The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships between government and traditional leadership to advance rural development and infrastructure delivery.
The two leaders met with His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Amakhosi in Nongoma on Monday,3 November, where they discussed ways to collaborate on improving the lives of people in rural communities across KwaZulu-Natal. The visit, the first of its kind by the department to the King, marks a significant milestone in building closer ties between government and the Zulu monarchy.
Minister Macpherson briefed His Majesty on the department’s national and provincial programmes, including the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which is being reformed to create lasting employment opportunities, and the Social Facilitation Framework, aimed at ending construction stoppages through better community engagement. He also highlighted the critical work being done by the Independent Development Trust (IDT) in delivering social infrastructure, and by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Council for the Built Environment (CBE) in strengthening the construction sector.
The King expressed his full support for these initiatives, commending the Minister’s vision for transforming the EPWP into a tool for empowerment. His Majesty confirmed his participation in the upcoming EPWP pilot launch in KwaZulu-Natal and pledged to encourage Amakhosi to work closely with the department in implementing the Social Facilitation Framework.
“The collaboration between government and traditional leadership is essential to achieving lasting progress in rural areas. “We are deeply grateful to His Majesty for his support and guidance as we work together to uplift communities across KwaZulu-Natal. Without the involvement of traditional leaders, we cannot achieve meaningful implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects that improve people’s lives,” said Minister Macpherson.
MEC Meyer echoed the Minister’s sentiments, outlining several key provincial initiatives designed to drive rural development, tourism, and economic growth. These include the Nongoma Cultural Amphitheatre, a project that demonstrates the potential of modern infrastructure to boost rural tourism, and the transfer of 11 commercial properties to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with a shoe factory in Msinga to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs — all aimed at empowering rural communities.
He added that the provincial department is working to align EPWP training programmes with industry needs to ensure that participants gain essential, lifelong skills. “Through programmes like EPWP and stakeholder involvement, we are equipping young people to thrive beyond temporary employment,” he said.
MEC Meyer also confirmed that the department has completed a full audit of its 10 067 state-owned assets, identifying a number of hijacked properties, particularly in Ulundi. The department has begun engaging with KZN SAPS Provincial Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli to reclaim these properties, which he said were “paid for by the people of KwaZulu-Natal and must serve their benefit.”
The visit concluded on a positive note, with all parties agreeing that meaningful progress in infrastructure development and service delivery depends on close cooperation between government, traditional leaders, and local communities.
