Premier Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo confirmed on Wednesday, 3 September 2014, that the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) has been placed under the management of and will report to the Office of Premier pending the completion of the reconfiguration of Provincial Departments.
In line with this decision, the Premier has delegated line functions of Conservation and Tourism to MECs Manketsi Tlhape of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, and Desbo Mohono of Tourism respectively. Mr Mahumapelo said this while addressing the entity’s Board of Directors, Executive Management and officials. The meeting which was also aimed at introducing the Premier to the employees was held at Cookes Lake, Mahikeng.
Sharing the province’s vision which led to reconfiguration of departments and the changing of reporting lines for North West Parks and Tourism Board, Mahumapelo said the ultimate goal of this exercise is to facilitate the process for the legislative amendment of North West Parks & Tourism Board Act, of 1997, which will result in the separation of the Tourism and Conservation mandates and setting up of two independent Public entities to implement each mandate.
“We have sensibly identified tourism as one of the three key economic pillars in the province, and this calls for focused packaging of superior tourism products, which must help us realise the goals of the already conceptualised strategy on rebranding, repositioning and renewal of the Province”, said Premier Mahumapelo.
Mahumapelo challenged NWPTB employees to play their part in promoting domestic tourism and black economic empowerment, saying these activities remain central to the envisaged growth of the provincial economy to 6% by 2019.
Mahumapelo assured employees that this reconfiguration process will in no way mean loss of jobs for any government employee, saying they must embrace it and understand it in the context of enhancing delivery of services to the people of the province and accountability thereof.
Dr Dudu Boemah, the Chairperson of the NWPTB’s Board of Directors, thanked the Premier for sharing with them the provincial vision in so far as tourism is concerned, saying this will go a long way in changing the image of the province.
The meeting was attended by more than 300 rangers, parks gate attendants and administration personnel from the 16 parks that are found in the province.
For more information contact:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Acting Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
