The roadshow aims to empower local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to build sustainable businesses, access government support and contribute to local economic growth.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Rangwane Mabe, representing the Batlhako Ba Matutu Traditional Council, who expressed appreciation for the municipality’s continued collaboration with traditional leadership in strengthening service delivery and improving the lives of communities.
Moses Kotane Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Nketu Nkotswe, emphasised the importance of supporting SMMEs, strengthening the township economy and creating employment opportunities. The Mayor highlighted the municipality’s commitment to supporting local businesses through the allocation of a budget towards SMME development, recognising their contribution to economic growth and job creation.

Mr Lucky Ntshali from the North West Provincial Treasury provided information on the provincial centralised database for SMMEs interested in conducting business with the provincial government. The presentation highlighted the importance of understanding the relevant registration processes and requirements to enable businesses to access government procurement opportunities.
Mr Kgopolo Marakalla from the Department of Social Development shared information on the registration of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), compliance requirements and available support services.
Through this roadshow, MKLM, in collaboration with various government departments and stakeholders, continues to engage local businesses and connect entrepreneurs with relevant information, funding opportunities and business support services.

The initiative forms part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen SMMEs, promote entrepreneurship, stimulate the local economy and create sustainable employment opportunities within the Moses Kotane municipal area.
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Issued by: Communications Unit
Moses Kotane Local Municipality

The Portfolio Head for Planning and Development, Cllr Dithothi Tshetlhane, explained the purpose of the meeting, emphasising that the process focuses on conducting a needs analysis across the different wards and giving community members an opportunity to highlight the development priorities they want addressed in their respective areas.

Ward councillors presented their needs analyses, outlining the priorities identified in their wards. Councillors and municipal officials also responded to questions raised by community.
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Issued by Communication Unit

In her opening remarks Mayor Nkotswe said the Municipality, through the Office of the Mayor, remains committed to supporting senior citizens and creating opportunities that promote healthy and active ageing.“It is encouraging to see all wards represented here today, Your participation demonstrates that age should never be a barrier to staying active and healthy. As the Municipality, we are here to support you, and I encourage you to continue taking part in activities that promote your health, well-being and social connection.”

The Mayor further expressed her appreciation to the Department of Social Development and her office for supporting the Active Ageing Fitness Programme, noting that such initiatives contribute towards improving the quality of life of senior citizens.

Ms Thembi Mdidimba from the Department of Social Development explained that the programme seeks to promote active ageing, improve health and fitness, and contribute to longevity. She added that physical activity can help prevent lifestyle-related chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Senior citizens participated in various sporting activities, including 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races, as well as brisk walking.

The winners will represent Moses Kotane Local Municipality at the district-level Active Ageing Fitness Programme, providing them with an opportunity to compete against senior citizens from across the district.

ENDS
Issued by Communications Unit

The oversight visit focused on assessing progress and ensuring that municipal projects are implemented in accordance with approved plans, budgets and timelines.

The Committee first inspected the 4.6km Tlokweng Internal Roads Construction Project, which is currently 65% complete.

MPAC also visited the refurbishment of three cemeteries in Tlokweng. The project includes the construction of boundary walls and guard houses, as well as the provision of ablution facilities, JoJo tanks and solar panels at the cemetery currently in use.

Moses Kotane projects has also contributed to local economic development through the participation of local SMMEs and the creation of more than 100 job opportunities for community members.

MPAC will continue conducting oversight visits to monitor municipal projects and promote accountability, responsible use of public resources and improved service delivery.

The celebration featured various cultural activities, including traditional music, dance and other forms of cultural expression, providing an opportunity for the community to celebrate its heritage and pass traditions and stories from one generation to the next.

Heritage celebrations play an important role in South Africa by bringing communities together, promoting cultural pride and ensuring that the history and traditions of different communities are preserved for future generations.

The participation of the Mayor and the municipality reflects the importance of working together with traditional leadership and communities in promoting socil cultural diversity and preserving heritage.

The IDP Unit continues to play an important role in strengthening integrated and sustainable planning within the Municipality. Its contribution forms part of MKLM’s broader efforts that have seen the Municipality recognised by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for its work in localising the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The IDP Unit is among the key champions demonstrating MKLM’s commitment to ensuring that municipal planning, development initiatives and service delivery programmes contribute to broader sustainable development priorities while responding to the needs and aspirations of local communities.

The forum was chaired by the Portfolio Head for Planning and Development, Cllr Dithothi Tshetlhane, and brought together municipal stakeholders and representatives to strengthen collaborative planning and ensure that development priorities are informed by community needs and stakeholder contributions.

The Head of the Integrated Development Planning Unit, Ms Bafedile Maselane, highlighted the importance of using accurate, reliable and verified data in developing a credible IDP and Voluntary Local Review (VLR), noting that evidence-based planning is essential to understanding community needs, measuring progress and strengthening accountability.

Municipal Manager Mr Mokopane Letsoalo reaffirmed the importance of integrated planning and maintaining a long-term development focus.

The Single Whip, Cllr Lucky Moate, thanked all participants for their robust engagement and constructive contributions to the planning process.

The IDP Representative Forum reaffirmed MKLM’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based and sustainable long-term planning, ensuring that municipal priorities remain aligned with community needs and broader development objectives.

MKLM Head of Department for Local Economic Development, Ms Nono Maribe, emphasised the need for the Municipality and its tourism sector to embrace the digital revolution.

“Artificial Intelligence is becoming part of innovative tourism. Moses Kotane local municipality has to adapt. Let us tap into the digital revolution. This is the time to redesign tourism for a digital age said HOD Maribe.

Municipal Manager, Mr Mokopane Letsoalo, highlighted that,

“Moses Kotane is rich in wildlife, culture, heritage and hospitality, providing opportunities for swift and innovative tourism development. This Lekgotla gives us an opportunity to tap into a digital competitive edge to grow tourism.”

MMC for Local Economic Development, Cllr Caroline Nkeifeng Motshabi, highlighted that,

“We want to leverage opportunities, strengthen market access and collectively advance tourism development. Unlocking the potential of tourism must translate into opportunities for our local communities and tourism enterprises.”

Mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Cllr Nketu Nkotswe, emphasised that,

“The rise of Artificial Intelligence is changing the tourism landscape. As Moses Kotane Local Municipality, we must adapt to technological advancements in tourism and ensure that our destination is ready for the digital age.” affirmed Mayor Nkotswe.

The two days Summit was attended by Tourism representatives such as SATOVITO, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), North West Parks and Tourism Board, North West Development Corporation, South African Tourism, SEDA, Moses Kotane Tourism Association (MKTA), Mphebatho Cultural Museum, Sun City, Women in Tourism, members of the media and other tourism stakeholders.

The Summit concluded with highlighting resolutions and an action plan, reaffirming Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s commitment to collaborative tourism development that creates opportunities for communities, supports local tourism enterprises, strengthens strategic partnerships and embraces digital innovation.