Natural resources and local enthusiasm will uplift tribal economies by the Leader of the Bakgatla tribe, Kgosi Pilane

For the Bakgatla tribe, anchored on the Platinum Belt of the North West Province, the question isn't whether prosperity is possible—it’s how we seize it with both hands. And this isn’t just empty rhetoric, either: South Africa is host to 88% of the world’s platinum market share, and much of that is to be found in the Platinum Belt. Armed with that powerful statistic, our tribe stands at the intersection of opportunity and ambition, with the potential to redefine what it means to be a rural economic powerhouse.

Mining has long been the backbone of the South African economy, but for too long, the potential benefits of this industry – and other, downstream industries – have eluded tribal communities upon which these activities take place. The Bakgatla, however, are poised and ready to change that narrative. We must and will take a proactive role in mining ventures, from equity stakes to operational partnerships. In so doing, we can ensure that the profits don’t just trickle down, but flow directly and regularly into active community development. This means that, amongst other initiatives, we must establish community trusts that manage revenue transparently, and create clear and ring-fenced allocations for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial support.

The wealth that slumbers beneath our feet is not just a resource; it’s a responsibility. The key lies in strategically and profitably leveraging our natural resources to fund projects that enrich and sustain our people. Imagine, if you will, communities no longer shackled by dependency but thriving through self-sufficiency. Imagine the ripple effects of economic activities spreading from our villages to the provincial and even national economy. This is not some acadmeic and unattainable utopia, however. It is entirely possible, with the right strategies, unwavering commitment and ethical and competent governance.

In our zeal to exploit our region’s mineral bounty, we must, of course, not throw out the proverbial baby with the bathwater. We must ensure, for example, that mining operations are carried out with a constant eye for environmental impact; on human settlements as well as on water and arable land, and the aesthetic appeal of our land.

The ripple effect of our newfound prosperity would be thunderous: Mining profits that are carefully invested in modern schools would produce educated youth who could return as doctors, engineers, and business leaders. In short, we would have a prosperous, positively-inclined, and forward-looking community. Better roads and utilities (in short, an aesthetic “facelift”) would attract investors, who’d be eager to establish their businesses in a region that wears its potential proudly on its sleeve. This cyclical growth would transform not just the tribe but the entire North West Province.

Don’t get me wrong, however. I don’t believe that any country or community can put all its eggs in one basket. Diversification, after all, is the cornerstone of economic resilience. The Bakgatla territory is a jewel not only for its minerals but also for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and biodiversity. In recent years, the Bakgatla tribe has uncovered the benefits to be found in eco-tourism, cultural heritage sites, and adventure tourism. These initiatives can create jobs, promote local crafts, and generate sustainable revenue streams. By developing lodges, cultural centres, and guided tours, we can attract both domestic and international tourists who are eager to experience our authentic South African heritage.

Agriculture is another vital pillar of our local economy. The fertile lands of our region can support both subsistence and commercial farming and, by investing in modern agricultural techniques, irrigation systems, and value-added processing facilities, we can turn our agricultural sector into a robust contributor to food security and economic growth.

All of these growth initiatives must be firmly rooted in the bedrock of education, both at school level and beyond. We must invest in vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes, and scholarships that equip our people with the skills needed in mining, tourism, agriculture, and beyond. After all, empowered individuals create empowered communities.

So, how do we attain all these lofty ideals? It begins with visionary leadership and community involvement. The tribe must establish clear governance structures that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making. We must also forge partnerships with private investors, government agencies, and development organisations that are able to provide the expertise, funding, and networks nthat are required to kickstart and maintain projects. Importantly, capacity-building within the community ensures that we have the skills to manage and sustain these initiatives. Again; education, education, education.

By leveraging our resources strategically, the Bakgatla tribe can become a beacon of what is possible when rural communities take charge of their destinies. We can crush that stereotype of rural areas being stunted communities that are stuck in the past, and are little more than a burden to the national fiscus. Our contribution to the North West provincial economy will be undeniable, and our impact on the national stage will be profound.

I must assure you that my words are not just a fanciful dream; they are a call to action. The time is ripe for us to escalate from dreaming to doing; to transform our mindsets, landscapes, economies, and futures. The sky is not the limit; it’s merely our starting point.