KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize today delivered his State of the Province Address which places emphasis on service delivery. Pictures by Reinhardt Hartzenberg.

Dr Mkhize said first thanked all role players who ensured the successes gained by the province last year.

He said as the country celebrates the Centenary Celebrations, all freedom-loving people in all corners of the globe “acknowledge that a large part of the rich heritage (of the liberation struggle) has its roots in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We re-affirm our commitment to elevate our heritage treasures to get recognition and honour they deserve. High among our priorities this year is the erection of statues for liberation struggle heroes,” said Dr Mkhize.

Dr Mkhize also spoke about the infrastructure revolution plans outlined by President Jacob Zuma, and how the Province will become the catalyst for growth and job creation.

Dr Mkhize also outlined his this year’s R15 billion budget allocation will be spent in health, expanded public works programme, human settlement, water and electrification, among others.

Dr Mkhize said the Province is currently refining a new strategy to rural development, involving a hierarchy of services from service points, to clusters of different Government services culminating in a small rural town,” said Dr Mkhize.

He said the backbone of these services remain their connection to the programmes of local economic development and skills development facilities that will encourage trading and self employment.