Socio-economic benefits could accrue to the people of the North West province if relations are harmonised and an integrated land use plan implemented, key stakeholders agreed at the conclusion of a two-day workshop on mediation strategy and plan for mining, tourism and land claims in Rustenburg on Thursday.
Participants that included representatives of the Provincial government, District and local municipalities, national departments, public entities, academic institutions, representatives of traditional communities, chamber of mines and the mining sector, the tourism sector in both public and private sector pledged their full support and commitment to the principles that underpin the North West Mediation Strategy and Plan.
They also committed to the implementation of the strategy and plan to promote harmony among all role players to optimise their development potential.
Parties undertook to promote partnerships within a mutually beneficial and conducive environment and to collectively strife for the advancement and realisation of the mediation strategy and plan for sustainable development.
Stakeholders endorsed the National Development Plan (NDP) as the basic platform to advance development.
In his closing remarks, Darkey Africa, Head of the Provincial Planning Commission in the Office of the Premier commented participants for “taking off gloves their gloves but not putting on masks of pretence and deception about the challenges and possible solutions.”
In expressing appreciation for endorsement of the NDP, Africa said that the development plan is a plan for all. He urged stakeholders not to be tempted to use ideological determinism nor the audacity of ignorance to kill the future and dreams of people by projecting a future that never is nor ever will be.
“We must not allow the darkness of ideological and intellectual disorder to blind us not to see the prospects of a better tomorrow, as succinctly articulated in the National Development Plan with all its imperfections and reinforced by our vision for a better and a prosperous country with a capable and developmental state ready to serve our people without any revolutionary pretence and subtle Marxist deception. The audacity to ignore the truth will never triumph over the NDP,” Africa emphasised.
He said that the North West will not pontificate but will forge solidarity for the common future and advance the NDP.
The adopted mediation strategy and plan are to be presented to Premier Thandi Modise and Executive Council for consideration and determination as to how and who is to champion its implementation.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
