01 April 2023

Media Advisory

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature will be hosting the 84^th Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) Africa Region from the 3^rd to the 6^th of April in Durban this year.

The Africa Region of the (CPA) comprises of the 63 national and subnational Legislatures and is governed by Co-ordinating Committee and the Executive Committee which are made up of all representatives from across the region.

Members of the Executive Committee attending this meeting come from various countries throughout the continent.

Our President Hon A. Bundu comes from Sierra Leone; Chairperson Hon C.G Hara from Malawi, Vice Chairperson Hon. L. Sinimbo from Namibia, Treasurer Hon. N. Mekgwe from Gauteng, Vice Treasurer Hon. T. Mangwegape – Healy from Botswana, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Chairperson Hon. Dr. Z. Gimba from Nigeria, CPA Africa Region Secretary is Ms. N. Mwihambi, ndc from Tanzani

The mission of the CPA Africa region is:  “To promote and protect the interests and perspectives of CPA Africa Regional Parliaments and countries, into the Commonwealth and beyond, and to promote gender equality, emancipation of women, and respect for human rights, freedoms, democracy and good governance.”

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Date: 3-6 April 2023

Time: 9am to 4pm

Venue: Garden Court, Marine Parade (Durban)

For more information please contact Sina Nxumalo at 0829060449 or Nomusa Phungula at 0718510085

THE QUALITY OF LIFE STANDING COMMITTEE VISITS SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN ZULULAND DISTRICT

The chairperson for Quality of Life Standing Committee in the Legislature and a multiparty delegation of members of Parliament visiting special schools in  Zululand District with the intention of accessing the wellness of disabled pupils and look into conditions they live under, and also to ascertain the role of relevant departments (Health, Social Development and Education departments) on the role they play in supporting the needs of disable learners as per their legislative mandate.

All relevant departments have been summoned to come and account as per the role they play and support they give to ensure that teaching and learning takes place and that resources and equipments needed by  learners with special needs are provided for and adequate enough to allow those kids to exercise their constitution right of equal access to education, as we do to normal schools. The chairperson applauded the initiative by government to at least install water boreholes to remote rural schools, especially in Districts that are engulfs by  terrible shortages of water. “Though there is still so much to do but you are on the right track, keep up the good work” said Phumzile Mbatha-Cele chairperson of Quality of Life Standing Committee.

07 March 2023

Media Release

For immediate release

KZN LEGISLATURE’S COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY VISIT TO JAPAN

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs will undertake a study visit to Japan from the 27^th May to the 4^th June 2023 as part of the Legislature’s Members’ Capacity Building Programme.

Today, the Legislature Speaker, Hon Nontembeko Boyce and COGTA Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Hon. Zinhle Cele met with the Japanese Embassy led by Ambassador Tasuku Takanishi to discuss the preparations and programme for the visit.

Amongst the issues discussed with the Embassy which forms part of the study visit include the following:

• Disaster management
• Water and sanitation
• Meeting with the City Council of Yokohama City
• Visit to the Coal Plant using coal imported from South Africa
• Waste management
• Meeting with Political counterparts and Speaker of Japanese Parliament
• Visit to NISSAN Headquarters

On returning from the study, the committee will compile a report which will be submitted to the Speaker, and tabled in the House for debate and adoption.

During this 6^th term of the Legislature, most committees have visited various countries throughout the world to learn best practices to improve our law-making and oversight functions.

Ends

 For more information, please contact.

Hon. Zinhle Cele, Chairperson of COGTA Portfolio Committee

Cell: 060 501 7783

Issued by Communications Unit: KZN Legislature

Sina Nxumalo: 0829060449

21 February 2023

Media Statement

KZN LEGISLATURE PUBLIC WORKS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CALLS FOR THE EVICTION OF “HITMEN” OCCUPYING LEGISLATURE HOUSING UNITS IN ULUNDI.

Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Public Works Portfolio Committee have called for the eviction of alleged hitmen who have taken over housing units and government flats at the old legislature complex in Ulundi, north of KwaZulu-Natal.

Portfolio Committee members heard how apartments that were built to house government employees and some houses built for the provincial government ministers have been hijacked by armed hitmen who are refusing to vacate the properties.

Provincial Public Works Department Head Mr Siboniso Majola told the committee which met at the KZN Legislature Complex today how he was intimidated by one of the alleged hitmen.

“I went to the old legislature complex in Ulundi to talk to some of the illegal occupants that they needed to vacate the flats. One of the illegal occupants pulled out two firearms, placed them on the table and said ‘yes Mr Majola, we can talk now’. I was terrified”, said Majola.

The Chairperson of the Provincial Public Works Portfolio Committee Honourable Makhosazane Zungu condemned the conduct of the alleged hitmen.

The committee resolved to formally request the South African Police Services and the department to work together to evict illegal occupiers. Zungu said the committee would give the SAPS and the department six months to ensure that illegal occupiers of the buildings are removed.

Committee member Honourable Sthembiso Mshengu said he was shocked at the derelict state of provincial government flats and some ministerial houses in Ulundi adding that the complex is so neglected that it is still emblazoned with the coat-of-arms of the old KwaZulu Homeland government.

Committee member Honourable Hlengiwe Mavimbela, who is also Chairperson of Committees commended the adoption of the resolution saying the committee cannot keep quiet as if it condoned the illegal occupation of government property.

The committee also heard that the departments which have been owing the Public Works Department hundreds of millions of rands have begun to settle their debts. Majola said this was in response to a directive issued at the provincial cabinet lekgotla that departments must pay before the end of the current financial year.

Committee member Honourable James Nxumalo commended those departments who have paid saying it was unacceptable that others were not quick to settle their debts in order for the department to be able to carry-out its responsibilities.

Committee member Honourable Vusi Dube said even those who were legally occupying the flats must pay so that the conditions of the complex could be improved.

The old legislature complex in Ulundi houses a number of government departments and the house of traditional leaders. Some residential flats are legally occupied by some of these officials.

Ends

Issued by KZN Legislature Public Works Portfolio Committee Chairperson Hon Makhosazane Zungu, contact details 0839894400

OR Committee Media Officer Mr Wonder Hlongwa at 0829083532

Mr Siboniso Majozi, KwaZulu-Natal’s Head of the Department of Public Works

20 February 2023

Media Advisory

PUBLIC WORKS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE TO QUIZ DEPARTMENTAL OFFICIALS ON CAPITAL PROJECTS AND PROGRESS ON REPAIRING INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGED BY RECENT FLOODS

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Public Works Portfolio Committee is set to hear presentations from the Provincial Department of Public Works on the progress made by the department on a number of capital projects currently underway. Members of the Provincial Legislature are expected to be given clarity on contentious projects such as the construction of the legislature precinct at Town Hill in Pietermaritzburg. Members of the committee are also expected to quiz the department on progress made to repair the infrastructure which was damaged by last year’s floods and this year’s torrential rains.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:

Time: 10 am

Date: 21 February 2023

Venue: Lillian Ngoyi Committee Room (Legislature Precinct)

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the proceedings accordingly.

For more information please contact Wonder Hlongwa at 0829083532.

KZN Legislature held its Strategic Review Workshop from 16-18 February

From 16 to 18 February 2023, the KZN Legislature held its 2023/2024 Strategy Review Workshop at the Cathedral Peak Resort in the Drakensberg, to review progress in the implementation of the 2019/2025 Strategic Master Plan Document. The workshop, which was attended by the Legislature Strategic Leadership, which is constituted by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, Chair of Chairs, Deputy Chair of Chairs and Senior Management, and invited guests speakers.

The workshop received a number of presentations from eminent speakers including the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), former Statistician General, Dr Pali Lehohla, and Academics. After thorough engagements with the presentations, the Legislature is now well positioned to prepare itself to close out its 6^th Term and come up with a sound strategy for the next term which is starting after the 2024 democratic elections.

The Legislature is committed to sharpening its law making, oversight and public involvement mechanisms to bring a better life to all the people of KwaZulul-Natal.  

STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER OF KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE, MS NONTEMBEKO BOYCE, DURING A MEDIA BRIEFING TO ANNOUNCE THE STATE OF READINESS FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

20 February 2023

Programme Director

The Deputy Speaker, Mr. Richard Themba Mthembu

The Secretary of the legislature, Ms. Nerusha Naidoo

Members of the media

We would like to start by thanking each one of you for responding so positively to our invitation to this morning’s press briefing wherein we seek to update you on key developments in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.

Ladies and gentlemen, over the past weeks, the leadership of the legislature has been conducting consultations with all key stakeholders regarding the Official Opening of the KZN Legislature as well as the State of the Province Address (SOPA).

Among the stakeholders were consulted were King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube and leaders of all political parties represented in the Legislature.

During our media briefing last year, we reported that, although over the years the official opening of the legislature, had been a two-legged occasion that commences with the address by His Majesty and culminates in the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by the Premier, His Majesty was not going to address the house pending the conclusion of government processes in respect of certification of the King.

We are happy to announce that following the Coronation of the King in October last year, we will commence with the Address by the Monarch which will be followed by the State of the Province.

In line with Standing Rule 10, of the Standing Rules of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, the Zulu Monarch will deliver His inaugural address on Thursday, 23 February and subsequently the Premier will deliver her State of the Province Address the following day, on Friday, 24 February 2023 at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

Members of the Media will recall that in the past, the KZN Legislature has made use of the Royal Showgrounds as a preferred venue for the King Address as well as SOPA. However, we are aware that this facility has been sold for a mixed use development and from 2024, it will no longer be available. We therefore felt it prudent that we must begin to cast our net wider in terms of the facilities within uMsunduzi that could host an event of this magnitude. We are therefore convinced that the Oval Cricket Stadium is one of the suitable venues that the Legislature can utilise until such time that the new legislature precinct comes into fruition.

May I advise members of the Media that the Kings Address and SOPA will be attended by 2500 people. The Official Opening will comprise of 1200 invited guests, 700 members of the public, 500 Amabutho, 100 members of Omama besiphithiphithi group and maidens.

We have taken a decision that the Address by His Majesty should be a vastly dignified  and distinguished ceremony hence we have increased the number of attendees from 1000 last year to 2500 this year as we take advantage of the fact that the King will be delivering his maiden address and also recognising that the 2021 and 2022 Official opening has limited attendance due to Covid 19 restrictions. This move has been fully supported by political parties represented in the legislature.

We anticipate a dignified and colourful ceremony that posterity would be proud of with Amabutho and amakhosi receiving His Majesty before the formal programme.

The 1200 invited guests have been sourced from diverse sectors and different parts of the country including, the diplomatic corps,  civil society, cultural groups, interfaith, the interfaith, the judiciary, NCOP delegates and former Members of the Legislature.

We are therefore confident that we will have a highly dignified and cost-effective inaugural address by His Majesty whom we regard as a source wisdom and many important issues ranging from development, social, economic and cultural in the province.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me I want to assure you that the Legislature is alive to the socio-economic challenges facing the country. To this end we have ensured that there are no frills that would characterize our opening. Only those amenities that are necessary for the event of this magnitude have been secured.

Ladies and gentlemen,

SOPA is critical in that it serves to set out the province’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year. This is essential for the legislature to commence its oversight process for the year in that it can have a clear picture of the Executive’s plans and intentions for the year.

During SOPA, Honourable Premier Dube – Ncube will expand on practical steps to be taken by our government to address challenges faced by the province. The SOPA will, among other things focus on how the provincial government will deal with the effects of the recent floods and the July 2021 unrest which affected the lives of thousands of people and wrecked the economy.

This address by the Premier, follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation and serves as an opportunity for Members of the Legislature to consider the issues of accountability and oversee whether commitments of previous years have been achieved or are on track. 

The proceedings for both the official opening and SOPA will be available live on all KwaZulu-Natal Legislature social media pages on reverse billing or data-free meaning members of the public can stream for free on youtube. This address is also available on our website and social media pages.

The State of the Province Address will be followed by the Provincial Budget which will also be followed by Budget Policy Speeches of all provincial governments, including the Legislature.

Among the highlights of our budget speech will be the achievements we have scored as the institution including the fact that we are currently sitting with two consecutive clean audits. This, ladies and gentlemen, shows that we are not only keeping a watchful eye on how government entities handle the public purse but we are also leading by example.

We are also proud that our institution was the first among its peers to effectively use digital platforms to run its business online with house sittings and administration meetings now being conducted online.

Our public participation programmes, sectoral engagements and oversight programmes continue to have positive impact on people’s lives. We therefore humbly request the media to continue supporting our activities such as the LGBTQI+ Symposium, Sex Work Symposium, International Women’s Day, the Interfaith Symposium, the Workers’ Parliament, the Youth Parliament, Women’s Parliament, Senior Citizens’ Parliament, TLTP, Disability Parliament, Young Women’s Symposium.

All the Programmes mentioned above will take place against the backdrop of the Legislature finalising its closeout report for the sixth term as we prepare for the 2024 Elections. As the serving leadership we want to believe that we have built on the solid foundation laid by those leaders who came before us. It is our conviction that when we hand over the baton to the seventh political administration, our contribution during this term will not go unnoticed.

I thank you

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE

For more information contact:

Nomusa Phungula

071 851 0085