KWAZULU-NATAL Building
KWAZULU-NATAL Building resilience for sustained inclusive growth and economic transformation The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs has had a busy year since Reverend Musa Zondi assumed the office of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for the Department. The transformative agenda being pursued aims to create a competitive and dynamic economy that thrives on innovation and sustainability. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is mandated to oversee socio-economic transformation in the province. It therefore leads the policy and strategic initiatives directed at promoting development and growth in various sectors of the economy. However, to achieve its objectives, the Department has to cooperate with various stakeholders and social partners that include the private sector and civil society. A YEAR OF PROGRESS By 25 July 2025, MEC Rev Musa Zondi had completed a year in office, during which he provided decisive and strategic leadership, setting the economic trajectory for KwaZulu-Natal on a path towards sustainable growth and development. His vision focused on enhancing economic opportunities, fostering tourism growth and ensuring environmental stewardship, while also responding to the unique challenges facing the province. A number of achievements and milestones have been achieved, both by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the public entities which report to the Department. These milestones not only signify short-term gains but also lay the foundation for enduring economic resilience, sustainable tourism and environmental preservation in KZN. GOALS Economic transformation: The primary goal is to attain a radically transformed economy that is inclusive and innovative, optimising employment opportunities. Citizen-centric approach: EDTEA emphasises placing citizens at the centre of public service planning and operations, fostering participation in democratic processes and ensuring that services meet the needs of the community. Sustainable development: The Department aims to promote sustainable economic growth while addressing environmental concerns, ensuring that development initiatives do not compromise ecological integrity. Collaboration with stakeholders: EDTEA seeks to cooperate with various stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to implement policies and strategic initiatives that drive economic growth and development. Innovation and efficiency: The Department is committed to fostering innovation and efficiency in its operations, ensuring that resources are utilised effectively. Youth empowerment: A significant focus is placed on empowering young entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities for the youth. These goals reflect EDTEA’s commitment to enhancing the socioeconomic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. By focusing on inclusivity, sustainability and innovation, the Department aims to create a thriving economy that benefits all citizens. HIGHLIGHTS Economic revitalisation initiatives: A series of high-impact economic programmes have been rolled out, targeting job creation, investment promotion and support for local businesses. These initiatives have begun to position KwaZulu-Natal as an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors. Tourism growth: With a renewed focus on tourism, several campaigns were launched to showcase the province’s diverse BIOGRAPHY Reverend Musa Zondi assumed the office of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in 2024. As a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party, he served at national level between 1994 and 2012, first in the National Council of Provinces and then in the National Assembly. From 2001 to 2004, Rev Zondi was national Deputy Minister of Public Works in a coalition government under President Thabo Mbeki. He has been the party’s secretary-general and was sworn in as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in October 2023. 10 | www.opportunityonline.co.za
The KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference 2025 will take place on 22-23 October at the Durban ICC. This flagship platform will track progress on the pledges made in 2024, unveil new investment-ready projects and showcase the best of what KwaZulu-Natal has to offer from energy and logistics to agro-processing, tourism and the creative economy. attractions. These efforts are not only boosting domestic tourism but are also drawing international tourists, further enhancing KwaZulu- Natal’s reputation as a premier destination on the continent. Environmental management and sustainability: The MEC has led efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental preservation, emphasising the importance of balancing economic growth with the protection of KwaZulu-Natal’s rich natural resources. Administrative stabilisation: Measures are being implemented to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen governance structures within the Department. Service delivery improvements: Strategies to accelerate service delivery are underway, with a particular emphasis on enhancing public access to departmental services and programmes. BUDGET SPEECH The departmental budget speech presented by MEC Zondi on 24 April 2025 was given under the theme, “Building resilience for sustained inclusive growth and economic transformation”. After reference to the numerous shocks which the world and regional and local economies have had to deal in recent months and years, MEC Zondi pointed out that, “amid these adversities, KwaZulu-Natal has demonstrated remarkable determination and adaptability”. He continued, “We have not merely aimed to recover but have strategically positioned ourselves to rebuild stronger, grow inclusively and transform our economy sustainably.” The MEC then gave a practical definition of economic resilience: “Resilience is not just about enduring challenges; it is about thriving in the face of adversity. It means adapting to changing economic dynamics, safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring that our communities, businesses and industries emerge stronger and more competitive. “Our approach to resilience is centred on building a robust economic foundation that is responsive to both global shifts and local needs. This is crucial for sustaining growth and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress are shared equitably across all segments of our society.” The MEC went on to reaffirm the commitment to “inclusive growth”, whereby economic disparities will be bridged “by enabling participation across all sectors of society”. A “social imperative”, inclusive growth represents much than an economic goal as it creates opportunities for youth, for empowering women and for fostering an environment where previously marginalised communities actively participate in the economy. MEC Zondi further noted that it, “ensures that prosperity reaches every corner of our province”. The heart of the Department’s strategic vision, MEC Zondi reflected, is economic transformation. “Our aim,” he stated, “is to reshape the economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal, promoting industrialisation, fostering innovation and driving the green economy to secure a sustainable future.” MEC Zondi referred to broader goals when he stated, “We are committed to diversifying the economy, expanding strategic sectors and stimulating local enterprise development. This transformative agenda is not just about economic restructuring but about creating a competitive and dynamic economy that thrives on innovation and sustainability.” PUBLIC ENTITIES It is important for public entities to align their work with EDTEA’s mandate of creating a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy. To that end, MEC Zondi has officially launched new entities and announced leadership appointments following mergers. During the launch he emphasised that this strategic initiative is designed to streamline operations within the Department, enhance service delivery, eliminate duplications and create greater efficiencies. The new entities are: The KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority: Formed through a merger, KZNERA’s mandate is to regulate and empower the gambling and liquor industries. KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority: Resulting from another merger, the entity focuses on marketing and promoting the tourism and audio-visual industries, facilitating sector development, creating sustainable growth and job opportunities and addressing historical imbalances in infrastructure, skills and resource distribution. KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund Agency (KZNGFA): This funding agency’s Act was approved for listing under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Moses Kotane Research Institute: The MKRI’s Act was also approved for PFMA listing. MKRI is tasked with conducting economic research, promoting innovation, as well as coordinating training and development interventions tailored to the needs of the provincial economy. Entities Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC); Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife; Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited; KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA); KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence; KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority; KZN Growth Fund Agency; Moses Kotane Research Institute; Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ); Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN). www.opportunityonline.co.za | 11
