KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli highlighted signs of economic recovery in the province during his third State of the Province Address in Pietermaritzburg. He pointed to a 1.8% growth rate and R100 billion in investment pledges amid ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 unrest.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli delivered his third State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Pietermaritzburg on February 27, 2026, where he outlined progress in the provincial economy. Ntuli stated that the economy has shown signs of recovery following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 unrest.
He reported that the provincial economy grew by 1.8%, describing it as a moderate but encouraging improvement from the subdued growth rates in the post-COVID-19 period. This quote from Ntuli underscores the tentative optimism: “Our provincial economy grew by 1.8%, moderate however, but encouraging improvement from the subdued growth rates that characterised the post COVID-19 period.”
The province has secured R100 billion in investment pledges from domestic and international investors, which Ntuli presented as a positive development. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, noting that more than 400,000 jobs are needed to lower unemployment from its current level of just over 30% to the targeted 20%.
This address comes as KwaZulu-Natal works to rebuild after significant disruptions, with the premier emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to achieve these economic goals.
