KZN Edtea MEC merges regulators and tourism bodies to cut costs and boost efficiency
Streamlined strategy aimed at eliminating duplication and driving economic growth.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) has merged four entities into two to save costs and eliminate service duplication in the department.
At the launch of the newly formed entities under his department last Tuesday at the Ebandla Hotel and Conference Centre in Ballito, MEC Musa Zondi said the mergers were made because the entities performed many similar functions.
In order to improve efficiency, the KZN Liquor Authority and the KZN Gaming and Betting Board were merged, which are now collectively known as the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), while KZN Tourism and the KZN Film Commission merged to form The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA).
“This rationalisation process has been a cornerstone of our commitment to improving how we serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal. By merging public entities, we are not only reducing duplication but also fostering a more coordinated approach to driving economic growth in our province,” said Zondi.
KZNTAFA will play a significant role in building the KZN brand and promoting it as a premier tourist destination and audio-visual industry hub.
KZNERA will regulate KZN’s gambling and liquor industries, ensuring they operate within the law while contributing to economic growth.
Zondi also announced that the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund Agency (KZNGFA) now falls under the Public Finance Management Act and will play a significant role in financing private sector projects, stimulating job creation and reducing inequality.
Another entity now listed under the Public Finance Management Act is the Moses Kotane Research Institute which focuses on economic research and innovation.
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