KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged South Africans to view rapid urbanisation not as a crisis but a “repository of opportunities” capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and dignity for millions.
“Well-governed cities can be the engineers of jobs, hubs of innovation, and places where people live with dignity,” Ntuli said in his keynote address to the National Urban Forum (NUF).
Held from 21–22 August, the forum brought together policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, academics, and government leaders across the country to chart strategies for inclusive and sustainable urban growth.
Ntuli said that if properly managed, urbanisation can help unlock South Africa’s transformation by reducing poverty, expanding opportunities for youth, and building globally competitive urban economies.
The NUF, he added, served as an “incubator for new ideas and practical strategies” to shape South Africa’s urban future, with a focus on spatial transformation, sustainable development, and social justice.
While offering opportunities, Ntuli warned that rapid growth also poses challenges, including rising demand for housing, transport and basic services, alongside the growing threats of climate change and infrastructure backlogs.
The Premier outlined several priority areas that require urgent attention, and these include:
• Strengthening governance so municipalities deliver efficiently and transparently.
• Investing in infrastructure to create inclusive, resilient, and climate-conscious cities.
• Integrating rural and urban economies so development is balanced across the province.
• Expanding youth and women’s participation in urban economies to reduce unemployment.
• Driving sustainability through green planning, efficient energy use, and smart mobility.
The Premier also called for stronger partnerships across sectors, including business, academia, and civil society, to deliver solutions that are practical, scalable, and inclusive.
“Urban development cannot be the responsibility of government alone. Cities are where the majority of our youth reside. If properly managed, they can be the platforms that unlock pathways for young people to access jobs, skills, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Ntuli reaffirmed the province’s commitment to work closely with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and other stakeholders to ensure urbanisation becomes a powerful driver of transformation, dignity, and prosperity.
The forum took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. – SAnews.gov.za
