The provincial governments of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have forged a pact to secure the N3 highway from disruptions and criminal activity, and ensure the continuous movement of goods and people on the vital route.
The N3, the main artery connecting the two provinces, has been a target of criminal activity and illegal blockades, which have cost the economy hundreds of millions of rand.
In 2020, more than 25 trucks were set ablaze on the country’s freeways most of them on the N3. Local truckers seeking an end to the employment of foreign drivers in the multibillion-rand sector were said to be behind several of the arson attacks.
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and his KwaZulu-Natal counterpart Thami Ntuli attended a two-day meeting in Germiston aimed at enhancing service delivery across the two provinces that together account for half of national GDP.
At the meeting delegates shared “insights, innovative strategies, and best practices”.
The KwaZulu-Natal delegation toured relevant Gauteng projects and facilities and gained a “practical view of the discussed initiatives”.
“This marks a milestone in strengthening interprovincial co-operation, as mandated by the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005,” the parties said a joint statement after the meetings. The meeting focused on harnessing the combined economic power of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which together contribute almost half of national GDP and are home to 45% of the population.
“A concrete consensus was reached on several critical areas of collaboration. These include sharing ideas on transforming underutilised state assets into income-generating properties to reverse urban decay and stimulate economic growth. Both provinces committed to working together to modernise key infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the vital Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics corridor.”
They agreed to collaborate on the planned high-speed Gauteng-KwaZulu-Natal rail link.
The provinces also agreed to share information and crime-fighting solutions. “A priority is to secure the crucial N3 highway, the main economic artery connecting the two provinces, from disruptions and criminal activity.”
“A framework for improved collaboration in disaster management was also discussed, which includes sharing best practices, early-warning systems, and response strategies to better protect communities from natural and other disasters.”
Lesufi said the two provinces “will unlock new opportunities for economic growth and improve the quality of life for all our residents. Our long-term approach to co-operation will be built on principles of mutual benefit, synergy and shared prosperity.”
Ntuli said the collaboration extends beyond logistics. “Gauteng serves as the nation’s industrial and financial hub; KwaZulu-Natal provides ports, petrochemicals, agriculture and tourism assets.
“We must craft a joint interprovincial framework for co-ordinated logistics upgrades, shared investment promotion, and cultural exchange. By aligning our strengths, Gauteng as the financial and innovation centre, and KwaZulu-Natal as the gateway and lifestyle destination, we can lift each other and the nation.”
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