Kimberley: President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Northern Cape a province 'on the move', following a Presidential engagement between national and provincial leaders in Kimberley on Friday. The President addressed the media after the engagement held at the province's Sol Plaatje University.

According to South African Government News Agency, the President was accompanied by various ministers, deputy ministers, and senior government officials. He expressed his admiration for the province's vision and the projects aimed at transforming its economy, including developments related to the Boegoebaai port, water projects, and infrastructure enhancements. Highlighting the province's potential, Ramaphosa noted its appeal for renewable energy investments and its prospects for becoming a leader in industrialisation and manufacturing.

The Presidency released a statement detailing the key issues discussed during the meeting with the Northern Cape's executive. These included the rollout of catalytic economic development projects necessitating enhanced cooperation between national and provincial governments. Key projects like the Boegoebaai Harbor, SEZ development, and the expansion of Vaalharts and Namakwa SEZs were emphasized, along with infrastructure development and climate change mitigation strategies.

The national executive committed to ongoing collaboration with the province in sectors such as Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements, Tourism, and Energy. The engagement in the Northern Cape marks the sixth such meeting following those with Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape.

According to the Presidency, these sessions have strengthened cooperative governance and improved project planning and execution. President Ramaphosa underscored the value of these structured engagements, which facilitate efficient coordination, problem resolution, and innovative solutions for service delivery and skills challenges across the country.