Regional Focus - KwaZulu-Natal

KZN's Road To Resilience

By Jessie Taylor

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is charting a transformative course, emerging as a beacon of resilience and forward-thinking governance in South Africa. Despite facing challenges such as infrastructure backlogs and economic pressures, the province is making significant strides in revitalising its economy through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and inclusive empowerment programmes.

Infrastructure Overhaul and Job Creation

In April 2025, the KZN Department of Transport unveiled a substantial R9.2-billion investment to upgrade road infrastructure across the province. This initiative focuses on repairing potholes, addressing flood damage, and constructing new roads, with the dual objective of improving transportation networks and creating job opportunities for local communities.

MEC Siboniso Duma highlighted that these projects are expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth and social development.

The province has over 34,000 kilometres of provincial road networks, of which over 8700 kilometres are paved. MEC Duma added that the paved network needs heavy investment in maintenance and rehabilitation.

“This requires us to continue striking a delicate balance between constructing new projects and maintaining existing infrastructure, especially with the continuous flooding that has increased our repair and rehabilitation costs, thus diverting funds from planned projects,” said MEC Duma. Over R3.8-billion will be spent on constructing new infrastructural projects, while over R4.3 billion will maintain the road network. Over R102-million will be spent on infrastructure planning and design, with over

R927 -million being allocated to support programmes within transport infrastructure. In addition, MEC Duma’s department will roll out an ambitious programme to patch potholes, with a budget allocation of R216-million.

“In the 2023/24 financial year, the Department procured 55 trucks at R103-million to tackle the backlog of 3.12-million m2 of potholes that need to be attended to. We intend to procure a further 25 trucks to reinforce our efforts to eradicate potholes on our network. The Department has also appointed more than 100 road worker aids and foremen to be on the frontlines in our fight against potholes,” said MEC Duma.

He added that the department is in the process of appointing a specialist automated road rehabilitation and pothole patching service provider to deliver a speedy means of pothole patching in strategic areas of the province. “This exercise will contribute greatly towards the capacitation and development of small contractors and employment of targeted labour,” he said.

Beyond Infrastructure Repair

The road overhaul is not merely about infrastructure; it’s a catalyst for economic stimulation. Enhanced road networks facilitate smoother logistics, reduce transportation costs, and improve access to markets, thereby attracting businesses and investors to the region.

“To achieve high levels of economic growth, we are undertaking massive investments in new infrastructure while upgrading and maintaining existing infrastructure. We are also developing innovative ways of funding infrastructure and want to tap into the Presidential Infrastructure Fund to transform our infrastructure through blended financing solutions,” said MEC Duma.

Additionally, the Department has developed a fraud and corruption risk register and is actively monitoring its procurement processes. So far, over R1.7-million lost through fraud has been recovered, ensuring that the allocated funds are used effectively and transparently.

The provincial government is actively pursuing investment to bolster economic growth.

In February 2025, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli hosted a high level investment breakfast in uMhlanga, Durban, aiming to secure an additional R4-billion in investments for the 2025/26 financial year. This initiative is projected to create 5 000 new jobs, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

The event brought together key industry players, investors, and government stakeholders to explore opportunities for economic acceleration. Premier Ntuli emphasised the province’s economic priorities, highlighting ongoing and upcoming projects designed to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and attract both domestic and foreign direct investment. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position KZN as a competitive investment destination, leveraging its strategic location, rich natural resources, and skilled workforce.

Recognising the impact of climate change, the province is focusing on building resilient infrastructure. The call for resilience is timely, as devastating floods continue to batter KwaZulu-Natal, exposing the cracks in infrastructure systems. A proactive and resilient approach to infrastructure maintenance is essential to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters and ensure the sustainability of development projects.

KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive approach to infrastructure development, investment attraction, and community empowerment underscores its commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, the province is paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future.

By addressing infrastructure challenges, fostering economic opportunities, and empowering communities, KZN is not only overcoming its current hurdles but also setting a precedent for other provinces in South Africa. The province’s journey serves as a testament to the power of strategic planning, community engagement, and resilient governance in driving socioeconomic transformation.

Source: KwaZulu-Natal Governmet | The Witness | IOL