Following the recent wave of civil unrest and looting in KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Sihle Zikalala is taking a much-needed charm offensive to meet international diplomats and investors in Gauteng this week to reassure them that the province is ready for business and to showcase the KZN Investment Book.
KwaZulu-Natal is still reeling from the unfortunate events of the past couple of weeks which threatened to bring the province’s economy to a halt.
Information at hand indicates that the unrest resulted in destruction across every sector of the provincial economy. Malls, Shopping Centres, Hospitals, Schools, Warehouses, Factories, Banks, ATMS, Liquor outlets, Liquor distributors, Delivery trucks and Communication infrastructure were among the destroyed infrastructure.
The shutting down of key arterial routes from the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay had a devastating impact not only to the provincial economy but disrupted the country’s supply chain logistics.
At a social level the unrest threatened progress made since the end of apartheid in fostering unity non-racialism, non-sexism and a prosperous South Africa. Thousands of jobs and food security were placed at risk and jeopardised social cohesion and moral regeneration.
According to one estimate by the KZN Agricultural Union (KWANALU), the unrest demolished 55% economic activity in rural towns. At least 64% of rural towns experienced severe food shortages.
In this regard, the Premier’s message during the two-day meeting is clear: The security situation has been stabilised and KZN is now ready, and open for business.
Key to the message is that beyond the initial period of consolidating safety and security, raising destroyed infrastructure and returning to normality, KZN is resetting the economy towards greater inclusivity and co-ownership.
“We will build a solid skills base and employment. The medium to long-term response will focus on Reassuring, Rebuilding and Ensuring that KZN is Rising and Uniting at the same time. Our view is that in post-conflict situations, employment is a major factor in achieving short-term stability, socio-economic progress and sustainable peace,” said Premier Zikalala.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan includes the acceleration of catalytic projects to drive economic growth and employment creation. In this regard the province has disaggregated the economy into 15 critical sectors which will revive exports and investment growth. These will re ignite the KZN investment landscape through the 200 projects in the KZN Investment Book.
The sectors are:
Agriculture and Agro-Processing Clothing and Textiles Creative Industries Finance and Services Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), ICT and Innovation Health Innovation and Manufacturing Industrial Development Informal Sector Infrastructure Development (Water, Energy and Sanitation) Investment and Trade Manufacturing (Automotive, paper and pulp) Mining and Mineral Beneficiation Oceans Economy Tourism Transport and Logistics (Rail, Road and Air)
The economic interventions will further include the detailing of relief funding for companies impacted by the unrest and,
Explaining the solid measures put in place for early detection of conflict in order to prevent it from happening;
Sending a unified message to reassure investors of stability.
The delegation includes MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Ravi Pillay; MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane; MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi; MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni; MEC for COGTA Sipho Hlomuka and MEC for Education Kwazi Mshengu.
Thursday, 12 August 2021, will be punctuated by various strategic engagements culminating in a dinner co-hosted with the Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria.
Among the countries on the Premier’s diary are the Republic of South Korea, the United Kingdom, Mauritius, Australia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Singapore, Denmark, Turkey, Egypt, Brazil, Netherlands, and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Issued by the Provincial Government Communication.