The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng will hand over the New Ikageng Light Industrial Park (Phase 1 and 2) in the JB Marks Local Municipality.

The Minister will be joined by the North West Acting Premier, Mr Nono Maloyi, and the JB Marks Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele.

The project handover symbolises the District Development Model (DDM) in action whereby all spheres of government work together for the delivery of services and the upliftment of communities.  The handover will also form part of the North West government-led Thuntsha Lerole accelerated service delivery programme which is being rolled out to mobilise communities to be part of a solution in addressing service delivery challenges confronting the province.

The scope of work undertaken by MISA, an entity of the Department of Cooperative Governance, showcases a comprehensive approach to community development, this includes the refurbishment of existing facilities to establish six separate automobile workshops, the demolition of dilapidated structures, and the construction of modern workshops for artisans.

The project totaling fifty-three million, six hundred and ninety-six thousand, two hundred and fifty rand and eleven cents (R 53 696 250.11) also included the creation of office spaces to accommodate various occupants, including government and non-profit organizations, as well as the establishment of retail workshops catering to local artisans such as hair salons.

With the installation of essential amenities like ablution facilities and external infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, landscaping, and security systems, this Industrial Park promises to ensure local economic development, stimulate township-based light industrialisation and create employment streams.

The project has created a total of 19 jobs offering opportunities for women, men, and youth alike. Additionally, one small and medium-sized enterprise (SMME) has benefitted from the initiative, contributing to the growth and sustainability of local businesses.

The Industrial Park will provide working space for the business owners renting the space and provide services (automotive mechanics, panel beaters, carpenters, upholsterers, welders, and hair salons) for community members.

Members of the media are invited to join the Minister as she hands over the project to the JB Marks Local Municipality. Details of the handover ceremony are as follows:

Date: 26 April 2024

Time: 09h00

Venue: New Ikageng Light Industrial Park, Corner Lekhele and Mogotsi Street, Ikageng, Potchefstroom, North West

Following the project handover, Minister Nkadimeng will then join the Acting Premier at the Thuntsha Lerole community engagement session scheduled to take place as follows:

Date: 26 April 2024

Venue:  Ikageng stadium, 3514 Bathoeng St, Ikageng, Potchefstroom, North West

Ends –

For media enquiries, kindly contact:

Mr. Legadima Leso: 066 479 9904

Mr. Tsekiso Machike: 078 237 3900

Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA)