KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu and First Lady Cllr Thembeka Mchunu are in Russia this week encouraging investment and tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Tuesday, he met with Alexander Ovcharov, the Deputy Governor of Sverdlovsk Province and he has also held successful summits with governors of various regions as part of his official visit.
‘Other than agreeing on twinning arrangements, we will institute a technical team with representatives from both provinces, to explore areas of co-operation,’ said Mchunu.
‘Importantly, we have agreed that a delegation from Sverdlovsk Province will visit KwaZulu-Natal.
‘Tourism is one sector which we have agreed to focus on as part of our efforts aimed at strengthening trade relations.
‘As government, we are exploring opportunities such as marine tourism and we are encouraging ventures such as sea cruising in order to attract the docking of even more huge liners.
‘Other sectors of the economy that have a potential to ensure the integration of the economies of both provinces include agriculture, automotive, renewable energy and maritime.’
Oath of office
Mchunu was last week sworn in as Premier by KZN Judge President Chiman Patel.
During his inaugural address, Mchunu said ‘deepening this democracy in our country is indeed our call’, saying ‘we owe it’ to those who laid down their lives for freedom.
‘The critical issue is that after elections we perform our duties with honour, dignity, respect, honesty and in a manner that reinforces trust between those who are elected and those who elect them.’
Mchunu said there was a ‘world of difference between the South Africa and KZN of 1994 and that of 2013.
‘Where KwaZulu Natal of 1994 was impassable we now have a tarred or gravel road; where there was no drinkable water, we now have clean water; we now have houses, better schools, better clinics, public libraries, better social services, bigger pensions to the old and better security.
‘More will come after the 2014 general elections,’ he promised.
Mchunu urged all government employees to recommit themselves to good performance at work and to serve people with dedication, care and respect.
‘I also want to assure his Majesty the King of our preparedness to work together with the Royal House on all existing programs, particularly social upliftment programs.
‘We appreciate and value the contribution that is being made by the traditional leadership on governance and stability in communities.
‘We want to assure amaKhosi of our commitment in working together with the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders and all amaKhosi throughout the province.’
PHOTOS: Reinhardt Hartzenberg
