HON. FIKILE MASIKO, CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON QUALITY OF LIFE AT THE P20 WOMEN’S PARLIAMENT 2025.

Held under the theme “Accelerating Equality, Sustainability & Shared Growth: Correcting the Gender Re-distributional Bias of Growth and Development, through the Women’s Charter, the MTDP and the 2025 G20 Development Priorities”, the sitting formed part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency year.
 
Women leaders from across the globe gathered to deliberate on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and job creation, social inclusion, African development in line with Agenda 2063, and universal access to education #kznlegislature #kznmpls .
#P20 
#G20 
#7thparliament

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KWAZULU-NATAL CPA SUB BRANCH LED BY PRESIDENT HON NONTEMBEKO BOYCE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 54TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

KwaZulu-Natal CPA Sub Branch led by President Hon Nontembeko Boyce at the Opening Ceremony of the 54th Annual Conference of theCommonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region held in Banjul The Gambia under the theme Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shock and Climate Risks. This 5 day conference delegates participate in conference workshops on different sub themes and conclude with the AGM #cpafrica #kznlegislature #kznmpls 

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IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S MONTH, DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE KZN LEGISLATURE, HON. MMABATHO TEMBE, VISITED SIYAMTHANDA SHELTER IN KWAXOLO, RAY NKONYENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN WARD 11, TO SHOW SOLIDARITY AND COMPASSION TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO HAVE FACED THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV).

In celebration of Women’s Month, Deputy Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, visited Siyamthanda Shelter in KwaXolo, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality in Ward 11, to show solidarity and compassion to women and children who have faced the devastating impact of gender-based violence (GBV).
 
During the visit, the Deputy Speaker distributed dignity packs, cleaning supplies, and blankets to bring comfort and dignity to survivors during their journey of healing.
 
Siyamthanda Shelter plays a vital role in the Ugu District community, offering protective shelter, immediate support, psychosocial services, and counselling to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, and other traumatic experiences. Their mission is not only to respond to crises but to empower survivors and create safe spaces where they can rebuild their lives.
 
They also raise awareness in the community about domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma, run prevention programmes to reduce incidents of abuse, and equip volunteers and local organisations with skills in victim empowerment and trauma counselling. In addition, they provide holistic community-based support, including assistance for health-related challenges such as HIV/AIDS and TB.
 
Hon. Tembe will be visiting other women’s shelters during August, offering comfort and encouragement to women staying in shelters to bring comfort on their journey of healing.
 
#womensmonth2025 #kznlegislature #SocialResponsibility #EndGBV #UguDistrict #RayNkonyeni #SiyamthandaShelter #kznmpls

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SPEAKER OF THE KZN LEGISLATURE, HON. NONTEMBEKO BOYCE, AT THE PROGRAMME, PLANNING AND FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING AT THE SIR DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE IN BANJUL, GAMBIA

Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, at the Programme, Planning and Finance Subcommittee meeting at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, Gambia. The meeting takes place alongside the 54th Annual Regional Conference of the CPA Africa Region, held under the theme: “Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks and Climate Risk.” #kznlegislature #kznmpls #cpaafrica

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AS PART OF THE WOMEN’S MONTH OUTREACH PROGRAMME, THE KZN LEGISLATURE LED BY SPEAKER NONTEMBEKO BOYCE, DEPUTY SPEAKER MMABATHO TEMBE, DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP TAMSIN COLLEY, CHAIRPERSON OF THE WOMEN’S CAUCUS HON. CQ MADLOPHA, AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON QUALITY OF LIFE HON. FIKILE MASIKO CAME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AND UPLIFT LOCAL WOMEN-LED INITIATIVES.

As part of the Women’s Month Outreach Programme, the KZN Legislature led by Speaker Nontembeko Boyce, Deputy Speaker Mmabatho Tembe, Deputy Chief Whip Tamsin Colley, Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus Hon. CQ Madlopha, and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Quality of Life Hon. Fikile Masiko came together to support and uplift local women-led initiatives.
 
Under the Speakers Social Responsibility Programme, Speaker and her delegation handed over much-needed tools to empower small businesses and community groups:
 
• Bukeka Fashion Design – 3 sewing machines
• Sizolwethu NPO – Bulk cleaning detergents
• Mgasela & Ogengele Women – Grass mat weaving equipment
• Thembeka Buthelezi – Sewing machine
• Nozipho Nhleko – Sewing machine
 
Celebrating Women’s Month by creating real, lasting impact in our communities.
#womensmonth2025 #kznlegislature #kznmpls #womensparliament2025

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KZN LEGISLATURE LAUNCHES PROVINCIAL BRANCH OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has officially launched the Provincial Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, inclusive governance, and global parliamentary collaboration.

The launch, held at the Legislature precinct in Pietermaritzburg, was presided over by Chairperson of Committees Hon, Mahlaba who hailed the event as a step towards formalising our space within the global community of lawmakers, while remaining grounded in the needs and realities of the people we serve.

The CPA brings together over 180 branches across the Commonwealth, promoting democracy, good governance, and dialogue among elected representatives. KwaZulu-Natal has historically been an active participant in regional and global CPA events; however, this launch formalises the branch and aligns its work with international CPA goals.

A key highlight of the day was the election of the CPA KZN Branch Executive Committee, a leadership collective tasked with managing the affairs of the branch. In line with the CPA Constitution, elected leadership of the CPA KZN Branch is as follows:

  • Treasurer: Hon. Blessed Gwala
  • First Additional Member: Hon. Dr. Imran Keeka
  • Second Additional Member: Hon. Mncedisi Maphisa

They join the ex officio members:

  • President: Hon. Nontembeko Boyce (Speaker)
  • Deputy President: Hon. Mmabatho Tembe (Deputy Speaker)
  • Chairperson of CWP: Hon. Celiwe Madlopha

The Speaker highlighted the importance of participation in platforms such as the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Network, which she described as “key vehicles for building inclusive and people-centred parliaments.”

“We must use the CPA not only to learn, but to lead. As KZN, we bring unique perspectives from our local communities into global dialogue, especially on public participation, oversight, decentralisation and civic education,” said Hon. Boyce.

She further encouraged Members to take advantage of CPA training programmes such as the Parliamentary Academy, citing her own experience as a graduate of the initiative.

ENDS

For more information contact:
Phathisa Mfuyo – Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Speaker, KZN Legislature
Cell: 0810215111 Email: mfuyop@kznleg.gov.za

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SPEAKER OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE, HON. NONTEMBEKO BOYCE, TOGETHER WITH MAYOR OF UMUZIWABANTU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY CLLR. SBONISO ZUNGU, SPENT THE MORNING WITH LEARNERS AT MBUSI HIGH SCHOOL IN WARD 5 KWAMACHI, HARDING, AS PART OF THE LEGISLATURE’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME.

Hon. Boyce hosted an educational quiz to test the pupils’ general knowledge, with small prizes handed out to participants. Two lucky learners also walked away with brand-new laptops to support their studies.
 
One of them, Olwethu Tabu, a Grade 12 learner, said the laptop came at the perfect time. “I’m very happy. This laptop will really help me prepare for my matric exams,” she said.
 
The Civic Education programme is part of a broader effort by the KZN Legislature to raise awareness about its work and to build an active, informed citizenry.
 
The Speaker also used the opportunity to give back through the Legislature’s Social Responsibility Programme, handing over school shoes to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, making sure they walk into the future with confidence
#kznlegislature
#kznmpls
#civiceducation

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TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF WOMEN’S MONTH, THE SPEAKER OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE, HON. NONTEMBEKO BOYCE, HELD A CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME AT OSHABENI MPCC HALL, RAY NKONYENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY.

The civic education programme included both women and men from Oshabeni. Its goal was to raise awareness around Legislature programmes and spark meaningful conversations about social ills, abuse, and the rights of communities.

“As we come out of Men’s Month and enter August, which is dedicated to celebrating women, it’s important that we continue to educate communities about their rights, and the channels available to report abuse,” said Hon. Boyce. “Programmes like this are not just about information-sharing, they’re about empowering people.”

Inkosi Lushaba expressed appreciation to the Legislature for prioritising rural outreach and community education. “We welcome this kind of engagement. It shows the Legislature’s commitment to making sure all communities understand how they can participate in and benefit from democracy.”

As part of the day’s activities, community members took part in a fun and informative quiz, with small tokens of appreciation handed out by Hon. Boyce to those who participated.

The Civic Education programme forms part of a broader drive by the Legislature to deepen public understanding of its work and build an active, informed citizenry, especially during a month that highlights the strength and resilience of women

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KZN LEGISLATURE TABLES 2025/26 BUDGET VOTE AND CELEBRATES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE CLEAN AUDIT

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 July 2025

KZN LEGISLATURE TABLES 2025/26 BUDGET VOTE AND CELEBRATES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE CLEAN AUDIT

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature is proud to announce that it has once again received a clean audit outcome for the 2024/2025 financial year, marking the fifth consecutive year of this achievement.

Delivering the announcement during the tabling of the 2025/2026 Budget, Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, emphasised that this milestone is not just about clean books, but about what those books represent, a disciplined, competent, and people-centred institution that takes its duty to the public seriously.
“This clean audit outcome is a reflection of the hard work, stability, and excellence of our administration and political leadership. It confirms that beyond passing laws and conducting oversight, this Legislature is committed to being a model institution that earns the trust of the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” said Speaker Boyce.

Speaker Boyce also highlighted a key challenge: only 0.5% of the provincial budget is allocated to the Legislature, yet this small fraction is expected to provide effective oversight over 99.5% of the Province’s expenditure, most of which goes to social services like education, health and social development.

“Out of this 0.5%, the Legislature is expected to execute consultative law-making, public participation and ensure effective oversight on service delivery as required by the Constitution. This is a funding model we must interrogate as we seek a more balanced, responsive and accountable governance system.”
Speaker Boyce highlighted that the Legislature’s consistent clean audits are a result of a deliberate investment in institutional stability, professional capacity and strong internal systems.

She praised the dedication of the Legislature’s staff many of whom are among the most experienced public servants in the country for delivering quality and consistency, even under tough economic conditions.

Despite tight budgets, rising public expectations, and external pressures, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has proven that accountability and excellence can co-exist. From consistent engagement with the Auditor-General’s recommendations to ongoing reform of internal processes, the Legislature has entrenched a culture of ethical leadership and clean governance.
The Speaker concluded by reaffirming the Legislature’s commitment to being a trusted voice of the people:”We are not here to govern from a distance.

We are here to remain rooted in our communities, responsive to our people, and accountable to the future,” said Hon Boyce.

Ends

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KZN LEGISLATURE SPEAKER PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER EMPLOYEES

The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce, has paid heartfelt tribute to former employees who recently concluded their service to the institution, describing them as dedicated public servants who contributed immensely to strengthening democracy in the province.
 
Speaking during a sitting of the Legislature, Hon. Boyce said,  “Every democracy relies not only on elected leaders but also on the tireless work of those behind the scenes. Today, we honour and thank those who have walked a long journey with this institution, serving with integrity, commitment and excellence.”
 
The Speaker paid special tribute to the following individuals:
 
 • Mr Erik Rood, Senior Legal Advisor – 21 years of service
 • Mr N Dimba, Committee Coordinator – 12 years
 • Ms PT Ntuli, Administrator: Organisational Performance Unit – 42 years
 • Ms J Stone, English Hansard Manager – 19 years
 • Ms N Mazibuko, Committee Coordinator – 28 years
 • Mr Highwell Nzama, Security Officer – 33 years
 
Mr Nzama, affectionately known as ubab’ uMathanda, also served as Sergeant-at-Arms, a role in which he became a familiar and respected figure in the Chamber. He took over this important responsibility from the equally esteemed Mr Rod Alley, who served the Legislature for 25 years.
 
“We already miss his unmistakable voice, which brought formality and dignity to our proceedings,” added the Speaker.
 
The Legislature extends its deepest appreciation to all these former employees for their unwavering service. Their legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations of public servants.
 
ENDS
#kznlegislature
#kznmpls
#budget

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