The Congress of South African Trade unions in the North West will embark on the launch of the defend Mafikeng Local economy campaign. 

This campaign is informed by our observation that the economy of Mafikeng is steadily deteriorating, and nothing is done to revitalise it what is worse some activities are geared towards collapsing the Mafikeng economy. 

As COSATU we have observed that there is no appetite to revive the economy in that town and instead activities are being moved out of that area to other areas of the province.

The latest development is that Peermont has intentions to move its casino license from Mafikeng to Rustenburg the move we view as an intention to kill the economy of Mafikeng and render it a ghost town. 

Mafikeng economy relies mostly on government service and other service-related sectors and there are no industries in that area. The closer and the removal of the casino will leave many workers without jobs and many families will lose their livelihoods.

Mmabatho Palms have a rich history and have been a tourist attraction for many before it got burnt down in the past year. It is a known fact that tourism on its own is a creator of jobs and if this licence is moved there will be little if no tourist activities in Mafikeng. 

COSATU calls on the Provincial Government to convene the provincial economic summit urgently. This summit must include all stakeholders in the province. The summit must develop an inclusive approach towards the transformation of the economy of the province whereby the economic development will be spread across all 4 districts of the province and not be centered in one area.  

COSATU North West will embark on a picket which will take place as follows: 

Date: 11 March 2022

Time: 10H00

Venue: Gambling board offices in University drive Mafikeng 

COSATU calls on all members of the community of Mafikeng to come out in numbers to defend their economy. 

We also call on all civil society organisations to mobilise their members to defend the economy of Mafikeng and that of the province. 

For more information contact 

Provincial Secretary of COSATU in the North West

Comrade Kopano Konopi @082 339 5836