The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, has unveiled a bold Provincial Jobs and Economic Growth Action Plan, a decisive intervention designed to accelerate job creation, restore investor confidence, and position the province for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The announcement follows the Extended Cabinet Meeting held on 3 September 2025, where the Premier convened Members of the Executive Council (MECs), heads of departments, CEOs of public entities, and board chairpersons to deliberate on urgent strategies to tackle unemployment and revitalise the provincial economy.

This milestone engagement marked a turning point in KwaZulu-Natal’s collective effort to convert resilience into shared prosperity, in response to Statistics South Africa’s latest data, which continues to show persistently high unemployment levels across the province.

KwaZulu-Natal has faced a series of severe disruptions in recent years, including devastating floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, energy insecurity, and logistics bottlenecks. Looting and crime further eroded investor trust, placing immense pressure on communities and businesses.

Despite these challenges, KwaZulu-Natal has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. That resilience is now being transformed into a comprehensive recovery blueprint under the banner “KwaZulu-Natal Reimagined” an initiative focused on driving inclusive growth, building new value chains, and restoring confidence among investors and citizens alike.

Key Projections from the Action Plan:
* Direct Jobs to be Created: 12,734
* Projected Indirect Jobs Supported: 43,005
* Total Projected Economic Impact: R56 billion
* Training Opportunities: 11,616
* Internship Opportunities: 10,569

The Action Plan directly addresses structural risks including energy and water constraints, high crime rates, planning delays, global market uncertainties, and climate-related threats. It simultaneously leverages emerging opportunities such as:
* Cassava farming and post-FMD beef exports
* Renewable energy developments
* Expansion of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ)
* New breweries and hotel developments
* Tourism ventures and throughput growth at Dube TradePort
* Regulated revenue streams through gambling and liquor licensing
To ensure measurable delivery and accountability, the province will utilise Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) analysisand implement real-time performance dashboards to track the economic and employment impact of public investment.

The Premier confirmed that quarterly progress reports will be published, allowing citizens to monitor the implementation and impact of the Action Plan through transparent, data-driven reporting.

An Investment Facilitation Unit, housed in the Office of the Premier in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, will spearhead investment promotion, cut red tape, and ensure that all major infrastructure projects deliver tangible benefits to communities, SMMEs, youth, women entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities.

Premier Ntuli emphasised that the success of the Action Plan requires collective commitment:
“Rebuilding KwaZulu-Natal’s economy is not the responsibility of government alone. It demands a united effort from business, civil society, and communities. This Action Plan is not only about creating jobs, it is about restoring dignity, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring that prosperity is shared across all districts of our province.”

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Bongani Gina
Head of Provincial Government Communications
Contact: 071 217 3037

Mr. Lindelani Mbatha
Media Liaison Officer
Contact: 061 499 0774

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