MEDIA RELEASE09 JUNE 2019MEC DUBE-NCUBE CONGRATULATES COMRADES MARATHON RUNNERS, THRILLED AT THE KZN ECONOMIC AND TOURISM PROSPECTSKwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube has congratulated the 20 000-odd runners for their participation in the 94th edition of the 87 kilometre-long Comrades Marathon up-run race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.MEC Dube-Ncube also heaped praised at the winners; Edward Mothibi for his maiden win in the men’s race and Gerda Steyn for her feat in the women’s race. For her win at 5:58:53 Steyn also broke a 13-year-old record of 6:09:23 held by Russian Elena Nurgalieva thus becoming the first woman to run the race just under six hour for the up-run. She finished 17th overall.Mothibi beat perennial winner Bongumusa Mthembu, a KZN citizen by 25 second to the finish line.“I’m glad that the winners’ medals went South Africans. Gerda in particular has made South African women proud with her efforts and sterling performances. She repeated the same feat after winning the Two Oceans Marathon two months ago. This race is indeed about the spirit of endurance, Ubuntu displayed by the majority of runners and lifetime friendships as they root for each other along the grueling and treacherous route,” said Dube-Ncube.The Leader of Government Business was equally thrilled at the economic and tourism impact the annual race was creating for the entire province. She said the ultra-marathon continues to promote KwaZulu-Natal as a leisure and events destination.“The Comrades Marathon is also a very important event for the province in terms of economic impact and tourism at large. We have seen thousands of tourists as well basking in the glorious weather of our province as a result of the marathon. We learnt also from the Comrades Marathon Association that this year’s instalment is expected to boost the economy of KwaZulu-Natal by R700 million. That cash injection also hopefully trickles down to communities along the route of the race,” said Dube-Ncube.ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS IN KZNFor more information contact Mr Nathi Olifant on 072 292 2502 or 060 970 5113. view more

It was all smiles, cheeses and selfie galore as KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube paid a surprise maiden visit to the administration staff at the department’s Head Office. Being a caring MEC, Ms Dube-Ncube said she wanted to see first-hand the men and women who are the engine of this massive department and was pleasantly welcomed by the enthusiastic staff some of whom were happy to show her around and even offered to create a little office for her. Acting Head of Department, Siza Sibande and his senior management helped take the MEC around the corridors and offices of various units that make up Edtea. Since taking over the department last month, MEC Dube-Ncube has been on a drive to instil universal work ethics and inspire the employees and the department’s entities to strive to serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal with pride. “I have been pleased to see the faces behind the great things that Edtea is doing for our people. The men and women who work here are some of the best the provincial government has. They are in an assortment of specialties and their expertise help move the wheels of this department,” she said. “As a department we are charged with ensuring that we grow the economy and that we ensure that big business, small business and industry at large create job opportunities. I am in awe that it all starts here with these humble individuals. They are like chefs who prepare the meals that feed everyone,” she quipped. MEC Dube-Ncube also cautioned against truancy and punctuality insisting that it was critical that staff adhere to the government laws. She said everyone should come to work on time and leave work on time. She said if that does not happen it will affect service delivery especially for those who come to seek government help early in the morning or late in the afternoon. “Members of the public should always find you here and be able to be assisted at all times,” she said. Clad in a gold and black outfit, MEC took time to pose for photographs with members of the staff and management who took turns for the Kodak moment and mischievous photo bombers alike! view more

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube has met with the representatives of Tongaat-Hullet following challenges that the JSE-listed company has faced which have a potential disastrous consequences of job losses.The sugar and property giant announced recently that it was facing “significant business challenges” confirming that it was looking to reduce its headcount as part of a broader restructuring of the business.The company has already issued Section 189 letters to employees which would impact 5 000 permanent and temporary employees across Tongaat-Hullet’s operations in six SADC countries.As strategic investor in the province involved in one of the key economic development spheres, the government has decided to look for way to work with Tongaat-Hullet to minimise the impact this will have on the livelihood of the employees.It is precisely on this view that MEC Dube-Ncube engaged with the representatives of the company on Friday.“We have just have a fruitful meeting with the representative of Tongaat-Hullet with a view of getting an understanding of where we stand in term of Tongaat-Hullet developments. Indeed there are lots of developments happening at Tongaat-Hullet particularly around the growth and potential investments that we are likely to unlock as a government. We have now decided that we are going to form a task team that comprises of Tongaat-Hullet team as well as our team from the government which will then develop a report that we will take to cabinet with a view of getting the multi-disciplinary team to look at various aspects of those investment,” she said following the meeting. ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS IN KWAZULU-NATAL For enquiries please contact Mr Bongani Tembe on 082 327 2600 or Mr Nathi Olifant on 060 970 5113. view more

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube this evening graced the appreciation dinner of her predecessor and now the Premier of the Province Sihle Zikalala. The appreciation dinner was organised by the Edtea staff and the Department's entities to thank the former MEC for his sterling role at the helm of the department. Ms Dube-Ncube thanked Mr Zikalala for his sterling role in the department and pledged to do the same and exceed."It is indeed a great evening albeit with a sense of mixed emotions. Emotional because we understand that the mandate bestowed upon us is massive and we serve with humility," she said. MEC Dube-Ncube said the former MEC leaves behind from his previous portfolio a solid department, strong systems and a group of people determined to change lives. " Our election slogan is Building South Africa Together. This may seem like another generic slogan aimed at garnering more votes, however, understanding the challenges we have we are quite mindful that as government we will not be able to build this province and this country by ourselves," she said. She reiterated that the agenda for this government remains pro-poor, pro-economic growth and pro-business."It's a juggling act but through a collective effort this is very much possible. I have been thrilled with the spirit with which the Premier has taken me through his paces as far as the working ins of this department are concerned," she said.#GrowSouthAfrica view more