Members of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature will, on Wednesday this week, conduct civic voter education activations in Umsinga and Nquthu municipalities to prepare communities for next year’s local government elections.

The activations, aimed at encouraging maximum public participation in the polls, commenced in August this year and they will take place in all districts until the proclamation of the election date. The programme will unfold as follows:

NQUTHU MUNICIPALITY

Date   : 12 November 2025

Venue: Ward 4, KwaJama Traditional Authority, Nquthu Municipality

UMSINGA MUNICIPALITY

Date   : 12 November 2025

Venue: Pomeroy Sports Complex, uMsinga Municipality

Services which will be rendered on the day will include assisting citizens to apply for identity documents (IDs), registering to vote, and educating the public on the importance of participating in the elections to choose their representatives. Applicants must bring their bank cards, as the Department of Home Affairs does not accept cash payments.

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature invites members of the public and the media to attend and cover these important civic education activations.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

For enquiries: Mr Sina Nxumalo, Head of Communications:                      0829060449

The Acting Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Hon HGS Mavimbela.
expressed shock at reports of the burning of Mpolweni Secondary school under
uMgungundlovu District. The school is reported to have caught fire early this
morning amid the NSC exams affecting several Matric learners .
“Whilst we do not have full report on what may have caused fire incident
indications there are suspicions that this may have been an utterly criminal act,
Which as a Committee we would like that responsible face the full might of the law”.
Hon Mavimbela said.
It is reported that about 141 Matric candidates are still sitting for their exams and
will be accommcx1ated in nearby schools. 
The Committee will await full report from the district whilst at the same time .
appeals to law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and apprehend those
responsible. 

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ISSUED BY THE LEGISLATURE
Enquiries: Wesley Canham
Senior Practitioner Media Liaison
0833767299

For Enquiries
Hon Hlengiwe Mavimbela
Acting Chairperson: KZN Education Portfolio Committee
066 068 8805

The people of Zululand will this week get the opportunity to voice their concerns about service delivery to their public representatives when the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature holds its annual two-day Taking Legislature to the People (TLTP) programme in Abaqulusi Municipality in Zululand District Municipality.

The Taking Legislature to the People (TLTP) is one of the legislature’s key annual platforms that improves government accountability and reinforces democracy by allowing communities to raise issues that affect them and more importantly, to share their priorities.

The two-day sitting follows visits by members of the legislature to all local municipalities in the Zululand District Municipality in July where they held meetings with communities and compiled service delivery issues which require government intervention. The TLTP will take place as follows:

Dates : 6 – 7 November 2025

Venue: Cecil Emmett Hall, Abaqulusi Municipality, Zululand District

Time  : 9h00

Members of the media are invited to cover both days.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

For more information, contact Mr Bongani Tembe on 0823272600 or

Sina Nxumalo on 0829060449

The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature joins hands with the LGBTQIA+ community, activists, and allies across South Africa in strongly condemning the recent homophobic remarks made by Mr Ngizwe Mchunu. These comments, made in response to a same-sex customary marriage, undermine the dignity and equality of individuals and stand in direct conflict with the values enshrined in our Constitution.

As the Preamble of the Constitution reminds us, South Africa is founded on the principles of human rights, equality, and dignity for all. The Bill of Rights makes it clear that all people are equal before the law and are protected against unfair discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation. It affirms that everyone has inherent dignity, which must be respected and protected, and it safeguards the cultural rights of all South Africans to participate freely in their traditions. This includes the LGBTQIA+ community, who are entitled to honour their heritage, celebrate their love, and live openly without fear or prejudice.

It must be emphasised that culture belongs to all who live it. It is not stagnant, nor does it belong to a select few who seek to exclude others. Love, tradition, and dignity are rights shared equally by all, including same-sex couples.

KwaZulu-Natal has tragically seen some of the most horrific killings of LGBTQIA+ communities in South Africa. Families continue to mourn loved ones who have been brutally targeted simply because of who they are or whom they love. It is against this painful backdrop that Mr Mchunu’s remarks are especially dangerous. His words do not exist in isolation, they fuel an environment of hate, legitimise prejudice, and embolden acts of violence. When public figures spread homophobia, they directly contribute to the culture of fear and the rise of hate crimes that already scar our province.

In fulfilling our constitutional duty, it is important to note that Section 114 of the Constitution states: “The provincial legislature must provide for mechanisms to ensure that all provincial executive organs of state in the province are accountable to it; and to maintain oversight of the exercise of provincial executive authority in the province, including the implementation of legislation.” In line with this provision, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has worked with LGBTQIA+ organisations to fight hate crimes and killings, while advancing inclusivity, equality, and the protection of rights. Through platforms such as the LGBTQIA+ Symposium, we have created spaces for dialogue between government, communities, and civil society to ensure that the voices of LGBTQIA+ communities are heard in shaping laws and policies.

Remarks such as those made by Mr Mchunu are not only divisive but constitute hate speech as defined in law. The recently signed Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, 2023 makes it a criminal offence to intentionally publish, propagate, advocate, or communicate words that incite harm, promote hatred, or discriminate against others on the basis of sexual orientation. This law recognises what communities in KwaZulu-Natal already know too well: that hate speech does not end with words, it creates an environment on which hate crimes and killings occur. In a province where LGBTQIA+ lives are already under attack, such speech cannot be tolerated, excused, or dismissed.

We therefore call for accountability and urge institutions such as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Commission for Gender Equality to intervene decisively. The matter must be reported to the SAHRC, which has the mandate to investigate and assist complainants in approaching the Equality Court. The Equality Court, under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, is a vital instrument to hold individuals accountable for acts of hate and to protect the rights of marginalised communities. As part of our constitutional oversight, the Legislature will follow up with these institutions to ensure that action is taken.

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature also supports the demand that Mr Mchunu issue a public apology to the LGBTQIA+ community, undergo sensitivity and inclusivity training, and commit to acts of solidarity and kindness toward queer people. Legal accountability must follow, because constitutional rights cannot be undermined without consequence.

We call on all leaders, traditional leadership, cultural custodians, and our communities to reject hate and stand firm in defence of human rights. True African culture is rooted in ubuntu, humanity, compassion, and respect. Any attempt to weaponise culture against others is a distortion of its true essence.

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature remains committed to protecting the human rights of all citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable to violence and discrimination. Together, we must build a province and a country where dignity, equality, and respect are not negotiable, but guaranteed realities for all.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Phathisa Mfuyo – Media Liaison Officer, KZN Legislature Office of the Speaker
Tel: 081 021 5111

Joined by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, the Speaker highlighted the strong partnership between the two regions, built on trade, investment, and cultural exchange and encouraged greater collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

Hon. Boyce reminded guests that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a symbol of unity and shared prosperity, reflecting the spirit of connection that continues to strengthen ties between KwaZulu-Natal and China.