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NORTH WEST DEDECT
NORTH WEST PROVINCE TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) in the North West has implemented a number of strategic activities to communities through Economic Development.
In a resounding demonstration of its commitment to economic empowerment, the North West Province government, led by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), has intensified its support for Cooperative Financial Institutions (CFIs). The province played a pivotal role at the 2023 Cooperative Banking Institutions (CBIs) Indaba held at the luxurious Sun City, a collaborative effort with the Co-operative Banks Development Agency (CBDA).
The recently concluded Indaba aimed to assess progress in implementing the sector strategy, address challenges, and chart the way forward. Key discussions centred on elevating the cooperative banking sector as a catalyst for community development. The spotlight shone on the significance of an effective Secondary Cooperative Bank, Advocacy Association, and the formulation of a comprehensive financial inclusion policy.
MEC Virginia Tlhapi's Vision for Financial Inclusion
MEC Virginia Galebekwe Tlhapi, for DEDECT, delivered a compelling message, echoing the positive reflections of the 2013 CFI Indaba and tracing the sector's journey towards promoting financial inclusion. Emphasizing the 2023 Indaba's theme, "CBIs as financial intermediaries of choice for local economic development and growth," MEC Tlhapi envisioned these institutions as key players in financing economic and social cohesion within their communities.
Addressing the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the MEC advocated for the continuous push for digital financial services in the sector. She acknowledged the global and South Africa-specific economic challenges impacting CFIs, urging the sector to strive to be the financial intermediaries of choice in both rural and township economies.
“The imperative of developing robust workplace skills plans to counter the high mortality rate of institutions cannot be over-emphasised,” Tlhapi stressed. “There is a need for well-trained leadership to prevent non-compliance and de-registration, emphasizing the urgency to revitalize and sustainably grow operational CFIs in the North West Province.”
Challenges and Collaborative Solutions
The Indaba deliberations spotlighted challenges hindering the sector's progress, with excessive regulation and budgetary constraints noted. The CBDA, despite resource limitations, is committed to efficiently leveraging its resources to support cooperative banks across all provinces. Aligning with the District Development Model (DDM), CBDA aims to secure additional support by collaborating with relevant government departments, municipalities, government Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and the private sector.
MEC Tlhapi underscored the challenge of financial exclusion, urging cooperatives to actively participate in finding solutions. Notable outcomes included the establishment of the National Secondary Co-operative Bank (NSBD) and the South African Co-operative Banking Association (SACOBA), entities dedicated to promoting financial and economic inclusion while representing the sector's interests.
Celebrating Excellence and Commitment.
The Indaba celebrated outstanding achievements and contributions of cooperative banks and financial institutions nationwide. Awards were presented to recognize those dedicated to promoting financial and economic inclusion through cooperative banking models.
The event reinforced a commitment to ownership and control by the people, emphasizing the pivotal role of cooperative banking in alleviating poverty and addressing unemployment challenges. >
The Indaba received support from institutions like the National Development Agency (NDA) and Retail Savings Bonds (RSB), showcasing their services for financial support in the growth and sustainability of cooperative banking institutions.
In a world evolving towards digital economies, North West Province's commitment to cooperative banking stands as a beacon of progress, signaling a path toward inclusive economic development and empowerment for all.
THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE PAVES THE WAY FOR ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES BY EMPOWERING THE YOUTH THROUGH THE THUNTSHA LEROLE PROGRAMME
Confirming its commitment to job creation and economic transformation, the North West Province has taken a bold step by appointing 113 Youth Data Capturers through the Thuntsha Lerole Programme. This strategic move, announced during the 2023/2024 Departmental Budget Vote by the MEC, underscores the province's dedication to combat illegal business activities and strengthen business licensing compliance.
Empowering Youth for Business Licensing Compliance
Implemented through the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, the initiative signifies a crucial strategy to fortify ethical business practices across the province.
The department conducted a comprehensive induction, equipping the newly appointed Youth Data Capturers with in-depth training on their roles and responsibilities.
MEC Tlhapi emphasized that the primary task of these data capturers is to identify and address illegal tuckshops operating without licenses or using fraudulent documents. The initiative aims to curb criminal activities and ensure the legality of businesses, with Data Capturers playing a pivotal role in conducting thorough checks on every business outlet in their assigned areas to verify licenses and compliance with regulations.
“Our province is plagued by illegal tuckshops that are not registered and operating without the necessary licenses. As the department responsible for regulating businesses, we need assistance in identifying and registering these outlets. We are conducting this induction and workshop to make sure that everyone involved in this operation has a clear vision and understanding of the goals we are trying to achieve,” stated the MEC.
Ensuring Compliance through Data Capturers
Ms. Onnicah Sithole, DEDECT’s Chief Director for Business Regulations, highlighted the critical role of the Data Capturers in ensuring compliance with the North West Business Licensing Act No. 03 of 2019. “The appointments of these Data Capturers will significantly enhance our ability to verify that all businesses operating within the province are duly licensed with their respective municipalities,” said Ms. Sithole.
Appointed for a one-year term, the Data Capturers bear the responsibility of ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and escalating non-compliance issues to the Department’s regulatory divisions. The stringent monitoring mechanisms in place include the submission of weekly reports for consolidation and subsequent submission to the department, and maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date business licensing database for effective regulation.
Fostering Collaboration for Growth
Encouraging collaboration between business owners and Data Capturers, the department envisions a wellregulated environment that fosters growth and economic prosperity in the North West Province. By working together, businesses can contribute to a positive and compliant business landscape.
The Thuntsha Lerole Programme stands as a testament to the North West Province's commitment to its pronouncements on job creation and economic transformation, providing youth with a platform to actively contribute to ethical and regulated business practices. As these Data Capturers embark on their mission, the province takes a significant stride toward a brighter, more compliant business future.
THE PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT AS GUARDIANS OF THE WILD: STING OPERATION THWARTS ILLEGAL PANGOLIN TRADE
In a bold move to safeguard endangered wildlife, the North West DEDECT in collaboration with Environmental Inspectors, Eco Force, North West Parks and Tourism Board, Mahikeng Highway Patrol, and Vryburg Stock Theft Unit, has achieved a major victory with the successful undercover operation targeting illegal pangolin trade.
Coordinated Effort Yields Results
The well-coordinated operation unfolded with precision, leading to the apprehension of four suspects involved in the illicit trade of critically endangered pangolin species.
The collaborative effort involved Environmental Inspectors, Eco Force, North West Parks and Tourism Board, Mahikeng Highway Patrol, and Vryburg Stock Theft Unit.
Acting on credible information from an anonymous source, authorities obtained a 252A undercover authorization. The undercover agent made contact with the sellers, culminating in a meticulously executed buy-and-bust operation at the Puma Filling station in Stella, Naledi Local Municipality.
Four male suspects from Mahikeng were apprehended during the operation, with one managing to escape the scene. Confiscated items included a pangolin, four cellphones, and a VW Caravela mini-bus.
Legal Consequences for Offenders
The arrested individuals, Michelle Cameron (44), Steven Melody (39), Oikanyeng Tsimane (36), and Thabo Sekitlano (28), faced charges of contravening the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10/2004 57(1) and CITES Regulation (16) (1) (b). Pangolins, classified as critically endangered species and listed on CITES Appendix 1, are strictly prohibited from trade.
Jonathan Denga, Director of Biodiversity Management within DEDECT, emphasized the national protection of pangolins under the Threatened and Protected Species Regulation. He urged community members to avoid engaging in transactions involving listed species, highlighting the severe legal consequences associated with such activities. The suspects made their first appearance at Vryburg Magistrate Court, and the case was postponed pending a bail application.
Commitment to Wildlife Preservation
The Provincial Department commended the team of inspectors for their exceptional dedication and efforts in executing this successful operation. The province reaffirms its commitment to taking robust action against all forms of illicit wildlife trade, ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
This recent victory stands as a testament to the North West Province government's unwavering commitment to the protection of protected species. As guardians of the wild, they continue to strike against those who threaten the delicate balance of our natural heritage, reinforcing the collective commitment to preserving the precious wildlife heritage for generations to come.
