Initiatives
My Innovation, My Voice, My Economy
This pilot project empowers young leaders in the North West to transform their ideas into real economic solutions. Launched through the Import-Export Access Summit (IEAS) 2025, it invites high schools across Rustenburg to submit one innovation that addresses challenges in areas like technology, agro-processing, beneficiation, or sustainability.
Three finalist schools will showcase their innovations at the Summit before investors, policymakers, and global stakeholders, with one winner receiving:
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A laptop.
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A business bank account with seed funding.
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Incubation and mentorship support.
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Development opportunities with sponsors and partners.
More than a competition, this initiative is a pipeline for youth-driven entrepreneurship, preparing students for future trade and employment while amplifying their voices on a global stage.
Rights-based Economic Policy
At the heart of inclusive growth lies the recognition that economic access is a human right. This initiative explores how constitutional principles, such as freedom of trade, equality, and non-discrimination, can be translated into practical economic policies that benefit youth, women, and vulnerable communities.
Through dialogues, research, and policy engagement at the Import-Export Access Summit (IEAS) 2025, we aim to:
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Promote economic justice as a foundation for sustainable development.
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Ensure that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) serve as vehicles for empowerment, not exclusion.
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Drive conversations that protect dignity while unlocking opportunity.
By embedding rights into economic decision-making, we strengthen both democracy and prosperity, ensuring no community is left behind in global trade and investment.
SEZ Advocacy & Trade Readiness
The Access Group is committed to driving Special Economic Zone (SEZ) advocacy and trade readiness as a pathway to unlocking economic opportunity in the North West. Through strategic partnerships, including an MOA with the Office of Kgosana Rakhudu, we are advancing practical projects that demonstrate how local communities can actively participate in global value chains.
Key Initiatives:
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Tsitsing Citrus Orchard Farm – advancing readiness for commercial citrus production as a strategic export opportunity.
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Batlhaping Beef & Processing Project – preparing over 1,000 hectares for beef farming and processing to meet both local and international demand.
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Fresh & Dried Herbs Agro-Processing Farm – developing agro-processing infrastructure that enhances value addition at source in Matau.
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Global Market Access – facilitated five South African companies from the North West to explore opportunities in China, with one successfully securing a procurement deal.
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Cultural Trade & Diplomacy – launched an annual festival promoting South African culture, food, and heritage as a soft-power strategy to build investor and consumer confidence abroad.
Through these projects, we are building an ecosystem that blends local beneficiation, agricultural innovation, and global trade readiness, positioning the North West as a competitive hub for the future economy.
Kutlwanong School of the Deaf
The Access Group continues to champion inclusion and equality through our long-standing partnership with Kutlwanong School of the Deaf in Rustenburg. Over the years, we have proudly contributed over R350,000 in support, ensuring that learners and teachers are empowered not only through resources but also through opportunities to thrive.
Highlights of our support include:
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2024: Donation of sporting equipment that propelled learners to win the National Deaf Games, a historic achievement for the school.
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2024: Sponsored haircuts for over 150 learners and teachers, restoring dignity and building confidence.
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2025: Hosted a Kudu Potjie Day at the school, creating joy, community spirit, and shared cultural pride.
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2025: Donated over 250 haircuts and braiding services for all learners and teachers, further cementing the culture of care and inclusion.
Looking forward, we are embarking on a fundraising mission for the school’s long-term development, which includes:
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Establishing an Innovation Hub for digital and creative learning.
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Building a Soccer Field to support sports excellence and social development.
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Launching an Agri-Hub to promote sustainable food security and skills transfer.
Kutlwanong School of the Deaf is more than an institution, it is a beacon of resilience, talent, and possibility. Together, we are shaping a future where disability is not a barrier, but a platform for excellence.