Newly-appointed IFP Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Musa Zondi has reconfigured several provincial state entities, merging the KZN Liquor Authority with the KZN Gaming and Betting Board.
According to department spokesperson Angel Sibisi, the two merged entities will now be called the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).
This strategic initiative aims to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, eliminate duplications, and create efficiencies within EDTEA. This move is expected to improve the delivery of services in a cost-effective manner and foster economic growth within the province.
“The legislative framework for these changes was approved by the legislature in the sixth administration and published in the Government Gazette on May 24, 2024,” said Sibisi.
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KZN Tourism and the KZN Film Commission have also been merged to form the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA).
According to Sibisi, KZNERA will be chaired by Mbali Myeni, with Portia Baloyi appointed as the interim CEO. KZNTAFA will be chaired by Professor Thandi Nzama, while Sibusiso Gumbi has been appointed interim CEO.
The KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund Agency (KZNGFA) has now been listed under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“KZNGFA aims to support sustainable growth by financing private sector projects that drive economic success, stimulate job creation, provide broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE), and reduce inequality,” Sibisi said.
Former director-general in the Presidency Cassius Lubisi will chair KZNGFA, while Tshidi Ikaneng has been appointed as the interim CEO.
The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), also approved for listing under the PFMA, will be chaired by Thinta Cibane, with advocate Thembelihle Mapipa appointed as the MKRI’s interim CEO.
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Zondi said the appointments were part of the department’s efforts to ensure that the entities deliver in accordance with their mandates.
“Each appointee brings a wealth of expertise and leadership, positioning these entities for success in their respective fields,” said Zondi.
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