04 JULY 2026

TO: ALL MEDIA

SUBJECT: KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE MOURNS THE PASSING OF HONOURABLE DR NKULULEKO NTUTHUKO GODFREY MAHLABA

The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce, MPL, has expressed profound sadness on the passing of the Chairperson of Committees, Honourable Dr Nkululeko Ntuthuko Godfrey Mahlaba, who passed away on Saturday, 04 July 2026.
Dr Mahlaba served as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature representing the African National Congress since August 2022 and was serving as Chairperson of Committees and a member of the Legislature’s Strategic Leadership Committee at the time of his passing.
Honourable Boyce described Dr Mahlaba as a dedicated public servant, respected leader, and committed servant of the people of KwaZulu-Natal whose contribution to public service spanned the health, local government and provincial government sectors.
“The passing of Honourable Dr Mahlaba is a devastating loss not only to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and the African National Congress, but to the people of KwaZulu-Natal whom he served with distinction throughout his professional and political life. We have lost a leader who brought commitment, humility, and a deep sense of service to every responsibility entrusted to him.”
Dr Mahlaba’s public service career included serving as Member of the Executive Council responsible for Human Settlements and Public Works from August 2022 to May 2023, and subsequently as MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture from May 2023 until May 2024.
Prior to his provincial responsibilities, he served as a Proportional Representative Councillor and later as Mayor of Newcastle Local Municipality between 2019 and 2021. Before entering public office, he dedicated his life to serving communities in the Amajuba District as a medical doctor.
The Speaker further noted that Dr Mahlaba’s leadership as Chairperson of Committees strengthened the oversight and accountability role of Legislature and contributed significantly to the advancement of democratic governance in the province.
“Honourable Dr Mahlaba distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people. Dr Mahlaba remained actively engaged in advancing the work of the Legislature until the very end. In his capacity as Chairperson of Committees, he recently led a successful multi-party delegation to the Amajuba District as part of preparations for the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s flagship public participation programme, “Taking Legislature to the People”, which is scheduled to be hosted in this district in September 2026.

This important oversight and stakeholder engagement initiative reflected his commitment to bringing Legislature closer to the people and strengthening participatory democracy. His passion for public participation and his commitment to ensuring that communities have a direct voice in governance were evident throughout this process. It is particularly painful that a leader who was working so tirelessly to strengthen the bond between the Legislature and our people has been taken from us at this critical moment and will therefore not witness fruits of his hard work.”
“Honourable Dr Mahlaba will be remembered for his cool demeanor, his ability to unite people across political and institutional divides, and his visionary leadership. He approached every challenge with wisdom, humility and respect for others. His counsel, steady leadership and unwavering dedication to public service will be sorely missed by members across the political spectrum, the administration of the Legislature and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Dr Mahlaba’s legacy would endure through the many lives he touched as a medical practitioner, community leader, public representative and servant of the people.

“While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life dedicated to service, compassion and the advancement of our democracy. His contribution to the
Legislature and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal will remain an enduring part of our institutional memory.”

On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, the Speaker extends heartfelt condolences to Dr Mahlaba’s wife, children, family, friends, colleagues, comrades in the African National Congress, and all those whose lives were touched by his service and leadership.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mahlaba family during this difficult period. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that Dr Mahlaba’s contribution to society and public service leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature will communicate further details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements once these have been confirmed by the Mahlaba family.

ENDS

Issued by:
Office of the Speaker
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
060 560 2905

The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. N.N Boyce, wishes to inform members of the media of the outcome of a matter heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 19 June 2026 concerning the National Freedom Party (NFP) and Hon. C.M Shinga.

The Court granted an order interdicting the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature from giving ePect to a communication from the NFP which sought to remove Hon. Shinga as a member of the Legislature. The Court further prohibited the Legislature from taking any action that would result in her removal and suspended the decision giving rise to the dispute.

In addition, the Court directed that, should any steps have already been taken to implement the removal, the Legislature must restore the status quo ante and reverse any such action.

In compliance with the Court order, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature confirms that the status quo ante has been restored, and Hon. C.M Shinga remains a member of the Legislature. The institution will continue to conduct itself in accordance with the Court’s directive.

The Speaker reiterates the Legislature’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and

respecting judicial processes.

                                                                             Ends

For enquiries:

NN Boyce

The Speaker: KZN Legislature

060 560 2905

MEDIA STATEMENT

14 JUNE 2026

TO:   ALL MEDIA

KZN LEGISLATURE HOLDS YOUTH PARLIAMENT CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF JUNE 16, 1976, STUDENTS UPRISINGS

On 17 June 2026 at Nkanini Sports Centre in Umzumbe Municipality, Ugu District, youth formations from six political parties that are represented in the KZN Legislature will convene in their annual Youth Parliament sitting.

This year’s Youth Parliament is held under the theme “ Reset@50:The Future  Calls” to mark 50 years of youth struggles to fight apartheid and inferior education system that was imposed on black students, particularly the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction.” This year we are gathering at the Youth Parliament sitting bearing in mind that we proudly celebrate 50 years since the students uprising in 1976”, said the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Quality of Life, Hon Fikile Masiko.

Strengthening skills development and preparing young people for participation in the modern economy, social protection programmes and community-based support initiatives, crime prevention initiatives and programmes that promote social cohesion and community resilience, are the main issues for discussion in this year’s youth parliament. 

On the 16 June at the Durban University of Technology Steve Biko Campus, the youth of KZN will converge to celebrate June16, known as the Youth Day, where the Premier will give a keynote address. There are various planned activities in which the KZN Youth will participate in to mark the celebration of Youth Day.

On 17 June, the youth will hold their parliament sitting in Umzumbe debating the theme to find solutions to the challenges facing the youth of today. The youth parliament sitting conclude the day with the adoption of resolutions to be handed over to the Legislature for further processing by relevant committees.

Media is invited to attend both events.

End

Wesley Canham

083 376 7299                                                          

Senior Practitioner: Media Liaison

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature held its annual Workers Parliament on 29 May 2026 at Greytown Community Centre in Umzinyathi District. 

A report on the implementation of resolutions adopted at the 2025 Workers Parliament was delivered by the Premier on behalf of the provincial government.

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The objective of repealing and replacing Schedule 2 of the KZN Gaming & Betting Act with the current version is to ensure that the KZN Province aligns themselves with the current fees which are paid in other Provinces. Schedule 2 of the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming & Betting Act, 2010 (Act no. 8 of 2010) specifies the fees that are payable by applicants and licensees to the KZNERA in respect of applications, licensing, registrations or investigations.

The proposed KZN Gaming & Betting Amendment Regulations, 2025 are as a result of consequential amendments made to the KZN Gaming and Betting Act, 2010 (Act no. 8 of 2010) which was amended in 2017 (“The Act”). The KwaZulu- Natal Economic Regulatory Authority Act, 2024 (Act no. 1 of 2024) includes provisions relating to the Boards’s reporting to the Honourable MEC; and the remuneration of Board staff.

The amended Regulations, 2025 seek to address inefficiencies brought about by certain provisions of the principal Act which are now outdated due to a number of new developments which have occurred in the gambling industry, and deals with matters connected therewith.

PUBLIC STATEMENT

17 April 2026

KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE CALLS FOR A UNITED FRONT AGAINST THE PROVINCE’S SOCIAL ILLS RAVAGING COMMUNITIES

The Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu Natal Legislature, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, says the faith-based organisations have a critical role to play in fostering peace, moral regeneration and community development.

She was addressing delegates at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s annual Interfaith Symposium, held today at the Indoor Sports Centre in Umthonjaneni Municipality. The event was conducted under the theme: “Faith-based unity for human dignity; interfaith responses to social ills in KwaZulu-Natal.”

The symposium convenes a diverse assembly of faith leaders from the length and breadth of the province, community representatives, Members of the provincial executive, Members of the legislature, and municipal leaders to address urgent societal challenges. Today’s session was preceded by commissions which were held in Richards Bay yesterday afternoon.

Tembe told delegates that the province faced deep and persistent social challenges that threatened the dignity and wellbeing of people.

“At the centre of these challenges lies the devastating reality of gender-based violence which is not merely a criminal issue but a moral crisis. It undermines human dignity, erodes families, and weakens the very fabric of our communities.”

Substance abuse was wrecking lives, while crime and violence generated fear and instability, Tembe added. “Our theme today is a call for action. It is a call to respond boldly and collectively to the social ills facing KwaZulu-Natal. This Symposium is not just about dialogue; it is about solutions.”

Tembe described the religious sector as custodians of hope, morality, and social cohesion within our province. “When faith is united, it becomes a powerful force for good, one that can bridge divides, promote understanding and mobilize communities towards a shared purpose.”

Delegates complimented the legislature for putting together a very productive Interfaith Symposium, noting that it provided them with a forum to discuss important social concerns with government agencies and political leaders.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE COMMUNICATION SERVICES

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