Emotional scenes play out at the Pietermaritzburg #TotalShutDown march

Thousands of women have marched on the streets of the KwaZulu-Natal Capital City, Pietermaritzburg to hand over a memorandum demanding an end to gender based violence. This was the beginning of a month-long activities to fight against gender based violence during the women’s month.

They’re demanding government to establish a comprehensive process to address and reduce women abuse in the country. Some women taking part in Wednesday’s march have recalled their harrowing stories. A woman says she’s attended the march to stand in solidarity with all women, especially victims of gender-based violence.

#OurBodyIsNotYourCrimeScene

#kznlegislature #insession #TotalShutDown #OurBodyIsNotYourCrimeScene

“I’m here today to support women, myself and all victims of sexual assaults by men, they are killing us, it’s too much now.” said UKZN SCR Deputy President, she also shared a horrifying story of the female UKZN student that was raped by a male classmate. The marchers said government needs to take more drastic steps to stop the scourge in the country. “We are here because we are seeing the rate of femicide and gender-based violence keeps on increasing. And all we ever get is ‘we condemn’ and ‘enough is enough”.

Women from all walks of life have taken part in Wednesday’s march, many wearing black and red – saying they want to send a strong message that “no means no”. Gender activists and groups around the world have pledged their support for Wednesday’s #TotalShutDown marches against women abuse.

The march brought the City of Pietermaritzburg to a standstill on Wednesday‚ as hundreds of women gathered to raise their voices against the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.

Among those leading the march was Hon Khoza,,chairperson of Premier and Royal Household Portfolio Committee and the Women’s Caucus, together with other MPLs from different political parties that are represented in the KZN Legislature. Among those in the forefront of the march was Bridget Dlamini a retired Legislature employee and champion of gender issues who is known for fighting against all forms of issues affecting women, children and people with disabilities.
Women marched to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in song‚ some holding hands as others hoisted placards above their head, chanting songs and painful slogans like ‘my body is not your crime scene’ – ‘I refuse to die with my hands up and my legs open’

One of the marshals, Hon. Khoza‚ said she hoped the government would institute a specialized court that will deal exclusively with issues of gender-based violence.

The memorandum of demands was read and handed over to Hon. Meshack Radebe, Deputy Speaker of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, who also made an undertaking to look into all grievances , demands and proposals of the memorandum and committed government to not only listen but take concomitant action that will end this malpractice in our society. “I appeal again to all victims of gender-based violence to come up and not to be shy for fear of victimization and stigmatization and to speak out so that all the perpetrators will be brought into book”.

He also requested the marchers to observe a moment of silent to honour the passing of Mr Brian Thusi, the husband of Hon. Weziwe Thusi the MEC for Social Development, who passed on after a short illness.

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WORKERS HOLD THEIR PARLIAMENTARY SITTING IN HLUHLUWE KZN

On Friday, and Saturday 18 to 19 May 2018 respectively, the three major Federations in KwaZulu-Natal, COSATU, FEDUSA and NACTU will hold the annual Workers’ Parliament at Makhasa Sports and Recreation Centre, KwaMduku in Hluhluwe. Workers’ Parliament is one of the Legislature’s public participation programmes, which allows the Legislature to involve the working class sector in matters of governance in the province. According to the Federations these matters for discussions will include,  challenges in accessing CCMA, the Department of Home Affairs, difficulties and challenges posed by Game Reserves for workers and communities in uMkhanyakude District and these are just a few areas of discussions to feature when various Commissions deliberate on the first day of the sitting of the sitting the Parliament Workers’ Parliament on 18 May.

 

On the second day, 19 May, intense discussions on the implementation of the National Minimum Wage, (which the Federations claim will engage on in honour of the struggle icons, Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu) will take place under the watchful eye of the Speaker of the day. These discussions will lead to the adoption of resolutions that will be forwarded to relevant Committees of the Legislature for further consideration and processing. A debate will also be held in the Chamber by Political parties when the relevant Committee presents the Workers’ Parliament report to the Legislature. For further processing and implementation of the workers’ resolutions, Members of the Executive Council will receive the report and relevant departments are expected to implement and provide progress report on such implementation to the Legislature. The progress report on implementation of this year’s resolutions will again be tabled in the next year’s Workers’ Parliament in a feedback session to the workers by the Executive. The theme to guide the discussions for this year’s Workers Parliament is: “ Implement the National Minimum Wage, in honour of the Centenary of our Struggle Icons, as we build ethical governance and stimulating economic growth”.

 

Media is invited to take in both the Commissions and the actual sitting on both days.

 

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For more information, contact:

 

W Canham

Senior Communications Officer:

Media Liaison and Publications

KZN Legislature

033-3557 559/ 0833767299

Canhamw@kznleg.gov.za

 

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SPECIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL FOR THE LATE WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA

Mama_Winnie_Mandela_Facebook_Banner_(851x315px)

On 2 April 2018, the country heard the sad news of the passing of struggle stalwart and former Member of Parliament Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. She was among the great icons of the liberation struggle who sacrificed everything in the fight against the brutal apartheid state.

In her dedication to the people of South Africa during the darkest days of apartheid and her tenacity to create a society free from racial oppression, she was affectionately referred to as the “Mother of the Nation”.

Mama Winnie is revered by millions of South Africans and her role in our liberation is undeniable. While she was not without flaws, her life must be viewed in the context of the repressive conditions and apartheid brutality at the time.

Mama Winnie was born Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela on 26 September 1936 in the village of Mbongweni in Bizana in the former Transkei. She attended the Shawsbury High School where she matriculated with a first class pass.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared ten days of mourning and a special official funeral. A memorial service will be held for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on 11 April 2018 at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto and funeral on 14 April 2018 at the Orlando Stadium.

Memorial Service 

The memorial service for Winnie Madikizela Mandela will be held on Wednesday, 11 April 2018,  Orlando Stadium, Soweto.

Funeral Service

The Funeral Service will take place on the Saturday, 14th April 2018, Orlando Stadium, Soweto.  The Burial will take place at Fourways Memorial Park Cemetery.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the National days of mourning from 3rd April to 14th April 2018. In line with this declaration, the National Flag have been flown at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide & at diplomatic missions abroad. This will be observed until the evening of 14 April 2018

Media Accreditation

Members of the media who applied for accreditation for the official memorial service and funeral of the late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela are advised to collect their accreditation cards from 08 April 2018 at Nasrec Station.

Each member of the media will be required to personally collect the accreditation card, no mass collection will be allowed.

Details are as follows:

  • Day 1: Monday, 9 April 2018, from 8h30 – 18h00 at Nasrec, Prasa station, Johannesburg
  • Day 2: Tuesday, 10 April 2018, from 8h30 – 18h00 at Nasrec, Prasa station, Johannesburg
  • Day 3: Thursday, 12 April 2018, from 8h30 – 18h00 at Nasrec, Prasa station, Johannesburg
  • Day 4: Friday, 13 April 2018, from 8h30 – 18h00 at Nasrec, Prasa station, Johannesburg

NB: You are required to bring your Identity documents, ID Book, passport and Press Card or letter from the editor when collecting accreditation and also at the event.

Media accreditation enquiries:
Ishmael Selemale
Cell: 061 790 5114

Ireen Magwai
Cell: 082 440 5676

Condolence books

South Africans have been invited to pay their respects to Mama Winnie Madikizela Mandela by signing the condolence books which will be placed at various sites across the country.

Condolence books will be placed at:

  • International Ports of Entry (airports)
  • DIRCO Head Office at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria
  • Parliament
  • Tuynhuys
  • The Union Buildings
  • Department of Arts and Culture
  • Department of Communication (GCIS Head office)
  • All Provincial Legislatures
  • All Premier’s Offices
  • Masilonyana Local Municipality offices, Brandfort
  • Mbizana Local Municipality
  • KSD Local Municipality, Mthatha

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Official Opening of the 5th session of the 5th KwaZulu-Natal Legislature

Official Opening of the Legislature

Official Opening of the Legislature

Opening of the KZN Legislature

Opening of the fifth session of the fifth KwaZulu-Natal Legislature

 

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PORFOLIO (PPP) COMMITTEE ATTENDS TO A DISPUTE OVER A TOMBSTONE OF INKOSI NTSHINGWAYO KAMAHOLE KHOZA

The PPP Committee will tomorrow, 19 February 2018, in uMhlathuze Council Chamber Richardsbay hold a meeting with two Khoza clans to find a solution to a disputed tombstone erected in Eshowe.

The two parties involved in the matter are Khoza from Eshowe and Khoza from Ulundi. Both of these groups claim that Inkosi Ntshingwayo KaMahole belong to them. The group from Ulundi are in possession of the family tree in support of their claim.  A petition was therefore received late last year by the Legislature from Mr Zwelabo Khoza requesting the Legislature to intervene in the matter pertaining to the tombstone of the late Inkosi Ntshingwayo KaMahole Khoza.

 

In a meeting of the 23 January 2018, the PPP Committee led by its Chairperson Hon EV Dube resolved that a meeting has to be convened between the two parties and that the Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs should be invited to this meeting. It is anticipated that Cogta will make its representation to this long standing dispute between the two.

 

Media is welcome to attend.

For more information please contact:

Sina Nxumalo

Manager: Communications

KZN Legislature

Cell: 082 906 0449

nxumalow@kznleg.gov.za

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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 drivers’ 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 department’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Department through its MEC Hon Kaunda tables its reports top the Committee at the Chamber in Newcastle

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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 Women’s role in Parliaments, Legislatures and other higher decision making bodies in societies in the African Region. The workshop is held under the theme: “Mechanism to Strengthen Gender Equality”.

Delegates and observers at the CWP Africa Region Workshop

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. “The discussion in this workshop will motivate and inspire us to achieve the goal of gender equality and women emancipation,” said Ms Didiza

CWP Chairperson, Hon Thoko Didiza, directing the programme of the day

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.

CWPtable

“Come back and tour this beautiful province”, said Councillor Ricardo Mthembu

“Come back and tour this beautiful province”, 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 “sustainable development, democracy and peace”.

“We 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 2017”. 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.

“Many women in cities and rural communities are still marginalised”, said Speaker Lydia Johnson

“Many women in cities and rural communities are still marginalised”, 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, “it would be amiss of me if I don’t 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 Minister’s speech highlighted milestones in the

history of women’s struggle. She said, “the 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 right’s issue affecting both men and women”.

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 1976–1985 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.

“Considering 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 equality”, 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 women’s 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 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

CPA

 

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