ULUNDI, The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has issued a direct call to pension funds, asset managers, and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to collaborate with local government in unlocking long-term infrastructure investment and building resilient local economies.
Addressing business leaders and key stakeholders at the KZN Investment Forum held at the Radisson Blu in Umhlanga, MEC Buthelezi highlighted that institutional capital is critical to strengthening municipal service delivery, expanding local infrastructure, and restoring investor confidence across the province.
MEC Buthelezi emphasized that KZN COGTA will actively facilitate strategic partnerships between local municipalities, pension funds, and financial institutions to co-create sustainable funding mechanisms and streamline project execution.
Pointing to South Africa’s significant pool of institutional capital, he noted that properly coordinated infrastructure investments yield long-term, reliable returns while directly tackling local economic challenges.
As a practical blueprint, the MEC highlighted the recent R5.7-billion water infrastructure package secured with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) through Umngeni-uThukela Water, alongside the province’s annual baseline of over R12.7 billion in ring-fenced municipal water grants planned over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
To ensure investor certainty, the MEC reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a conducive policy environment, enhancing financial governance, and stabilizing critical utility services like water and electricity.
KZN COGTA is actively positioning municipalities as financially sustainable, investment-ready partners. MEC Buthelezi highlighted the rapid expansion along the uMhlanga–Ballito corridor extending north to uMthunzini as proof of rising investor confidence, cementing KwaZulu-Natal’s status as a prime destination for long-term capital deployment in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and tourism.
The address also showcased major catalytic developments currently driving provincial momentum. These include the fast-tracked R2.1-billion Club Med Resort in the iLembe District (KwaDukuza Municipality), a new R400-million Hilton Hotel development in Hlabisa along the N2 corridor near the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, major facility expansions by Toyota on the South Coast, and continued industrial growth within the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ).
Looking ahead, MEC Buthelezi announced an upcoming provincial trade and investment delegation to Guangdong Province (Guangzhou), China, aimed at attracting secondary automotive manufacturing facilities to serve the SADC and broader African markets.
Closing his address, MEC Buthelezi stressed that the provincial government views the KZN Investment Forum not as a standalone event, but as the foundation of a lasting partnership designed to turn investment potential into practical, job-creating projects for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
ENDS
