Premier Ntuli: Digital Transformation Key to KwaZulu-Natal's Inclusive Growth

In a world where data is recognised as the new driver of economic growth and a critical resource fuelling competitiveness, innovation, job creation, and social progress, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is taking decisive action.

The provincial leadership seeks to ensure digital transformation becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth, enabling people, especially in rural and township communities, to participate meaningfully in the evolving knowledge economy.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli emphasised that his government's task is to build a digital ecosystem that strengthens local governance, enhances service delivery, and deepens democracy.

"When properly harnessed, technology will improve access to education and healthcare, streamline government processes, and stimulate local innovation and entrepreneurship," Ntuli explained.

"This nexus between the digital economy and social progress compels us to think strategically about how we deploy resources, how we empower communities with digital skills, and how we align our policies to close the digital divide."

The Premier was adamant about the essential nature of these technological advancements. "Digital transformation is not a luxury; it is a developmental necessity that must be rooted in ethics, inclusion, and accountability."

"Our vision as the Government of Provincial Unity is to build a digitally transformed KwaZulu-Natal - a province that leverages digital technologies to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and deliver service excellence," he added.

Ntuli made these remarks at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban on Wednesday during the Digital Transformation Summit, which coincided with the final day of the Cabinet Lekgotla.

Addressing scores of delegates and officials, the Premier explained that the province is guided by the KwaZulu-Natal Digital Transformation Strategy, which positions the region as a leading hub for digital innovation, investment, and inclusion.

According to Ntuli, the strategy is anchored on five strategic priorities:

Digital infrastructure expansion, to ensure universal broadband access across urban and rural areas;

E-Government modernisation, to make public services efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred;

Digital skills development, to empower people to participate meaningfully in the digital economy; Innovation ecosystem growth, to nurture local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and research-driven industries; and Inclusive digital access for all, ensuring that no community or citizen is left behind in the digital revolution.

"Through these pillars, the government seeks to operationalise digital transformation across every sector of society and the economy, from agriculture and manufacturing to education, healthcare, and public administration," Ntuli stated.

The Premier highlighted the human-centred approach at the heart of the initiative.

"We are acutely aware that digital transformation must be people-centred. It is not only about technology; it is about creating equitable access, building digital trust, and using technology to bridge rather than widen social divides."

He outlined the government's multifaceted role: "The government has a central role to play as an enabler, regulator, and investor in creating an environment where digital opportunities translate into tangible social and economic outcomes for all citizens."

"As the government, our task is not merely to participate in the digital revolution but to shape it in a way that is inclusive, people-centred, and developmental," Ntuli explained.

According to the provincial government, this approach will enable the delivery of safer, more accessible, and more inclusive public services to every citizen, regardless of geography or circumstance.

The implementation strategy includes a clear two phase roadmap. "Phase One (2025 -2027) will prioritise social protection by digitising essential services to ensure faster, more reliable, and transparent access," Ntuli detailed.

"We will link social grants to employment, training, and income-generating opportunities transforming social support into a pathway toward sustainable livelihoods."

The Premier explained how technology would be leveraged to enhance existing systems:

"Technology must be a tool to enhance fairness and efficiency in our welfare system.

For instance, it should help to address fraud and exclusion in programmes such as the R370 Social Relief of Distress Grant, saving public resources while strengthening public trust."

"This phase will deliver immediate, measurable impact, laying the groundwork for broader digital reforms that benefit every household," he added.

Ntuli emphasised the importance of developing the province's innovation ecosystem through established entities like Dube TradePort, Innovate Durban, and emerging tech hubs to catalyse Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), training, and incubation capacity.

"These physical and virtual ecosystems will be engines for job creation, digital exports, and youth innovation," he said.

"As we expand bandwidth and ICT capacity, KwaZulu-Natal should position itself as a continental leader in digital connectivity, demonstrating that better infrastructure leads to greater inclusion, efficiency, and economic competitiveness," the Premier concluded.