North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that bring together science, innovation, and development to address socio-economic challenges facing communities across the province. Mokgosi made this commitment during a meeting with the Council for Geoscience Chairperson Kelepile Molete, Chief Executive Officer Mosa Mabuza, and senior management to explore areas of collaboration. This engagement is part of the provincial government's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with key institutions that can contribute scientific expertise and evidence-based information to provincial planning and development.
The meeting between Mokgosi and the Council for Geoscience focused on the strategic role of geoscience in unlocking investment opportunities, supporting responsible mineral resource development, improving land-use planning, and strengthening the province's resilience to environmental and geological hazards. As one of South Africa's leading mining provinces, North West needs to use scientific research and geological mapping to maximise the developmental benefits of its natural resource endowment. Mokgosi emphasised that the province is richly endowed with mineral resources that continue to play a critical role in the economy.
Mokgosi highlighted the importance of geoscientific data and expertise in supporting provincial initiatives to attract new investment, develop mining-adjacent industries, and identify opportunities for economic diversification in communities that remain heavily dependent on mining. He also stressed that partnerships with scientific institutions are crucial to building a capable developmental state in which decisions are informed by research, innovation, and reliable data. The Council for Geoscience shared insights into its mandate and programmes supporting government institutions with geological mapping and the identification of mineral potential.
Among the areas identified for potential collaboration are joint research, skills development, support for infrastructure projects, groundwater resource management, and using geoscientific information to inform spatial planning and sustainable development. Mokgosi said that collaboration with institutions such as the Council for Geoscience will assist the government in identifying practical solutions that support economic development, create opportunities for young people, and strengthen service delivery. The provincial government remains focused on building a capable developmental state that utilises scientific knowledge and innovation to guide decision-making.
The North West Province aims to ensure that its mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to job creation, inclusive growth, and the improvement of the livelihoods of its people. Mokgosi's engagement with the Council for Geoscience is an important step towards strengthening collaboration in the areas of mineral exploration, infrastructure planning, environmental sustainability, and investment promotion. The provincial government is committed to ensuring that its mineral resources are harnessed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The Council for Geoscience plays a critical role in providing scientific expertise and evidence-based information to support government decision-making. The institution's programmes and mandate align with the provincial government's goals of promoting economic development, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. By working together, the North West Province and the Council for Geoscience can unlock the full potential of the province's mineral resources and drive sustainable development.
The partnership between the North West Province and the Council for Geoscience is a significant step towards achieving the provincial government's goals of promoting economic development, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Key areas of collaboration include joint research, skills development, and support for infrastructure projects. By leveraging scientific expertise and innovation, the province can unlock new investment opportunities, promote sustainable development, and improve the livelihoods of its people.
Key points
- North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi seeks partnerships with scientific institutions to drive development and address socio-economic challenges in the province.
- The Council for Geoscience plays a critical role in providing scientific expertise and evidence-based information to support government decision-making.
- The partnership between the North West Province and the Council for Geoscience aims to unlock the full potential of the province's mineral resources and drive sustainable development.
