By Nokulunga Nzuza and Sikhumbule Zwane
Thami Ntuli, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, held a media briefing yesterday outlining the extensive discussions of the provincial cabinet’s lekgotla.
A few days ago, the Provincial Executive Council had convened for a two-day meeting to deliberate on critical issues affecting the province.
He highlighted the lekgotla’s emphasis on creating a well-defined strategy, prioritising projects and assigning responsibilities.
Ntuli stated that the Executive Council discussed and decided on several issues, including the appointment of MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma as the Leader of Government Business.
”We have had robust discussions about the state of our province, to rebuild and recalibrate our province, we have selectively set a strong foundation for the development of a vigorous and actionable plan and we are looking at better strategies so that people of KwaZulu-Natal can see change,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that the lekgotla has committed to improving the capacity and support of struggling municipalities to ensure that they can provide basic services and promote economic growth.
”As the provincial government, we are interested to see eThekwini Municipality resolve some of the major challenges they are facing, particularly in the provision of water and sanitation services, and the removal of solid waste.
“We are going to deploy members of the Executive Council and heads of department to Operation Sukuma Sakhe districts as development champions,” he added.
Ntuli said the provincial government has emphasised construction and infrastructure as crucial elements in its new economic growth strategy.
Ntuli said that the plan would be people-orientated and focused on better strategies to bring change to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
