Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
25 July 2025 | 11:15 CAT
2 min read

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has welcomed KwaZulu-Natal’s R500 million superyacht manufacturing deal with cautious optimism, calling for transparency, accountability and real youth empowerment as the ambitious project gets underway.

Last week, the KZN government signed a partnership agreement with Italian firm Navigo International to establish a superyacht hub in the province. The deal includes upgrades to the ports of Durban and Richards Bay to create repair and refit centres, with thousands of jobs expected to be created in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism. Local institutions, such as UKZN, DUT, and the Transnet Maritime School, will be involved in the training.

Speaking to Radio Islam, PSA Provincial Manager in KZN, Mlungisi Ndlovu, said the association views the deal as a potential turning point for the province’s economy, if implemented correctly. “We welcome any investment aimed at uplifting our province, especially given the urgent need to address South Africa’s unemployment rate — particularly among young people and graduates,” he said.

However, Ndlovu was clear that past experience has taught them to remain vigilant. “We’ve seen many opportunities like this start out with promise, only to be closed off to the public. That’s why we’re saying organised labour must be involved,” he explained.

He emphasised the need for real integration of youth and skills development from the start: “We need to establish a dedicated hub that involves tertiary institutions to ensure young people are truly integrated and their skills are developed. That way, if the company ever decides to leave South Africa, we’ll still be able to continue with the manufacturing,” said Ndlovu.

The PSA also raised concerns about the risk of corruption, inflated budgets, and political interference — issues that have plagued past initiatives. “When projects like these start off, they have a specific budget. But over time, those budgets often escalate. There’s always speculation about possible kickbacks and corruption,” he said.

Ndlovu believes this is a moment of reckoning for the province’s leadership. “Government leaders are being tested. The public is questioning their integrity and intentions when it comes to projects like these. In most cases, the concern in society is that when opportunities arise, officials prioritise themselves and their relatives,” he added.

To avoid this, Ndlovu called for clear oversight mechanisms. “We need to ensure there is a clear monitoring and evaluation committee overseeing this kind of investment. The Premier should also be prepared to take action against anyone who tries to use the opportunity for personal gain,” he said.

He also emphasised that public funds should be used responsibly. “If any public funds are going to be used, the government needs to be transparent about it. We don’t want to see excessive government spending. If the company is investing R500 million to start, then they should also be the ones investing in the upskilling of our people,” he said.

On the issue of local benefit, Ndlovu emphasised that the project should prioritise local talent. He said the focus must be on integrating experienced South Africans and young people into the start-up, rather than relying on foreign expertise.

He warned that poor governance will not only fail local communities but also drive investors away. “It’s crucial for the government to demonstrate good governance and maintain clean, transparent practices. Without that, they risk driving away investors, who are unlikely to invest in a country lacking political stability and accountability,” he said.

As the province prepares to launch the superyacht hub, the PSA says it will be keeping a close eye on the progress, pushing for accountability every step of the way.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Mlungisi Ndlovu, PSA Provincial Manager in KZN, here.