Horses are bred for
Horses are bred for showjumping in the North West. chosen location for stud farms. Two prominent studs are near Broederstroom (Capital Stud) and near Schweizer Reneke (Lorelock Warmblood Stud). The Tierra Pequena Training Centre in Potchefstroom produces dressage horses professionally. A new development in the world of horses was launched in 2025 by the North West Gambling Board (NWGB), an entity under the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT). Traditional horse racing was revived at the “Lobelo La Dipitsi” event held at a racetrack in Vryburg, in the Naledi Local Municipality. The NWGB partnered with Mompati Horse Race for Change, an entity that organises traditional horse-racing events. The organisers aim to rotate the “Lobelo La Dipitsi” event annually to different parts of the province, ensuring that varied communities benefit from its economic and social impact. The NWGB has stated that it is a provincial event designed to stimulate local tourism and support SMMEs across the North West Province. Better known as the centre of a cattle-farming district, with Bonsmara cattle predominating, Vryburg also hosts a large annual agricultural show and has links to a pioneering veterinarian, Sir Arnold Theiler. The Theiler Agricultural Museum and Cattle Research Centre is on the farm Armoedsvlakte, a short distance west of the town. Geography and economy The North West is bordered on the west by the Republic of Botswana and on the east by Gauteng, the engine of the South African economy. The North West Province makes up 6.8% of the population of South Africa (3.6-million), 8.7% of the land mass (105 076km²) and accounts for 5.8% of economic output in terms of gross value added. The Vaal River runs along the province’s southeastern border with the Free State, and the province also shares borders with the Northern Cape to the south and Limpopo in the north. The mineral reserves in the province are enormous. Platinum group metals (PGMs) predominate but there are significant deposits of gold, uranium, diamonds, copper, vanadium, fluorspar and nickel. Stone and limestone are also found in large quantities. Mining beneficiation takes place at many places, with Rustenburg being particularly strong in this sector. The economy of the town is closely linked to the fortunes of platinum mining, with the sector contributing about 70% of the city’s gross geographic product. Automotive components firms are clustered in Brits, which in turn is close to the automotive manufacturing hub of Rosslyn (Pretoria) in Gauteng. Towns like Klerksdorp (agro-processing and engineering) and Potchefstroom (food and beverages) also have manufacturing capacity. The North West is a major producer of maize and sunflower seeds and many other agricultural products. About 20% of South Africa’s maize comes from the province, as does 15% of its wheat. The dry western part of the province is home to beef cattle, game ranching and hunting. The normally well-watered eastern and north-eastern regions carry varied crops, many of which are sold in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The agricultural sector also generates largescale storage and logistics operations, particularly in Klerksdorp, Vryburg and Brits, together with a number of agro-processing plants. Senwes is one of the biggest with extensive silo infrastructure while Suidwes has 17 retail outlets and MGK makes full-fat soy at its manufacturing plant. Lichtenburg-based NWK makes liquid fertiliser and animal feed, processes sunflower seeds and runs 37 silos and three grain mills. The province’s three Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and the well-respected North-West University all have several campuses catering to a wide range of educational disciplines. The university has a strong reputation as a research institution. NWU’s support of innovation has seen more than one successful enterprise spun off by its Technology Transfer and Innovation Support unit. One of these stories is covered in detail in the Manufacturing Overview. ■ NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2025/26 6 PHOTO: Daniel Schuh on Unsplash
The SAIEE calls on Engineering Practitioners in the North West XXX Formed in 1909, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineering (SAIEE) has a long-standing tradition of supporting and promoting excellence in electrical engineering. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we call on all North West engineering practitioners to join us and establish a centre/branch in your region, with head office support. Becoming a SAIEE member gives you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities to further your career and professional development. Our 9 Centres nationwide provide a platform for members to network with industry experts, participate in monthly lectures, and access career development tools to enhance their skills and knowledge. One key advantage of being a SAIEE member is the opportunity to participate in CPD-accredited site visits, which can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of electrical engineering. Additionally, our Centres are vital in promoting engineering studies to school leavers, mentoring students through our student chapters, and offering access to the industry’s most essential technical information in English. By joining forces and building a strong community of engineering practitioners in the North West province, we can make a real impact and drive positive change in our industry. We invite you to join the SAIEE family and help us shape the future of electrical engineering in South Africa. Join us today and be a part of something great! For more information, email minx@saiee.org.za join us today! Membership Corporate Forums CPD Training Academy Skills Development 9 Centres nationwide Dedicated to Electrical Engineering since 1909 www.saiee.org.za 7 NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2025/26 T: 011 487 3003 | SAIEE House 18a Gill Street Observatory JHB
