The theme of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele final State of the Province Address was that a solid foundation for a democratic and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal has been laid over the past five years.

 He said that, "imperfections notwithstanding, KwaZulu-Natal has proceeded with singular determination to establish a post conflict society, a society relentlessly moving towards a common, prosperous and peaceful future".

 Much progress has been made in all government departments to improve the delivery of services in a more integrated manner. The holistic approach to development includes improvements in housing delivery, food security, job creation, education and social service. In addition, attention has been given to preserve and acknowledge the province's strong historical heritage as well as its traditional leaders. Emphasis has also been given advancing to human rights and peace in the Province.

 Key infrastructure programmes include:
* the R2,2 billion Moses Mabhida Stadium
* the R6,8 billion Dube Tradeport and King Shaka International Airport to be operationalised by the end of this year and
* the R350 million P700 Corridor from Richards Bay to Ulundi which is under construction and reduces the distance between Ulundi and Richards Bay
* the R300 million P577 from Mtubatuba to Hlabisa and Nongoma and
* the construction of the R260 million Nsezi Bridge on the John Ross Highway near Empangeni, which is 1,2 kilometres long and the longest bridge in South Africa and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

 Ndebele stated that in the global arena the  focus for the next five years will be:

• to continue strengthening relations that have been enshrined in formal co-operative agreements with a specific focus on value-adding programmes that directly contribute to our growth and development efforts
•   to support the national foreign policy direction, in this regard playing a pivotal role in African Renaissance and strengthening African Renaissance efforts on the African continent
•   to continue to expand the drive of economic diplomacy that South Africa has commenced, since 2006.

Ndebele concluded by saying, "Our province has entered, and has entrenched itself within, the mainstream of the South African political, social, cultural and sporting life. In 2004, the people of KwaZulu-Natal voted for this government because they were longing for normality and prosperity. The next five years will see the further strengthening of these aspirations of the people of this province. Together we can do more".