The KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet Lekgotla took place at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre on 14–15 October 2025, bringing together Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Mayors, and senior government officials to chart a transformative course for the province’s development.
A Call for Decisive Action and Service Delivery
In his opening address, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed that the Lekgotla represents a commitment to decisive and results-driven governance. He emphasised that this gathering was not merely a meeting of minds, but a platform for turning plans into measurable action to improve service delivery and uplift the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
“This Lekgotla is about collective responsibility and urgency in delivering on our mandate. Every decision we take here must translate into visible change in communities across KwaZulu-Natal,” said Premier Ntuli.
One Plan, One Budget – A Unified Approach
Over the two-day deliberations, delegates shared innovative strategies for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development, under the “One Plan, One Budget” framework — a bold initiative aimed at improving coordination across government departments. The Zululand District was identified as the pilot project for this integrated development approach, which seeks to align budgets, plans, and outcomes for maximum impact.
Strengthening Economic Infrastructure
Among the highlights of the Lekgotla was a presentation by Transnet focusing on enhancing KwaZulu-Natal’s port and rail systems, with a particular emphasis on Pier 2 at the Port of Durban. The Premier underscored that the port’s operational efficiency is central to KwaZulu-Natal’s role as South Africa’s gateway to global trade and logistics.
The Lekgotla also featured input from PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa), which outlined plans for high-speed rail improvements — a development expected to modernise transportation, boost connectivity, and facilitate regional trade and mobility.
Building a Prosperous and Connected Province
As discussions concluded, Premier Ntuli commended all stakeholders for their constructive participation, noting that the KZN Cabinet Lekgotla serves as a cornerstone for strategic alignment and collective problem-solving.
The outcomes of the two-day session laid the groundwork for a prosperous, inclusive, and connected KwaZulu-Natal, underpinned by strong governance, infrastructure investment, and sustainable economic growth.
“Our vision is clear — to build a province that works for everyone, where economic opportunity, social stability, and innovation drive progress for generations to come,” said Premier Ntuli.