Mahikeng: The Premier of the North West Province, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, has
reiterated government’s bold commitment to inclusive economic growth, investment
attraction, tourism expansion and sustainable job creation during his 2026 State of the
Province Address.
Delivering the address at the Official Opening of the North West Provincial Legislature in
Mahikeng, Premier Mokgosi emphasised that government remains resolute in tackling
socio-economic challenges and ensuring that the gains of democracy translate into real
opportunities for all citizens.
Demonstrating tangible progress, Premier informed the provincial legislature that the
province created 78,000 jobs in the last two quarters of 2025, resulting in a 6.2% decline
in official unemployment, which is the largest decrease recorded nationally during that
period. He said this milestone reflects the successful implementation of the Provincial
Growth and Development Strategy, positioning the North West as a competitive and
attractive investment destination.
To strengthen local economic infrastructure and advance environmental sustainability, the
Premier has directed the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment,
Conservation and Tourism to intensify targeted support to municipalities, particularly
Ditsobotla and City of Matlosana.
In a concerted effort to unlock tourism potential in the province, Premier Mokgosi
emphasised key infrastructure initiatives which include the reactivation of Pilanesberg
International Airport in partnership with Infrastructure South Africa. This project is
expected to boost tourism and stimulate commercial activity in major hubs such as Sun
City Resort and Pilanesberg National Park. The R150 million Majakaneng-to-Sun City
road project will further improve access and strengthen tourism infrastructure.
“To drive industrialisation and large-scale investment, the province will revitalise and
officially license the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in the 2026/27 financial year”,
Premier Mokgosi pronounced.
Supported by R12 billion in investments, the SEZ is projected to create 12,000 additional
jobs and unlock opportunities across diverse economic sectors.
Premier Mokgosi also highlighted that International economic cooperation is also being
deepened with strategic partners including Botswana, Namibia and People’s Republic of
China, particularly along the Trans-Kalahari Economic Corridor, to promote trade, skills
development and investment flows.
A comprehensive turnaround strategy is also being implemented in collaboration with the
Development Bank of Southern Africa to restore the financial sustainability of the North
West Development Corporation and strengthen its investment facilitation capacity.
In advancing environmental sustainability and rural economic inclusion, government has
launched the commercialisation of fourteen provincial nature reserves, securing
investment commitments of approximately R420 million. This initiative is set to create jobs,
stimulate enterprise development and ensure that rural communities, landowners and
traditional authorities benefit meaningfully from the province’s natural resources.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to build a province free from poverty, inequality
and unemployment, and to create opportunities that improve the lives of our people,”
Premier Mokgosi concluded.
ENDS
Issued by the Office of the Premier
MEDIA STATEMENT – SOPA 3
For enquiries, contact
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 064 756 2510/082 450 7842
E-mail: SITatai@nwpg.gov.za
OR
Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: BSetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
