FEASIBILITY STUDY SETS THE FOUNDATION FOR KGOMO-KGOMO MODEL VILLAGE PILOT

By Cuma Pantshwa

• ⁠Located in the Moretele Local Municipality in the North West Province, Kgomo-Kgomo — a settlement covering 6.91 km² and home to 1,932 people, according to Census 2022 — has been selected to pilot a Chinese poverty alleviation model in a joint initiative between the People’s Republic of China and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.
• The research team from China has finalised its feasibility study of Kgomo-Kgomo village and is now preparing to co-design an intervention strategy.
• As Ambassador Wu Peng noted: “This project is not about China coming in to lead; it is about working side by side with the South African people to create a better future.”

The poverty alleviation pilot project in the Kgomo-Kgomo village in the Moretele Local Municipality, North West, has moved into a new phase, with the formal presentation of the feasibility study findings by a high-level team of Chinese researchers.
This milestone in the Kgomo-Kgomo village, in Ward 21, sets the groundwork for implementing a locally tailored poverty alleviation initiative rooted in shared values of sustainability, empowerment, and international solidarity.
The team from the People’s Republic of China is working with the Department of Social Development to find ways of implementing a Chinese poverty reduction model in South Africa.

A blueprint for transformation

The teams from the Department of Social Development and the Department of Economic Cooperation Business in Beijing met in Pretoria to review the findings of the feasibility study.

The meeting, hosted by the Department of Social Development’s Director-General Peter Netshipale, brought together Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe and Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks, along with senior department officials, including the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency, Themba Matlou, as well as the Premier of the North West Province, Lazarus Mokgosi, and the MEC for Social Development in the North West Province, Basetsana Dantjie.
Together with their Chinese counterparts, they engaged in an in-depth review of the feasibility study.
The study forms part of a broader commitment under a bilateral partnership between South Africa and China, which aims to address poverty through the adaptation of China’s internationally recognised poverty alleviation model to the South African context.

A partnership grounded in shared history

Minister Tolashe underlined the significance of the initiative: “As the government of South Africa, we are grateful to the government of the People’s Republic of China for their commitment to partner with us in piloting the poverty alleviation model in the Moretele Local Municipality.”
She reflected on the historic bond between the two countries: “We know for a fact that this is informed by the historical background of our relationship with the people of the Republic of China.
“Both our forefathers, Chairman Mao Zedong and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, prioritised the development of a better life for their people over their personal greatness. We are today benefiting from their shared legacy.”

Findings that shape the future

The Chinese research team conducted two rounds of site visits in Ward 21, focusing on key areas such as public services, agriculture, water and sanitation, and infrastructure.
•⁠ ⁠Public services: Access to the local clinic and high school.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Agriculture and livelihoods: Cultivated land and a local chicken farm
•⁠ ⁠⁠Water and sanitation: River systems, wells, and water points.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Infrastructure: Roads and cemeteries.
These assessments provided a holistic understanding of local conditions and informed a set of priority interventions.
The proposed investment — estimated at $9 million — will support:
•⁠ ⁠The development of the Kgomo-Kgomo Primary School;
•⁠ ⁠The construction of a Friendship Square;
•⁠ ⁠⁠Installation of solar panels and energy storage;
•⁠ ⁠Upgrading the Kgomo-Kgomo village clinic;
•⁠ ⁠Drilling of water wells and/or installation of water storage tanks; and
•⁠ ⁠Renovation of key road infrastructure.
These interventions are aligned with the principles of South Africa’s District Development Model, which promotes coordinated action across all spheres of government and active community involvement.

A model for sustainable development

Minister Tolashe emphasised the multi-dimensional nature of the poverty challenge and the importance of collective responsibility.
“Government alone will not be able to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Efforts will also be made to mobilise the involvement of the private sector and civil society organisations in implementing this project.”
She stressed that the project is designed not just for Kgomo-Kgomo village, but for the entire Ward 21, underscoring the intention to create scalable and replicable solutions.
“We envision this Poverty Alleviation Model to benefit all Ward 21 villages. We are here as the three spheres of government in support of the project and to show our commitment as political leadership with the administration, on behalf of the people of South Africa.”

A strategic fit for national and global priorities

The pilot aligns with several key policy frameworks, including the National Development Plan 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Global Development Initiative spearheaded by China.
It also complements South Africa’s role as incoming chair of the G20, where poverty reduction and tackling the high cost of living are top priorities.
“We don’t take lightly the investment by the People’s Republic of China in the sustainable growth of our country and contribution to our government of national unity’s priorities. This initiative is a concrete milestone in achieving the goals set during the 2023 state visit,” the Minister stated.

Toward implementation and impact

As the feasibility study phase concludes, the focus now shifts to co-designing a localised intervention strategy, mobilising resources, and launching the pilot.
The Department of Social Development, with its Chinese counterparts and local government partners, is committed to ensuring that the original intent of the project —poverty eradication and long-term community resilience — is realised.
“We will not allow this investment to vanish without achieving the original intent envisioned by our leaders. We look forward to the return of the technical team with practical interventions to eradicate poverty in South Africa,” the minister emphasised.
The People’s Republic of China’s ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, reiterated the spirit of solidarity that underpins this collaboration.
“China and South Africa are friends. If we are really good friends, then we must do great things together. This project is not about China coming in to lead; it is about working side by side with the South African people to create a better future.”
He also emphasised that poverty alleviation must be driven by the community itself, with external partners serving as catalysts rather than directors.
He praised the Kgomo-Kgomo community’s potential and pledged continued support for a sustainable, community-led process.