Durban:KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has committed to reinforcing law enforcement and improving security coordination to safeguard businesses and communities, recognizing that instability and violence threaten investor confidence.
According to South African Government News Agency, Ntuli emphasized these points at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference held on 15 and 16 October. He assured that the provincial government is prepared to tackle security challenges head-on and maintain the rule of law, as the province announced R124.5 billion in investment commitments, surpassing its R95 billion target and expected to create more than 330,000 jobs.
Ntuli highlighted the necessity for investors to feel secure about their businesses and assets, particularly following the July 2021 unrest that caused significant disruption and damage. He assured that the provincial government would confront existing risks with visible law enforcement and strong coordination.
He stated, "We will not pretend the risks do not exist. We will name them, we will manage them, and we will report to you on our progress. Our door will be open. Our security cluster will be visible. Our commitment to the rule of law is not negotiable."
Reflecting on the lessons from the 2021 unrest, Ntuli stressed the importance of preventing similar violence and safeguarding communities and businesses. He firmly declared, "Durban will never burn again. Not under my watch."
The investment conference exceeded expectations, with investment pledges surpassing the provincial target by R29.5 billion. These commitments illustrate ongoing investor interest in KwaZulu-Natal’s economic potential, marking a significant milestone in the province's investment efforts. Ntuli stated the focus now is to ensure these commitments lead to tangible projects, economic activity, and sustainable jobs.