Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - May 25, 2004
One area he plans to pay particular attention to is a broad-based economic empowerment programme, said Ndebele.
"We will establish a black economic advisory forum to advise on implementation of black economic empowerment. This is an urgent task. This programme will also address the empowerment of women, people with disability and the youth."
On poverty, Ndebele said it is estimated in 2002 that more than five million people, constituting 53% of the total population of the province, earns incomes below the poverty income level compared with almost four million people in 1996.
"What is more alarming for me are the backlogs in education, which mean that not only this generation but the next generation will, for another 30 years to come, still be doomed unless we begin to do something drastic and do it now."
Ndebele said a Department of Education report in 2003 indicated a shortfall in classrooms estimated at 14 667, that 77% of schools did not have libraries, that 60% of schools had no power supply and 53% of schools had no telephone connection.
"Given the fact that we are endowed with an abundance of natural resources, cultural heritage, agricultural potential, tourism and host the two major sea ports in Africa, what then confounds me is why we continue to be classified among the poorest provinces in our country."
Taking into account that the province has the highest rate of people living with HIV/Aids, Ndebele said his government is committed to combating the epidemic through a comprehensive strategy focusing on prevention, care and support.
"The roll-out has begun and is continuing," he said.
Eight institutions have been accredited to administer anti-retrovirals to 200 patients.
By early June, 12 more sites will have been added and by September 30 sites will be operational, with 800 patients in treatment programmes.
He added that by March 2005, 40 anti-retroviral therapy sites will be running and 20 000 patients will be on treatment.
"Critical to the success of this programme is a strong communication and social mobilisation campaign that educates and informs the general public and potential service users."
On tourism, Ndebele said eco-cultural tourism is a major drawcard for visitors.
"KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world, with minimum effort on our part."
He stressed, however, that a cultural identity is lacking and needs to be improved on.
"When you come to KwaZulu-Natal you are struck by the lack of the thereness of the Zulu people in terms of their cultural and historical symbols. Even their place names are not spelt correctly."
Ndebele invited the business community to join hands in "ensuring that we not only pay a befitting tribute to our kings, but also stimulate eco-cultural tourism in our province".
For the World Cup 2010, the premier said he wants to begin now to prepare the youth because they will ensure "we have a realistic chance of winning the event as the host nation".
"The sports development programme must begin now utilising our veteran sports persons to coach our youth."
He added that the province's universities and technikons need urgently to set up programmes to mentor athletes from nearby townships.
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