KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Reverend Musa Zondi, recently completed his two-day oversight visit to key industrial hubs and estate sites in Ladysmith and Newcastle as part of the ongoing assessment of economic development projects.
MEC Zondi was accompanied by various CEOs of public entities including Ndabuko Zulu, Mayor of Amajuba District Municipality. The MEC’s visit began with a briefing at the municipal council chambers, where Mayor Zulu welcomed the province’s leadership and thanked MEC Zondi for visiting the Amajuba District in an effort to find ways to boost the economy. The Amajuba District is well-known for its textile, mining and agricultural industries. In his welcome address, Mayor Zulu stated that the MEC’s visit is a recognition of the community’s hard work and dedication to transforming the district into a hub of economic activity and growth. ”It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our district, where the spirit of progress and development can be felt. As the district’s leadership, we are delighted to welcome you to this important event as we embark on a journey to boost the economy and put our district on the map,” said Mayor Zulu. During his speech, MEC Zondi assured district leaders that he and the ministry entrusted to him would do everything possible to address the issues confronting various industries.
He is also attempting to restore balance as investors shift their focus to the province’s southern coastal areas. ”We, as the department, have chosen to come so that we can see firsthand the challenges that people and industries are facing. I do not believe in reading reports but I prefer to see the situation for myself so that I know exactly what we are up against,” said MEC Zondi. Following the briefing, MEC Zondi led the district’s leadership to the first site on the itinerary, Newcastle Chemical Hub, as well as Madadeni Industrial Economic Phase 1, to assess the progress of the construction of this economic centre, Newcastle Chemical Park in Karbochem, and concluded the visit at Newcastle Airport. The district’s leadership, who attended the site visits also included eMadlangeni mayor, Councillor M Buthelezi; Dannhauser mayor, Councillor B Hadebe; eMadlangeni speaker, Councillor PX Qwabe; Amajuba speaker, uMntwana SO Zulu; acting head of department, Thandeka Ellenson; Amakhosi and councillors.
