KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.
Image: File
IN A bid to turn the fortunes of KwaZulu-Natal around, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has embarked on a charm offensive, roping in influential private sector leaders, in a bid to reduce surging unemployment and grinding poverty in the province.
Ntuli hosted a high-level breakfast at the Coastlands Hotel, uMhlanga, with the captains of industries on Thursday, following his inaugural State of the Province Address (SOPA) last Friday.
In his address on Thursday, Premier Ntuli reflected on the highlights of his tenure which began last June when the Government of Provincial Unity (GNU) picked him for the premier's position.
The GPU includes the IFP, the ANC, the DA and the NFP.
Ntuli emphasised the government's determination to build a business-friendly environment through strategic investments, policy certainty and bolstered safety and security.
Ntuli said the efforts were designed to position the province, the second-biggest contributor to the country's GDP after Gauteng, as a premier destination for industrial expansion and global commerce.
“We are committed to creating a conducive environment where businesses thrive and industries expand. By focusing on infrastructure, investment, and strategic international engagement, KwaZulu-Natal is prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.”
Ntuli, also the provincial chairperson of the IFP, reiterated the province's alignment with the national Medium-Term Development Plan, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last month.
The plan outlines ambitious objectives for the next five years, focusing on inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and strengthening the state.
KZN had identified eight key priorities for its growth agenda.
Ntuli told his audience, which included high-powered personalities and prominent business people that part of his plan was to:
He cited the climate change issue was especially crucial as KZN was recently hit by devastating floods that left seven people dead and many others homeless.
On his economic measures aimed at driving growth, Ntuli stated: “Our strategy includes strengthening bilateral trade corridors, improving the competitiveness of our Special Economic Zones (SEZs) such as Richards Bay and Dube Trade Port, and focusing on high-growth sectors, including green energy, manufacturing, and localisation.”
He said the province was accelerating investments in key infrastructure, such as roads, rail, water, and energy, alongside improving air connectivity.
Notably, he said, “the recent addition of Air Botswana flights to Windhoek and Gaborone strengthens global trade and tourism linkages.”
When Ntuli was elected as premier last year, he swiftly incorporated the community safety and liaison department under his office.
As part of its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, the provincial government was also prioritising safety and security, he said.
“The safety of our people and businesses is paramount. Our partnership with law enforcement is focused on creating safer commercial zones and ensuring that businesses operate without disruption,” he added.
The premier also provided an update on the significant investment pledges made during the KZN Investment Conference in November 2024. A total of R85.2 billion in investment commitments were announced, with 17 projects expected to create over 82000 permanent jobs once fully operational.
These projects span critical sectors such as property development, tourism, logistics, green energy, and manufacturing.
While progress has been made, Premier Ntuli acknowledged that some challenges remain, and government intervention is essential to remove obstacles and accelerate project implementation.
Looking ahead, Ntuli said: “KwaZulu-Natal will continue to strengthen its diplomatic and international business ties, engaging with global leaders to open new trade avenues and attract foreign direct investment.”
The Durban-based businessmen Moses Tembe and Ebrahim Patel, the chair of the Trade and Investment Committee at the Minara Chamber of Commerce, were among the attendees.
Patel told the Daily News that: “With the current challenges of minimal economic growth, the spectre of the reduced national budget and the prospect of a cold relationship with the USA, the Minara Chamber of Commerce looked to the premier’s on the strategies to be adopted by the KZN Provincial Government. It is imperative for a clear roadmap that addresses the issues of safety and security, infrastructure, service delivery and healthcare to create a stable economic and social environment that leads to investment attraction.”
He added: “The recent heavy rains and flooding have impacted on both communities and business. The province requires a robust plan to address climate change and disaster relief to prevent the high human casualties.”
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