North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has appointed Professor Raymond Parsons and Professor Mokgadi Molope from the North-West University (NWU) as members of the provincial Economic and Investment Advisory Council (EIAC). The announcement comes at a critical period in the developmental trajectory of the province, with the expanded unemployment rate stubbornly at 54%.  The announcement was made on Thursday, 22 August 2024 at Cooks Lake just outside Mahikeng.

Premier Mokgosi made his first appearance in Parliament and emphasised the necessity for a well-balanced advisory council to guide key economic aspects, investment and job creation. The council members will be chosen at the Premier's discretion. "As a province, we have a high rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth, so we must have experts and professionals from various sectors of the economy, including mining, agriculture, tourism and others, who can advise the province on the initiatives, strategies and tactics needed to create sustainable jobs," stated Premier Mokgosi.

Professor Parsons, from the NWU Business School, is well placed to advise the province and the Premier on unlocking the economic potential of the province. "There are significant socio-economic challenges, and we all know where the problems lie. Now, the council needs to work together to assist North West. We need to unlock the economic potential of both the government and the private sector, particularly in sectors such as mining, agriculture and tourism, to start creating jobs that will boost the growth rate," Professor Parsons remarked.

Professor Molope also welcomed the inclusion of academics in the council as an opportunity to contribute to the social and economic development agenda of the province. “Success in this role requires us to collaborate beyond our areas of specialisation so that we can give advice that will facilitate unlocking opportunities in the province. I am appreciative of the fact that this council will not be about rehashing the existing plans, but proposing and promoting new ideas that may catalyse and accelerate economic development in the province. This is in line with the NDP (RSA), SADC, AU and BRICS economic development agendas,” said Prof Molope.

The council will play a crucial role in speeding up the implementation of projects and policies that will enhance the growth prospects of North West, leading to increased job opportunities. In addition, the council will play a more strategic catalyst role in ensuring that the agreed-upon decisions are implemented and have a positive impact on the ground.