On 11 January 2022, a delegation from the Department Economic Development, Environment Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and the North West Development Corporation (NWDC ) Board of Directors, led by MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi and HOD Mr Lufuno Tshikovhi, visited a number of NWDC’s industrial and retail properties in Bodirelo, Mogwase and Tlhabane.

The aim of the visit was to assess the NWDC’s properties in the Bojanala Region and to engage with some of the tenants regarding their businesses and challenges experienced.

The delegation from DEDECT was joined by NWDC Board Chairperson Mr Kenneth Konopi, NWDC Board Finance and Investment Sub Committee Chairperson Ms Sharon Maleka, NWDC CEO Mr Tshepo Phetla, NWDC Acting CFO Mr Radichaba Malapane, and executive managers of the NWDC from SEZ, Properties and Corporate Services.

In the Bodirelo Industrial area, the delegation visited the workshop of Beake Engineering Solutions, viewing their operations and engaging with Beake’s directors regarding their challenges. HOD Tshikovhi highlighted the importance of improving the security in the Bodirelo industrial park, stating that SMMEs such as Beake are drivers of job creation. NWDC Board Chair Konopi expressed his pride in this innovative company and assured them that NWDC’s doors are open to engage them on their challenges and added that proper electrical supply is a priority.

Thereafter, the delegation visited the Mogwase Shopping Complex and the Motortown Industrial Park in Tlhabane. At the Motortown, MEC Mosenogi engaged with tenants and NWDC tenant coordinators regarding challenges they are facing. MEC Mosenogi encouraged them to join hands to come up with solutions to the challenges they are facing, such as vandalism and theft.

The delegation acknowledged the importance of NWDC’s properties in growing the provincial economy and job creation, as most tenants employ a number of staff. As said by NWDC Board Chair Konopi: “NWDC should be creating an environment that supports businesses to operate”.

MEC Mosenogi concluded the site tour stating that the Department is eager to receive action plans from the NWDC that will address challenges and improve the state of its properties to the benefit of its tenants and the local economies they are supporting. In closing, NWDC CEO Tshepo Phetla, remarked: “The NWDC is committed to ensuring a speedy resolution to the challenges identified, and we thank our Shareholder for the support demonstrated towards the revitalisation of the province’s property portfolio.”

Photographs:

Pictured on the feature photograph are, from the left: NWDC Board Chairperson Mr Konopi, DEDECT MEC Ms Mosenogi and NWDC Director Ms Maleka.

View more photos of the visit on the NWDC Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/NWDC001/posts/291968726297630