By Celani Sikhakhane
The KwaZulu-Natal government has started repairing the KwaSithebe Industrial Park, which was destroyed during the July 2021 unrest following the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli will lead talks with various groups to rebuild the damaged factories.
The industrial park employed over 50,000 people and was home to many global businesses in chemicals, steel, textiles, and other industries. It has been an important part of the province’s economy since the apartheid era.
During the unrest in 2021, the park suffered billions of rands in damage.
Bongani Gina, the provincial government’s communications head, said the repair effort is part of the province’s plan to promote economic growth and create jobs.
Ntuli hopes the project will help bring back stability, create jobs, and develop the local community.
On 12 September, he will inspect the damaged factories and meet with local business owners, traditional leaders, and the community.
Ntuli will also share plans to deal with abandoned buildings in KZN that have become unsafe and used by criminals.
The KwaSithebe Industrial Park previously experienced unrest in 2016, when community members protested against the former mayor over corruption claims.
Pictured above: The KwaSithebe Industrial Park, which was damaged during the 2021 civil unrest.
Source: X
