Kwazulu-Natal Legislature Calls For A United Front Against The Province’s Social Ills Ravaging Communities
PUBLIC STATEMENT
17 April 2026
KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE CALLS FOR A UNITED FRONT AGAINST THE PROVINCE’S SOCIAL ILLS RAVAGING COMMUNITIES
The Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu Natal Legislature, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, says the faith-based organisations have a critical role to play in fostering peace, moral regeneration and community development.
She was addressing delegates at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s annual Interfaith Symposium, held today at the Indoor Sports Centre in Umthonjaneni Municipality. The event was conducted under the theme: “Faith-based unity for human dignity; interfaith responses to social ills in KwaZulu-Natal.”
The symposium convenes a diverse assembly of faith leaders from the length and breadth of the province, community representatives, Members of the provincial executive, Members of the legislature, and municipal leaders to address urgent societal challenges. Today’s session was preceded by commissions which were held in Richards Bay yesterday afternoon.
Tembe told delegates that the province faced deep and persistent social challenges that threatened the dignity and wellbeing of people.
“At the centre of these challenges lies the devastating reality of gender-based violence which is not merely a criminal issue but a moral crisis. It undermines human dignity, erodes families, and weakens the very fabric of our communities.”
Substance abuse was wrecking lives, while crime and violence generated fear and instability, Tembe added. “Our theme today is a call for action. It is a call to respond boldly and collectively to the social ills facing KwaZulu-Natal. This Symposium is not just about dialogue; it is about solutions.”
Tembe described the religious sector as custodians of hope, morality, and social cohesion within our province. “When faith is united, it becomes a powerful force for good, one that can bridge divides, promote understanding and mobilize communities towards a shared purpose.”
Delegates complimented the legislature for putting together a very productive Interfaith Symposium, noting that it provided them with a forum to discuss important social concerns with government agencies and political leaders.
ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES
