Just few days after being sworn in as the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, the Reverend Musa Zondi has hit the ground running by holding a strategic meeting with the chairpersons of the boards and CEOs of public entities under KZN EDTEA at the Ithala SOC Limited offices in Durban.

This significant gathering of leaders of 11 entities around one table marked the beginning of a collaborative journey aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing tourism, and ensuring environmental sustainability in KwaZulu-Natal.

MEC Rev Musa Zondi emphasized the pivotal role each entity plays in achieving the department's strategic goals. He articulated a vision of unity and collective effort, underscoring that by working together, the entities can create a more prosperous and resilient province.

In his address, MEC Zondi highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. He outlined his strategic priorities focused on job creation, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship.

The meeting included detailed presentations from each entity, providing insights into their current projects, challenges, and future plans.

Ithala CEO Dr Thulani Vilakazi said the financial institution’s main challenge was obtaining a banking licence and the future as a fully functional bank hinged on resolving this issue.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative efforts and a shared vision of driving significant progress in the economic development, tourism, and environmental sectors of KwaZulu-Natal.

“My only objective as I take the new role is to change the lives of the people in our province. I want to contribute to the change that I want to see happening in my province,” said Reverend Zondi.

Reflecting on his deployment, he said in a media interview: “Poverty is endemic in our province. Throughout the country, there is an economic slump. We need to put our shoulder to the wheel to get all the elements that constitute the engine of our country working again.”

Looking at the journey ahead, the soft-spoken cleric said: “During our tenure, we’ll focus our attention on the poorest of the poor, particularly those on the margins of society. People in rural areas still living in shacks will be our priority.”

By virtue of being the MEC for EDTEA, Reverend Zondi is the leader of government business. Among the business-focused entities are the Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited, KZN Growth Fund Agency, Dube Trade Port Corporation, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, Trade and Investment KZN

KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Moses Kotane Research Institute and KZN Economic Regulatory Authority.

Reverend Zondi, who hails from Nkandla, northern KZN, is a member of the Lutheran Church and chairs the Diakonia Council of Churches.