The KwaZulu-Natal province aims to secure an additional R4 billion in investments in the 2025/26 financial year and create 5 000 potential jobs, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said on Friday.
This is after the KZN Investment Conference held in November 2024 resulted in R75.8 billion in investment pledges, including major projects like the Westown mixed-use development in Shongweni and SAPPI Southern Africa upgrades.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA), the Premier outlined a bold future for the province.
Ntuli began by honouring the memory of citizens lost to recent floods and heavy rains, as well as soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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He stressed the province’s resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and the impacts of global crises.
Ntuli also highlighted significant achievements over the past eight months and outlined strategic priorities for the coming year.
The Premier also detailed the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the N3 and N2 highways, the construction of new dams, and the expansion of the Dube Trade Port and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.
According to Ntuli, these projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.
Meanwhile, the King Dinuzulu Innovation Valley at Dube TradePort, set to open in June 2025, will serve as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
The province is also rolling out broadband connectivity projects to ensure high-speed internet access for all citizens.
He also emphasised the province’s commitment to reducing poverty and the rising cost of living which remains as a persistent challenge for many families across the province.
Initiatives include social grants, support for child-headed households, and efforts to combat gender-based violence, while also focusing on youth and women empowerment through various programmes and funds.
“Poverty and the rising cost of living remains a persistent challenge for many families across KwaZulu-Natal. While social assistance remains a necessary lifeline for many of our people, this trajectory is not sustainable.”
Instead, he believes government should build a nation where economic opportunities replace dependency, where employment and entrepreneurship empower people, and where prosperity is driven by innovation and productivity.
The Premier also noted the province’s record-breaking 2024 matric pass rate of 89.5% and improvements in healthcare services, including the purchase of new ambulances and the expansion of the school nutrition programme.
Meanwhile, he stated that efforts to improve school infrastructure and reduce dropout rates are also underway.
Ntuli reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. This includes strengthening public institutions, enhancing service delivery, and rooting out corruption.
Spaza shops
Meanwhile, he said from 14 October to 14 November 2024, the provincial government conducted unannounced inspections of spaza shops and wholesale businesses.
“What we uncovered was deeply concerning. It became abundantly clear that economic activity in many of these areas has shifted away from our local entrepreneurs, with some businesses operating in direct violation of our laws – engaging in illicit trade and other criminal activities that threaten the well-being of our communities.”
A joint operation was conducted, resulting in the inspection of 7 729 premises and as a result, 337 premises were closed, and 142 arrests were made.
In addition, 2 429 compliance notices and 480 fines were issued, alongside the confiscation of 10 210 kg of illicit goods.
“It is our firm belief that the township and rural economy in KwaZulu-Natal plays a vital role in both economic growth and job creation for local communities, with substantial value and employment opportunities across informal sectors like spaza shops, street vendors, and small-scale manufacturing.”
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Today marks the deadline for spaza shop and other food handling to register their businesses with their local municipalities.
He called on all citizens and stakeholders to work together towards a prosperous and inclusive future for KwaZulu-Natal.
“The future calls, and we must answer with action, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the service of our nation, “ he said. – SAnews.gov.za
