By Simon Nare
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli says the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) has agreed on eight priority areas aimed at unlocking the provincial economy, building a developmental state and redefining governance in the province.
Ntuli was delivering his State of the Province Address at the Woodburn Rugby Stadium on Friday.
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The eight focus areas are: rebuilding the economy; strengthening local government and governance; advancing sustainable dialogue; improving healthcare and education; delivering better human settlements; improving community safety; mitigating the impact of climate change; and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“The people have entrusted us with a rare opportunity to redefine governance in KwaZulu-Natal. They have asked us to demonstrate that cooperation across political lines is not a weakness, but a strength — one that can unlock progress and restore confidence in public institutions,” Ntuli said.
He described the priorities as the organising framework of the province’s programme of action, reflecting areas of greatest vulnerability and urgency, where coordinated effort across government and society could yield maximum impact.
Rebuilding the economy, he said, remains central to the GPU’s agenda. Without inclusive and sustainable growth, efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality would be severely constrained. The province is focusing on stabilising key sectors, unlocking investment, supporting small and emerging enterprises, and protecting jobs.
Ntuli said the GPU’s task is to mitigate risks, seize opportunities and ensure KwaZulu-Natal advances with confidence and unity within the global community.
Strengthening local government is equally critical, he added, noting that municipalities are the frontline of service delivery and the most immediate point of contact between citizens and the state.
Sustainable dialogue continues to underpin the GPU’s consensus-building efforts. The provincial government has prioritised engagement with traditional leaders, labour, business, civil society and communities to strengthen social cohesion.
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“Through sustainable dialogue, we build shared understanding, align interests and forge consensus on difficult choices that shape our collective future,” Ntuli said.
He stressed that the GPU would be judged by outcomes — jobs created, services delivered and communities made safer and more prosperous — rather than by its intentions.
Ntuli said the provincial government chose from the outset to be transparent about the challenges it inherited. He pointed to progress in education, healthcare facilities, communities and workplaces, saying it was already being felt on the ground.
Working with national government, the private sector, labour, civil society and international partners, the province has strengthened economic diplomacy and positioned itself as a reliable destination for investment, trade and tourism despite global volatility.
Ntuli identified the ocean economy as a central pillar of KwaZulu-Natal’s long-term growth and industrialisation strategy, citing the province’s extensive coastline and historic role as a maritime gateway to the African continent.
In July last year, the provincial government entered into a strategic partnership with Navigo International, a globally recognised Italian yachting cluster, to advance the development of the province’s ocean economy.
On municipal stability, Ntuli said a meeting with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi revealed that 19 municipalities are stable and require normal monitoring.
A further 28 municipalities are classified as at risk and require close monitoring and Section 154 support, while seven are in distress and require high-priority, hands-on intervention.
“This calls for an effective municipal support plan,” Ntuli said.