KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, led the Operation Sukuma Sakhe Cabinet Day held at the Groutville Sports Field in KwaDukuza Local Municipality, under iLembe District Municipality, on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Operation Sukuma Sakhe is a multi-pronged government programme that brings together national, provincial and local government, as well as public entities, to unblock service delivery backlogs and bottlenecks, while monitoring development and infrastructure implementation in communities.

Delivering his keynote address, Premier Ntuli reflected on the legacy of collaborative and selfless leadership demonstrated by Chief Albert Luthuli, Dr Nelson Mandela and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who all sacrificed greatly for the freedom, dignity and betterment of oppressed people.

Premier Ntuli said Chief Albert Luthuli, who passed away on 21 April 1967, made history as the first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless dedication to peace, justice and stability in South Africa and the world.

As July marks both Mandela Month and Men’s Month, the Premier urged men to emulate the noble actions of leaders such as Luthuli, Mandela and Buthelezi by taking a firm stand against crime, gender-based violence and femicide.

The Premier reminded those attending the OSS Cabinet Imbizo that a crime-free province is attractive to investors and plays a vital role in boosting employment, strengthening the economy and ensuring stability across KwaZulu-Natal.

Premier Ntuli also urged government employees to inculcate a culture of ethical and professional conduct when serving communities, saying public servants must remain committed to responsive, accountable and people-centred service delivery.

Following his address, the Premier opened the platform for members of the community to raise their concerns, comments and complaints relating to service delivery and broader social issues.

The Imbizo provided an opportunity for residents to engage directly with government leaders and officials on matters affecting their daily lives, in line with the objectives of Operation Sukuma Sakhe.

A highlight of the event was the awarding of certificates of recognition and gifts to seven centenarians who attended the programme. Their ages ranged from 105 to 108 years.

Premier Ntuli thanked the centenarians for being a blessing to their families and communities, describing them as sources of wisdom, knowledge, history and heritage.

As part of the Operation Sukuma Sakhe Cabinet Day programme, Premier Ntuli also visited Dlelaphezulu Farm, a youth-owned communal farming enterprise based in KwaDukuza Local Municipality.

The Premier was visibly impressed by the work being done at the farming enterprise and pledged government support to help the business venture into the export market.

He said youth-owned enterprises such as Dlelaphezulu Farm demonstrate the potential of young people to contribute meaningfully to food security, local economic development, job creation and rural enterprise growth.

Premier Ntuli further said government support for emerging businesses must be aimed at helping them grow, access markets and create opportunities for other small enterprises to thrive.

The Operation Sukuma Sakhe Cabinet Day reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to bringing government closer to the people, resolving service delivery challenges, supporting local economic development and building safer, more ethical and prosperous communities across KwaZulu-Natal.