In line with the 18 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS) initiated by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal has instituted a 20 year plan to grow the economy of the Province for the improvement of the quality of life of all people living in KZN.

The vision of the Province is that by 2030 KwaZulu-Natal will be prosperous with a healthy, secure, skilled population, acting as a gateway to Africa.

For this vision to become a reality a seven point Strategic Framework has been put in place addressing key issues of job creation; human resource development; human and community development; strategic infrastructure; environmental sustainability; governance and policy and spatial equity.

Job Creation
The Province plans to unleash agricultural potential by the development of crop, horticultural and livestock production and develop emerging commercial farmers by enhancing agricultural value-adding and marketing. The plan includes the expansion of irrigation schemes and water-use efficiency as well as protecting and rehabilitating agricultural resources. Expediting the resolution of blocked land reform
projects (DAEA & ADA) as well as implementing the Makhathini Integrated Development Plan is part of the vision.

Trade and investment is to be enhanced through sectoral development and the efficiency of government-led job creation programmes is to be improved. SMME and entrepreneurial development is to be
promoted and the knowledge base will be developed to enhance the knowledge economy.

Human Resource Development
Early childhood development, primary and secondary education is to be improved with skills alignment being supported by economic growth. Youth skills development and life-long learning will also be
enhanced.

Human and Community Development
Poverty alleviation, social welfare, the health of communities and citizens plus sustainable household food security will be targeted, as will the development of sustainable human settlements offering safety
and security to all. Investment will also be made in social capital.

Strategic Infrastructure
Plans are already afoot for the development of both the Durban and Richards Bay Ports as well as the envisioned dig-out port on the old airport site.

Dube Trade Port remains a focus area for growth and development into an aerotropolis whilst smaller airports around the Province, that already have the potential to carry large planes, will be upgraded to assist with cargo exports.

Plans are in place to develop the rail link between Richards Bay and Limpopo Province through Swaziland to access the coal mining industry in Limpopo plus the extension of the John Ross Highway to link to Gauteng via Vryheid.

Cato Ridge has been targeted to become a dry port and future container and logistics hub. Plans for the required road and rail links to make this feasible are in place. This development will greatly enhance the Durban-Free State-Gauteng Transport Corridor.

The Province also intends the continued development of its ICT structure by increasing the broadband footprint plus the improvement of water resource management and supply and improved energy
production and supply.

Environmental Sustainability
Negotiations are underway with community leaders to increase the productivity of land. An increase in viable agricultural practices will empower the people and assist in the alleviation of poverty.

The Province intends advancing alternative energy generation and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, as well as managing the pressure on biodiversity. Adaptations are also envisioned to deal with climate
change.

Governance and Policy
Policy, strategy co-ordination and IGR are to be strengthened and government capacity increased. Participative, facilitative and accountable governance is to be promoted and fraud and corruption eradicated.

Spatial Equity
Spatial concentration and co-ordination of development interventions are to be actively promoted and effective spatial planning and land management systems are to be applied across the province.

As part of this strategy for the future, the Provincial Government also plans to make Durban Africa’s most caring and liveable city. It aims to achieve this goal by meeting the basic needs of residents,  strengthening the economy and building skills and technology.