KZN Premier Ntuli defends official working trip to New York following reports of wrongdoing

JOHANNESBURG - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has defended an official working trip to New York following reports of wrongdoing.

Ntuli and two other government officials are under fire for allegedly spending big on the trip.

The September 2024 trip to New York City was part of Climate Week on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to talk shop on global issues, including trade, investment, climate change, food security and energy.

But the cost of the trip has raised some questions.

Ntuli’s spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, said the claims that KZN officials misspent public funds at the cost of the province’s residents is untrue.

"The Office of the Premier urges all sectors of society, including political leaders, to avoid spreading misinformation that undermines democratic institutions and misleads the public. 

"The challenges facing our province require unity, maturity, and a shared commitment to facts, truth, and constructive engagement. The premier remains focused on the urgent task of rebuilding public trust."