Today, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev Musa Zondi, in partnership with Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and the uMzinyathi District Development Agency, officially launched the uMzinyathi District One-Stop-Shop at Dundee Battlefields Lodge marking a significant milestone in advancing economic development and bringing government services closer to the people.

The high-level engagement was attended by Mayors from both the District and Local Municipalities, the CEO of Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Board Members, and esteemed Traditional Leaders reflecting a united front in driving economic growth and investment in the district.

In his address, MEC Rev Zondi described the launch as a bold and deliberate step by government to decentralise services and ensure that no district is left behind in KwaZulu-Natal’s economic development agenda. He emphasised that the One-Stop-Shop model is designed to enable investors and entrepreneurs to access critical support services within their own communities, eliminating the need to travel to major economic centres.

Building on the successful rollout of similar initiatives across the province, including the uMkhanyakude District, the MEC highlighted uMzinyathi’s strategic positioning along the vital N3 corridor a key economic route linking Durban to Gauteng as a significant advantage that unlocks opportunities in logistics, trade, agriculture and industrial development.

Recognising excellence within the tourism sector, the MEC also proudly presented the Dundee Battlefields Lodge Conference Centre with a Three-Star Tourism Grading, affirming its adherence to high standards of quality and service aligned with global best practice. In closing, MEC Rev Zondi reaffirmed that the uMzinyathi District One-Stop-Shop is officially open for business, calling on investors, entrepreneurs and local communities to make full use of the facility.