Today, 20 May 2025 the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs led by MEC Rev. Musa Zondi addressed the 2025 Oceans Economy Conference and Expo at the Station Urban Event Space in Durban. The Oceans Economy Conference and Expo seeks to unlock the economic potential of South Africa's oceans while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development across the maritime sector.

Under the topic, “Positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a Maritime Investment Hub”, is not merely aspirational. It is urgent, it is strategic, and it must be actioned with precision and collective intent. KwaZulu-Natal is uniquely endowed with over 580 kilometres of pristine coastline, two of Africa’s largest and busiest ports: Durban and Richards Bay, and a rich tapestry of coastal communities whose livelihoods and futures are inextricably linked to the ocean.

This natural and industrial advantage places us in a commanding position to anchor the blue economy revolution. But potential without purpose is simply untapped promise.That is why we are aligning our provincial Integrated Maritime Strategy with the national goals articulated under Operation Phakisa, a fast-tracked, results-driven programme aimed at unlocking the full economic potential of our oceans. This alignment is not symbolic. It is structural and strategic”, said MEC Zondi.