Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says if leadership from all levels in the province pulls in one direction, the province can grow into a brand that is the envy of everyone in the country.
She said this when making closing remarks at a breakfast engagement between government and organised business in uMhlanga, north of Durban, on Thursday.
The meeting, which included leadership from the Durban Business Chamber and KZN Growth Coalition, was part of a series of engagements which the new administration is undertaking involving a range of role players, from civil society, business and religious communities, aimed at fostering greater cooperation between them and the provincial government.
The move is also aimed at repositioning KZN as a leading and powerful partner in the drive for economic growth and development in South Africa.
The premier said it was important to develop a common vision on the kind of province that KZN should be.
“The continued journey of building the “KZN Brand” requires all players in this province to develop an understanding and commitment to their roles. This is what we have witnessed this morning,” she said of Thursday morning’s engagement.
She pointed out that the current atmosphere presented a significant opportunity for leadership at all levels to move to a higher trajectory of growth, development and nation-building. Dube-Ncube said she had been encouraged by the spirit and tone of the engagement.
“Importantly, the manner in which we have framed our discussions, we are indeed working together to develop a very strong “KZN Brand”. This morning, we have demonstrated that the achievements of this province - its businesses and its citizens are interdependent,” she concluded. The government delegation included Economic Development MEC and Leader of Government Business Siboniso Duma and Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu.