The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Rev. Musa Zondi, joined Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and fellow Members of the Executive Council at today's full sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council.

Held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Durban, the engagement brought together leaders from government, organised business, labour, academia and civil society to deliberate on shared priorities for economic recovery and sustainable long-term growth. Convened by Premier Ntuli, the Council serves as a strategic platform for cross-sectoral engagement, aimed at co-creating inclusive, sustainable, and transformative development strategies for KwaZulu-Natal.

Discussions focused on unlocking investment, fast-tracking infrastructure-led development, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and creating sustainable jobs, particularly for youth and women. The meeting also received a presentation on the empowerment programmes successfully implemented by EDTEA, under the banner of the Township and Rural Economies Revitalisation Strategy.

Stakeholders also explored evidence-based approaches to support economic developments and skills alignment in priority sectors such as green energy and agro-processing. The Economic Council remains a vital mechanism for aligning efforts, measuring impact, and mobilising collective resources. Today’s sitting reaffirmed a shared commitment to moving beyond dialogue towards delivery, collaboration, and meaningful change for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.