LEBOWAKGOMO - Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi's speech at the official opening of the Provincial Legislature was generally well received, as it sought to address several urgent economic and social issues.

Even opposition members believe the speech has set the tone for a more positive climate, which could help to pull the province out of its cycle of poverty and depression.

Ramatlhodi announced that the province's international airport licence will be transferred from Gateway in Polokwane (Pietersburg) to Hoedspruit, the bustling lowveld tourism mecca. Although the move was received with mixed feelings, most observers believe it makes good economic sense.

A private company launched the Eastgate Airport at Hoedspruit three years ago, mainly to serve the 100 game lodges in the Timbavati and Klaserie Game Reserves adjoining the Kruger National Park, and has become a viable hub for ecotourism activity.

The loss of the licence is a severe blow to the capital of the north, which has in recent years developed into a major commercial and administrative centre.

"The original objective was to develop Gateway as a major facility for both cargo and tourist movements. None of these have been met, and we are thus taking a bold step to link arms with the private sector in our common quest for investment and job creation", the Premier explained.

A second bold move is the impending launch of a Provincial Parks Board. Its main task will be to promote the province as South Africa's preferred ecotourism destination. The province's Ivory Route, with its network of tented camps, and an unfolding system of privatised provincial nature reserves, will form a solid base from which the board can operate.

Another key factor, says Ramatlhodi, will be the unlocking of the province's true agricultural potential, through the active transfer of skills from commercial farmers to emerging agriculturalists.

Ramatlhodi's recognition of the key role of Afrikaner land-owners in this training process was particularly striking. He specifically mentioned the efforts of prominent agricultural leaders Bertie van Zyl and Dries Bruwer in this regard.

"These Afrikaner patriots are showing the way towards building a peaceful and self-sufficient country," Ramatlhodi remarked.

Two huge pilot projects - a soya production scheme involving the settlement of 200 emerging farmers at Thabazimbi, and a sugar project in the Blyde River area - will provide altogether 10 000 jobs in the next two years. The latter development is expected to generate annual export earnings in excess of 30 million US dollars.

Other economic activities will be stimulated in the mining and small business sectors. With American Platinum in the process of establishing a R1,3 billion smelter plant in Polokwane (Pietersburg), and the government spending R102 million to finance 200 emerging businesses, the signs are positive.

The Premier said the provincial health department would direct special efforts at programmes to combat cholera, tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/Aids.

Opposition members have applauded the positive tone of Ramatlhodi's speech, but point out that the proper management of the suggested programmes will be the real test.