The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), led by MEC Rev. Musa Zondi, today convened a departmental meeting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall to formally introduce the newly appointed Head of Department, Dr. Nkosenye G. Zulu. The gathering marked a significant leadership milestone for the department and the broader EDTEA portfolio.

In his address, MEC Zondi described Dr. Zulu’s recent appointment as a timely addition to the province’s leadership architecture, especially as EDTEA drives the priorities of the 7th Administration, the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2029, and the department’s Strategic Framework. He noted that achieving these commitments demands ethical, technically sound and experienced leadership qualities that Dr. Zulu embodies.

The MEC highlighted Dr. Zulu’s extensive academic and professional credentials, which include a Doctor of Administration, a Master of Laws in International Commercial Law, and multiple qualifications in governance, public finance, leadership and organisational development. Dr. Zulu is also a published researcher whose work advances modern governance and citizen engagement.

Dr. Zulu’s distinguished governance record also includes multiple clean audits at municipal and provincial government levels, as well as national awards for administration, planning, youth development, governance, and institutional performance. These achievements, MEC Zondi said, reflect discipline, capability and unwavering commitment to ethical public service.

The MEC emphasised Dr. Zulu’s legal and operational authority as both Head of Department and Accounting Officer, responsible for strategic direction, fiscal accountability, governance oversight, and alignment of entities to provincial priorities. He reaffirmed that Dr. Zulu’s leadership will strengthen institutional performance, stabilise challenged entities, and enhance compliance across the EDTEA portfolio.

MEC Zondi also commended EDTEA staff and entities for maintaining a clean audit and continuing to drive innovation, development, investment promotion, and environmental stewardship. He called for unity, urging staff, CEOs and boards to give full support to the new HOD to ensure collective progress.