KZN, Mpumalanga partner for the benefit of its citizens

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Pretoria –KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have set up a partnership to achieve integrated development and sustainable livelihoods to the benefit of citizens from both provinces.

“The initial focus of the Interprovincial Forum will be on, but not restricted to, matters related to enhancing co-operation on the promotion of trade and production of commodities, in an endeavour to maximise economies of scale in the development of product and produce,” Mpumalanga Spokesperson Zibonele Mncwango said.

He said the forum would also work towards securing export markets and aligning strategic development corridors.

Mncwango said there would be a specific focus on cooperation with regards to agricultural production and agri-processing opportunities as well as conservation and tourism.

The collaboration was also aimed at promoting cross boundary and sub-regional conservation as well as tourism opportunities.

“The partnership will further deal with passenger, freight transport logistics and infrastructure in an endeavour to enhance the movement of people, goods and services between the two provinces and to align long term infrastructure planning and intermodal facilities,” he said.

The programme of action was finalised in Mbombela at a two-day interprovincial forum, which ended on Tuesday.

The Premiers from both provinces were expected to sign a memorandum of understanding towards the end of April.

“The partnership will integrate the people of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to ensure that sustained development in its totality is founded on the African Agenda, which promotes unity of people in all walks of life,” Mncwango said. – SAnews.gov.za