Cape Town – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s unveiling of the Provincial Jobs and Economic Growth Action Plan has elicited a range of responses from political leaders and economists.
The plan aims to create 12,734 direct jobs and support 43,005 indirect jobs, with a projected economic impact of R56 billion. It also includes 11,616 training opportunities and 10,569 internships.
Key sectors identified for development include cassava farming, renewable energy projects, and the expansion of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ).
According to a statement from the Premier’s office, the initiative is a response to the province’s high unemployment rates and aims to rejuvenate the economy through robust job creation and renewed investor confidence.
Ntuli emphasiSed the need for a united effort from all sectors to rebuild the economy, stating, “It demands a united effort from business, civil society, and communities. This Action Plan is not only about creating jobs; it is about restoring dignity, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring that prosperity is shared across all districts of our province.”
The initiative comes in response to persistent economic challenges, including high unemployment highlighted by recent Statistics South Africa data. The province has a history of job creation efforts, such as the 2023 S’thesha Waya Waya campaign, which employed over 6,000 young people through programs like the Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance Programme.
Politicians have expressed varying opinions on the plan.
Mafika Mndebele, chairperson of the economic development portfolio committee in the KZN Legislature, welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for urgency, transparency, and proper monitoring to ensure its success.
“Job creation cannot just be about numbers—it must translate into sustainable livelihoods, skills development, and pathways into permanent employment”, he said, according to reported
IOL.The plan identifies key sectors for growth, including cassava farming, post-foot-and-mouth disease beef exports, renewable energy projects, and the expansion of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone. It also highlights opportunities in tourism, hotel developments, and regulated revenue streams such as gambling and liquor licensing, said Premier Ntuli.
Economists have also weighed in on the initiative. Some argue that while government-led job creation can provide immediate relief, it may not be sustainable in the long term. They suggest that structural reforms, such as deregulation and market liberalisation, are necessary to stimulate private sector growth and create lasting employment opportunities, reported
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