The National government and the uMhlosinga Development Agency (UMDA) have called on the private sector to take advantage of economic opportunities in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, ahead of a corporate investment gala dinner in Empangeni on Thursday.

The gathering aims to convert the district’s long-term strategic blueprints into investable projects.

Driven by the District Development Model (DDM) and uMkhanyakude’s “One Plan,” the drive targets a potential R 3.2 billion economic windfall for the province’s northern region.

The event will be hosted by Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina.

She will lead a joint government and business delegation, including Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, Mayor Siphile Mdaka, the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) and UMDA.

Gina says infrastructure capacity, project execution and institutional competence are the most critical indicators of a municipality’s ability to attract investors and improve residents’ lives.

She says, “All of us must have a clear imagination of what uMkhanyakude can look like in a decade if all identified projects are successfully implemented in each local municipality. It is this spirit of building for the next generation that must ignite our collective commitment.”

11 CATALYSTIC PROJECTS

The dinner will showcase 11 regional catalytic projects across diverse sectors, including agriculture, agro-processing and tourism.

Key projects to be pitched to investors include the Mkhuze Airport Precinct Development,  Pineapple Processing Plant and Chicken Abattoir

UMDA CEO Thembisile Khumalo says the agency will be implementing a rigorous post-event engagement structure.

Khumalo says a dedicated intake desk will operate during the dinner to allow prospective investors to formally document their interest and select specific projects.

She says following the event, UMDA will act as the direct facilitator to assess project readiness and resolve technical and regulatory hurdles.

Khumalo says, “We will be dealing with particular investors so that we identify their needs. Some have required feasibility studies, environmental authorisation, infrastructure assessment, and land-related processes.”

PODCAST| Interview with Khumalo:

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