Media Statement

For Immediate Release

KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATORS RAISE CONCERNS OVER THE SUSPENSION OF CONDITIONAL GRANTS TO 25 KWAZULU-NATAL MUNICIPALITIES

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed deep disappointment and concern over the suspension of conditional grants totalling R861.4 million to 25 municipalities within our province.

It is particularly alarming that eThekwini Metro, the province’s only metropolitan municipality, severely challenged by service delivery issues, accounts for the bulk of the suspended funds, totalling R678 million. Furthermore, it is highly concerning that Msunduzi Municipality, the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal, also features prominently among those municipalities impacted by grant suspension, highlighting persistent governance and financial management challenges. 

This situation is unacceptable, as these grants were specifically intended to improve the quality of life of residents through vital infrastructure projects such as electricity provision, water and sanitation improvements, and public transportation enhancements. Non-spending of allocated grants demonstrates poor financial governance and inadequate administrative management, depriving our communities of essential services and development opportunities. 

The Auditor-General’s (AG) recent report underscores that most municipalities in KZN have achieved unqualified audits with findings. This indicates significant deficiencies in compliance, financial management, and governance processes. Findings predominantly include unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure; non-compliance with key legislation; weak financial reporting; and inadequate consequence management for those responsible for governance lapses. 

It is imperative that municipalities vigorously pursue Section 106 investigations to enforce financial accountability. These investigations are crucial for addressing the findings raised by the AG, and where necessary, officials and political figures implicated in financial misconduct must be prosecuted swiftly and effectively. 

Moreover, political parties governing these municipalities bear a direct responsibility for enhancing oversight and enforcing accountability. It cannot remain business as usual when nearly R900 million, critically needed for the development and welfare of KZN residents, is lost due to non-performance. 

We, therefore, call on all political leaders at both provincial and municipal levels to prioritize stringent oversight and robust consequence management practices to ensure grant funding is utilized effectively and efficiently. The cycle of complacency must end, and swift action must be taken to address audit findings decisively to ensure meaningful improvements in governance, financial management, and service delivery. 

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every cent allocated to improving the lives of our people is spent wisely, transparently, and effectively. The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve better.

Members of the CoGTA Portfolio Committee has called on the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to furnish them with a detailed report outlining reasons why individual municipalities failed to spend their grants so that appropriate oversight interventions can be employed to assist.

ISSUED BY THE COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON, HON MARLAINE NAIR

For interviews: Hon Marlaine Nair 0726928963

For enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

MEDIA STATEMENT

26 March 2025

KZN LEGISLATURE CONCLUDES ITS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON INDEPENDENT MUNICIPAL DEMARCATION AUTHORITY BILL

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) today wrapped up its public hearings on Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill, which among other things, seeks to provide for the criteria and procedures for the determination and redetermination of municipal boundaries.

The public hearings were held in Harry Gwala District, Amajuba District, Zululand District and eThekwini Municipality from the 18^th of March 2025. Commenting after the conclusion of the last public hearing in Zululand District today, Ms Marlaine Nair, the Committee Chairperson, has described the hearings as a resounding success. She added that the legislators had managed to receive valuable inputs from the public.

“The Bill we are processing is emanating from the National Parliament, and it is aimed at repealing and substituting the current Municipal Demarcation Act of 1998, to align it with the current demarcation board practices. It also deals with the introduction of a Demarcation Appeals Authority to allow for redress by persons aggrieved by a decision of the board and the renaming of the board to that of the Independent Demarcation Authority. We commend the public for the inputs they have made in all four public hearings. We are also happy that we had high turnouts,” said Nair.

Among the inputs made by the public in all the public hearings was the issue of transparency in the procedure and consultation with the public in the demarcation of wards, the need for qualifications of the Board members to be published, assessment of the socio-economic impact of the merger of wards.

The inputs made during public hearings will form part of the KZN Legislature’s report to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and could possibly change the version of the Bill that is passed into law. 

Members of the public who were unable to attend public hearings can still send their submissions to the Portfolio Committee Coordinator Mr Vusi Mthembu via email at mthembuv@kznleg.gov.za and via WhatsApp or cell at 060503219 no later than the 3^rd of April 2025.

For interviews: Hon Marlaine Nair 0726928963

For enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

ISSUED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS, MS MARLAINE NAIR

KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATORS COMMEND THE RICHARDS BAY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE FOR ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS WORTH BILLIONS OF RANDS

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Portfolio on Economic Development and Tourism has commended the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), for creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. This has seen investments worth billions of rands being pumped into the economy of the province.

The committee today visited Nyanza Light Metal, a multi-billion plant which is going to produce 80,000-ton titanium dioxide pigment per annum when completed in the next three years. The legislators also visited Wilmar, another multi-billion rand plant that imports, stores, and trades unrefined products.

Speaking of the visits and after receiving a comprehensive update on the upcoming investments, the Chairperson of the Committee Mr Mafika Mndebele said that the legislature delegation felt that the special economic zone was doing exceptionally well in terms of creating an enabling environment that attracts investments.

“We did not only visit two manufacturing plants, but we also received a detailed report on all projects that the RBIDZ has facilitated which includes multi-billion-rand energy projects. The CEO of RBIDZ, Mr Thabani Zulu, showed us that these projects are at different stages of implementation, and they are expected to be completed in the next few years. As the legislators, we will continue to keep a watchful eye on how this important zone operates because we want to see a sustained campaign to draw the attention of investors to the region and to motivate existing firms towards expansions,” added Mndebele.

Mndebele said the committee had noted challenges that needed to be addressed to ensure that the special economic zone continued to execute its mandate of attracting investments. “We have noted that most of the major projects have specialists from other countries who are helping in terms of setting up these projects. We have informed the leadership of the RBIDZ to ensure that there is a meaningful transfer of skills to local people when major projects are implemented. This will enable us as a country to have adequate skills.”

ISSUED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE, MR MAFIKA MNDEBELE

For media interviews: Mr Mafika Mndebele 0837835164

For media enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

or Ms Choice Sihiya – 084 207 5823 (RBIDZ )

18 March 2025

Media Statement

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE’S VISIT TO  MAKHATHINI IRRIGATION SCHEME

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Agriculture and Rural Development Portfolio Committee visited Makhathini Irrigation Scheme outside Jozini in the Umkhanyakude District on the 18^th of March 2025.

The aim of the visit was to receive the turn-around strategy of the Makhathini Irrigation Scheme from Agri-Development Agency (ADA) which is currently managing the facility.

ADA management presented the turn-around strategy, however it was rejected by the Makhathini Farmers Association who are the beneficiaries of the irrigation programme. Almost all members of the association who addressed the committee criticized the agency for failing to consult the association while developing the strategy.

Association members also complained that ADA was prioritizing its employees instead of the beneficiaries.

Committee Chairperson Honourable Super Zuma instructed the agency to rework the turn-around strategy working together with the association. Zuma emphasized that the Makhathini Irrigation Scheme was developed to assist beneficiaries in the Umkhanyakude District to deal with triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The scheme was founded over fourty years to provide irrigation to small scale farmers in the Umkhanyakude area. However, the Committee heard on Tuesday that the majority of the pumps are dysfunctional and only 45% of all the pumps are working. Committee Members also visited several pumping stations where they were shown challenges faced by the agency and its employees including theft and vandalism of infrastructure.

Ends

 Issued by the KZN Legislature Communications Unit

Issued by KZN Legislature Communications Unit

For Media Inquiries please contact Wonder Hlongwa at 0829083532

Media Advisory

18 March 2025

KZN LEGISLATORS TO CONDUCT OVERSIGHT VISIT AT THE FISH PROCESSING FACILITY IN KOSI BAY

The gigantic Kosi Bay Lake, at the coastal border of KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique, is known for its abundance of fish species which have not only been a source of food for locals for hundreds of years but also attract fishermen from all over the globe.

The lake has four intertwined segments that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Here, communities use various customary fishing practices to harvest fish in sustainable way including utshwayelo or fish kraals.

The provincial government recently allocated R4 million for Utshwayelo Fish Processing and Aquaculture plant which incorporates a fish processing facility as well as fishponds to enable fishermen to generate meaningful revenue for their catch.

Commenting ahead of the oversight visit, the Chairperson of the Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Committee, Mr Mafika Mndebele described the project as having massive potential to ignite change in the local economy.

“The project was initiated after fishermen faced several challenges, including transportation options, difficulties in selling or marketing their catch, and the lack of equipment for preservation and storage. My portfolio committee is visiting the project to monitor its progress and to ensure that the taxpayers’ funds which has been allocated to the project are used appropriately,” added Mndebele.

The visit will take place as follows:

Date   : 19 March 2025

Venue: Utshwayelo Fish Processing and Aquaculture, Umhlabuyalingana Municipality

Time   : 9 am

ISSUED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE, MR MAFIKA MNDEBELE

For media interviews: Mr Mafika Mndebele 0837835164

For media enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

17 MARCH 2025
TO ALL MEDIA
HEALTH PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE FOLLOWS UP ON MEDICINE SHORTAGES

Following the ongoing reports of shortages of medicine in public healthcare facilities, the Portfolio Committee will tomorrow, 18 March 2025, at 8am hold a virtual meeting to receive updates from the previous meeting held in this regard with the department. Then, on Thursday, members will conduct an oversight visit to the Provincial Pharmaceutical Supply Depot (PPSD) in Clairwood. The PPPSD is the “wholesale pharmacy-like” supplier to public healthcare institutions such as clinics in KZN.
The depot provides medicines to 566 of 588 clinics directly and the remaining 22 clinics receive stock from mother hospitals. It also supports 23 Community Health Centres (CHC’s), and 69 hospitals.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Hon, Imran Keeka, said “The virtual meeting follows a previous meeting where we received an update in the state of medicine stocks in KZN. With the follow-up meeting we wish to monitor whether the areas of concern raised by the portfolio committee have either improved or worsened. I am also very concerned that lapses on the side of facility management who are not properly working with district management is contributing to patient difficulties. Our duty is to perform formal oversight over the executive and to verify what officials are telling us. If we don’t go and see for ourselves, we can’t be said to be doing the work of the people of KZN”.

Members of the media are invited to join virtually and on Thursday to meet with the Committee after the oversight visit. A link will be sent to the media via our Whatsap Media Group and email. Arrangements for interviews with the chairperson following the oversight can be arranged with him directly

ISSUED BY KZN LEGISLATURE
Wesley Canham
Senior Practitioner Media liaison
0833767299
Honourable Dr Imran Keeka, MPL
Chairperson: Health Portfolio Committee
083 703 9135

17 March 2025

 Media Advisory

 AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT OVERSIGHT AT MAKHATHINI IRRIGATION SCHEME

 KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Agriculture and Rural Development Portfolio Committee is set to conduct an oversight visit at Makhathini Irrigation Scheme outside Jozini in the Umkhanyakude District on the 18^th of March 2025. The visit will begin at 10 am.

The committee will receive a “seasonal employment” report from the Agri-Development Agency (ADA) and the turn-around strategy of Makhathini Irrigation Scheme.

Committee members will then conduct oversight including checking the scheme’s pumping stations.

Ends

Issued by KZN Legislature Communications Unit

For Media Inquiries please contact Wonder Hlongwa at 0829083532

MEDIA ADVISORY

13 March 2025

KZN LEGISLATURE COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARINGS ON IMDA BILL IN HARRY GWALA, AMAJUBA AND ETHEKWINI METRO

The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) will, from 18th to the 26^th of March 2025, conduct public hearings in three districts and eThekwini Municipality to solicit views and inputs on the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority (IMDA) Bill.

Commenting ahead of the public hearings, COGTA portfolio committee Chairperson, Ms Marlaine Nair described the Bill as crucial adding that it was aimed at repealing and substituting the current Municipal Demarcation Act of 1998, to align it with current demarcation board practices.

“This is a very important bill. We urge the public to take part in all our public hearings and make their inputs. The public hearings form part of the legislature’s constitutionally mandated public participation process which involves consulting the public in law-making,” added Nair.

Members of the media are invited to cover the hearings will take place as follows:

Date   : 18 March 2025

Venue: Creighton Hall (Harry Gwala District)

Time   : 10 am

Date   : 19 March 2025

Venue: Utrecht Town Hall (Amajuba District)

Time   : 10 am

Date   : 20 March 2025

Venue: KwaBester Hall, eThekwini Municipality)

Time   : 10 am

Date: 26 March 2025

Venue: Ncotshane Community Hall, Zululand District.

Time: 10 am

ISSUED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE, MS MARLAINE NAIR

For media interviews: Ms Marlaine Nair 0726928963

For media enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

11 MARCH 2025
TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE

Subject: Escalating Crime in Amaoti.

We remain extremely worried about the violent crime perpetrated against innocent people in Amaoti, Inanda and other areas.

Following the recent murder of three men, the shooting of a woman, and a community protest in Amaoti, something drastic must be done by relevant authorities to turn around the situation.

In particular, the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, together with the Office of the Premier, should be on the side of local vulnerable members of the community during this period.
The co-ordinating role of the Office of the Premier becomes critical in terms of the deployment of resources and the rollout of tangible programs that must end the pervasive culture of violence in the affected areas.

The mushrooming of youth gangs, extortion, drug trafficking, alcohol, and substance abuse has contributed to the ongoing crime and violence.
This could be traced to the high school dropout rates and the lack of recreational and skills development activities for the youth.

An integrated approach involving both Office of the Premier and the Department of Community Safety and Liaison should be introduced and used to end the scourge whilst addressing the psychological impact of crime on communities.
The resources in the possession of both departments must be used to make a difference for the vulnerable members of communities, especially women, children, the youth, and senior citizens.

While the role of the police is critical in the fight against crime, the two departments have an equal responsibility in creating an environment that would result in the reduction or eradication of crime.

Moving forward, the Office of the Premier should be seized with the co-ordination of the work of government departments in order to accelerate service delivery interventions in the Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and other area.

The Department of Community and Liaison must establish a central safety co-ordination team with safety initiatives being introduced and implemented urgently.

The lack of action and tangible programmes in the area will result in the creation of a pool of young people from which hardened criminals recruit. The Committee will visit these areas as soon as possible.

End

Issued by Hon Mbali Frazer
Chair of the Portfolio Committee: Premier, Community Safety and Liaison
078 300 5259