KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has been congratulated by delegates attending the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion in Shanghai after the news that the provincial government has been voted as the best provincial government in the whole of South Africa. This is according to the Mail & Guardian newspaper which cites the results of the Top Companies Reputation Index.

These exciting news which will boost the image of the province reached the Mchunu while meeting with potential investors. He is accompanied by MEC for Health Dr Sbongiseni Dhlomo and eThekwini Mayor Cllr Zandile Gumede.

He pointed out: “I dedicate this major achievement to all the people of KwaZulu-Natal. We promise to double our efforts to ensure that we put our province on a new trajectory of socio-economic development.”

“This is a reflection of the growing level of confidence that people of KZN have in the government of the day. We undertake to use the power and authority bestowed by our people solely for their upliftment and realisation of a better life for all our people.”

“Importantly, more work will be done to focus on nation building, no racialism and strengthening the concept of unity in diversity. Our journey to building a stronger KZN economically and socially remains our historic mission to ensure that we deepen those values we consider sacrosanct in achievement of true freedom.”

“It is our considered view that freedom that co-exist with poverty is not true freedom. Our visit to Shanghai forms part of efforts aimed at ensuring that we create economic opportunities that will enable the people of KZN to achieve true freedom characterised by prosperity.”

“Freedom refers to a state of complete psycho-social and economic emancipation, to live free of oppression and prejudice based on social status, race, class, culture, gender and or other considerations.”

“Freedom that coexists with under-development and deep poverty is not true freedom. Freedom is indivisible—there can be no freedom for some and not for all. As we celebrate this achievement, we need to join hands and strengthen our programmes in order to add meaning to freedom and democracy.”

 

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier