North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape recently visited the operations of Henwil at Lichtenburg in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Henwil Chicken operates one of the largest abattoirs in the province with a slaughtering capacity of one hundred thirty thousand (130 000) chickens per day. The company also owns two stores located in Lichtenburg and Mahikeng that sells about fourteen percent (14%) of the abattoirs production.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the provincial government to build strong partnerships with business. This is also aimed at creating a conducive environment for business to thrive. Premier Maape maintains government alone can’t address challenges of socio-economic concern bedevilling the province.

“We welcome the role that Henwil is playing in the Provincial Economy. We are all aware of the challenges that we are facing in terms of unemployment, and youth unemployment in particular. We are here as one element of building the Social Compact in the North West which will ensure that we see our economy expanding, with a particular focus on all aspects of the value chain in the agricultural economy” Premier Maape said.

Henwil has indicated that it will expand its operations by investing in the construction of a feed mill.

“The management of Henwil has assured us that they will be diversifying their operations through investing in a feed mill which is expected to come into operation in October of this year. Several job opportunities are going to be created for locals. We have also extended an invitation to Henwil to join the Joint Technical Task Team for Ditsobotla which provides a platform for engagements around issues of basic service delivery between the Lichtenburg Chamber of Commerce and the Provincial, District and Local Government representatives” concluded Premier Maape.

Premier Maape was accompanied by MECs of Public Works and Roads, Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGSTA) as well as they Mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality.

Source: Government of South Africa