With billions of rand in investment pledges earmarked for Matlosana, the area is proving to be one of the most attractive areas for business in the province.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe announced a multibillion rand solar and energy storage projects for the city. On Monday, 24 November 2025, Mahlophe indicated that one of the developers in the project, namely Mulilo will invest at least R4.5 billion in the city to create over 2000 jobs, business opportunities and energy security.
These projects are expected to boost local job opportunities for residents, to create opportunities for SMMEs, cooperatives, and local service providers, invest in skills development and training of young people, increase municipal revenue and improved investor confidence, and have a long-term support for local socio-economic development programmes.
While addressing members of the media, Mahlophe named Scatec Solar Project, Mulilo Battery Energy Storage Project, OPEG Solar Project, Naos PV Project (SOLA Group) as major renewable energy developers that will participate in the projects.
“Today, we officially announce strategic partnerships between the City of Matlosana and four major renewable energy developers who will be investing in large-scale solar and energy storage projects across our municipality.
“This announcement is not only about infrastructure—it is about energy security, economic growth, job creation, and restoring confidence in Matlosana as an investment destination,” said Mahlophe.
“Together, these investments represent one of the most significant renewable energy portfolios ever secured in the North West Province.”
The African National Congress (ANC)-led municipality has been embroiled in ongoing corruption and fraud scandals, including serious allegations against top municipal officials.
While the residents are getting used to widespread service delivery challenges such as: water loss and sewer overflows, poor road infrastructure, inconsistent refuse removal and frequent street light outages, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have launched investigations into the municipality’s finances, leading to arrests and court appearances.
The municipality is expected to uphold transparency in managing all projects to ensure accountability and build public trust.
Mahlophe named a steering committee to ensure that opportunities reach communities fairly, that projects are monitored effectively, and that commitments made by developers are honoured.
“To ensure transparency and proper coordination, the municipality is establishing a Project Stakeholder Steering Committee.
“This structure will include representation from the office of the executive mayor, municipal manager, LED Directorate, Town Planning and related units, the Local Business Forum, ward councillors, community representatives and the developers themselves,” Mahlophe said.
Despite, numerous allegations of fraud and corruption faced by the municipality, Mahlophe said Matlosana is open for business.
“We are strengthening systems, improving turnaround times, and ensuring that investors find a municipality that is ready, responsive, and committed to partnership. These solar projects send a strong message that Matlosana is becoming a regional hub for clean energy investment.”
He closed the briefing by saying that this week marks a new chapter for the City of Matlosana. A chapter of innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
“We remain committed to building a city that works—one that creates jobs, attracts investment, and provides a better quality of life for all our residents.
“Thank you to the media for your continued support in sharing this positive story with our communities.
We now open for questions and answers.”
