KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has announced the launch of a dedicated Investment Office within his administration, a move aimed at speeding up economic growth and ensuring that billions in pledged investments turn into real projects on the ground.
The announcement follows last week’s KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, where Ntuli said the new division would strengthen the province’s investment pipeline and help eliminate bureaucratic delays that have slowed project delivery in the past.
“The R100 billion in pledges made during the 2025 KZN Investment Conference require more than attraction and validation they require facilitation and red tape reduction,” Ntuli said.
A New Approach to Investment Management
The Premier said the Investment Office will operate from the Office of the Premier, making it easier to coordinate across departments and hold senior officials accountable for investment progress.
Economist Dante Mashilo has been appointed to lead the new office, working closely with Reverend Musa Zondi, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Ntuli explained that the new setup builds on lessons learned from the 2024 Investment Conference, which showed the need for tighter collaboration among government entities and business stakeholders.
“Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN), supported by the Premier’s Office, will now align efforts across COGTA, SALGA, business chambers, national government, and state-owned entities,” he said.
Restoring Confidence Through Stability and Coordination
The Premier’s Special Advisor, Dr Sabelo Gwala, said the province’s improving economic performance is proof that the strategy is working.
“KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest economic growth among all provinces. The province is on the rise,” Gwala said.
“The fight against crime, led by Premier Ntuli and Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, has helped create an environment where businesses can thrive.”
Gwala added that stable governance, improved safety, and streamlined processes are key ingredients for renewed investor confidence in KwaZulu-Natal.
A One-Stop Platform for Investors
Mafika Mndebele, chairperson of the Economic Development Portfolio Committee, welcomed the new Investment Office, calling it a “timely and practical step” toward a more competitive provincial economy.
He said the office should function as a one-stop investment platform that:
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Cuts red tape and simplifies regulatory approvals.
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Resolves investor challenges quickly and efficiently.
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Promotes key growth sectors like manufacturing, tourism, agro-processing, and green energy.
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Uses data-driven insights to guide investment decisions and measure job creation impact.
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Ensures coordination with provincial entities to prevent duplication and improve investor satisfaction.
“This office must serve as a catalyst for confidence,” Mndebele said.
“Investors should experience KwaZulu-Natal as efficient, stable, and ready for business while upholding principles of inclusive growth.”
A Province on the Rise
With KwaZulu-Natal showing the highest growth rate in South Africa, the establishment of the Investment Office signals a shift from talk to action.
The move also aligns with the province’s economic recovery and transformation agenda, focused on expanding investment beyond urban centers and into rural and township economies.
By combining leadership oversight, economic coordination, and investor support, the new Investment Office positions KwaZulu-Natal as one of South Africa’s most responsive and growth-ready provinces.
As Ntuli put it, “This is not about paperwork or promises. It’s about results.”
