Ntuli pledges stronger law enforcement to protect KZN investment

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has pledged to strengthen law enforcement and improve security coordination to protect businesses, communities and livelihoods, acknowledging that instability and violence pose risks to investor confidence.

Addressing the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference in Durban on 15 and 16 October, Ntuli acknowledged that instability and violence pose risks to investor confidence, assuring that the provincial government will confront security challenges directly and uphold the rule of law.

Ntuli’s remarks came as the province announced R124.5 billion in investment commitments, exceeding its R95 billion target and expected to create more than 330 000 jobs.

Ntuli acknowledged that investors need confidence that their businesses, employees and assets will be protected, particularly in light of the July 2021 unrest, which caused widespread destruction and disrupted economic activity in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of the country.

He assured investors that the Provincial Government will not ignore the risks confronting the province, but will confront them directly through visible law enforcement, stronger coordination and an uncompromising commitment to the rule of law.

“We will not pretend the risks do not exist. We will name them, we will manage them, and we will report to you on our progress. Our door will be open. Our security cluster will be visible. Our commitment to the rule of law is not negotiable,” Ntuli said.

Reflecting on the lessons of the July 2021 unrest, the Premier emphasised the importance of preventing a recurrence of the violence and protecting communities, businesses and livelihoods.

“Durban will never burn again. Not under my watch,” he said.

The 2026 Investment Conference surpassed expectations, with investors making commitments totalling R124.5 billion against a target of R95 billion.

The pledges exceeded the provincial target by R29.5 billion and are expected to result in the creation of more than 330,000 jobs.

The commitments marked another significant milestone in KwaZulu-Natal’s investment drive and demonstrated continued investor interest in the province’s economic potential.

Ntuli said the challenge is now to ensure that commitments are translated into projects on the ground, economic activity and sustainable employment. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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