KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli delivered opening remarks at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) 2025 National Urban Forum Dialogue, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Thursday, 21 August 2025.
A Platform for Urban Futures
The Dialogue brought together thought leaders, policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, academics, and government leaders from across the country. It served as an incubator for new ideas and practical strategies to shape South Africa’s urban future, with a focus on:
• Inclusive urbanisation that ensures no community is left behind.
• Spatial transformation to undo the legacy of apartheid-era planning.
• Sustainable development that balances growth with environmental stewardship.
• Social justice as a guiding principle for planning and service delivery.
Premier Ntuli’s Vision
In his address, Premier Ntuli challenged delegates to reframe how urbanisation is understood. He emphasised that the rapid growth of cities should not be seen as a crisis but as a “repository of opportunities”, capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and dignity for millions of South Africans.
“Well-governed cities,” Ntuli said, “can be the engineers of jobs, hubs of innovation, and places where people live with dignity.”
He highlighted that urbanisation, if properly managed, can unlock South Africa’s transformation by reducing poverty, expanding opportunities for youth, and building globally competitive urban economies.
Key Challenges and Priorities
Premier Ntuli noted that while urban growth offers opportunities, it also poses complex challenges. Cities in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond face rising demand for housing, transport, and services, alongside the growing threats of climate change and infrastructure backlogs.
He outlined several priority areas that require urgent attention:
• Strengthening governance so municipalities deliver efficiently and transparently.
• Investing in infrastructure to create inclusive, resilient, and climate-conscious cities.
• Integrating rural and urban economies so development is balanced across the province.
• Expanding youth and women’s participation in urban economies to reduce unemployment.
• Driving sustainability through green planning, efficient energy use, and smart mobility.
Partnerships for Impact
The Premier stressed that urban development cannot be the responsibility of government alone. He called for stronger partnerships across sectors, including business, academia, and civil society, to deliver solutions that are practical, scalable, and inclusive.
“Cities are where the majority of our youth reside. If properly managed, they can be the platforms that unlock pathways for young people to access jobs, skills, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The Dialogue concluded with a commitment to advancing policies and frameworks that promote resilient, inclusive, and future-ready cities. Premier Ntuli reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s pledge to work hand-in-hand with SALGA and other partners to ensure that urbanisation becomes a powerful driver of transformation, dignity, and prosperity.