KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Hosts Highly Successful Stakeholder Engagement Session In iLembe District Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT
28 JANUARY 2025

KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE HOSTS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

The KwaZulu-Natal legislature’s Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio committee today hosted a highly successful engagement with business leaders, emerging entrepreneurs and government entities in Ilembe District Municipality.

The legislature created the platform to solicit views from key stakeholders on opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, funding initiatives, mentorship programme’s as well as the planned investment initiatives in the district.

The session was also attended by Mayors of KwaDukuza municipality, Maphumulo Municipality and CEOs of all entities that fall under the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

“We have just concluded a highly successful session with several sectors in Ilembe District Municipality. Government entities did not only share economic projects and programme’s that they have but, members of the community and businesspeople were able to make their contributions. Today’s session was part of what we do as the committee before both the budget and the Annual Performance Plan are approved,” said Hon Mafika Mndebele.

Among the opportunities presented today were those found in the Durban Aerotropolis which includes the building of a 21st Century airport city around the King Shaka International Airport. Also shared were opportunities in the tourism sector which are expected to turn KZN into a bustling hub of economic activity.

Aspirant entrepreneurs implored on the department and the portfolio committee to ensure that Operation Vula Fund was accelerated. The fund was initiated by the provincial government to provide adequate financial support towards the development of emerging enterprises.

ISSUED BY THE LEGISLATURE
For interviews: Hon Mafika Mndebele +27 (83) 783-5164

For enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe (Legislature) 0823272600