North West province has resolved to position itself as the hub for high moral standards, tolerance, social cohesion and peace-making in order to become a destination of choice for investors and a model for reconciliation and peaceful resolution in the country and the continent. North West Premier Thandi Modise said this initiative was crucial because the people of the province are generally known for their tolerance, respect and devotion to peace and harmony.
Premier Modise made a call in her keynote address delivered at the Provincial Rebranding and Positioning Stakeholders Conference held in Mahikeng on Friday for the province to recapture, rebuild, remold and reproduce the good that it is known for.
“We expect the Strategy Development Process that we are launching to have as an outcome the creation of a new brand reality, rooted in the culture of service delivery envisioned in the National Development Plan, and the promise of improved, world class livelihoods and infrastructure and ultimately a better life for the citizens of the Province,” stressed Modise.
She said that having taken a stand against corruption, there should be rippling effect that goes down to municipal and ward level that says that the province shall not countenance or tolerate corruption.
Premier Modise called on elected public representatives to act responsibly to improve the image of the province. She said that they should realise that reputation of an individual leader can break or make a province or country.
“For me rebranding of the North West must begin with a huge turnaround of how we perceive ourselves. While those who are involved in marketing and business will look at how a brand is sustained, real rebranding of the province must start with the individual citizen. It must begin with an honest filling of the 8 hours plus that we are paid for. It must begin with us nurturing, identifying and developing the strengths and skills that we need to ensure that this image is buttressed,” emphasised Modise.
President of National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC-North West) and National Treasurer, Charle Moagi committed that business in the province will support and participate in the rollout of the rebranding consultation process.
“We commend the process intended at improving productivity and efficiency as it will attract investments into the province,” said Moagi.
Cynthia Chishimba from the Are Ageng Social Dialogue Forum, established by the Provincial government in 1998 as a platform for social partners to engage in policy discourse appreciated that the process will involve participation of communities and be aligned to the key pillars of the National Development Plan.
Meanwhile, the province is to close its Mandela Month programme with a Provincial Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Summit aimed at carrying forward the nation building and reconciliation legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.
The two-day summit to be addressed by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile and Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa is scheduled to commence at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Monday.
Stakeholders invited to be part of the summit include political parties represented in the North West Provincial Legislature, business sector, private sector, organised labour federations, academics from institutions of higher learning, traditional leaders, Churches, Faith based organisations, business sector, Non-Government Organisations, women and youth organisations, people with disabilities, provincial government departments and municipalities.
