The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala, has welcomed the appointment of the new Head of Department, Ms Pumla Ncapayi as announced this week by the Premier of the Province, Mr Willies Mchunu.
In welcoming her appointment, the MEC had this to say: “I welcome the announcement made by the Premier, Mr Willies Mchunu this week on the appointment of Ms Pumla Ncapayi as the new Head of Department for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the province. Her appointment comes as a major boost to our team, as we strive towards the efficient implementation of programmes that will alter economic patterns in our province,”
Zikalala described Ms Ncapayi as a seasoned Senior Executive with over eighteen (18) years of experience in the public service. “She served in the economic cluster and gained expertise in policy development, business development, administration, governance, strategic leadership and implementation.
She is a disciplined and focused visionary leader with determination, strong leadership acumen, communication, decision making, problem solving and interpersonal skills,”” added Zikalala.
The new HOD has served in various portfolios including international trade and investment involved in managing an investment pipeline for South Africa, responsible for setting South Africa’s trajectory for exports to high growth markets including BRICS, Africa and rest of the world. She was also responsible for the management and strategic direction of foreign economic representation through a network of foreign offices.”
During her tenure in the public service she also held the position of Acting Director General responsible for the establishment of the Small Business Development Department. In addition, her experience includes representation in various boards of State Owned Entities and as well as Vice Presidency of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
Ms Ncapayi’s experience and skills bring a considerable benefit for the Province of KwaZulu-Natal that harbours the ambition of becoming the country and region’s leading destination for foreign direct investment and tourism whilst balancing the developmental activities with the protection and conservation of its biodiversity capital.
Speaking after her appointment, Ms Ncapayi said she was passionate about implementing the radical economic transformation agenda as well as building and sustaining partnerships with all social partners to achieve this objective. “Our plan is to prioritise growing the economy of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal such that it is globally-competitive and that, particularly, it gets more of those in the periphery to join the mainstream economy.”
For more information contact:
Bongani Tembe
Cell: 082 327 2600
Siyabonga Maphumulo
Cell: 082 330 5132
