South African Press Association - February 14, 2007
Giordano Stolley

Speaking at the Royal Show Grounds, Ndebele labelled 2007 as the year that KwaZulu-Natal is "building the economy through partnerships".

He described the province as being "on the move" with events such as the A1 Grand Prix and the 2010 World Cup and with tourism topping 13,2-million visitors in the past year.

The optimism in the province showed in the billions being spent on infrastructure.

He highlighted the building of the new 2010 soccer stadium. At its launch he called it King Senzagakhona Stadium. However, in his address he said: "The government will embark on a formal and transparent process of naming the stadium, which will involve the consideration of all proposals that are put forward."

The stadium will cost R2,2-billion -- up from the R1,6-billion touted when it was announced in June last year.

He also said a proposal is under consideration to rename the International Convention Centre in Durban after African National Congress icon Albert Luthuli.

Ndebele said Durban will benefit from expenditure of R2-billion by both the eThekwini municipality and Transnet, which will spend R1,8-billion widening the harbour entrance and improving facilities within the city's port.

However, Ndebele expressed concern at the lack of progress in black involvement in the province's economy. A recent survey by the provincial Department of Economic Development revealed that "there was no indication of progress in black economic empowerment [BEE] in this province".

"Where are the black people in this province? Irritatingly many people being elevated to boards in Gauteng are from our part of the world, but we are unable to progress quickly."

Ndebele announced the creation of a "provincial BEE Advisory Council", which will monitor the progress of BEE in the province.

Hailing the peaceful resolution of political conflict where people used to be killed as a result of their political party membership cards, Ndebele said the province is faced with the fact that "our people are being killed for a different form of card, that is credit cards, bank cards and cellphone sim cards".

Congratulating police for bringing down the incidence of cash-in-transit heists and tackling faction fighting, he said: "The problem of crime is still with us."

Ndebele lamented the fact that "common thugs are today idolised as heroes. Highly respected members of our community openly declare that they purchase their goods from the 'boys'.

"It will only be that when we make criminals to be like fish out of water that we will turn the corner on crime."

A 16,5% prevalence rate of HIV/Aids make the issue a top priority for the province. The province has expanded the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme to 495 public health facilities.

Three hundred clinics are involved in the provision of antiretroviral treatment, Ndebele said.

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