In a significant move towards the application for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) designation and the revitalisation of industrial parks, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Ms. Bitsa Lenkopane, led a high-level delegation to engage with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) at its head office on 20 January 2026.

MEC Lenkopane met with the DBSA team, led by Chief Risk Officer Mr. Mpho Kubelo, and was joined by DEDECT Head of Department Mr. Relebohile Mofokane, NWDC Acting CEO Mr Thapelo Mokotedi, and various officials from the department and its entities.

The engagement focused on a structured partnership process aimed at unlocking industrial development outcomes while simultaneously resolving institutional financial exposures. This strategic approach is designed to transform the province’s industrial assets into functional, well-managed anchors for investment and local economic development with assistance from DBSA and key stakeholders. Central to this vision is the revitalisation of three key industrial hubs that serve as the foundation for the province’s growth.

The Bodirelo Industrial Site is being positioned as a future-facing growth platform, specifically aligned with the SEZ designation pathway, with plans already underway to address bulk infrastructure constraints, such as water and electricity supply.

Simultaneously, the partnership targets the Babelegi and Ga-Rankuwa Industrial Parks for focused turnaround and stabilisation interventions to restore industrial activity and improve revenue collection.

MEC Lenkopane emphasised that restoring these sites is essential for the designation application of the Bojanala SEZ as well as job creation, MSME development, and industrialisation, noting that when these assets are functional, they serve as vital anchors for local communities.

To ensure these plans move from proposal to reality, a Technical Task Team will be formally introduced to operationalise the solution through clear deliverables and accountability mechanisms.

This team, which includes representatives from DEDECT, NWDC, DBSA, National Treasury, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC), the Gauteng Provincial Government, and the City of Tshwane, is mandated to finalise infrastructure and settlement packages within a 30-day solution sprint.

The collaborative effort will also foresee the operationalisation of the Infrastructure Development Fund to support bulk utility upgrades, ensuring that the North West Province accelerates its industrial growth and remains a competitive destination for investment.

Article source: DEDECT
Compiled by Karen Landsberg, NWDC Communication Officer

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