KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli undertook a series of strategic engagements across the province on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, aimed at advancing socio-economic development, strengthening stakeholder relations, supporting youth entrepreneurship, enhancing food security, and reinforcing regulatory compliance.
The programme formed part of the Provincial Government’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth, agricultural revitalisation, youth empowerment and strengthened law enforcement interventions.
Youth Economic Empowerment Initiatives
Premier Ntuli began the day in Pietermaritzburg by officially handing over material support to Youth Fund beneficiary GospeTech (Pty) Ltd, a business owned by 26-year-old black female entrepreneur Ms Sindi Mthiyane. The support package included a vehicle, printing machinery and operational consumables aimed at expanding the company’s production capacity and enabling sustainable business growth.
The Premier emphasised that youth enterprise support remains central to government’s economic development agenda, particularly in addressing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship among young people.
Later in the day, in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality area, Premier Ntuli handed over tractors and agricultural implements to the iNkiyankiya Group, another Youth Fund beneficiary. The intervention is intended to boost agricultural productivity, promote food security and stimulate rural economic participation.
Agricultural Sector Engagement and FMD Response
Following the Pietermaritzburg engagement, Premier Ntuli travelled to the Inkosi Msinga Mlaba Sports Complex in KwaXimba where he led a stakeholder engagement with farmers, agricultural experts and community representatives on measures to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
KwaZulu-Natal remains the epicentre of the FMD outbreak, which continues to impact food security, agricultural productivity, livestock trade and rural livelihoods. The engagement provided a platform for farmers, including commercial, communal and dairy producers, to interact directly with government and technical experts.
Premier Ntuli stressed the importance of coordinated action, information sharing and strict biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of the disease and safeguard the province’s agricultural economy.
Compliance and Law Enforcement Operations
Concluding the day’s programme, Premier Ntuli led Operation Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla in Richards Bay. The operation forms part of ongoing multi-sectoral law enforcement efforts aimed at addressing illegal immigration, ensuring business compliance and maintaining social and economic order within communities.
The campaign targets businesses operating without proper permits as well as those employing undocumented foreign nationals, while also reinforcing adherence to regulatory frameworks governing trade, labour and public safety.
Commitment to Inclusive Development
Premier Ntuli reaffirmed that integrated engagements of this nature remain essential to building a resilient provincial economy. He noted that empowering youth entrepreneurs, supporting farmers, strengthening food security, and ensuring regulatory compliance are interconnected priorities necessary for sustainable socio-economic development.
The Provincial Government reiterated its commitment to fostering partnerships with communities, industry stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to improve livelihoods, stimulate economic growth and maintain stability across KwaZulu-Natal.