The North West Provincial government in partnership with the provincial office of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) held the first North West Mining Roundtable in Hartbeespoort, Pecanwood today.
In her address, the MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Keneetswe Mosenogi, expressed the need for mining houses and the Provincial Government to work together in growing the Provincial economy.
"In our quest to improve service delivery and to build an inclusive economy which promotes entrepreneurship, the Province should work with mining houses to ensure that mining companies procure capital goods, services and consumables within the Province and contribute to the development of local entrepreneurs."
The roundtable has been identified as a strategic platform to forge stronger relations between the Provincial Government and mining houses, improve alignment between planning and investment initiatives which cover the entire value chain and discover opportunities for economic localisation in the province.
The event seeks to further engage on investment initiatives of the public sector and corporate social investments and other development initiatives of the various mining companies that are operating in the province.
Mosenogi adds that the provincial government recognises that the mining sector has made significant strides to co-operate and work with the government in an attempt to address not only basic needs but also broader economic development issues within districts and municipalities.
However, the department is still of the opinion that Corporate Social Investment and other development programmes are sometimes implemented on an ad hoc basis and the Social Labour Plans and other development and investment initiatives are implemented without proper consultations and negotiations with the authorities concerned to ensure the proper maintenance and continued use of facilities established.
“Our province is committed to accelerating the implementation of National Development Plan”. She remarked on the priorities of the sixth administration such as manufacturing, green economy and agro-processing as one the province’s immediate policy milestones aimed at broadening the economic footprint of the province.
She adds that manufacturing beneficiation has the potential to significantly accelerate the province’s economic growth and development, however the unnecessary imports for goods which can be supplied by local manufacturers are costing North West Province innumerable jobs and much-needed economic momentum.
Delivering the keynote address The Acting Premier, MEC Madoda Sambatha said the roundtable discussion is a proper structural coordination to ensure shared common objectives and areas of developments where the mining industry is involved.
“Together, we need to open up the industry for local entrepreneurs and surrounding communities where 60% of procurement is targeted for localisation. We have no interest in the minerals which are extracted by the mines; but in the value it creates and the sustainable benefits to the Economic Development objectives of the Province”.
“Help us as government to realise your value in contributing to the economic value chain of the province”, said the Acting Premier.
The discussions included proper coordination of mining licences, opportunities for women in the mining industry, procurement from local suppliers, traditional authorities’ role in the industry, community development, and economic development objectives
In closing the Acting Premier Sambatha Madoda presented the resolutions for the event, the department will create a provincial industry working group that will collectively identify key issues that hinder localization and the solutions that will create a conducive environment that will bring more opportunities for the people of the province.
The provincial government will create an enabling environment for SMMEs to be able to participate in the mainstream economy and the upskilling of the people so that they are ready for immediate uptake of opportunities.
Enquiries:
Ms Dumisa Seshabela, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
