The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, was among the provincial government's Members of the Executive attending the Premier's Infrastructure Coordinating Council. The inaugural meeting, chaired by Premier Mr. Thamsanqa Ntuli, was held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, Durban on the 22^nd of August 2025.

The meeting took place three years after infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal suffered significant damage during floods, with estimated damages amounting to billions of Rands. During the floods a significant number of farms, gardens, agricultural infrastructure and equipment were severely damaged, with some agribusinesses still trying to recover.

The MEC says the agrisector, also at the receiving end of climate change phenomenon, is looking forward to partaking in this gathering and offering its insights on how it would help the cause of the farmers. She said such knowledge-sharing meetings are critical in gaining invaluable information that would help grow the agricultural sector.

kaMadlopha-Mthethwa echoed the Premier's sentiments, stressing that this platform provides an opportunity to reassess the role of infrastructure as a driver for inclusive economic growth and acknowledging its importance in laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient future.