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 the 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.
Wednesday’s engagement formed 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.
Discussions 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.
Mokgosi said North West, as one of South Africa’s leading mining provinces, needs to use scientific research and geological mapping to maximise the developmental benefits of its natural resource endowment.
“The North West Province is richly endowed with mineral resources that continue to play a critical role in our economy. Our 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.
“We are committed to ensuring that our mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to job creation, inclusive growth and the improvement of the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
He also emphasised 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.
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 partnerships with scientific institutions are important to building a capable developmental state in which decisions are informed by research, innovation and reliable data.
“As government, we remain focused on building a capable developmental state that utilises scientific knowledge and innovation to guide decision-making. Our collaboration with institutions such as the Council for Geoscience will assist us in identifying practical solutions that support economic development, create opportunities for young people and strengthen service delivery,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
