MAHIKENG MAIL - MAHIKENG: Mahikeng witnessed a significant boost to its economic development and business landscape with the official opening of the Protea Hotel Mahikeng, now under the ownership of Indalo Hotels & Leisure and the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub.
The event was graced by the presence of the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and the Minister of Small Business Development, Tembisa Ndabeni. This marked a successful public-private partnership, funded by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) aimed at supporting inclusive growth in the tourism sector.
Indalo Hotels & Leisure, a pioneering Level 1 B-BBEE, Black female-owned third-party hotel management company, has taken a bold step into the future of digital innovation, youth entrepreneurship and inclusive technology-led growth.
The Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub, a flagship initiative of the department, serves as a practical demonstration of the newly developed Incubation and Business Development Services (IBDS) Policy in action. With an investment exceeding R14 million, the Hub has supported over 230 small enterprises, creating more than 760 jobs and showcasing the power of innovation and inclusion.
The Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub, situated at the heart of North West’s capital city, houses technological and commercial digital solutions to service the growing digital connected youth population and boost the economy. This venture demonstrates DSBD’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic environments nationwide and providing financial support to revitalise dormant economic zones.
As a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, it provides co-working spaces, training facilities, and prototyping labs, making it an ideal platform for start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises to thrive.
