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Ramaphosa Forms Presidential Working Group to Address eThekwini’s Challenges

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DURBAN — In a significant move to tackle the pressing challenges facing eThekwini, President Cyril Ramaphosa convened with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, along with a team of ministers, for a critical dialogue. This meeting, held on Friday, aimed to address the economic, water, electricity, and infrastructure issues plaguing the metro and the broader KwaZulu-Natal province.

According to South African Government News Agency, this engagement marked the first of its kind since May 2022 and offered a platform for the President, Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, to update the business community on various national government-led initiatives to support the province. The discussions underscored the government's commitment to fostering economic growth and tackling the persistent challenges of water scarcity, electricity shortages, and infrastructure development in eThekwini.

To expedite the resolution of these issues, President Ramaphosa has established the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. This task force comprises ministers from the relevant portfolios, who will collaborate closely with both the metro and the local business sector. The group is tasked with presenting regular progress reports to the President, ensuring a focused and coordinated approach to addressing the metro's challenges.

Additionally, President Ramaphosa's engagement extended beyond economic matters. In a subsequent meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial House of Traditional and Koi-San Leadership, discussions aimed at strengthening the relationship between the government and traditional institutions were held. The President addressed the finalization of the Traditional Leaders Handbook, detailing government support for Amakhosi, and expressed concern over the safety of traditional leaders amid incidents of violence. He urged Amakhosi to partner with the government in combating social ills and facilitating local development, such as infrastructure and educational programs.

With the general elections approaching, President Ramaphosa also called for tolerance towards all political parties, ensuring they can campaign in communities without fear or intimidation. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect between political parties and traditional leaders during the electoral process.

President Ramaphosa reassured the traditional leaders that the government would address other pertinent issues related to land, rural development, and agriculture, highlighting his administration's holistic approach to governance and community engagement.