Today, 08 October 2024, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, representing KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, attended the Eastern Seaboard Development Political Engagement at the Wild Coast Sun, Mbizana, in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Honourable Velenkosini Hlabisa, led a crucial ministerial engagement on the Eastern Seaboard Development. The event was held in collaboration with the Premiers of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Lubabalo Mabuyane and Honourable Thami Ntuli, who was represented by the KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi.

During the event, MEC Zondi on behalf of the KZN Premier delivered the Provincial reflections on the Eastern Seaboard Development, a visionary plan to establish a smart city and foster new developments across KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Highlighting the Eastern Seaboard District Development Model, he emphasized the need for collaboration between all levels of government to ensure the success of this transformative initiative.

In his remarks, Rev. Zondi, highlighted the significance of economic transformation and investment in the project. He said, “We are positioning the Eastern Seaboard as a hub for investment, focusing on tourism, agriculture, the ocean economy, and SMMEs. This initiative will not only create jobs but also foster sustainable development in the region.” The MEC further underscored the importance of infrastructure development, particularly the N2 Wild Coast Road and small craft harbours, as drivers of tourism and economic participation in coastal areas.