Cape Town:North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has reinforced the provincial government's dedication to forming strategic partnerships that integrate science, innovation, and development to tackle socio-economic challenges across the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mokgosi expressed this commitment during a meeting with the Council for Geoscience Chairperson Kelepile Molete, CEO Mosa Mabuza, and senior management to explore potential collaboration areas. This engagement is part of the province's ongoing efforts to collaborate with key institutions that provide scientific expertise and evidence-based information crucial for provincial planning and development.
Discussions highlighted the strategic role of geoscience in attracting investment opportunities, supporting responsible mineral resource development, enhancing land-use planning, and fortifying the province's resilience against environmental and geological hazards. Mokgosi emphasized that North West, as a leading mining province in South Africa, should leverage scientific research and geological mapping to maximize the developmental benefits of its natural resources.
The Premier stated that North West's mineral resources are vital to the economy and that the engagement with the Council for Geoscience is a significant step toward fostering collaboration in mineral exploration, infrastructure planning, environmental sustainability, and investment promotion. He underscored the commitment to ensuring that mineral wealth significantly contributes to job creation, inclusive growth, and improving community livelihoods.
He also highlighted the importance of geoscientific data and expertise in supporting provincial initiatives to attract new investments, develop mining-adjacent industries, and identify economic diversification opportunities in communities heavily reliant on mining.
The Council for Geoscience shared its mandate and programs that support government institutions with geological mapping and identifying mineral potential. Potential collaboration areas include joint research, skills development, infrastructure project support, groundwater resource management, and utilizing geoscientific information for spatial planning and sustainable development.
Mokgosi stressed that partnerships with scientific institutions are crucial for building a capable developmental state where decisions are informed by research, innovation, and reliable data. He noted that collaboration with institutions like the Council for Geoscience would aid in identifying practical solutions that support economic development, create opportunities for young people, and enhance service delivery.