Is North West Province a Banana Province?

By Ananias Ndlovu

Madume! Welcome to my weekly column, where I share my personal views on matters that affect us. Remember, the opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views of Naledi News or Quick Acts.

Today, I ask a tough question: Is the North West Province a Banana Province? This phrase carries a lot of weight. When a region is labeled a “banana province,” it is often associated with weak governance structures, rampant corruption, and gross mismanagement of resources. It paints a picture of a place where a small elite controls everything, while the majority live in poverty and face constant marginalization.

So, has the North West Province, the former homeland of Bophuthatswana, failed its people? Is it now a place where those in power ignore the needs of the very people they are supposed to serve?

I’ve heard Professor JJ Tabane on eNCA label the province “useless.” I’ve also listened to Thabiso Kotane on Power FM calling the North West “a dead province.” Videos are circulating on social media, showing frustrated communities criticizing the leadership. Some have even staged sit-ins at government offices, demanding to be heard. Just recently, one social media commentator claimed we in the North West are suffering from an “Unibo educational syndrome”—a stinging jab, implying that we are too passive or ill-informed to demand better.

Is this criticism warranted? I don’t have all the answers, but I observe and analyze the situation. It’s hard to ignore the growing discontent. Even our journalists seem divided, with some of them abandoning journalistic integrity in favor of political attacks. You can see it—these aren’t the writings of true journalists but of comrades-turned-journalists with hidden agendas.

Let me be clear: We need to wake up. Tsoga Bokone Bophirima! Complaining on radio stations and shouting on social media won’t change anything. I see countless WhatsApp groups buzzing with complaints, but they’re like toothless dogs—making noise with no bite. What we’ve become good at is talking. Endless talking without action.

Am I satisfied with the state of the North West? Absolutely not. Local projects are ignored, and only those with connections seem to benefit. The rest of us? We’re expected to accept whatever is thrown our way, no questions asked.

The North West is at a crossroads. We are opening ourselves up to exploitation. Outsiders will soon swoop in and take control. When that happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Tsoga Bokone Bophirima! It’s time to engage—constructively, not destructively. We need to approach our leadership with respect and professionalism. Complaining from the sidelines won’t help us. We need action.

This province has potential, but if we continue down this path of inaction and passivity, we’ll lose it all. It’s time to stop making noise and start making change. Let’s not be a Banana Province.

This is just my view. Until next week, let’s think about what kind of North West we want to leave for future generations.