The provincial government hopes the expansion will attract investors, promote tourism as well as contribute to Nepad initiatives.

It also said that with business developments currently taking place in Mafikeng, it was anticipated that economic activity would increase tremendously in the capital city.

The number of shoppers from Botswana is also expected to increase and as a result huge road traffic volumes are expected.

The government explained that some of the previous major events hosted in Mafikeng such as the soccer Vodacom Challenge and other large gatherings had demonstrated the need in this regard.

This included a shopping mall that is being constructed in the capital city.

"The challenge is to ensure that the Nelson Mandela Drive is wide enough to carry the anticipated traffic volume.

"The improvement of the road will also ensure that it meets the stature of the person it is named after," said the government.