Oversight visit to the Newcastle Road Inspectorate Unit of the Department of Transport
On the 6 February 2018 the Portfolio Committee on Transport led by its Chairperson Hon. Ntombikayise Sibhidla -Saphetha conducted oversight in the Newcastle RTI Offices and Driving license Testing Centre. The inspection covered how the centre functions and interaction with members of the members of the public who use these facilities took place to get the first hand information around treatment they receive, staff conduct, and the facility itself. Members of the Committee were quite happy with what they had seen and applauds the work done for instance to ensure that technology is installed to prevent any corrupt activities that may be associated with driversâ licencing and bribery.
Later on the day at about 10h00 at the Newcastle Municipal Chamber, the Department of Transport and its MEC, Hon Mxolisi Kaunda delivered the departmentâs Annual Performance Plan to the Committee, which included amongst other issues the 2017/18 third quarter expenditure and performance report, Update report on the handover of Leaner Transport, report on the Vukuzakhe Turnaround Strategy, a report on uMnambithi Public Transport system. Members were taken through the facility by the senior official in the department Mr Victor Chetty.
Members of the Portfolio Committee concluded their oversight at the RTI offices.
The Chairperson makes a follow up question to Mr Victor Chetty, the Director of the RTI directorate at Head Office.
Mr Chetty demonstrates the effectiveness of technology installed in the Centre.
Hon Duma, a Mmeber of the Committee had his eys tested during this visit and he scored 100% whe was presented with this machine, as he answered all the questions correct.
The Department through its MEC Hon Kaunda tables its reports top the Committee at the Chamber in Newcastle
CPA AFRICA REGION WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS PUSHING FORWARD GENDER EQUALITY AS THEY HOLD THE REGIONAL GENDER SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP IN KWAZULU-NATAL
On the 24-27 January 2018, the KZN Legislature hosted the CWP, an association comprising women parliamentarians from over 50 national and provincial parliaments from across the African continent. The gathering which takes place at Zimbali aims to develop strategies to increase Womenâs role in Parliaments, Legislatures and other higher decision making bodies in societies in the African Region. The workshop is held under the theme: âMechanism to Strengthen Gender Equalityâ.
Delegates and observers at the CWP Africa Region Workshop
The workshop whose programme director is Chairperson of the CWP Africa Region Hon.Thoko Didiza said the gathering is an opportunity for women parliamentarians to share best practices and experience on women empowerment, gender equality and emancipation as well as ideas on what can be done to increase women representation in parliaments and governments. âThe discussion in this workshop will motivate and inspire us to achieve the goal of gender equality and women emancipation,â said Ms Didiza
CWP Chairperson, Hon Thoko Didiza, directing the programme of the day
Delegates were welcomed by the KwaDukuza Mayor, Councillor Ricardo Mthembu who described the District as the home of Inkosi Albert Luthuli and Inkosi Shaka ka Senzangakhona, whose aunt was Mkabayi ka Jama., all of whom had made this land a home to all. He felt it is befitting for all delegates to gather in this town which represents the hospitality the forefathers of this land had shown to visitors in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the Zulu Kingdom.
âCome back and tour this beautiful provinceâ, said Councillor Ricardo Mthembu
The Mayor extends his invitation to the delegates by inviting them to come back to tour this beautiful province. He also acknowledged the marginalization of women and patriarchy that exists in societies, and pointed out the relevance of the topic being addressed by the workshop.
In her opening remarks as the host, Speaker Hon Lydia Johnson of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, reminded the delegates that the year 2018 is dedicated to the struggle icon Nelson Mandela who would have turned 100 years old this year.
She further encourages women to push forward and dedicate themselves to the ideals for which Mandela fought for, namely, gender equality
Speaker Johnson calls upon women to celebrate the achievements made by various communities in the name of women empowerment and cites the first woman president in Africa (Liberia), Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who stepped down this month. She commends the leadership of Her Excellency for steering the country to a period of stability which saw a smooth transition from her tenure to the newly elected president George Weah. She further acknowledges the late Kenyan Wanghari Mathaai, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Price for her contribution to âsustainable development, democracy and peaceâ.
âWe should also celebrate and be encouraged by the countries such as Rwanda which, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women, is ranked as the highest country in the world with most women in parliament as of January 2017â. The Speaker calls on women parliamentarians to increase women participation in developmental matters and ensuring gender equality.
Along the same lines the KZN Legislature was commended by the Hon Didiza for having made great strides in ensuring the placement of women in leadership positons. This Legislature has a woman Speaker, a woman Chief Whip and a woman Secretary.
Interestingly, the focus of the topics tackles directly the general emerging issues that we as CWP have always been raising and documented in the CWP Africa Region 5-Year Strategic Plan, and those issues are: women representation, factors that hinder the development of women, education of women, empowerment of women and non-implementation of International and Regional Instruments (SDGs, AU declarations, Beijing Plan of Action, etc) that speak to women empowerment.
âMany women in cities and rural communities are still marginalisedâ, said Speaker Lydia Johnson
The event was addressed by the Minister of Communications in South Africa, MT. Kubayi Ngubane whose speech was most appreciative of the KZN Legislature when she said, âit would be amiss of me if I donât convey our deepest appreciation to Hon. Johnson and the entire KwaZulu Natal Legislature for going all out in ensuring that they did not just organize and host, but they ensured our comfort through providing the best hospitality since our arrival in this beautiful province. Thank you so much KwaZulu Natal.”
Right from the beginning the Ministerâs speech highlighted milestones in the
history of womenâs struggle. She said, âthe struggle for gender equality and women emancipation is as old as the existence of mankind itself. It is for this reason that the struggle for gender equality and women emancipation has gained so much momentum to such an extent that it is no longer a women issues, but a human rightâs issue affecting both men and womenâ.
She mentioned the the 1945 Founding Charter of the United Nations which had included a provision for equality between men and women (Chapter III, Article 8). The UN General Assembly which passed another resolution that 1976â1985 should be the “Decade of Women”.
The Second World Conference on Women held in Copenhagen, in Denmark, in 1980. The conference which agreed that the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was an important milestone. The Copenhagen conference thus acknowledged the gap between rights being secured for women and women’s ability to exercise those rights. It was also agreed that this right was based on three areas: Equal Access to Education; Employment Opportunities; and Adequate Health Care Services are essential to achieve the goals set out in Mexico.
The third World Conference on Women was held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1985 set out areas by which progress in women’s equality could be measured, and these are, Constitutional and Legal measures; Equality in social participation; Equality in political participation; and Decision-making. The Conference also acknowledged that women need to participate in all areas of human activity, not just those areas that relate to gender.
âConsidering all the milestone decisions taken at the global platforms since 1945, it is clear that a lot of progress has been made in reaching consensus about the importance of gender equalityâ, even though the Minister acknowledged a lot more need to be done.
The Minister commended the work of the CPA Africa Region in particular, for its commitment to gender equality as it ensured the nomination of Hon. Emilia Lefaka, the Deputy Speaker of Cameroon as the Chairperson of the CPA International.
Hon Lindiwe Maseko, the CPA Africa Region Chairperson began her presentation to the delegates by posing very interesting questions, Is Women`s political participation only a question of democratic representation and womenâs rights? Or can women also contribute a new dimension in Politics? Lastly, can politics be engendered by an increase in women politicians?
In answering these questions, Hon Maseko said Women representation in Parliament should be seen as a catalyst for social change aimed at advancing democracy and development in society. Women continue to experience further marginalisation on rural development, economic integration, education and infrastructure development.
The Premier Hon TW Mchunu, who due to commitments could not attend, was represented by Hon R. Pillay.
The CWP was founded to enable women parliamentarians with an opportunity to discuss strategies to increase representation in parliaments and work towards mainstreaming of gender considerations in all CPA activities and programmes.
CPA
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KZN MPLs conduct multiparty oversight visits in Umgungundlovu District
KZN Legislature MPLs conducted multiparty oversight visits in all municipalities under Umgungundlovu District in October ahead of the Taking Legislature to the People scheduled to take place in Umshwathi Municipality at Mpolweni Sport Field on 02 â 03 November 2017.
This innovative programme of the Legislature, enables MPLs to gain first-hand information on the level of service delivery in communities and to hold government to account where there is poor delivery of services.
Citizens have the opportunity to communicate directly with MPLs, Mayors, Councillors and high ranking departmental officials
The Speaker sent Multi-Party delegations to all municipalities in the uMgungundlovu District to listen to the community.
On 5 -6 October, MPLs visited all local municipalities under Umgungundlovu District where public meetings were held with communities to give them an opportunity to raise service delivery concerns. On the next day, MPLs visited various projects and service delivery sites in each municipality to see how communities benefit from them.
Newly developed Tourism centre in Mphophomeni
New museum being built at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site
The Legislature will hold the Taking Legislature to People in Umshwathi municipality to give a report back on the oversight visits and to allow the public to raise further service delivery issues. There will be a sitting of the House where MPLs will debate the oversight report and adopt resolutions to accelerate service delivery in Umgungundlovu District.
MEDIA ALERT: MPLs, MECs, AND DELEGATES MARCH TO VRYHEID POLICE STATION TO MARK THE START OF THE 2017 WOMENâS PARLIAMENT
MEDIA ALERT
TO ALL MEDIA
DATE: 7 August 2017
SUBJECT: MPLs, MECs, AND DELEGATES MARCH TO VRYHEID POLICE STATION TO MARK THE START OF THE 2017 WOMENâS PARLIAMENT
The KZN Legislature together with women in the province celebrate the Womenâs Month in Vryheid at Mondlo Sports field, Section B on the 10 and 11 August 2017.
Thus, the Annual Womenâs Parliament will be held over these two days, under the theme âWomen United in Pursuit of Radical Economic Transformationâ. It is anticipated that the debate under this theme will be robust as women seek to ensure their participation and ownership of the economy as the country strives for an inclusive economy. âThe programme is designed such that women come out of this parliament understanding fully the direction they are supposed to take in order to free themselves from poverty, unemployment and economic inequalities we see in our societyâ, said Hon VV Tambo, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Quality of Life at the Legislature.
The 10th August will begin with a Peace walk in the streets of Vryheid. This walk is twofold, first, to celebrate the gains of women that were brought about by the Constitution of the Republic. These gains include the laws that were passed since 1994 in support of the rights of women, for example, the Domestic Violence Act, the Maintenance Act, and the Recognition of Customary Marriage Act etc.
Secondly to submit a Petition to the Police station in which Women raise concerns about the discrimination they often suffer in the hands of the police when they try to access SAPS services as victims. This petition will behanded over to the police and the police are expected to respond as a matter of urgency.
This march will be followed by a visit to the Vryheid Prison as delegates of the Womenâs Parliament wish to share their celebration with female inmates. A one hour programme has been planned where MECs, MPLs and delegates will interact with female inmates after which the entire delegation will proceed to the first day of the sitting of the Womenâs Parliament at Mondlo Sport field, B Section.
Media representatives are invited to these events.
For more information contact:
W Canham
Senior Communications Officer:
Media Liaison and Publications
KZN Legislature
033-3557 559/ 0833767299
Canhamw@kznleg.gov.za
âWomen United in Pursuit of Radical Economic Transformationâ
The KZN Legislature together with women in the province celebrate the Womenâs Month in Vryheid at Mondlo Sports field, Section B on the 10 and 11 August 2017.
Thus, the Annual Womenâs Parliament will be held over these two days, under the theme âWomen United in Pursuit of Radical Economic Transformationâ. It is anticipated that the debate under this theme will be robust as women seek to ensure their participation and ownership of the economy as the country strives for an inclusive economy. âThe programme is designed such that women come out of this parliament understanding fully the direction they are supposed to take in order to free themselves from poverty, unemployment and economic inequalities we see in our societyâ, said Hon VV Tambo, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Quality of Life at the Legislature.
The 10th August will begin with a Peace Walk in the streets of Vryheid, a walk that aims to celebrate the gains of women that were brought about by the Constitution of the Republic. These gains include the laws that were passed since 1994 in support of women, namely, the Domestic Violence Act, the Maintenance Act, and the Recognition of Customary Marriage Act etc. The march will proceed to the Police Station where a Memorandum containing concerns of women will be handed over to the Police.
This march will be followed by a visit to the Vryheid Prison as delegates of the Womenâs Parliament wish to share their celebration with female inmates. A one hour programme has been planned where MECs, MPLs and delegates will interact with female inmates after which the entire delegation will proceed to the first day of the sitting of the Womenâs Parliament at Mondlo Sport field, B Section.
Media representatives are invited to these events.
For more information contact:
Wesley Canham
Senior Communications Officer:
Media Liaison and Publications
KZN Legislature
033-3557 559/ 0833767299
Canhamw@kznleg.gov.za
WORKERS MARCH AS THEY CELEBRATE THE 20 YEARS OF THE CONSTITUTION
In this Workersâ Month, the Workers in KwaZulu- Natal will hold their annual Workersâ Parliament in Nombika Sports field in Ndwedwe Local Municipality on the 19 and 20 May 2017. The main focus this year is the celebration of the 20 years of the Constitution. Workers will specifically celebrate what they call are the gains of the working class post 1994. These gains are entrenched in the constitution and these are the rights to strike, the right to form and join a trade union of oneâs choice, the right to organise, Entitlement to annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave and Family-responsibility etc. These rights are contained in various Acts which the working class pride themselves of as they are the results of what the workers of this country had fought for. These Acts include the Basic Condition of Employment Act of 1997, Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, The Skills Development Act, Section 23 of the Bill of Rights, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, the Unemployment Fund etc.
These rights are a reminder to workers, that not long ago a south African worker especially non âwhite, was subjected to various forms of discrimination in the workplace, for example, forced labour, job reservation, migrant labour system etc.
This year the Workers have decided to focus their debates and discussions on the Vulnerable Workers under a theme: âThe Struggle for the Control and Ownership of the Economy in favour of Vulnerable Workers is On, as Workers Celebrate 20 years of the Constitutionâ. The three major Federations in the province, namely, Cosatu, Nactu and Fedusa have jointly embraced the theme and are convinced that discussions around this theme will deliver vulnerable workers from the hardships they face in the workplace. The Federations recalled in a meeting held last week at the Legislature that the exploitation of workers was a feature of life for a South African workers for decades. Apartheid thrived on cheap labour, as workers had to contend with the migrant labour system, passes and influx control, job reservation, and other oppressive laws. Today they celebrate the gains brought about by the scrapping of all apartheid laws in the workplace and society in general. The rights of the workers as entrenched in the constitution are the basis for these celebrations.
The Celebration is set to start off with a march on the 19th May 2017, at 8h30 from Ndwedwe Central Town, and proceed to Nombika Sportsfield. Hundreds of workers are expected to participate in this march, and marchers will display key messages in their placards as they celebrate their constitutional gains. Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) will be part of this march.
Mobilisation of workers across the province has been initiated with Transport made available to ferry workers to the event. Attached is the Programme over the two days of the Workersâ Parliament. Media representatives are invited to cover the event.
End
For more information , contact:
W Canham (Mr)
Senior Communications Officer:
Media Liaison and Publications
KZN Legislature
033-3557 559/ 0833767299
Canhamw@kznleg.gov.za
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE KZN LEGISLATURE â ADDRESS BY THE KING AND STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS
22 February 2017
Embargo: For Immediate Release
Attention: News/Assignment Editors, Political Reporters, Reporters
From: KZN Legislature Communications Unit
RE: OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE KZN LEGISLATURE â ADDRESS BY THE KING AND STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS
Itâs all systems go for the Official Opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
His Majesty Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini will deliver a keynote address on the 28th February at the Royal Showgrounds.
The Kingâs address will be followed by the State of the Province Address which will be delivered by Premier Willies Mchunu on Wednesday 1st of March 2017.
Adding to the glamour and ceremony normally associated with the Official Opening of the Legislature, this yearâs event will be characterised by the display of artefacts such as traditional beads, beer pots, shields etc.
This is to assist local craftsman to be able to showcase their workmanship to visitors who will be attending the Official Opening.
Notably, this year instead of having schoolchildren forming a guard of honour for His Majesty, this task will be performed by Zulu maidens and Amabutho on the first day.
Furthermore, His Majesty will be accompanied by his regimen drawn from local and other parts of Nongoma and it will be led by Induna Yezinsizwa, Mr Mgilija.
KZN Legislature endeavours to use this event to put the concept of âUnity in Diversityâ into practice through involvement of the people of KwaZulu-Natal as the province remains a remarkable melting pot in the country and it fully subscribes to the notion of equal recognition of cultures.
The two-day event will be broadcast live in various media outlets including community radio stations, mainstream television stations and social media.
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Details of the Official Opening and State of the Province Address are as follows:
Dates : 28 February 2017 and 1st March 2017 (Kingâs Address and SOPA)
Time : 9am
Venue : Royal Showgrounds (Pietermaritzburg)
For more information please contact Wonder Hlongwa at 0829083532 or Sina Nxumalo 082906 0449.