KZN Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli has embarked on a strategic working visit to the United States, participating in the highly anticipated Climate Week in New York City from 22 to 29 September 2024. This visit represents a critical initiative to address global climate challenges and fortify international relationships.

Premier Ntuli departed on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, for New York City with the aim of engaging in high-level discussions and forming strategic partnerships during Climate Week. This international event, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, is one of the world’s largest forums dedicated to climate action and sustainability.

The Premier’s visit to New York underscores KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development and strengthening ties with the United States - South Africa's third-largest trade partner. Premier Ntuli’s objectives include reaffirming the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States, advocating for enhanced international cooperation in tackling climate change, securing investments in green technologies and implementing sustainable land-use practices.

On Friday, 20 September 2024, Premier Ntuli will meet with the South African Consul General to New York, Mr Simon Cardy. The meeting will cover a range of global issues, including trade, investment, climate change, food security and energy. This discussion is part of a broader effort to align KwaZulu-Natal’s strategies with global climate goals and secure international support for the province’s sustainability initiatives.

KwaZulu-Natal has recently faced severe climate-related challenges, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, hailstorms and a tornado that have caused significant infrastructure damage, particularly in the eThekwini Metro, Ilembe and Howick areas. The April 2022 floods, among the worst in the province’s history, resulted in over 400 fatalities and severe disruption to infrastructure, including port operations in Durban.

These recent events underscore the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience. The Premier’s visit aims to address these challenges by securing international collaboration and investment to bolster KwaZulu-Natal’s capacity to manage and adapt to climate risks.

On Wednesday, 25 September, Premier Ntuli will attend the Subnational Climate Action Leaders Exchange (SCALE) Summit. This summit will gather global leaders, policymakers and environmental experts to discuss innovative approaches to climate adaptation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The Premier’s participation will focus on exploring strategies to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s climate resilience and sustainability efforts.

The visit aims to achieve several key outcomes, including securing international cooperation, obtaining support and investment for renewable energy projects and climate adaptation initiatives, forging global partnerships, collaborating with international organisations, climate-focused non-profits and private sector stakeholders to advance climate action and showcasing provincial progress, highlighting KwaZulu-Natal’s achievements in climate resilience, including improvements in disaster risk management and biodiversity conservation.

Premier Ntuli’s participation in Climate Week and related events signifies KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive approach to global climate challenges and positions the province as a leader in climate adaptation and sustainability. The insights and partnerships gained from this visit are expected to enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s long-term climate resilience and contribute to sustainable development efforts.

During Premier Ntuli’s absence, Honourable Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa will serve as Acting Premier. In choosing MEC KaMadlopha-Mthethwa as Acting Premier, Premier Ntuli reaffirms his commitment to women’s leadership empowerment, ensuring that women leaders are entrusted with critical roles within the government. This appointment reflects his belief in the transformative impact of inclusive leadership and the importance of female representation in shaping effective governance. Honourable KaMadlopha-Mthethwa will oversee provincial responsibilities until Premier Ntuli’s return.