Today, the MEC for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, welcomed the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Moses Ketso Makume, for a bilateral benchmarking engagement.

The meeting provided a valuable platform to exchange ideas, share best practices and benchmark successful programmes and initiatives that have the potential to accelerate economic growth, strengthen the tourism sector and create sustainable opportunities for the people of both provinces.

Benchmarking is more than comparing experiences, it is about identifying what works, adapting innovative solutions and fostering partnerships that deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, provinces can strengthen institutional capacity, improve service delivery and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.

By working together, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State reaffirm their shared commitment to building resilient provincial economies, growing tourism and creating a prosperous future for all South Africans. Because when we share knowledge, we strengthen our collective ability to drive meaningful development that leaves no one behind.