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Government urges private firms to invest in uMkhanyakude projects

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The national government and the uMhlosinga Development Agency (UMDA) want businesses to back 11 regional projects in KwaZulu-Natal. They say the drive targets a potential R 3.2 billion economic windfall for the province's northern region.

The call came ahead of a corporate investment gala dinner in Empangeni on Thursday. Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina hosts the dinner. The 11 catalytic projects are in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.

Gina said 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 also said: "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."

UMDA CEO Thembisile Khumalo said the agency will hold talks with investors after the event. She said: "We will be dealing with particular investors so that we identify their needs." Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa and Mayor Siphile Mdaka are also named among the people involved, along with the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Key facts

Who
Nomalungelo Gina (Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, hosts the gala dinner); Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa (Agriculture and Rural Development MEC); Siphile Mdaka (Mayor); Thembisile Khumalo (UMDA CEO)
What
Government and UMDA are urging businesses to invest in 11 regional catalytic projects in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, ahead of an investment gala dinner in Empangeni on Thursday. The drive targets a potential R 3.2 billion economic windfall for the province's northern region.
When
22 October 2026
Where
uMkhanyakude District Municipality, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal
Status
Reported

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