Media statement
15 July 2025

KZN LEGISLATURE COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE UNDERTAKES SUCCESSFUL OVERSIGHT VISITS TO STRUGGLING MUNICIPALITIES

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s COGTA Portfolio Committee today held two Section 132 hearings at Umzinyathi District and eNdumeni Municipalities to address concerns about financial mismanagement, project delays, and lack of accountability raised by the Auditor General (AG).
The legislature utilizes Section 132 hearings as a mechanism to hold municipalities accountable for their adverse audit outcomes and financial management practices. The hearings are held under Section 132 of the Municipal Finance Management Act and are a crucial part of the legislature’s oversight function.

COGTA Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Hon Marlaine Nair said the committee had resolved to hold meetings with worst performing municipalities which have received adverse audits, disclaimer audits and qualified audit reports from the Auditor General in the last financial year.

“Today we held two successful meetings as part of our responsibility under Section 132 of the MFMA, which requires the Legislature to conduct formal oversight over the municipality’s annual report and the findings of the Auditor-General. This is an important part of our work in ensuring financial accountability, good governance, and service deliver,” added Nair.
She described the engagement with uMzinyathi District Municipality as crucial because the municipality has been under a Section 139(1)(b) intervention since 2016, which saw the provincial government taking over certain functions of the municipality due to serious failures in governance and administration.
Despite this intervention, the municipality has continued to perform poorly. The Auditor-General has issued an adverse audit opinion for the third consecutive year, meaning the financial statements are not reliable and there is serious non-compliance with laws and regulations.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the AG identified R1.4 billion in irregular expenditure, R323 million in unauthorised spending, and R42 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The municipality has tabled unfunded budgets for the past three years, is at risk of running out of cash, and is struggling to deliver basic services especially in the water sector where major infrastructure projects remain incomplete.
Endumeni Municipality also faced a myriad of administrative challenges which saw it receiving a disclaimer from the AG.
Nair described today’s meetings as a resounding success, adding that Members of the legislature were able to fully understand what drove long-standing problems and what was being done to resolve them in both municipalities.
The legislators were also able to recommend practical solutions and clear follow-up steps for this committee and for provincial government.

ISSUED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE IN THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE, HON MARLAINE NAIR

For media interviews: Hon Marlaine Nair 0726928963
For enquiries            : Mr Bongani Tembe

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature welcomed a high-level delegation from the Namibian Parliament’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Sub-Branch on 15 July 2025, led by Honourable Lukas Sinimbo Muha, Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and Regional Representative of the CPA Southern Africa Sub-Region Executive Committee.

The visit, hosted by the Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations among CPA branches and foster regional collaboration in line with the CPA’s strategic goals. These include a strong focus on parliamentary democracy, gender representation through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, and enhanced cooperation among sub-national legislatures.

In his address, Hon. Muha emphasised the shared values between the Namibian Parliament and the KZN Legislature. “The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, as an active CPA Sub-National Branch and a proud member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, continues to be a shining example in advancing the CPA’s mission. Your commitment to gender equality and empowering women in parliamentary spaces is truly commendable and continues to inspire other branches in the region,” he said.

He further explained the role of the Southern Africa CPA Sub-Region Executive Committee:“Our mandate is to provide oversight on the implementation of CPA policy decisions and engage with branches to promote the CPA’s core objectives. As Regional Representatives, we serve as a bridge between the Region and the Branches, ensuring their welfare and growth remain a top priority.”

Hon. Muha also reiterated his responsibility in ensuring that branches within the Sub-Region participate meaningfully in both regional and international CPA conferences.

Speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce extended her heartfelt appreciation for the visit, highlighting its significance in deepening cooperation. “We are honoured to host Hon. Muha and his delegation. This visit not only strengthens ties between our two CPA Sub-Branches but also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress and share best practices as part of our collective journey under the CPA umbrella.”

The visit marks yet another important step in reinforcing the spirit of unity and mutual support among Commonwealth parliaments in the Southern Africa region.

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Caption:

On 15 July 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature had the honour of hosting a high-level delegation from the Namibian Parliament’s CPA Sub-Branch, led by Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, Chairperson of Namibia’s National Council and Regional Representative of the CPA Southern Africa Sub-Region.

ENDS

Issued by:
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
Media Enquiries
Phathisa Mfuyo – Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Speaker, KZN Legislature
Cell: 0810215111 Email: mfuyop@kznleg.gov.za

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature is set to welcome Honourable Lukas Sinimbo Muha, Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and Regional Representative of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Southern Africa Sub-Region, on an official visit scheduled for Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

The visit, being undertaken on behalf of the CPA Southern Africa Regional Representatives, forms part of the Executive Committee’s ongoing oversight responsibilities. It aims to strengthen relationships among CPA branches and promote active engagement with the Association’s strategic objectives, including its commitment to parliamentary democracy, gender representation through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, and collaboration across sub-national legislatures.

The visit underscores the CPA’s ongoing commitment to building strong, people-centred Legislatures across the Commonwealth and affirms the spirit of unity between Namibia and South Africa.

Details for the visit are as follows:

Date: 15 July 2025

Time: 9:30am

Venue: KZN Legislature Precinct

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Phathisa Mfuyo

Media Liaison Officer, KZN Legislature Office of the Speaker
Cell: 081 021 5111

KZN Legislature Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, joined the African Congregational Church family in celebrating the achievements of graduates.

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As part of the Speaker’s Social Responsibility Programme, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce, Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, visited St Martin De Porres Comprehensive School in Port Shepstone, a special needs school for deaf and intellectually disabled children . The visit formed part of the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to promote civic awareness and empower young people through education.

Speaker Boyce led an engaging Civic Education session, where learners explored their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. She encouraged the learners to see themselves as active citizens with the power to contribute to change. “Your voice matters, and being informed is the first step to shaping your future,” she said.

To make the session more interactive, the Speaker held a fun and educational general knowledge quiz, where pupils  participated and showcased their knowledge. Learners who answered questions correctly received small gifts and tokens of appreciation, adding excitement to the day.

Chairperson of the Ugu Disability Forum Sindi Cebisa, expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s continued support to the disability sector. She emphasised the importance of inclusion and respect for children with disabilities, stating, “Every child deserves to be treated equally, with dignity and kindness. No one should be left behind.”

The visit left a lasting impression on the school, reminding the learners that their voices matter and their presence is valued in South Africa’s democratic journey.

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Caption 

KZN Legislature Speaker’s Civic Voter Education programme at St Martin De Porres Comprehensive School in Port Shepstone.

Delegates urge the Government to Create Employment and Economic Opportunities for the Youth During the Youth Parliament Held at Bulwer Hall

During the Youth Parliament dialogue at the Bulwer Hall in the Dr  Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality, the delegates raised various issues that affect them in the presence of the KZN Legislature Members and Members of the Executive Council for their attention in order to address them.

The delegates made calls to the provincial government to be equipped with relevant skills that respond to the economy of the country. They decried the limited job opportunities that are available in the province.

The delegates called on the government to invest in skills development for the youth and create economic opportunities that target young people. Government should incorporate entrepreneurship skills in the school curriculum to enable the youth to participate meaningfully in the economy and there should be a curriculum review to address the skills shortage that are needed by the youth to participate in the economy.

The youth should get equal access to health care regardless of their economic status.

Chairperson of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Sizophila Mkhize, joined the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in celebrating the 11th International Yoga Day. The event took place at the Durban Amphitheatre , bringing together yoga enthusiasts and community members in the spirit of peace, health, and unity.

The celebration highlighted the importance of physical well-being, mental clarity, and cultural harmony, with participation open to all.

#InternationalYogaDay2025

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