KZN premier delivered his first SOPA as the new KZN premier. Picture: Gcina Ndwalane
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal welcomed Premier Thami Ntuli’s maiden State of the Province Address (SOPA) which he delivered at the KZN Provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
Ntuli outlined the key priorities for the province. He also addressed pertinent issues affecting KZN and ways to resolve them.
The DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers said the premier’s address struck the right chord, with many of the initiatives in line with the DA’s election pledges to the people of the province.
“The DA commends the Premier’s commitment to effective oversight within all areas of government. This includes unannounced inspections at KZN’s Health and Education facilities and municipalities, many of which demand urgent turnaround.
“We also welcome new developments within KZN’s cannabis industry. Income-generating initiatives such as this are critical in reviving our provincial economy and creating a positive knock-on effect for citizens. KZN’s agricultural sector as a whole has the potential to be a massive economic driver in KZN and address poverty and unemployment, particularly within our rural areas,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers added that they continue to monitor and ensure that the government delivers.
“The fact that we are now part of the government of provincial unity (GPU) gives us the power to do so. The time has come to do things differently. The DA is very aware of its responsibility to the many citizens who came out and voted for us. We reaffirm our commitment to them to deliver on our promises,” said Rodgers.
The Mercury