WATCH LIVE: Zikalala delivers 2022 State of the Province Address

That's according to UKZN economics lecturer Dr Sanele Gumede, who's highlighted some crucial challenges that need to be addressed. 

The reopening of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature's takes place at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday. 

Gumede says 2021 had been a difficult and challenging year but Zikalala should use this opportunity to reassure the public on how government plans to take the province forward. 

"Covid-19 affected a lot of KZN and because KZN is a province that realise a lot on tourism, we need to hear what rhe provincial plan for the business sector."

READ: Amazulu King legislature address postponed

Crime and safety are major issues as well. 

"When crime statistics are being presented, we see areas like Umlazi and Inanda being listed as the crime zones areas we expect the Premiere to touch on that as well, to say what plans are in place to try and fight and deal with the issues of crime because that is one other thing that pushes investors away." 

The premier's expected to touch on pertinent issues including unemployment, KZN's struggling economy, service delivery and water-related challenges. 

There's been an adjustment to attendance with Covid protocols - thanks to the easing of pandemic lockdown restrictions.

KZN legislature speaker Nontembeko Boyce says a thousand people are allowed to watch the Sopa in person. 

ALSO READ: KZN legislature set to fork out R1m for Sopa

"Those guests that are going to be with us are various stakeholders including the Royal household, local governement, traditional leadership and business." 

Meanwhile, the province was forced to break with tradition this year. 

Boyce said earlier this week that the Amazulu King won't be able to commemorate the opening of the KZN legislature with a speech, as King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's coronation hasn't yet been finalised.

Watch below: