The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Lekgotla commenced on 23 July 2024, bringing together the Executive Council, Mayors, senior management of provincial departments, advisory bodies, and executives from public entities and national state-owned companies. This two-day strategic meeting aimed to align the province’s initiatives with the broader national objectives set by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Lekgotla follows President Ramaphosa’s opening address of the seventh administration, in which he outlined three strategic priorities:
- driving inclusive growth and job creation,
- reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and
- building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
These priorities serve as a foundation for the national programme of action and guide the provincial agenda.
In his opening remarks, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed profound gratitude to the Technical Lekgotla, led by Director-General Dr. Nonhlanhla Mkhize, for their exceptional preparatory work. Their deep dive into the state of the province provided a solid foundation for the discussions at the Provincial Lekgotla.
Premier Ntuli emphasized the importance of aligning the national programme with the unique challenges faced by KwaZulu-Natal. He highlighted the need for a unified approach to crafting and implementing a programme of action that addresses the province’s specific needs and aspirations. The Lekgotla’s primary task was to demonstrate unity of purpose among all members of the current administration in developing a concrete and practical plan to transform the socio-economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
The provincial economy has been severely impacted by the triple challenges of COVID-19, repeated floods, and civil unrest. More recently, devastating veld fires have wreaked havoc in the agricultural sector, further straining the already depressed fiscus. Premier Ntuli underscored the need for a renewed focus on economic recovery, particularly through the revival of the rail system to support the economic revitalization of small towns and rural areas.
Youth unemployment remains a significant concern. Premier Ntuli noted that recent engagements with young people aimed at crafting strategies to reduce unemployment and support youth entrepreneurship. The Lekgotla’s discussions were expected to focus on developing impactful measures to address this critical issue.
Premier Ntuli called for a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) approach to the programme of action. He stressed the importance of detailed planning, performance measurement, and accountability to ensure the effective implementation of policies. The goal is to move beyond the perception of policy failures and adopt a project management approach that delivers tangible results.
The Premier urged participants to maintain honesty and integrity throughout the deliberations. He highlighted the importance of reliable data in shaping policy and strategic direction, emphasizing that the quality of information used directly influences the effectiveness of the programme of action. The need for ethical, capable, and clean governance was reiterated, with a focus on professionalism and constructive engagement.
Community safety and crime reduction were identified as key priorities. The Lekgotla aimed to adopt strategies, including the broken window theory, to combat crime and improve the overall safety of the province. The integration of community safety and liaison under the Office of the Premier was highlighted as a crucial step towards enhancing crime-fighting efforts.
Effective communication was emphasized as a means to rally the province’s residents behind the government’s initiatives. The Premier called for communication strategies rooted in the principles of ubuntu, ensuring they resonate with the diverse cultures and traditions of KwaZulu-Natal’s citizens.
Premier Ntuli advocated for embracing innovation and disruption to maintain the province’s status as a leader in development. He highlighted the importance of adapting to the digital age and pushing boundaries to achieve continuous progress.
The Provincial Lekgotla represents a critical opportunity for the seventh administration to demonstrate its commitment to serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Premier Ntuli underscored the urgency of the task at hand, emphasizing that the quality of the Lekgotla’s outcomes would be a testament to the administration’s dedication to improving the lives of the province’s residents.
As the Lekgotla continues, the administration’s resolve to transform KwaZulu-Natal and address its socio-economic challenges remains steadfast, with a renewed sense of unity and purpose driving the province towards a brighter future.
