ECONOMY AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WELCOMES NEW MEC

The Department of Economy and Enterprise Development led by the newly appointed MEC, Ms.

Wendy Matsemela, and the Head of Department, Mr Lufuno Tshikovhi met with Senior Manage-

ment today for a formal introductory session, and to pave the way forward. The welcome meeting

marks the first engagement with the MEC and senior management, following the cabinet reshuffle

by the Premier of the Province, Prof. Job Mokgoro.

Ms. Matsemela is not new to the Department as she had previously served as the MEC under the

4th administrations’ portfolio of economic development. This meeting, among other objectives,

aimed at introducing the MEC to the departmental management committee, initiate synergy in

service delivery and to discuss pertinent issues on programmes designed to ensure that govern-

ment betters the lives of the people of North West Province. According to the MEC, the depart-

ment has a huge role to play in ensuring that the radical economic transformation vision that is

strongly echoed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is realised and achieved without compromise.

(centre) MEC for Finance, Economic and Enterprise Development, Wendy Matsemela and the management team at EED exchange pleasantries and get down to paving the way forward in

addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“South Africa’s tripple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality is still a grave chal-

lenge which requires capable and dedicated men and women to defeat. The province is still under

administration (section 100) and the road ahead of us involves hard work and commitment, in or-

der to address the challenges of our people. These challenges are not greater than us and if we

pull together in the spirit of wanting to change the lives of our people, we will able to make it,” ex-

plained the MEC.

MEC Matsemela also expressed her gratitude in meeting the management committee, some of

whom she has worked with before under the portfolio of economic development, and commended

them for their efforts thus far as public servants. Moreover, the MEC reminded her team that the

department in the beginning of this financial year made promises to the public and she would like

to see that the department has delivered on its promises.

In her concluding remarks, MEC Matsemela encouraged management to strive for a clean audit,

improve the tax base of the province, and intensify its efforts towards Cooperatives and SMMEs

development. These enterprises are the backbone of the economy and will contribute significantly

in reducing the unemployment rate, alleviating poverty and closing the inequality gap.

The MEC for Finance, Economic and Enterprise Development, Ms. Wendy Matsemela and the management team at EED.