Government Strengthens Ties with the Zulu Royal House on Infrastructure Growth

Article and Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

04 November 2025

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at eMashobane Royal Palace in uPhongolo. The engagement reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to working with traditional leaders to improve infrastructure and create sustainable job opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Minister Macpherson was accompanied by several senior government officials and sector partners, including the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer; Independent Development Trust (IDT) Chairperson, Zimbini Hill; Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Chairperson, Khulile Nzo; and Council for the Built Environment (CBE) CEO, Dr. Msizi Myeza.

During the meeting, the delegation presented the Department’s and its entities’ plans for infrastructure delivery in the province. These included updates on ongoing construction and maintenance projects, job creation initiatives through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and the rollout of infrastructure reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery.

Rural development is a priority. We want to see the same opportunities and quality infrastructure that exist in urban areas replicated in rural parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Through the EPWP and the upcoming Social Facilitation Framework (SFF), we aim to enhance delivery performance and promote inclusive development,” said Minister Macpherson.

Both Minister Macpherson and MEC Meyer highlighted the importance of collaborating with the Royal Family to improve service delivery and uplift rural communities. MEC Meyer further elaborated on the provincial department’s efforts to unlock rural economic opportunities, reclaim hijacked state assets, and implement projects that promote local job creation, tourism, and community empowerment across the province.

His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini expressed his full support for these initiatives, stating that he would participate in the launch of the pilot EPWP programme. He also encouraged Royal and Traditional Leaders to work closely with the Department in implementing the Social Facilitation Framework to ensure the success of development initiatives in their communities.