In a powerful display of energy, talent, and transformation, the Skateboarding for Hope initiative captivated communities across the Northern Cape in 2025, culminating in an exhilarating finale on Sunday, 29 June at the iconic Kimberley Skate Plaza. Over 40 young skaters from towns across the province competed in what became more than just a competition—it turned into a celebration of possibility.

Led by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Government, Skateboarding for Hope was created to act as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and economic inclusion.

And it succeeded.

From 31 May, the programme was rolled out across Springbok, Upington, De Aar, and Kuruman—transforming skate parks into platforms of purpose. In each town, the message was clear: the youth of the Northern Cape are not just dreamers—they are doers, creators, and emerging leaders. Young people received mentorship from some of South Africa’s finest, including Jean-Marc Johannes, the country’s first to win gold, silver, and bronze medals at an international skateboard competition, and Boipelo Awuah, an Olympian who continues to push boundaries. Their presence provided inspiration and practical guidance, demonstrating that with dedication and opportunity, even global stages are attainable.

But Skateboarding for Hope was never solely about tricks and trophies. It was about giving young people a reason to believe in themselves and their communities. The open sessions, clinics, and competitions offered more than just technical skills—they built confidence, encouraged creativity, and planted the seeds for future careers in sport, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

The Kimberley grand finale was a breathtaking conclusion to a journey that touched lives and ignited hope across the province. With total prize money exceeding R80,000, Nacho and Letsile each received R5,000 as first-prize winners in the women’s and men’s categories of the Skateboarding for Hope final. Amid enthusiastic cheers and spinning wheels, the event confirmed that the Northern Cape is rapidly becoming a leading destination for extreme sport tourism and youth-driven innovation.

This initiative was a strategic move towards a more inclusive, future-oriented economy—one where the voices and talents of young people take the lead. It clearly aligns with the Department’s mission to foster sustainable economic opportunities through empowerment, innovation, and partnerships. To every young person who participated: your courage and spirit have inspired us all. To the communities that hosted and supported each leg of the journey: your belief in the power of youth has ignited a fire that will burn long after this event. And to the winners—congratulations for competing with heart, skill, and the true spirit of hope!

Skateboarding for Hope has not only transformed perceptions of skateboarding; it has ignited a movement—one that will continue fostering confidence, character, and careers in sports in the Northern Cape.

On 12 April 2025, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in proud partnership with mLab and CodeTribe, officially launched an exciting new initiative aimed at developing digital skills and empowering the youth of the Northern Cape.

Held at the Galeshewe SMME Village in Kimberley, the event marked the induction of 15 dedicated and ambitious young individuals into a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 software development programme. This comprehensive training programme will span 12 months, offering participants a strong foundation in software development, coding, and digital innovation.

What sets this programme apart is the hybrid support system provided by online industry experts and on-site facilitators, ensuring that learners receive both technical guidance and mentorship. The training is designed not only to build coding proficiency but also to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation—key attributes in today’s tech-driven economy.

The initiative aligns with the Department's ongoing mission to stimulate economic growth, reduce youth unemployment, and bridge the digital divide. By equipping these learners with in-demand skills, the programme opens doors to career opportunities in the tech industry, both locally and globally.

As these young software developers embark on this transformative journey, we look forward to witnessing their progress and celebrating their successes along the way. Their growth is not only a personal achievement but a promising sign for the future of digital innovation in the Northern Cape.

Together, we are building a smarter, more connected future.

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS), held in Cape Town from 11–13 June 2025, marked a significant milestone—not just for the continent, but especially for South Africa. As the graduate version of the previous South African Green Hydrogen Summits (2022 and 2023), this year’s platform elevated the conversation from national aspiration to continental execution, spotlighting Africa’s readiness to take the lead in the global green hydrogen economy.

South Africa Leading Africa’s Green Hydrogen Agenda President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s pivotal role in advancing a just energy transition. The Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme—now backed by over R1.4 billion in investment—is creating the industrial and research foundation to support both domestic innovation and export-driven growth. Ongoing policy reforms, including enhanced wheeling regulations and the Renewable Energy Master Plan, are unlocking new private sector investment across the hydrogen value chain.

The Northern Cape: Our Emerging Hydrogen Powerhouse – “from Powerpoint to Gigawatts”

Among the strongest signals at AGHS25 was the elevation of the Northern Cape as the epicentre of South Africa’s green hydrogen future. Presented by Mr. Shawn Modise, Acting CEO of the Northern Cape Economic Development Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), the province’s Green Hydrogen Master Plan is now internationally recognised as a model of regional readiness.

At the core of this strategy is the Boegoebaai Green Hydrogen Development Programme—the anchor project of the province’s green hydrogen ambitions. This programme has not only catalysed multilateral engagement across government and state-owned entities but is driving the formulation and finalisation of the Northern Cape Green Hydrogen Master Plan.

Strategic Environmental Assessment: A Game-Changer The imminent completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Boegoebaai development zone is expected to significantly de-risk the investment landscape, supporting:

• Inner Battery Limits (IBL): Siting and feasibility for gigawatt-scale factories and hydrogen/ammonia production plants.
• Outer Battery Limits (OBL): Infrastructure planning for transmission lines and renewable generation across Namakwa District and the Gazetted Energy Corridors.

From Corridor to Catalyst: Regional and Continental Integration

The summit further recognised the Northern Cape’s strategic role in the emerging green hydrogen export corridor, linking with the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Namibia.

National and international investors underscored their interest in the province, citing:

• Strong government commitment to de-risking critical infrastructure (rail, port, energy grid);
• Clear localisation targets and SME support mechanisms;
• A province-wide commitment to community upliftment, youth inclusion, and skills development.

Project Spotlight: Prieska Power Reserve

Also showcased at AGHS25 was the Prieska Power Reserve, led by black women-owned investment firm Mahlako a Phahla.

This transformative green ammonia project has:

• Secured environmental authorisations and water licences.
• Received funding support from KfW Development Bank and IDC;
• Targeted over 70,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia in its first phase, scaling to 500,000 tonnes by 2030;
• Prioritised inclusive procurement, youth and women employment, and community ownership.

Way Forward: From Vision to Implementation

The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit affirmed that Africa is ready to lead—and that the Northern Cape is ready to power it.

To advance this vision, key next steps include:

• Finalising long-term off-take agreements;
• Unlocking blended finance and PPP-led delivery models;
• Embedding green hydrogen within the province’s industrial policy as a catalyst for inclusive growth and infrastructure expansion.

Conclusion

With Boegoebaai as its industrial anchor and the Northern Cape Green Hydrogen Master Plan nearing operational readiness, the province is no longer just a prospect—it is a hydrogen frontier. Let us now shift decisively from planning to execution, ensuring that the green hydrogen economy delivers lasting economic transformation for the Northern Cape and positions it as a global benchmark for green industrialisation.

The Northern Cape Consumer Protection Authority's responsibility is to promote and advance the social and economic welfare of consumers within the province, ensuring their rights are protected as outlined in the Consumer Protection Act. This includes investigating, mediating, adjudicating, and conducting compliance inspections for any alleged infringements of consumer rights. 

Northern Cape Consumer Protection Authority had education and awareness outreach programmes throughout the Pixley Ka Seme District were a week of awareness campaigning and compliance inspections in Colesburg, Richmond, Hanover, Britstown and De Aar were conducted. During this week a number of about 70 Tuckshops were visited where 16 of those tuckshops were issued with non-compliance notices. A total number of about 88-door to door people were reached as part of education awareness campaign including 5 different schools that were visited in the area. It was during this time that a video of our officials was circulated on our social media platform that created a lot of dialogue regarding the numerous ill practices from Tuckshop owners regarding mostly about the extra charge on airtime, electricity and money withdrawals from these establishments.

We understand that some customers have recently raised concerns about the above-mentioned problems even the ones that are not within our jurisdiction. The NCA will investigates complaints, facilitates dispute resolution, and will refer cases to the Northern Cape Consumer Court (NCCC) for adjudication when necessary.  The NCCC has the power to declare violations, order corrective actions, and impose penalties. Our priority is to ensure customer satisfaction, and we are committed to finding a satisfactory resolution for all concerned.

The Authority collaborates with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to ensure consistent enforcement of consumer protection laws. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) aims to protect consumers from unfair business practices. It grants consumers rights, including the right to fair value, good quality, and safe products. The NCC is responsible for enforcing the CPA and ensuring that suppliers comply with its provisions.