Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube held a strategic engagement with the newly appointed ambassador of the US to South Africa Reuben Brigety on Wednesday in Durban. The strategic engagement was aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations to enhance trade, investment and co-operation in various social and economic development areas.
The discussions centred on opportunities for collaboration between South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal with the US in various sectors including the environment (climate change), health, sports, human settlement, maritime, education, innovation and technology.
Dube-Ncube reassured Brigety that the government of KwaZulu-Natal was focusing on measures to address issues related to climate change and also emphasised that the Provincial Climate Change Council led by her office had been put in place, but with all sectors of society participating.
“During our hour of need as a country, during the floods in April and May, we are pleased with the overwhelming support we received from the diplomatic community including the US and wish to further enhance our people-to-people relations between our countries. Our top priority is the rehousing of the displaced flood victims who have to be moved from mass care shelters and accommodated in dignified human settlements,” she said.
Furthermore, Dube-Ncube said there was unlimited potential for collaboration between the two countries in the war against the HIV and Aids pandemic, sponsorship-related interventions to support local athletes as well as broader developmental matters which will drive socio-economic development and create jobs
Brigety recognised Dube-Ncube’s election as the first female premier in KZN and said it was a pleasure to meet her. He said in their meeting they emphasised the importance of people-to-people relations and deepening the SA and US relationship.
“We explored areas of further collaboration including economic opportunities where we could share US expertise and innovation in job creation, housing, education, addressing climate change and strengthening our sister-state partnerships. I look forward to future engagements with her and the province,” said Brigety.
Daily News