KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has committed his government to be at the forefront of all efforts aimed at driving Africa’s economic integration. He was speaking in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve at the welcoming ceremony for a high-powered delegation from Angola led by His Excellency General Armando da Cruz Neto, the Governor of the Province of Benguela.
Starting from today the delegation is scheduled to visit Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone; Wednesday and Thursday they will tour the Durban harbour, Agri-Zone and Cargo Terminal at the Dube Trade Port and the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium respectively.
“The buzzword these days is Africa's economic integration. As far as we are concerned – the next phase of Africa's economic integration will be speeded up by infrastructure development.”
“It is worth noting that at the 18th African Unit Summit, African leaders endorsed the launch of the Programme for Infrastructure Development. This programme invites foreign governments, international organisations and private sector organisations to take an active part in Africa's infrastructure development.”
“As the provincial government we want to strengthen co-operation with the Province of Benguela as we start a new chapter in the African history.”
“We say South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular should always be your preferred partner We have launched the Infrastructure Revolution which we believe will change the face of KwaZulu-Natal province for many more years to come. The overall government infrastructure expenditure exceeds R200 billion over the next seven years.”
“The infrastructure development programme involves road construction, air-freight, rail, provision of water and sanitation, services - electrification and a major focus on the maritime industry.”
“We are encouraging partnership between the public and the private sectors to maximise investments and grow the economy together using the infrastructure as a catalyst.”
“During your stay in KZN, you will interact with representatives from government, civil society and a broad range of organisations. Importantly, as government we believe that as part of our search for solutions for Africa we need to encourage twinning of cities, provinces and academic institutions and partnership amongst the business fraternity.
“We are encouraging our institutions to collaborate with academics across the continent and to host regular conferences to share ideas and exchange academic staff and students and help to create an African identity of academic excellence across the boundaries.”
“We are using sports and cultural exchange programmes to strengthen the people-to- people relations.”
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Spokesperson for the Premier
Cell: 082 375 4742
Regi Khumalo, Media Liaison Desk
Cell: 079 751 6108