MEC Bitsa Lenkopane Tables R1 Billion Budget Targeting Jobs, Small Businesses, and Environment

By Khumo Monde

North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Bitsa Lenkopane has tabled a R1.013 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, targeting job creation, small business support, and environmental conservation.

Presenting the budget speech at the North West Provincial Legislature today- Wednesday – 23 July 2025, Lenkopane said the budget aims to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable development across the province.

The budget allocates R214.8 million for Administration, R73.05 million for Integrated Economic Development Services, R86.47 million for Trade and Sector Development, R133.01 million for Business Regulations Services, R11.77 million for Economic Planning, R422.1 million for Environmental Services, and R72.18 million for Tourism.

Key initiatives include the digitalization of services to improve delivery and citizen engagement, enhanced support for small businesses, youth, and communities in rural and underserved areas, and job creation partnerships such as working with Glencore to unlock post-mining green economy initiatives.

Environmental conservation will be strengthened through the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), while tourism growth initiatives will include establishing a renewed operational office at O.R. Tambo International Airport to boost international marketing.

Lenkopane emphasised the department’s commitment to building an efficient, ethical, and inclusive economy that places people at the centre of development.