KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, presided over a meeting of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre on Friday, 11 September 2026.

The meeting brought together Members of the Executive Council, organised labour, academics, captains of industry and other stakeholders to deliberate on interventions aimed at growing the provincial economy, creating employment and improving the lives and livelihoods of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

Discussions focused on the economic challenges confronting the province, including unemployment, rising living costs and the impact of global developments on local households and businesses.

Participants observed that ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran were contributing to volatility in fuel prices, with knock-on effects on transport costs and food prices experienced by ordinary consumers.

In his opening address, Premier Ntuli reflected on the far-reaching economic consequences of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York on 11 September 2001, marking 25 years since the tragedy.

The Premier said the events demonstrated how geopolitical developments in one part of the world could have profound and lasting economic consequences far beyond national borders.

He noted that, 25 years later, geopolitics continued to influence economies and the livelihoods of ordinary people, often placing additional pressure on households already confronting unemployment and economic hardship.

Premier Ntuli said global instability could not be viewed in isolation from the challenges experienced by communities in KwaZulu-Natal, as changes in fuel, transport, food and other costs ultimately affected disposable income and economic opportunity.

The Premier called on the Economic Council to move beyond fragmented approaches and strengthen collaboration between government, organised labour, academia and the private sector.

He said the unemployment crisis required coordinated action and could not be resolved by institutions working independently of one another.

Premier Ntuli further urged academics to produce empirical research that could assist government in developing evidence-based interventions to address unemployment, respond to economic uncertainty and restore hope among communities.

He emphasised that research must translate into practical policy solutions capable of informing investment, skills development, economic planning and employment creation.

The Premier said the war against unemployment could be won only by dismantling silos and ensuring that government and the private sector work together towards shared economic objectives.

The KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council provides an important platform for government, labour, business and academia to jointly examine the province’s economic challenges and develop coordinated responses aimed at promoting inclusive growth and employment.

Premier Ntuli reiterated that collaboration, evidence-based decision-making and a shared sense of urgency would be essential in building an economy capable of creating opportunities and improving livelihoods across KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal, Inspiring New Hope.

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