The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi, emphasised the critical role of continuous collaboration between the business community and government in driving economic growth and shaping the province's future.

He was speaking during the MEC's Post-Budget Speech Business Breakfast held at FNB Acacia House in uMhlanga, eThekwini, today, 25 April 2025. "Yesterday, I had the privilege of presenting the 2025/26 Budget Vote 4 Speech before the Legislature. Today, I have the equally important task of unpacking that budget with you—our partners in growth, innovation, and transformation.

"This Post-Budget Business Breakfast is more than just a conversation; it is a space for accountability, collaboration, and alignment," said MEC Zondi. He added that the 2025/26 budget is unapologetically pro-growth, pro-jobs, and pro-transformation. "We are investing in catalytic projects that shift the dial: energy, industrialisation, township economy support, cannabis commercialisation, green economy, tourism infrastructure, and film."

MEC Zondi also announced that EDTEA has launched the KZN Umnotho Fund, a bold reimagining of inclusive enterprise funding, with an allocation of R100 million for this financial year. The meeting also provided a platform to discuss opportunities for economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal, challenges hindering investment in the province, and efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector. "We are not blind to these problems, and we are not standing still. We are working with law enforcement, local government, and national departments to tackle these bottlenecks. And we are grateful for your insights, which make our interventions sharper, faster, and more effective," assured the MEC.

He also reiterated EDTEA's commitment to championing the "buy local" agenda and advocating for inclusivity across all sectors. MEC Zondi further announced that the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference 2025 will take place on 22–23 October at the Durban ICC. "This will be our flagship platform to track progress on the 2024 pledges, unveil new investment-ready projects, and showcase the best of what KwaZulu-Natal has to offer—from energy and logistics to agro-processing, tourism, and the creative economy," he said.

Among the guests at this crucial engagement, hosted by Trade and Investment KZN and FNB, were the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, members of the diplomatic corps, and captains of industry from various parts of the province.