Portfolio Committee on Economic Development Applauds Revitalisation of Basha Itsoseng Bakery in Morokweng

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism chaired by Hon. Mpho Khunou has welcomed progress in the socio-economic development support provided to Basha Itsoseng Bakery in Morokweng, describing the interventions as a positive step towards sustainable local economic development in remote and previously disadvantaged communities.

The Committee conducted an oversight visit to the bakery as part of the Legislature’s ongoing Oversight Week, currently taking place in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District from 3 to 6 February 2026. The oversight programme seeks to strengthen accountability, transparency and public participation while assessing the implementation of government programmes on the ground.

Basha Itsoseng Bakery was established in 2016 following compliance and cooperative governance training facilitated through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The enterprise, founded by three women and two men, has since emerged as a promising small business model with the potential to stimulate economic activity and job creation in a rural setting.

During the committees previous oversight visit in 2025, the Committee identified a number of serious challenges that had compromised the bakery’s operations and safety compliance. These included a non-compliant building structure, flammable and damaged flooring, cracked walls, lack of water and electricity supply, absence of ventilation, inadequate parking facilities, and the unavailability of essential safety features such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, burglar proofing, signage and ablution facilities. As a result, the bakery was forced to cease operations.

The Committee has now noted significant progress following targeted interventions by the Department of Economic Development, implemented in line with the Committee’s recommendations. Among the key improvements is the provision of a fully equipped bakery container, fitted with an industrial rubber coating for insulation, as well as a three-phase electricity supply to support industrial baking equipment.

Additional support measures still to be finalised include financial management and bookkeeping training, as well as the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the North West University (NWU) and the Department. This partnership will enable an incubation programme focused on skills development, compliance with South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements, and continuous monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability. Notably, the training will be conducted on site, eliminating travel costs for beneficiaries.

Further renovations—such as paving, installation of burglar gates, integration of the container with the existing shop structure, and completion of toilet and shower facilities—are expected to be finalised by the end of March 2026, with full operations anticipated to resume before the end of April 2026.

“The progress we have observed at Basha Itsoseng Bakery demonstrates that targeted government support, when implemented with commitment and oversight, can revive small enterprises and restore dignity, livelihoods and hope in rural communities. This project affirms our belief that economic development must reach even the most remote areas, particularly women-led initiatives that have the potential to transform local economies,” stated Hon. Khunou.

The Chairperson further assured the beneficiaries that the Committee would conduct a follow-up oversight visit at the end of April 2026 to assess the completion of outstanding work and the resumption of full business operations.

Ends.