KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for unified and coordinated action across all spheres of government, warning that fragmented approaches continue to undermine service delivery and erode public confidence.
Speaking at the Special Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF) at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Durban, on Friday, Ntuli said the province must sharpen alignment between national, provincial and local structures to improve developmental outcomes.
The forum brought together national, provincial and local political champions, Members of the Executive Council, mayors, municipal leaders, Amakhosi, civil society representatives and the private sector. It aimed to strengthen cooperation and ensure strategic alignment across government.
The session followed the Special Extended President’s Coordinating Council held on 18 September 2025, where President Cyril Ramaphosa urged all spheres of government to strengthen coherence and reinforced joint planning and implementation.
In response, KwaZulu-Natal convened the expanded PCF to clarify roles, streamline responsibilities, and enhance the District Development Model (DDM) as the foundation for integrated planning.
Ntuli stressed that the PCF remains a critical platform for aligning government strategies, addressing systemic challenges, and ensuring that national, provincial and municipal programmes complement each another.
A key focus of the meeting was the institutionalisation of the DDM.
“The DDM is not simply a coordination tool but a practical mechanism for synchronising planning, mobilising resources and ensuring that all spheres work collectively through the One Plan for each district and metro. The bi-annual reports on DDM progress must now be submitted to both the President’s Coordinating Council and Cabinet, strengthening accountability and oversight,” the Premier said.
Local government capacity featured prominently in the Premier’s address. Ntuli emphasised that municipalities remain the frontline of service delivery and must be strengthened to fulfil their constitutional mandate.
“The province is prioritising support for municipalities to improve financial management, stabilise governance, enhance infrastructure planning and accelerate investment in water, sanitation, electricity distribution, road maintenance and climate-resilient development,” Ntuli said.
The Premier further highlighted community safety, social cohesion, and crime prevention as essential drivers of sustainable local development. He committed the province to deeper collaboration with SAPS, traditional leaders, Community Policing Forums, youth formations, faith-based organisations, and civil society to build safer communities and protect economic activity.
Ntuli also underscored the need for stronger partnerships beyond government, including with traditional institutions, the private sector, academia, and development partners, to ensure that solutions are rooted in community realities and that implementation benefits from diverse expertise.
Encouraging open and constructive dialogue during the session, he urged stakeholders to reflect honestly on successes, shortcomings, and opportunities for strengthening intergovernmental coordination.
Ntuli said the forum marked the beginning of a renewed cycle of collaboration and implementation and called for continuous communication and mutual support beyond the meeting.
Closing the session, Premier Ntuli expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their commitment to building a coordinated, capable, and developmental state. He reaffirmed the provincial; government’s dedication to strengthening intergovernmental relations and ensuring that the people of KwaZulu-Natal feel the impact of aligned planning, unified governance, and collaborative leadership.
The Special Premier’s Coordinating Forum will continue its work through structured engagements and follow-up sessions to monitor progress, implement decisions, and support the realisation of KwaZulu-Natal’s developmental priorities. - SAnews.gov.za
