By Saul Molobi
Drakensberg — Premier Thami Ntuli of KwaZulu-Natal delivered a compelling address at a recent Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum organised by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, emphasising the urgent need for collective action and inclusive growth to drive sustainable economic development in the region. Addressing an audience that included high-profile leaders and local officials, Ntuli underscored the provincial government’s commitment to equitable progress and acknowledged the role of various stakeholders in achieving long-term resilience and growth.
Reflecting on the event’s discussions, Ntuli expressed gratitude to the Foundation and its director for extending an invitation to KwaZulu-Natal’s leadership, highlighting the importance of such gatherings. “This dialog has not only sparked important conversations but has also inspired practical approaches that can be applied to our province,” Ntuli said, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration.
The Premier shared his administration’s notable progress within the past 15 weeks of the seventh administration, detailing both challenges and achievements in economic recovery and social upliftment. “Our actions have been unprecedented, not only in scope but also in the speed with which they were implemented,” Ntuli stated. He addressed concerns over whether the government is doing enough or too much at once, assuring attendees that “every action we have taken so far is part of a well-considered plan designed to address immediate challenges and build a foundation for long-term sustainable growth.”
In discussing the broader vision of KwaZulu-Natal’s development, Ntuli pointed to the province’s experience in pioneering a “government of provisional unity” as an example of forward-thinking governance. He highlighted the provincial leadership’s success in swiftly configuring a government that values cooperation and collective responsibility. “Our approach underscores our commitment to inclusive growth as a collective responsibility, one that requires active participation from various leaders across government and society,” he remarked.
The forum, hosted in Lukasha, served as a vivid reminder of the contrasts and challenges in regional development. “The journey to this venue itself presents the economic disparities we face,” Ntuli observed. “We witness the harsh realities of poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and poor land management along the way, all of which remind us that while progress has been made, there is much more to be done to realize an inclusive and equitable future.”
The Premier reiterated the province’s commitment to tackling these issues through inclusive policy-making and urged the inclusion of local government and non-state actors in the growth agenda. “It is a misconception that only politicians and government officials should discuss and implement policies,” Ntuli noted. “The truth is that we must engage with social movements, academic institutions, research bodies, and communities if we are to truly succeed.”
Looking forward, Ntuli invited those in attendance to work alongside the provincial government to create a cohesive growth strategy and announced plans to partner with the Foundation for further dialogues on inclusive growth. “This is a clarion call to all of you,” he concluded. “With such great minds present, I ask—where are we going wrong? We must unite and collaborate to bring our province to new heights.”
Premier Ntuli’s speech served as a rallying cry for KwaZulu-Natal’s journey toward a post-pandemic, equitable economy, anchored in shared responsibility and evidence-based policy solutions.