Investing in local business: the pathway to economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal

Investing billions in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in sectors led by businesses like Toyota's R10.4 billion Hilux programme, offers opportunities for local entrepreneurs to contribute. To successfully capitalize on such investments, entrepreneurs must go beyond merely waiting for tenders and instead identify problems that major companies face and propose solutions worth purchasing.

This requires thorough preparation, understanding the underlying issues, devising cost-effective solutions, and demonstrating tangible improvements to potential clients. Government's payment delays, as evidenced by over R2.1 billion in overdue invoices at the end of 2025, can severely impact businesses reliant on timely payments.

These delays can create a domino effect, affecting employees, suppliers, and the entrepreneur's reputation. Thus, government must address the issue of late payments, while entrepreneurs must maintain discipline in seeking and delivering results. A Collaboration for Greater Impact Framework suggests a structured approach to solving problems collaboratively, involving clear roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder.

This approach ensures that initiatives aimed at economic growth are accountable and deliver the intended impact. In the end, the focus should be on measurable outcomes and tangible contributions to the economy, ensuring that both business owners and the government share in the success of these investments.