District Economic Revitalisation Session Sparks Renewed Optimism for Growth in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

A renewed sense of energy and possibility filled the Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp on 14 November 2025, where government leaders, business representatives, investors, and local stakeholders gathered for the District Economic Revitalisation Session. The event centred on rebuilding the regional economy, addressing unemployment, and unlocking new investment avenues across the district. The tone was one of determination, collaboration, and shared purpose as participants explored high-impact opportunities to stimulate sustainable growth.

Mayor Num Highlights Priority Sectors: Agriculture, Mining & Manufacturing

District Mayor Cllr Nikiwe Num opened the session with an address that laid out a visionary roadmap for economic renewal. She identified three sectors with the highest potential to transform the district’s economic landscape:

1. Agriculture

Vast land, fertile soil, and numerous stream systems were highlighted as major assets for agricultural expansion.

• The Mayor encouraged investors to explore crop production, agribusiness infrastructure, and food processing ventures.

• She also pointed to the rising international demand for meat, particularly from China, stressing that the district is ideally positioned to become a major exporter of goat, sheep, and beef products.

• To realise this opportunity, Mayor Num emphasized the need for a meat processing plant to strengthen value-chain capacity, create jobs, and attract export-driven partnerships.

2. Mining

A key highlight was the potential hidden within old mine dumps from previously closed operations.

• These waste piles may still contain recoverable mineral deposits, offering opportunities for reprocessing, job creation, and secondary mining activities.

• Mayor Num noted that reworking these dumps could spark new economic activity in areas long affected by mine closures.

3. Manufacturing

The Mayor underscored the need to strengthen the district’s manufacturing base to support both agriculture and mining, create employment, and attract long-term industrial investors.

JB Marks Executive Mayor Reaffirms: “The Municipality Is Open for Business”

The Executive Mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Cllr Gaba Ka-Qhele, delivered a compelling investment pitch focused on unlocking local development.

He highlighted:

• Land earmarked for major property developments, ready for investors seeking large-scale opportunities.

• A growing demand for residential, commercial, and industrial mixed-use projects.

• The municipality’s commitment to supporting investors and ensuring that the district becomes a viable, attractive destination for development.

Mayor Ka-Qhele reinforced the message that JB Marks is prepared to work hand-in-hand with the private sector to drive job creation and improve local livelihoods.

Maquassi Hills Showcases Agricultural Potential

Representatives from Maquassi Hills Local Municipality showcased their extensive land availability, ideal for:

• Farming and crop production

• Livestock development

• Agribusiness enterprise growth

Their presentation echoed the district-wide consensus that agriculture remains a cornerstone of local economic resilience and food security.

Major Investment Interest: Bond & Bosch Present Strategic Opportunities

Two global players delivered presentations signalling significant potential for partnerships.

Bond – A Multi-Billion-Rand Global Company

Bond expressed strong interest in working with government to tackle unemployment through:

• Large-scale investment

• Skills development programmes

• Industrial initiatives designed to stimulate economic activity

Bosch – Focus on PC Pelser Airport Revitalisation

Bosch emphasised the urgent need to revive, commercialise, and modernize PC Pelser Airport, citing:

• High transport delays

• Increased logistics costs

• The district’s need for efficient air connectivity to support trade and manufacturing

Reviving the airport, they argued, would have immediate benefits for business operations and long-term regional competitiveness.

Financial Institutions, Business Chambers & SMMEs Add Critical Insights

The session also featured detailed presentations from:

• SACCI (South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

• ABSA

• African Bank

• Wesvaal Chamber of Business

• NYDA

• Department of Agriculture

• Local SMMEs from across the district

These stakeholders highlighted:

• Access-to-finance challenges

• Opportunities for enterprise development

• Infrastructure bottlenecks

• The need for stronger public–private collaboration

SMMEs, in particular, voiced optimism about emerging investment opportunities and stressed the importance of supportive municipal processes for business growth.

Collective Commitment to a Stronger Local Economy

The session ended with a robust, solutions-driven discussion between government and business representatives.

Stakeholders agreed on:

• Strengthening partnerships across municipalities

• Leveraging district-wide land and mineral assets

• Prioritizing agriculture, mining, and manufacturing

• Supporting SMMEs as engines of employment

• Driving investment that directly addresses unemployment

The collective sentiment was clear: a revitalised district economy is achievable through aligned action and committed collaboration.

Final Notes

The District Economic Revitalization Session marks a significant milestone in aligning public and private stakeholders toward shared economic goals. With strong leadership, clear sector priorities, and growing investor interest, the district is positioning itself for a more resilient and prosperous economic future. The momentum generated at the Protea Hotel reflects a renewed belief in the district’s potential, and a commitment from all sides to turn opportunity into lasting impact.

All image credits: Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality

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