ventersdorp. The centre is affectionately known as 16 steps, is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) which was established in May 2010 by 25 disabled community members consisting of Youth, Males and Females.

The purpose of the Centre is to assist needy community members with laundry, repairing broken wheel chairs and wood crutches around the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.The 16 Steps Disability Centre leased a four roomed house from local municipality, and Social Development assisted with renovations.

The centre survived with grants from Social DevelopmentAccording to Mr Timmerman, the senior administrator of the centre Social Development delivered new wheelchairs and 4 wheels to enable the centre to assist needy community members around the districts.

The centre assisted disabled members as they no longer travel to hospitals for wheelchairs or wood crutches, after consultation with Doctor/Physiotherapist they are referred to the centre for collection.Social Development donated 2 big washing machines, 2 tumble dryers and 1 speed queen to ease the burden. In March 2016, Social Development withdraw funding and also the stipend that was paid to the beneficiaries. Since the withdrawal of

funding the beneficiaries struggle to maintain the centre as the funding assisted with maintenance of the centre (rent, water and electricity). The profit they generate from the dry clean they use it to purchase detergent and pay for other running costs to keep the centre clean.

The Department of Economy and Enterprise Development visited the Centre in July as part of their social responsibility mandate. The department, created awareness on liquor and substance abuse.

During their visit they identified a need for the centre to be painted , cleaned and also realised that they needed some pressing irons to run their business effectively.During the department’s visit toiletries were also handed over to the Centre, whilst other Staff Members were painting the Centre outside. The Beneficiaries were very thrilled by the Department’s gesture.

The beneficiaries also received irons which were donated by some of the board members to ease their load of ironing clothes.

Beneficiaries urged the department to assist them in their battle with Social Development to re-instate the grants and also their stipend as they depend on it for their survival.

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CONSUMER ADVICE: PITFALLS WHEN BUYING A USED MOTORCAR

The motor vehicle industry is totally profit driven and there

is tremendous competition in the used vehicle market as dealers will be offering good deals in an effort to move units.

Buyers of used vehicles should be extra careful in the selection of the dealer as well as the vehicle.

Although the Consumer Protection Act is an excellent protection mechanism it is still not the consumers’ responsibility to protect against unscrupulous dealers and business transactions.

Adhering to the following few simple rules can save the buyer a lot of trouble, anger, time, tears and money.

• Ensure you are dealing with a honest dealer who is part of a reputable organisation.

• Make sure you read and understand all the documentation before you sign any documents.

• If you are not sure of certain clauses, get a knowledgeable person to go through it (such as FEED’s consumer affairs unit

official) with you and explain the detail to you, play safe and do not regret your ignorance at a later stage.

• Be patient and keep in mind that it’s your time and your money. Don’t let anybody rush you into a decision, the salesman get paid to assist you, if you walk out he will lose a deal.

• If you are unsure, have a knowledgeable person to accompany you and help check the vehicle before you make a decision.

• If you are in any doubt rather shop around for a vehicle that suits you better.

• Keep copies of all your documents you are requested to sign as well as the invoice, roadworthy document and insurance contracts and certificates.

• You can also request the dealer to take the vehicle for a technical inspection and repair the faults at their expense but you will have to pay for the inspection. There are reputable

companies who can assist with technical inspections.

• Always check the vehicle’s vin number with the agents to verify that you do get the exact vehicle as specified on the invoice, It can easily happen that you pay R10,000-00 more for a vehicle if it is specified incorrectly.

If you hear or see any of the following clauses in your document, please do not continue with the transaction as you are surely going to regret that you ever entered into the transaction.

• The vehicle is sold “voetstoots”.

• You buy it as it is.

• I will give you R 3000-00 discount if you do the roadworthy and registration.

• This vehicle is a code 3 but it is in a pristine condition.

• Our vehicles are guaranteed for thirty days.

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FEED CONTINUES THE FIGHT TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM BAD PRACTICES

FEED officials have recently conducted a joint operation with

SAPS, the District Municipalities and Community Safety officials to inspect compliance on consumer products in each district of the province as part of the Setsokotsane initiative.

A number of businesses were inspected and many were found in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), the Second Hand Goods Act and the Food Stuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.

The joint operation saw many businesses within Central Business Districts and its surroundings being fined for contraventions of legislation and having expired goods ceased from their shelves.

These goods are deemed unfit for human consumption as they could lead to a multitude of ailments, especially when it is taken into account that some of these expired goods were baby foods. The ceased goods are immediately taken to the dumping

site where they are destroyed. Members of the North West Liquor Board were also involved in the blitz operation, where liquor outlets were inspected and found to be on the wrong side of the law, as well. Officials found that some outlets where liquor which is being sold to patrons was expired, some up to a year ago.

The liquor was removed immediately from the premises and will be destroyed as well. The businesses will also need to comply with many aspects of safety regulations which include adequate lighting in the premises, clearlymarked exit signs and overall good hygiene practises. Furthermore, the business owners will face the law for non-compliance with the Liquor Act 27 of 1989.

The Consumer Protection Act identifies certain entitlements, which are obligations imposed upon suppliers, to ensure that the interests of consumers are protected when suppliers are transacting with consumers.

Compliance notices are issued when businesses are in contravention of the law, which gives the business 30 days to rectify their affairs. When conducting these inspections officials concentrate on many aspects, to name but a few, they ensure that there is visible price marking and display , the business is issuing out receipts to consumers , they are keeping record of these transactions and overall fairness in the market.

Municipal health inspectors and FEED officials also ensure that the proper preparation of food is taking place, i.e. no expired goods in the store and that the business complies with all the necessary bi-laws on licensing and hygiene.

FEED will continue with these types of blitz operations as it protects the interests of the consumer and enforces compliance with the rule of law. It moreover ensures that our communities are safe and their interests and security are at the heart of these operations.

Consumer Inspector explains how certain products are non-compliant Expired goods being destroyed

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WEDDING BELLS, DELUXE, ON SA’s FAVOURITE DRAMA SERIES – ISIDINGO!

The MEC responsible for Finance, Economy and Enterprise

Development in an initiative to promote the North West for its rich cultural heritage and attraction, and as part of growing the economy, has advanced the initiative through a partnership with SABC 3 and Endemol Shine Africa "Isidingo".

Endemol Shine Africa, the makers and creators of Isidingo - SABC3’s signature weekday drama series is celebrated matrimonial bliss this September in the beautiful Bokone Bophirima Province, at the Christiana All Seasons Resort in June, the end result recently aired on the 23rd and 26th September, all in full expected ceremony.

Collaboration with Isidingo and Endemol by the FEED and NWDC was visionary in advancing the mandate of economic development and awareness in the North West Province. More than that, we were able

to expose young talent to the media and television sector in celebration of heritage month and proudly showcased 16 talented youngsters from across the length and breath of the province.

FEED is committed to ensuring accessibility to business opportunities, growth and expansion of entrepreneurs and creating platforms for exposure and development.Heritage Day 2016 is when extraordinary design and art direction elevates and with itLerato and Sechaba celebrated in fine Tswana and Sotho matrimonial tradition. Family opinions and financial constraints, all threatening to drive a wedge between Lerato and Sechaba, as their wedding day drew nearer, and genius scripting delivers compelling television, all beautifully salvaged in a visual spectacle never quite seen on this

scale on South African television.

An episode filled with tension and drama, the very recipe Isidingo is famous for, the Matabane wedding was about love triumphing over doubt, adversity and family fuss. A chapter filled with hope for the future from two families and their respective cultures, as they become one.

A big secret threatened to destroy the union of one of South Africa’s most loved TV couple. “Sechaba and Lerato’s big day is our central focus,” says the producers of the show, “but we’ve also woven in a couple of surprises, as regular viewers have come to expect from Isidingo, only this time the twists and turns are even more sudden.”Sophie Ndaba makes a guest appearance on the show as Lerato’s mother when she visits Horizon Deep for the wedding.

Lerato & Sechaba of Isidingo celebrating their wedding with their entourage at

Christiana All Resorts

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Not one to mince her words, Sophie’s character adds even more flavour to the cast when she starts putting her nose in where she’s not welcome.

Ferry Jele also makes her appearance as Sechaba’s mother. Having not been a part of Sechaba’s life, her arrival at the wedding is a massive surprise to everyone.

On a mission to rebuild her broken relationship with her son, expect emotional stuff when she hits your screens come the 23rd of September. Making it all look as good as it was scripted, the experienced and award-winning Isidingo Production team makes magic happen at the year’s biggest marriage Imbizo.“The brief was to go traditional,”

Julie Palmer (Isidingo Costume Designer) explains. “We wanted a Sotho/Tswana wedding that accentuated the bright, vibrant and rich colours of the two cultures. It took a lot of research. It was critical for us to respect the cultures, so marrying the two together took some doing.

I also wanted to add a bit of a twist to it, which I think we’ve achieved” “Just watching it all come together, when it came to

shooting time, made all the hard work worthwhile,” Julie concludes. “They all looked beautiful!”

The plants and foliage that complemented the set came from the resort says Willie Coetzee (Art Director) “As for the colour palette, it was important not to upstage the bride and bridal party with colours that are too bright,” Willie enthuses.“I therefore decided to use more earthy tones, with a little bit of gold and glitter for a pop! Lerato is, after all, a bit of a glitter girl herself”.

this wedding’s had fans wishing they’d been on the guest list, nestled in the Bokone Bophirima Province, the spectacle in all trademark Isidingo fashion!

Isidingo cast members, crew & Resort staff after completing the

wedding scene

SMALL BUSINESS START-UP TRAINING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

FEED in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the National

Youth Development Agency (NYDA) recently offered Small Business Start-up training to another 20 young entrepreneurs in Mahikeng.

The one-week training aimed at capacitating the young entrepreneurs with various business skills which include entrepreneurship, business ideas & opportunities, financial management, costing & pricing, business administration & record keeping and how to develop a business plan.

The training will also assist entrepreneurs to strengthen and improve the socio-economic conditions in their immediate surroundings, be it villages, townships and/or small dorpies, by enabling the enterprises to participate in the mainstream economy.At the end of the training, the young entrepreneurs were presented with attendance certificates and will

be linked with both the National Youth Development Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry for grant applications and for import and export exhibitions.

Young Entrepreneurs after being presented with attendance certificates

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MEC NELSON ENGAGES THE PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE ON THE SAAMTREK SAAMWERK PHILOSOPHY

MEC Wendy Nelson addressed the North West Provincial Legislature recently

where the focus of the debate was on the Saamtrek-Saamwerk philosophy as one of the Concretes adopted by the Fifth Administration.

MEC Nelson focused on the fifth concrete from the 5 concretes that guide the Bokone Bophirima Province, namely the Saamtrek-Saamwerk Philosophy. The MEC made mention that the pillar has created strategic partnerships in a drive to lure investments and seeing government working together with communities to promote efficient service delivery.

Just in the past week, Honourable Premier Supra Mahumapelo accompanied by Members of the Executive Council visited China to explore further investment opportunities and confirm the provincial government’s commitment to various proposed deals.

Among the issues that were discussed during the Honourable Premier’s engagement with potential investors from Beijing and Shanghai were the establishment of a bus manufacturing plant in the province as well as the establishment of donkey breeding farms for the export of donkey hide and meat to China.

MEC Nelson mentioned that the philosophy is the brainchild of the Fifth Administration in an effort to radicalize the provincial government approach towards an accelerated

social,economic transformation and job creation.

The Saamtrek-Saamwerk philosophy is also intended to underpin socio-economic developmentand as earlier mentioned, calls for partnerships between all spheres of government,the private sector and members of civil society to club together and promote efforts towards our provincial economic growth and service delivery.

“The Saamtrek-Saamwerk philosophy reminds us of the saying that a cord of three strands does not break easily”, said the MEC in her address. “Honourable Members, this is a very simple and basic principle in life which teaches us that any group of people with similar interests who join forces towards a common objective will find strength in supporting each other and will achieve a lot in unity than when they try to achieve the same objective as individuals,” concluded MEC Nelson.

The Department will continue uplift the People and the Economy of the Province through the Saamtrek-Saamwerk Philosophy, its mandate, intentions, successes and the partnerships it has managed to secure for Bokone Bophirima to this day.

8 ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTRES (EDC) FOR BOKONE BOPHIRIMA

The North West Development Corporation launched its eighth Enterprise Development

Centre (EDC) in Bloemhof on the 27th of July 2016.Thus far, eight EDCs in total have been opened throughout the Bokone Bophirima Province namely Taung, Mogwase, Lehurutshe, Ventersdorp, Sannieshof, Atamelang, Madikwe and Bloemhof.

The Premier of the Bokone Bophirima Province, Supra Mahumapelo, in his State Of The Province address, stated that the majority of the people in this Province, come from villages which have seen very little economic activity for many years.

Because of this, the Province will need to redirect development to areas where the majority of our people reside. Within the next three years, the Province will implement programmes to foster development and growth in villages, townships and small dorpies.

FEED together with the NWDC has prioritized the rebranding, repositioning and renewal of villages, townships and small dorpies and will embark on a journey to bring services to the people that need them most. The aim is to establish 19 Enterprise Development Centres in the four district municipalities within the Province.

The purpose of these centres is to enable small enterprises in the Province, particularly in the prioritised geographical locations, namely villages, townships and small dorpies, to easily access information and services that will allow development and growth.

What are the objectives of setting up these centres?

• To give business in these areas an opportunity to contribute effectively to the development of communities and the creation of jobs.

• To demonstrate support for local enterprises.• To increase local enterprises’ ability to

participate in the mainstream economy.

• To build capacity that will sustain economic growth and development in communities.

Small Enterprises and cooperatives, particularly those in the Agriculture, Culture and Tourism sectors, will be targeted. Special emphasis will be on enterprises and cooperatives that are owned and ran by designated groups, i.e youth, women and people with disabilities.

What services do NWDC’s Enterprise Development Centres offer?

• Company registrations • Information sharing• Assist with completion of forms• Check supporting documents• Send to SBD officers for processing through fax,

email or internal mail• Province feedback on progress of registration• Funding• Information sharing• Hand out information brochures• Assist with the completion of application form• Checking supporting documents• Send to SBD Fund Administrators by fax, email or

internal mail• Provide feedback on application status• Business Advisory• Referrals (internally and to other institutions)• Limited Free Internet access• Host local training workshops and seminars• Meeting rooms for clients and staff• Link to the LED office

As the NWDC opens these centers throughout the province, we hope to bring much needed services to the villages, townships and small dorpies and in essence, promote economic development in the communities that needs it the most. This can be achieved with proper coordination and teamwork from all stakeholders.

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SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT July to September 2016 ECONOMIC UPDATE: “Construction and Infrastructure” Summary

Construction & Infrastructure Development

Government’s Infrastructure Plan aims to address the infrastructure needs of South Africa over the next few years however this will require input from and co-ordination with the construction sector, to be successful. The North West Province has had its fair share of infrastructure development in South Africa and over time there have been construction of both social and economic infrastructure.

Across all the districts, (Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Bojanala Platinum, and Dr Kenneth Kaunda) the roads infrastructure projects cost for rehabilitation and re-gravelling amounted to R 191 billion (one hundred nineteen billion one hundred ninety-one million three hundred seventy-one thousand to precise) as at July 2016.

Table 1 below shows projects cost and main budget allocation rehabilitation of roads in North West Province (NWP) by district municipality.

Table 1: Rehabilitation of roads in NWP

Current building infrastructure development in the

province.The following infrastructure projects have been under-way in the Province, Madikwe sub district offices, Mafikeng Airport Buildings, wellness centre phase 2, Mini Garona Vryburg office Park (FA), and Completion of Mini Garona Vryburg office park (FA).

The importance of new infrastructure in a region help shape the government and domestic firms’ investment decisions and determines the region’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

The below figure shows the current infrastructure developed in North West as of 2014-2017.

Figure 7: Current infrastructure developed in the North West province 2014-2017

Data Source: NWP Treasury (2016)Infrastructure development plays a critical role in economic growth and Job creation and effective and efficient implementation of infrastructure is of paramount importance.

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Following the success of the 2015 event, FEED’s agency, the NWDC once again

participated in the annual Manufacturing Indaba. This year was the third time the event was held and it took place at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni, South Africa.

The aim of the Manufacturing Indaba is to bring together business owners, industry leaders, government officials, capital providers and professional experts to discuss challenges and to brainstorm solutions pertaining to the manufacturing sector and its related industries.

A 36square meter stand was provided exhibitionspace to three SMMEs from the North West Province, with the aim of promoting their business and products, and further to provide them the opportunity related to exhibitions, networking and exposure.

The three companies who exhibited on behalf of Bokone Bophirima were Le Jo’s Creations, The Vows and Honey Nectarous CC.

Le Jo’s Creations are based in Potchefstroom. They manufacture fashionable sling bags from strong hessian, hard denim, old clothing and upholstery material. These bags are decorated by hand with bead work and other accessories.

The Vows, is a jewellery manufacturer who caters customers which require exclusive jewellery designs made to order. The Vows is 100% owned by Nompumelelo Phiri,

who was trained at the Seda Platinum Incubator in Rustenburg, Apart from forming part of the Manufacturing Indaba contingent, The Vows accompanied the NWDC on their outbound mission to Dubai in April this year.

Honey Nectarous CCis based in the NWDC’s Madibeng Industrial Park in Brits, showcased their products which include pure honey, mixtures of honey and cinnamon, honey wax and moringa products.

It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon relieves diseases such as fatigue, arthritis, cancer and much more. Their powdered honey and cinnamon product is highly recommended for treatments such asskin acne, weight loss, immune booster, colds, bladder infections, longevity, upset stomach, influenza and hair loss.

The overall purpose of attending this event as a government SOE, with exhibitors, was to market the province, expose companies and products of the North West Province as well as brand and market the NWDC and its services.

The ultimate aim of participating in these platforms is to stimulate economic activity through exports for the province in the manufacturing sector.

The vibrant exhibition stand of the NWDC attracted many visitors

3 r d A n n u a l M a n u f a c t u r i n g I n d a b a

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MAHIKENG – The Department of Finance impressed upon the new recruits to hit the ground running to improve service delivery. This follows the appointment and filling many of the vacancies that had existed which somehow hamstrung its ability to deliver services to the communities.

This is now a thing of the past it will now function as a well oiled machine to deliver much needed public services to the public. This follows the recent appointment of new employees, mostly youth and women who joined the department in the beginning of July.

The appointment of youth and particularly women is a welcome move considering the high rate of youth employment which is prevalent amongst graduates.

At the recently held departmental induction workshop the new recruits were introduced to the public sector environment and code of good conduct and were made aware as to what was expected of them.

The Chief Director for Corporate Services, Mrs Matshidiso Jansen-Mwase, told them that they have now entered the space which puts citizens of the province first and that they need to go an extra mile when rendering service.

She assured the incumbents that they have joined the winning department and as such they needed to perform their duties to the best of their ability to ensure the department remains at the top as the best performing department. Mrs Jansen-Mwase mentioned that the department of Finance is the only department in the province which has

performed exceptionally well in terms of achieving favourable audit outcomes in the previous years.“This programme is aimed at sharing what we expect from you as the department, to also give you all a healthy and conducive, comfortable environment to work in, so that you can all do your best to contribute to the winning team”, she said.

Amongst topics covered in the induction programme were labour relations matters, how the government communicates, how the human resources directorate develops the employees in the department, how security of government employees and assets is ensured and how the procurement services are conducted to shy away from fruitless and wasteful expenditure practices.

Jansen Mwase also instilled the Batho Pele principles amongst the new employees to ensure that they internalise them in their day to day interactions with community members

The programme was an information sharing platform as the employees were given opportunities to engage with management on human resources issues including policies and subjects were covered to their satisfaction.

What is pleasing is the fact that some of the appointees are products of the department’s annual internship programme that seeks to sharpen the skills of graduates who are fresh from institutions of higher learning. “Indeed I feel blessed and honoured to be part of the department. I am going to do my best to selflessly serve the public with this new responsibility that has been bestowed upon me”, said one of the excited appointees.

DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES

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MEC for Finance Economy and Enterprise Development, Hon Wendy Nelson as part of

enhancing SMME and Cooperative Development, recently met with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) operating in Bokone Bophirima. This was the MECs effort to put all funding institutions in the province under one roof to scrutinise their funding track record and look at ways in which they can all work together to accelerate funding to deserving initiatives.

The meeting was attended by managers of different funding institutions including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) National Empowerment Fund (NEF), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and the Land Bank.

Giving the purpose of the day, MEC Nelson explained that the meeting was a platform intended to strengthen the working relationship between government and DFIs and also to look at ways in which they can work together in actively funding legible and community uplifting initiatives and projects.

The funding model has should have a specific focus on SMMEs and cooperatives owned by both men, women, youth and people with disabilities.The meeting also proved positive as it saw the resuscitation of the previously active CEO’s Forum which died down because of a lack of necessary support. “The forum will now help us as the department to stay informed and better help finance the most deserving projects as we will be aware which region in the province has benefitted more and which needs more of our support”, MEC Nelson said.

Stakeholders agreed that it will be in the best interest of all DFIs, the department and deserving initiatives, to re-establish the CEOs Forum.

The forum will meet at least once a month and will comprise of all the CEOs of the DFIs, which their main mandate will be to catch up and fast track on the backlog of funding applications and to also make sure that different funders do not end up supporting one

initiative, while others are still waiting to be helped.This forum will see CEOs of different DFIs in the province meeting regularly and working together to move forward in carrying out their different mandates. Commending stakeholders, Mr Ndlela Kunene; Head of Department for FEED said he is very happy to see the private sector and government agencies working together with the provincial government towards bettering the lives of our people.

Stakeholders also agreed that all funded businesses/initiatives/projects be prioritised to be registered on the Central Supplier Database through the help of the Setsokotsane p r o g r a m m e . Mr. Kunene further said that his department will provide the secretarial support function to the forum.

The forum will also see one institution helping another to fund initiatives in case the other runs out of funds. More terms and functions of the forum will be discussed and agreed to at the first meeting within a month.

CONTRIBUTORS:

LAYOUT & DESIGN:

Keorapetse MosipidiSeloane Monaisa

Zia CassimTshepiso MatlhokoKelepile Mokaila

Lemogang MayekisoGoitseone Mooki

Kesalopa GillNomawethu Nsibande

Dumisa SeshabelaMatshidiso Matlou

Refilwe MashobaSello Motseleng

FOR INPUTS SEND TO:cassimz@nwpg.gov.zakmokaila@nwpg.gov.za

http://www.nwpg.gov.za

Economy & Enterprise DevelopmentNWDC BuildingCnr University Drive & Provident StrPrivate Bag X 15Mmabatho2735

FinanceGa-rona Building, Ground floorPrivate Bag X 2060Mmabatho2735

MEC NELSON MEETS WITH DEVELOPMENT FINANCE INSTITUTIONS (DFIs)