The government of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal prides itself on the collective partnerships that it has forged with different role-players in the business, organised labour and civil sectors of society.

KZN ECONOMIC COUNCIL

The KZN Economic Council was established to provide the KwaZulu-Natal government and its social partners with a collective and permanent economic forum where high profile economic policy issues and decisions can be reviewed and implemented.

The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council, which is convened with representation from organised business, civil society and organised labour within KwaZulu-Natal.

The necessity to develop partnerships was triggered by the massive decline in the manufacturing sector during the global economic slump in 2008. It was suggested that this body should be created to develop strategies to grow and protect the economy. “Organised labour, in particular suggested that the initiative would assist in mitigating the economic challenges facing a large number of people,” said Edwin Mkhize, the organised labour convenor.

Mkhize added, “Labour values this initiative as a platform where the interests of the poor majority can be represented. We are able to bring our challenges of inequality, and talk about them. We want to be part of economic growth and share in the benefits. Economic growth should not only benefit business but also the poor. The KZN Economic Council allows us to get directly involved and we can make sure that the
people’s voices are heard when issues are raised.”

The private sector is represented on the KZN Economic Council by representation from the KwaZulu-Natal Business Chambers Council (KBCC). The KBCC Council is an umbrella organisation for business chambers; is a conduit for the flow of information on matters pertaining to business in the Province, represents member chambers, and lobbies on behalf of its constituents, to provincial government.
Dominic Collett, current chairman of the KBCC says, “Organised business participates in the KZN Economic Council to understand the policies and priorities of the provincial government and to assist in driving a common resolve of the social partners to grow the economy of KwaZulu-Natal. A major aim of the council is to implement strategy to build KwaZulu-Natal into a business powerhouse that is an attractive destination for investment.”

Richard Mkhungo, the civil society convener said, “The KZN Economic Council empowers small business entrepreneurs to participate in the economy of KwaZulu-
Natal. The entrepreneurs benefit though the information they obtain regarding institutional support as well as obtain information and skills, which are of critical importance. The KZN Economic Council allows for meaningful engagement, which is essential to understanding the vision and mission of the government of KwaZulu-Natal.”

THE KZN GROWTH COALITION

In addition, the KZN Growth Coalition, together with various chambers of business, the provincial government, especially the Department of Economic Affairs, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Agriculture and local government, through the KZN Economic Council, are currently working regularly to identify and unlock projects
that are not only meaningful to KwaZulu-Natal but also to South Africa.

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and Co-chair of the KZN Growth Coalition, Willies Mchunu said, “We must reiterate that the provincial leadership recognises the important role of
big business in growing the economy of the country and the Province as a whole.”

Since it establishment in 2000, the KZN Growth Coalition, “Has been forging a meaningful and results-driven partnership between government and business in order to both fast track the growth of the Province,” said MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala. The purpose of the KZN Growth Coalition is to promote KwaZulu-Natal as a region in which peace and democracy flourishes, positioning the Province as the leading destination for investment from elsewhere in the country, the continent and abroad.

As a consequence of this partnership, the various chambers of business in the Province have recognised the KZN Growth Coalition as a niche liaison point that they can use to reach the most relevant and senior members of both provincial and municipal government. The cooperation of the business chambers is mutually beneficial as the KZN Growth Coalition relies heavily on the movement to represent the interests of organised business in general.

Mr Zikalala added, “The key pillar of this relationship has always been partnership. From its inception, the two major partners in the KZN Growth Coalition, being government and business, have been aware that, while they are both critical players
in economic development, they play different but complimentary roles.” He further commented, “We need to create conducive conditions and indeed intervene, where necessary, to ensure that business thrives and our economy grows.”

The KZN Growth Coalition, together with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs has established the KZN Executive Liaison Campaign based on the eight -a-side concept where the business community meets directly with the mayor and senior executives in the ten major centres of the Province. For many smaller towns, where the business chamber movement is either weak or nonexistent, this executive liaison creates a way to structure regular interaction at the highest level. Slowly but surely trust is being developed, where previously it was lacking, often not through political differences but simply by non-engagement with each other.

A number of flagship projects are underway, many as a consequence of these partnerships between the private and public sectors. Moses Tembe, Co-chair of the KZN Growth Coalition, commented, “We in KZN are blessed with many flagship projects that are currently being implemented, and others that with some extra assistance and strategic intervention, will be up and running in the near future.”

The following projects are underway or operational:

• Keystone Commercial Industrial Park at Inchanga
• Mr Price Mega Logistical Hub at Hammarsdale
• Cornubia Precinct Development
• The Umhlanga Rocks / Mt. Edgecombe upgrading of N2/M4 Interchange
• Durban Point Development
• Umhlanga Pearls R3 billion development
• Multi-billion Rand Oceans development
• The Sibaya Precinct
• The Clairwood Park, Kings Estate, Blythedale Coastal Resort, and Finningley Estate
• The R700m water supply system to Richards Bay
• Suncoast, Natal Command Site, Centrum and Exhibition Precinct
• Automotive Supply Park

However, said Tembe, “A major provincial challenge remains job creation and inclusive growth. Recognising this challenge is not enough. Business, government, labour and civil society, working through the KZN Economic Council, have to commit to
a strategy that facilitates an environment conducive to creating new jobs and wealth. In this regard, business fully supports the principle of radical economic transformation, within the prescripts of the constitutional law of South Africa and with full recognition of national and international law and agreements. Transparent and honest engagement with all stakeholders is a necessity.”

Tembe concluded, “We will continue to do what we can to make sure that KwaZulu-Natal becomes a model and prosperous province. What we ask for in return is strong leadership, political and economic certainty and a return to the values of the South Africa post-1994.”