Remarks by Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Mr Sibusiso Ndebele during the Gala Dinner for the Premiers' Golf Invitational, Zimbali

Programme Director Ms Jo-Anne Strauss
Chief Executive Officer of Absa Dr Steve Booysen
The Absa Executive
Distinguished guests of Provincial Government
Distinguished Absa clients and guests members of the broader business community Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

We would like to start by acknowledging the kind words that the CEO of Absa Dr Steve Booysen has had to say today about our province this evening.

We are pleased that this Premiers' Golf Invitational has come to KwaZulu-Natal and we thank the central role that Absa has played in setting up this tournament across the nine provinces.

We are indeed pleased that this engagement today, as we have learnt from Dr Booysen, is only a small indication of the plans that Absa has for further investment in KwaZulu-Natal.

When a leading conglomerate such as absa decides to consolidate its presence in KwaZulu-Natal it is a clear vote of confidence in the way we are governing KwaZulu-Natal. This serves as encouragement to all our people at local government, provincial and national level to do more of the things we are doing. This encourages us to continue creating an environment that is conducive to more and not fewer businesses intent on investing in KwaZulu-Natal.

Your presence today tells us that the deliberate steps we have taken are beginning to bear fruit. This event also presents us with an opportunity to interact with the private sector, away from the formalities of the boardroom.

Not long ago we were a Cinderella province because of our apparent inclination towards wanton violence. We have now secured peace.

Tourists were beginning to look elsewhere. Today we are the leading domestic tourism destination attracting more than 1,6 million international tourists and 11,6 million domestically. We are the number one tourism destination in South Africa.

Over the next two years we will construct a R2,2 billion stadium in our city. Some R4 billion will go towards the construction of the new international airport and the Dube Tradeport at La Mercy.

We are already constructing the R350 million P700 Corridor from Richards Bay to Ulundi and the R300 million P577 from Mtubatuba to Hlabisa and Nongoma. These projects alone cost over R7 billion.

Once complete the Dube Tradeport alone will contribute R12,4 billion to the economy and create thousands of new jobs. Transnet will spend close to R1 billion over the next year in widening the harbour entrance. Over the next six years the city and Transnet will spend over R10 billion and over the next 15 years the figure is likely to be over R20 billion. Our port is a national and provincial asset which must continue to work at efficient levels to maintain our role as serious role players in world trade.

All these initiatives add to one thing; the latest available figures indicate that the Gross Domestic Product per region (GDP-R) of KwaZulu-Natal is now second only to Gauteng, having risen five fold since 1999. At this rate we are heading for a 10% growth rate by 2014. This surely a winning province and we hope a certain bet for further investment.

In KwaZulu-Natal we work as hard as we play. We have successfully hosted the A1 Grand Prix for two years running. If it is in the water that you want to be, we have our endless and pristine coastline and the Duzi Marathon.

If you fancy riders on horseback, we have the Greyville Race in July. If on the other hand you prefer running on the tarmac, we have the internationally acclaimed Comrades Marathon. This is just to mention a few.

With the Absa Cup Final between Ajax and Sundowns being played here in Durban this weekend, a different sized ball will be chased all over the pitch. We are truly making our claim to being the home of sport and we say good luck to the two teams.

As Dr Booysen has said, in each province the Absa Premiers' Invitational event will donate R250 000 to a corporate social investment choice.

It is our pleasure therefore to announce that we have selected the Premier's Peace and Development Trust. Through the trust we will ensure that peace and security go hand in hand with the economic development of parts of all corners of our province.

In conclusion I would like to wish all the players today a wonderful time in the fresh air of this beautiful resort. In particular we would like to send a message to the rest of the provinces: that the Red Jersey will definitely come to KwaZulu-Natal because as we have indicated above, we are a winning province!

Ladies and gentlemen it was Chuck Hogan, one of America's Top 100 Golf Instructors who gave this wonderful advice on how to improve one's golf and I quote:

"Go play golf. Go to the golf course. Hit the ball. Find the ball. Repeat until the ball is in the hole. Have fun."

Have a great time in KwaZulu-Natal.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
22 May 2007