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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for stronger collaboration between government, industry and investors to accelerate energy investment and industrial development in the province.

Ntuli made the call at the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Energy Indaba currently underway at Thembela Venue in Richards Bay.

The two-day indaba, which started on Thursday, is hosted by the Premier, together with Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Musa Zondi, in partnership with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.

As the province moves to position Richards Bay as a strategic energy hub, the indaba is expected to serve as a platform to address systemic challenges, strengthen intergovernmental coordination and advance the infrastructure development required to support industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

The event has brought together leaders from national and provincial government, State-owned entities, energy producers, investors, development agencies, and industry specialists to discuss practical measures to improve energy security and unlock catalytic investment opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.

In his opening address, Ntuli said reliable and affordable energy is essential for economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation.

He said energy security will remain central to the province’s long-term development strategy, particularly as government advances the KwaZulu-Natal Secondary Cities Programme aimed at establishing new economic growth centres across the province.

The Premier highlighted Richards Bay as a strategic industrial and logistics hub capable of playing a major role in strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

“Through the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, the province is positioning itself to attract large-scale investment in emerging energy sectors, including gas-to-power, renewable energy manufacturing, green hydrogen and energy storage technologies,” Ntuli said.

According to the Premier, energy projects currently account for more than 77% of the RBIDZ investment pipeline, representing approximately R123 billion of the zone’s R140 billion total investment pipeline.

Ntuli also welcomed the progress on the proposed 3 000MW gas-to-power project planned for Richards Bay, which is expected to contribute significantly to stabilising electricity supply in both KwaZulu-Natal and the country.

He added that the development of the province’s energy economy must be accompanied by strong investment in skills development.

The provincial government, he said, is strengthening partnerships between universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and industry to prepare young people for jobs in emerging sectors such as hydrogen technologies, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing.

Ntuli also reaffirmed government’s commitment to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, stressing that the shift towards cleaner energy must protect industrial competitiveness, safeguard energy security, and create new economic opportunities for workers and young people.

He concluded by urging investors, industry leaders and development partners to work with government to unlock the province’s energy potential and build a resilient and sustainable energy system that supports long-term economic growth.

Ntuli described the Energy Indaba as an important platform to mobilise investment, strengthen partnerships and position KwaZulu-Natal as a leading energy hub on the African continent.

Zondi said the indaba comes at a critical time, as the province works to build a resilient and sustainable energy future under the theme “Driving KwaZulu-Natal’s Energy Future.”

He said the provincial energy agenda will prioritise availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability while addressing poverty and inequality.

“Energy is not simply an input into production; it is the backbone of manufacturing, logistics, value-addition industries and every component of our modern economy. For communities, access to energy unlocks dignity, safety, education, health, and entrepreneurship,” Zondi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water is a fundamental component of human dignity and a constitutional right rather than a service, writes Deputy Government Spokesperson, William Baloyi.

Water serves as a vital economic facilitator because small enterprises, mining activities, tourism, agriculture, and construction cannot survive without reliable water. Water is an essential part of life, and no one can survive without it.

As a water-scarce country, receiving about half the global average rainfall, unevenly distributed across regions and seasons, South Africa requires a coordinated and sustainable approach to water resource management.

In its efforts to ensure water security, the government continues to adopt an integrated approach to maintaining existing water resource infrastructure. This includes supplying bulk water to strategic users such as large industrial companies through the Water Trading Entity and supporting the long‐term sustainability of water resources.

These efforts coincide with a month of landmark observance, including National Water Month and Human Rights Month. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption and signing of South Africa’s Constitution into law. This supreme law enshrines the right to sufficient water and a healthy environment, alongside socio-economic rights such as housing, education, and healthcare, serving as a reminder to reaffirm the strength of democracy and freedom.

Government is cognisant that water access is central to dignity, equality and socio-economic development, hence it is prioritising reliable and sustainable water supply nationwide. In the State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa articulated that government is in the final stages of establishing a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency to effectively manage and mobilise funding for the country’s water infrastructure. In addition to this, a National Water Crisis Committee was announced as part of government efforts to address water shortages, infrastructure failures and municipal performance challenges across the country.

Government is prioritising the completion of delayed water infrastructure projects by also taking steps to reprioritise funding to ensure delayed projects are finalised and water systems are stabilised. Significant progress has been made in the construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Ntabelanga Dam in the Eastern Cape and Gabosch Damin Mpumalanga.

Progress is realised at the St George’s Park Wellfield, which forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality’s strategy to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply through the development of alternative water sources.

The project focuses on groundwater extraction and treatment, reducing reliance on rainfall-dependent dams. This approach aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the metro’s water system, stabilise supply to key areas, mitigate drought-related shortages, and reinforce the bulk water network that supports communities across the metro.

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina recently handed over a newly completed borehole to the community of Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng. This forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to expanding reliable access to water and advancing women’s empowerment through sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene initiatives.

In the North West province, government efforts to enhance water supply systems in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality are being intensified, particularly in Rustenburg and Moses Kotane. Recently government convened a meeting with local municipalities and Magalies Water at Rustenburg Civic Centre to assess and determine ways to stabilise water supply. This initiative coincides with National Water Month, emphasising the significance of water resource protection. The meeting addressed the status of key infrastructure such as the Kortbegrip Reservoir System and Bospoort Plant, with plans to boost their operational capacity for better reliability and efficiency in water distribution.

Communities are encouraged to support government’s clarion call to use water sparingly. As a water scarce country, saving water begins with the small choices we make every day. Simple actions such as turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaks, and using water responsibly can significantly reduce water loss and help protect the country’s supply.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report water leaks, burst pipes, and illegal connections to the relevant water authorities, as this can go a long way in safeguarding water resources. Ultimately, water conservation must become an embedded way of life to protect water as a shared national resource and work together to secure water for current and future generations. 

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By Nontuthuko Ngubane

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, has called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and investors to accelerate energy investment and industrial development in the province. 

The Premier together with the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Musa Zondi, and in collaboration with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), hosted the KZN Energy Indaba in Richards Bay.

The two-day programme brought together high-level leadership from national and provincial government, state-owned entities, energy producers, investors, development agencies and industry specialists. 

The gathering focused on deliberating practical solutions aimed at accelerating energy security and unlocking catalytic investment opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.

The event was aimed at fast-tracking solutions for sustainable energy, strengthening energy security and driving economic growth anchored in Richards Bay’s industrial and port strength. 

The indaba also sought to utilise communication platforms to position KwaZulu-Natal and Richards Bay as a destination for investment and an energy hub, while promoting job creation, skills development, localisation and industrial competitiveness in the province.

Speaking on the goal of positioning the province as South Africa’s energy hub, Premier Ntuli said the indaba was convened to stimulate economic growth not only for KwaZulu-Natal but for the entire country.

“We gathered here in this KZN Energy Indaba to grow the economy not only for KZN but also for the rest of South Africa. We are hoping with this gathering new opportunities will be recognised. This is also a call to every youth to get ready with skills relevant to the economy and labour market which will be required. I wish this KZN Indaba will be a success which will include timeframe and solutions going forward,” said Ntuli.

Ntuli encouraged women to take up leadership roles in the energy sector, assuring them of support and urging them not to be hesitant in occupying spaces of influence. 

He further called on delegates and attendees to contribute meaningfully and innovatively to the discussions during the indaba.

Delivering a message of support from national government, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina highlighted the importance of Richards Bay in driving industrialisation and economic growth. 

She said the outcomes of the KZN Energy Indaba would benefit the entire province.

“I will be failing if I don’t speak about the impact of energy especially in the rural areas, especially for women. It was us mothers at home who knew how to make the fire to make food, that was energy. Sometimes when we speak about energy as if we are speaking about something farfetched, we must look at energy as something not very far from us but take it to Amakhosi and our people. I am excited that women and energy—we have seen women grow in this field. Let us have more of them,” said Gina.

In his welcome address, King Cetshwayo District Mayor Cllr Sikhumbuzo Dlamini expressed appreciation for the indaba being hosted in the district, saying the initiative would make a positive difference for the community.

City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi also addressed delegates, urging communities to protect energy infrastructure. He highlighted a recent incident where a mini sub-station in Empangeni was vandalised, causing widespread power disruptions.

“Recently, one of our mini sub-stations in Empangeni was vandalised, resulting in power disruptions in most parts of Empangeni. The total damage because of this is estimated to be over a million rand. 

“We need to collectively condemn these criminal acts as they do not only force the municipality to spend money which it does not have but also endanger the lives of those who rely on constant power supply for their livelihoods. We urge our residents to work with us as the municipality and law enforcement authorities to report those responsible for such criminality,” said Ngwezi.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi said the indaba was critical in supporting businesses and ensuring inclusive economic participation.

“No one must be left behind in what we are talking about here, people in the rural area, township and any business. This energy indaba will assist businesspeople and attract investors,” said Zondi.

The programme included several panel discussions focusing on key energy issues, such as regulation and policies, the Gas Master Plan (GMP) as an enabler for industrialisation and economic growth, and innovative financing models aimed at unlocking both public and private sector investment in energy infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za

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In the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA), President Cyril Ramaphosa made a decisive call: South Africa must move from stabilisation to acceleration. The foundation has been laid, and reforms are underway. But the defining task of the 7th Administration is to translate reform momentum into measurable improvements in the lives of all South Africans.

The recent assessments conducted by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) on the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024 – 2029 confirm that progress in the work of government is real. Yet, the assessments also underscore a central truth – delivery must deepen, accelerate and reach every community.

A reform agenda taking root

The MTDP 2024 – 2029, the programme of action and implementation blueprint of the 7th Administration, operationalises the vision of the National Development Plan (NDP) into measurable strategic priorities:

• Driving inclusive growth and job creation
• reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living
• building a capable, ethical and developmental state

The DPME’s review of performance between April and September 2025 tells a story of steadiness and resilience amid global uncertainty.

South Africa recorded 0.8% gross domestic product growth in the second quarter of 2025, the strongest quarterly performance since 2022. In the third quarter, 248 000 jobs were added.

Significantly, the country experienced more than 175 executive days without load shedding, marking a significant improvement in energy reliability and investor confidence.

Operation Vulindlela

Structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela are unblocking constraints in energy, logistics and water. South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list has strengthened financial credibility. Infrastructure financing has gained momentum, with R1.03 trillion allocated over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and substantial blended finance approvals through the Infrastructure Fund.

These are not isolated achievements. They represent the early dividends of a reform programme designed to stabilise and reposition the economy for sustained growth.

Confronting persistent structural challenges

Yet, stabilisation alone is insufficient.

Unemployment remains at 31.9%, with youth unemployment at 58.5%. A Gini coefficient of 0.63 indicates inequality remains and continues to shape the daily realities for millions of South Africans.

The National Development Plan is unequivocal: women, youth and persons with disabilities must be mainstreamed into South Africa’s economic trajectory.

Scaling investment and industrial momentum

Encouraging signs are emerging in industrial policy and investment mobilisation.

Over R44 billion in new investments have been secured across sector masterplans, including expansion in the new energy vehicle ecosystem and battery minerals value chains.

Tourism arrivals reached 7.6 million between January and September 2025, while MSME support programmes created or sustained more than 86 000 jobs.

These green shoots must now be scaled. Reform credibility must translate into higher investment, broader participation and sustained job creation.

Building a capable and ethical state

The SoNA reaffirmed that delivery depends fundamentally on state capability.

The DPME’s assessments indicate measurable progress:

• 93% of senior managers in the Public Service have undergone lifestyle audits
• 55% of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture have been completed or substantially completed
• Ministerial Performance Agreements are now tightly aligned to MTDP 2024 – 2029 and SoNA commitments, strengthening accountability at the highest level

Through the District Development Model (DDM), planning and coordination across national, provincial and local spheres of government are becoming more integrated. An inter-ministerial committee is supporting distressed municipalities, while reforms to the local government framework are under way.

Digital transformation is emerging as a key enabler of capability – from digital identity reforms to the MyMzansi citizen platform prototype. However, municipal capacity, procurement inefficiencies and fiscal pressures continue to hamper implementation in parts of the country.

The lesson is clear – reform must be accompanied by institutional strengthening.

From measurement to acceleration

The DPME’s role is not limited to monitoring performance. It is also to drive corrective action and support course correction.

Recent MTDP reviews have identified priority levers for accelerated delivery – including strengthening housing implementation, improving infrastructure project preparation in municipalities and enhancing administrative efficiency in health and social grant systems.

Evidence-based monitoring is increasingly informing decision-making at Cabinet level. Performance is being tracked. Bottlenecks are being identified. Accountability is being reinforced.

The imperative of acceleration

The SoNA marked a pivot from reform initiation to reform consolidation and acceleration.

Evidence from the DPME’s assessments of the government’s implementation of the MTDP shows that the foundations of recovery are in place – in energy reforms, infrastructure development, logistics recovery, tourism growth and public sector accountability.

But reform momentum must now yield visible change in the lives of South Africans through:

• more jobs, especially for young people
• faster and more reliable service delivery
• safer communities
• a professional, ethical and capable state

South Africa has entered a new phase, one defined not by promise, but by implementation.

The task before us is to convert momentum into measurable impact.

The progress is real. The direction is clear. The responsibility now is to accelerate delivery – together – in building a nation that works for all.

*This article was originally published in Public Sector Management Magazine

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By Sihle Manda

As South Africa marks Human Rights Month and approaches three decades since the adoption of its Constitution, the link between human rights and human settlements has never been more pronounced. 

Few portfolios illustrate the lived reality of constitutional rights as directly as housing – where dignity, equality and access to opportunity intersect in brick, mortar and place.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane believes this milestone demands reflection, celebration and renewed commitment. Speaking to Public Sector Manager magazine, she frames housing not merely as infrastructure delivery, but as a constitutional promise realised over time.

“Human rights and 30 years of the Constitution is an important celebration that needs to be held,” Simelane says. “I am going to look at it from a human settlements and property ownership perspective.

Gone are the days when women, specialised categories of society, could not own property. It took a lot of policy and direction just to make sure we are equal citizens in the eyes of the law.”

Right to own property

For Simelane, the right to own property is inseparable from the broader project of equality. The Constitution, she argues, did more than remove legal barriers – it fundamentally altered who could claim space, security and belonging.

“…it is to allow you to be able to exercise your right – and your right to be guaranteed by the Constitution – that you deserve dignity,” she explains. “Dignity is part of what could be realised by a government in providing you with a house.”

Yet the Minister is careful to stress that dignity does not end with a roof over one’s head. The democratic vision of human settlements is far more expansive.

“Not only providing you with a house, but a human settlement, where there are amenities like schools, amenities that bring conveniences like complexes, recreation centres like skills training and development centres that our communities so deserve,” she says.

Progress made

This integrated vision is reflected in how the department defines a human settlement. “When we categorise a human settlement, we say it must be provided with electricity – of which our country is doing well. There are challenges, but in our roll out we are at 97% provision,” Simelane notes. “With water and reticulation, we are at 72% in the connectivity of bulk, including roads in human settlements and other social amenities.”

While acknowledging persistent backlogs and service delivery pressures, she believes the constitutional trajectory is clear. “We have ticked what is key,” she says, “but when we talk to issues of urbanisation – which is what we are now dealing with – rapid growth, rapid migration forces us to follow what we call the priorities of the Seventh Administration.”

Those priorities include strengthening smaller towns and secondary cities. “Ensuring that we now even go into urbanisation of the small areas so that, conveniently, people are able to stay where they are,” Simelane explains. 

“To all South Africans, we have made a mark in growth – at a constitutional to a developmental point of view. That deserves to be celebrated.”

The gains

Central to this celebration is the country’s constitutional democracy and its oversight institutions. Simelane sees bodies such as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) not as adversaries of the State but as enablers of better governance.

“We have got a democracy in the form of the SAHRC, and that guarantees every South African that if you feel that your right is being violated in one way or the other, or the promises of the Constitution are not adhered to, you could be able to lay a right that you have in the Constitution for it to be looked into,” she says. 

“We do not take that from a negative point of view. The SAHRC is able to assess your systems, how you can grow and how you can develop in achieving that every right is guaranteed for every South African. We must celebrate the Constitution as a victory.”

Embracing technology

Looking ahead, the Minister situates the department’s current work firmly within this constitutional mandate. “In 2025, we presented our Budget Vote Speech under the theme: Leveraging technologies for resilient, sustainable human settlements,” she says. “We did this with full understanding that technologies can assist us in achieving our targets as contained in the 2024 – 2029 Medium Term Development Plan.”

She points to Section 26 of the Constitution as a guiding principle. “The Constitution enjoins us to take reasonable legislative and other measures within available resources to ensure everyone has access to adequate housing,” Simelane explains. “With this directive, not only to provide houses, but to deliver sustainable human settlements that are affordable, resilient and dignified.”

A key intervention in this regard is the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit, hosted by the department in early February. “This Summit is a national platform dedicated to advancing and showcasing innovative, sustainable and scalable construction solutions,” she says. 

“It supports the delivery of dignified housing, the eradication of informal settlements and mud houses, and strengthens our capacity to respond to housing emergencies stemming from disasters.”

“These challenges are further compounded by climate change, which has increased the frequency and severity of floods and storms.”

Rapid urbanisation adds another layer of complexity. “Our country continues to experience rapid urbanisation and population growth,” she notes. “These dynamics require new and innovative approaches to housing delivery that are faster, more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and capable of being deployed at scale.”

Innovation

For Simelane, innovation is not a luxury – it is a constitutional necessity. “A key focus of the summit is the role of IBTs in accelerating housing delivery while maintaining quality, safety and compliance with regulatory standards,” she says. “These technologies include modular and fabricated construction systems, alternative and locally produced building materials, climate-resilient designs, green and energy-efficient solutions, and smart construction methods that reduce time and cost.”

She is particularly concerned about the continued existence of mud houses. “These structures are often highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains and flooding, posing serious risks to the safety and well-being of occupants,” Simelane says.

 “Through IBTs, we want durable, affordable alternatives that can be rolled out rapidly, while supporting local manufacturing, skills development and job creation.”

Spatial justice 

The constitutional promise of dignity, she insists, must also translate into spatial justice. “With IBTs, we seek to achieve spatially transformed and socially integrated communities,” she says. 

“By promoting innovative construction methods that support higher density development and well-located housing, we will reverse apartheid spatial patterns and build communities truly reflective of a democratic South Africa.”

As South Africa reflects on 30 years of constitutional democracy, Simelane’s message is both reflective and forward-looking. “Through hosting the IBTs Summit, the department affirms its commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have safe, decent and affordable housing,” she says. “Innovation must play a critical role in accelerating delivery and improving the quality of household life.”

Ultimately, she returns to the Constitution itself. “Housing is not just about structures,” Simelane concludes. “It is about dignity, equality and human rights made real. That is what 30 years of our Constitution calls on us to protect – and to deepen – for generations to come.” 

*This article was originally published in Public Sector Management Magazine

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