North-West University political analyst Kedibone Phago has expressed skepticism about the provincial government’s commitment to meaningful change.

“The province faces typical yet severe challenges such as unemployment and corruption, among the highest in the country. Municipalities are in dire straits,” he said. “So far, we haven’t seen any strong interventions from the provincial government.” 

‘Sopa ends up feeling more like a talk show’

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi is set to deliver his second Sopa in the provincial legislature in Mmabatho on Thursday (27/2). While some residents are eager to hear solutions to ongoing problems, Phago believes the province has lacked tangible interventions for years.

“It will be interesting to see which projects the government highlights and what has actually been achieved from previous initiatives,” he said. “However, the pattern is clear: the premier delivers a speech, but there is no accountability or follow-through. Sopa ends up feeling more like a talk show than a driver of service delivery.”

During the recent debate of the State of the Nation Address, Mokgosi cited projects such as Thuntsa Lerole as successes, alongside plans to industrialise the province and attract investors by leveraging its rich mineral resources.

He acknowledged that while North West is one of South Africa’s most mineral-rich provinces, it also has the highest unemployment rate in the country – an issue he vowed to address.

However, Phago cast doubt on these promises, criticising the lack of visible outcomes from the Thuntsa Lerole initiative, which has been running for two to three years.

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“The province remains largely rural, despite leadership boasting about engagements with the private sector and civil society organisations. Municipalities are dysfunctional – if you drive through our towns, you see potholes everywhere and widespread sewage spills,” he said.

“Infrastructure is collapsing, and no one is held accountable for how rates and taxes are managed. How can Thuntsa Lerole be deemed a success when basic services are non-existent?”

Phago also highlighted the untapped potential of the mining industry to stimulate local economic development, emphasising the need for robust value chains to revitalise the economy. He called for stronger mechanisms to hold provincial leadership accountable.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh/cg