Udesh Ramtahal from the film industry, Edtea MEC Rev Musa Zondi, Jehdene Bentley from the small business development sector and Aram Jandoo from the food bank at the launch of new public entities on Tuesday. | Willem Phungula
Durban — In a bid to save millions and reduce the duplication of services, the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) Department led by MEC Reverend Musa Zondi has merged four entities into two.
Speaking at the launch of the reconfigured entities under his department on Tuesday, the MEC said the rationalisation would streamline and enhance services provided by the entities, thereby reducing duplication and cost to the taxpayer. Zondi said two entities were somehow doing one and the same job but the state had to pay two CEOs instead of one.
“Today (Tuesday), we unveil the fruits of a comprehensive rationalisation process to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and eliminate inefficiencies. By merging public entities, we are not only reducing duplication but also fostering a more co-ordinated approach to driving economic growth.”
The KZN Liquor Authority and the KZN Gaming and Betting Board were merged to form the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA). The body will regulate the province’s gambling and liquor industries. Leading this charge are chairperson Mbali Myeni and interim CEO Portia Baloyi.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) has been established through the merger of KZN Tourism and the KZN Film Commission. The MEC said this entity will be at the forefront of promoting the province as a premier destination for both tourism and the audio-visual industry.
“KZNTAFA will drive sector development, create sustainable growth, generate job opportunities, and address historical imbalances in infrastructure, skills, and resource distribution under the leadership of chairperson Professor Thandi Nzama and interim CEO Mr Sibusiso Gumbi.”
Zondi also announced that the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund Agency (KZNGFA) will now officially be recognised under the Public Finance Management Act, playing a pivotal role in financing private sector projects that drive the KZN economy, stimulate job creation, promote broad-based black economic empowerment, and reduce inequality. Former director-general in the presidency Dr Cassius Lubisi will chair the entity. Another entity listed under the Public Finance Management Act was the Moses Kotane Research Institute, focusing on economic research and innovation. Its chairperson is Thinta Cibane, a former eThekwini ANC Youth League leader.
KZNERA chairperson Myeni said her industry was regarded as the sin sector, but it contributed a lot of money to the provincial economy and created jobs, especially alcohol and betting.
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