MEDIA STATEMENT

26 February 2025

KWAZULU-NATAL FLOODING: CONDOLENCES AND CALL FOR PROACTIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN KZN

On behalf of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Portfolio Committee in KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have tragically lost loved ones in the recent flooding. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this profoundly difficult time.

We also express our heartfelt sympathy to those who have suffered the loss of their homes and possessions due to these devastating floods. The impact on your lives is immeasurable, and we stand with you in solidarity as you navigate the challenges ahead. We would also like to commend the MEC for COGTA Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi and his department for their timeous response to residents in flooded areas.

The increasing frequency of torrential downpours and flooding in our province underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and proactive disaster management strategies. Climate change has rendered such extreme weather events more common, making it imperative for all municipalities to prioritize disaster preparedness and response.

We call upon municipal authorities to adopt a proactive approach, implementing robust infrastructure improvements, early warning systems, and community education programs to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters. The safety and well-being of our residents must remain paramount.

To our fellow citizens, we urge you to exercise caution and remain vigilant during these times. Do not underestimate the dangers posed by severe weather conditions. Stay informed through official channels, adhere to safety guidelines, and take necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Let us unite in our efforts to enhance disaster management and build resilient communities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by our changing climate. Together, we can work towards a safer and more secure KwaZulu-Natal for all.

ISSUED BY COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON, HONOURABLE MARLAINE NAIR

For interviews: COGTA Portfolio Committee Chair, Hon Marlaine Nair 0726928963
For enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

23 February 2025

Programme Director

The Secretary of the legislature, Ms. Nerusha Naidoo

Members of the media

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for joining us this morning at our press briefing where we will be outlining our state of readiness regarding our preparations for the 2025 official opening of the second session of the 7^th  term of the legislature and the State of the Province Address.

This year’s Official Opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature will take place over two days at the Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on the 27^th and 28^th February 2025.  .The first day is dedicated to the Official Address to the Legislature by His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini who will deliver his message to the House to mark the beginning of the Second Session of the Seventh KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. This is the second official address by His Majesty during the seventh term.

Rule 10(1)(a) of the KZN Legislature Standing Rules, provides that the Monarch may address the Legislature. State of the Province Address by Premier Arthur Thamsanqa Ntuli give an outline of the government policies for the year ahead in terms of rule 10(1)(b).

As we are preparing for this important event in our legislative calendar, we have invited all our key stakeholders who are always part of this auspicious event. We are happy to announce that all our stakeholders are now fully on board and have accepted our invitations.  We are ready to officially commence with the annual programme of our Legislature.

Our decision to hold this session away from the Legislature precinct in the Pietermaritzburg CBD is primarily informed by space constraints in our chamber which cannot accommodate all the guests and the public. The current Legislature chamber can only accommodate 120 people in the public gallery, which will not cover the number of guests that attend the Official Opening of the Legislature.

May I further add that the Oval Cricket Stadium, which we have utilized for the past two years, is not available due to cricket fixtures which are scheduled on the dates we will be holding the Official Opening. Due to the reasons mentioned above, we had to find alternative cost-effective venue which can accommodate the number of guests we have invited including the public. After careful consideration, we agreed together with the leadership collective to utilise Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

As the Legislature we met with His Majesty King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini to brief him about the programme last year. We met him again on Thursday to update him about the venue change for the official opening and he appreciated how the institution stayed within the legislation to ensure we deliver a successful opening. We also want to inform you that prior to the last meeting with His Majesty, we did receive a letter from the King’s Office raising security issues in respect of the chosen venue. We want to assure you that these are being attended to as part of the overall event’ security and the monarch appreciated our efforts.

Woodburn Stadium can accommodate over 3000 people and has all the facilities we need, which also includes sufficient parking. Woodburn Stadium is not new to hosting events. Previously, it has been used for the Inauguration of the Premier.

Attendance for this year’s Official Opening and SOPA will include 2000 people who will be attending over two days, comprising of the following different categories.

• VIPs: 1000 inclusive of MPLS and other categories
• Members of the Public: 200
• Officials including Media and SAPS: 500
• Amabutho, Omama and Izintombi: 190

The State of the Province Address by the Premier is integral to the official opening of the legislature, it is a government policy speech which sets out the province’s key policy objectives and priorities for the year. This address by the Premier follows the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 06 February which provided clear priorities, programmes and policy direction for the country to be implemented during the current year.  The President’s address provides Members of the Legislature with an instrument to be able to exercise oversight over the provincial government to oversee whether government commitments made in SONA and SOPA are indeed implemented fully within allocated resources.  

At the beginning of the year, we kicked off our annual programme with the School Functionality and Monitoring Programme, which is a critical intervention by the Legislature to ensure delivery of quality education in all our public schools. We will continue with our oversight activities throughout the year to hold the executive accountable.  

The Legislature continues to conduct its work on a hybrid mode to ensure maximum participation of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. This event will be streamed live on all our social media platforms on reverse billing or data-free (meaning members of the public can stream all proceedings for free). The address will also be live on community radio stations and TV channels.

Ladies and Gentlemen, while planning the Official Opening of the Legislature, we were mindful of budget constraints and have tried to stay within budget. We also noted the fabrication of budget which has been circulated on social media that the Legislature will spend R6.6 million in hosting the Official Opening at Woodburn Stadium. 

As an arm of government, that is responsible for overseeing the spending and value add of departments, we are mindful of wasteful expenditure. We are constantly looking at avenues and interventions to reduce the costs. Accordingly, we have budgeted for the King’s Address and SOPA to the tune of R4 million which falls within the constitutional mandate of the Legislature.

The costs entail audio visual setup, transport, catering, infrastructure setup and publicity. By maintaining 2000 guests, we will be able to minimize the costs and still align to the constitutional mandate of the Legislature which requires us to conduct the business of the Legislature in public and facilitate public involvement.  

Ladies and gentlemen, over and above the two events mentioned above, the House will debate SOPA on the 04 March 2025 wherein all political parties participate in the debate. The debate will take place in the Legislature Chamber at Langalibalele Street in Pietermaritzburg.

As I conclude, let me reiterate our unwavering commitment as the Legislature to the full exercise of our constitutional mandate of maintaining robust oversight over the provincial government to ensure prudent spending of public resources including the provincial budget by all departments and public entities to ensure visible delivery of services to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Our oversight tools are in place to monitor the provincial government in the form of committees and other institutions such as the Auditor-General of South Africa.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE

For more information contact:

Office of the Speaker Media Liaison, Phathisa Mfuyo on 081 021 5111

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

23 February 2025

Programme Director

The Deputy Speaker, Ms. Mmabatho Tembe

The Secretary of the legislature, Ms. Nerusha Naidoo

Members of the media

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for joining us this morning at our press briefing where we will be outlining key developments and our state of readiness regarding our preparations for the 2025 Official Opening of the Legislature and the State of the Province Address.

In keeping with our practice in KwaZulu-Natal, this year’s Official Opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature will take place over two days. The first day is dedicated to the Official Address to the Legislature by His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini who will deliver his message to the House to mark the beginning of the Second Session of the Seventh KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. This is the second official address by His Majesty under the government of provincial unity and we consider this address as crucial in building and strengthening unity and cohesion in the province.

In terms of Rule 10 (2) of our Standing Rules, the head of the Zulu Monarchy plays an annual role in the opening of the House. We are the only Legislature in the country that has openly embraced and respected at this level, the valuable role of Traditional Leadership and cultural traditions within the province. We are grateful to His Majesty, King Misuzulu who will once again grace this term by delivering his address to the House to mark the official opening of the Second Session of the 7^th KZN Legislature.

The Address by His Majesty as well as the State of the Province Address by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli will run over a period of two days: the 27^th and 28^th February 2025. His Majesty has confirmed his attendance and will address the House. We value the crucial role played by His Majesty and recognize that the guidance and counsel he provides to the Legislature and government is invaluable. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude towards His Majesty for availing himself for this prestigious occasion.

As we are preparing for this important event in our legislative calendar, we have invited all our key stakeholders who are always part of this auspicious event. We are happy to announce that all our stakeholders are now fully on board and have accepted our invitations.  We are ready to officially commence with the annual programme of our Legislature.

This year’s two-day event will be held at the Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The decision to hold this session away from the Legislature precinct in the Pietermaritzburg CBD is primarily informed by space constraints in our chamber which cannot accommodate all the guests and the public. The current Legislature chamber can only accommodate 120 people in the public gallery, which will not cover the number of guests that attend the Official Opening of the Legislature.

The Oval Cricket Stadium, which we have utilized for the past two years, is not available due to cricket fixtures which are scheduled on the dates we will be holding the Official Opening. Due to the reasons mentioned above, we had to find alternative cost-effective venue which can accommodate the number of guests we have invited including the public. After careful consideration, we agreed together with the strategic leadership to utilise Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

Woodburn Stadium can accommodate over 3000 people and has all the facilities we need, which also includes sufficient parking. Woodburn Stadium is not new to hosting events. Previously, it has been used for the Inauguration of the Premier, on two prior occasions.

Attendance for this year’s Official Opening and SOPA will include 2000 people who will be attending over two days, comprising of the following different categories.

• VIPs: 1000 inclusive of MPLS and other categories
• Members of the Public: 200
• Officials including Media and SAPS: 500
• Amabutho, Omama and Izintombi: 190

The State of the Province Address by the Premier which is integral to the Official Opening of the Legislature is equally critical in that, it is a government policy speech which sets out the province’s key policy objectives and priorities for the year. The theme for this year’s SOPA is “Inspiring New Hope Through Fast-tracking Service delivery and Ensuring Safety for All KZN Citizens.”

This address by the Premier follows the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 06 February which provided clear priorities, programmes and policy direction for the country to be implemented during the current year.  The President’s address provides Members of the Legislature with an instrument to be able to exercise oversight over the provincial government to oversee whether government commitments made in SONA and SOPA are indeed implemented fully within allocated resources.  

At the beginning of the year, we kicked off our annual programme with the School Functionality and Monitoring Programme, which is a critical intervention by the Legislature to ensure delivery of quality education in all our public schools. We will continue with our oversight activities throughout the year to hold the executive accountable.  

The Legislature continues to conduct its work on a hybrid mode to ensure maximum participation of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. This event will be streamed live on all our social media platforms on reverse billing or data-free (meaning members of the public can stream all proceedings for free). The address will also be live on community radio stations and TV channels.

Ladies and Gentlemen, while planning the Official Opening of the Legislature, we were mindful of budget constraints and have tried to stay within budget. As an arm of government, that is responsible for overseeing the spending and value add of departments, we are mindful of wasteful expenditure. We are constantly looking at avenues and interventions to reduce the costs. Accordingly, we have budgeted for the King’s Address and SOPA to the tune of R4 million which falls within the constitutional mandate of the Legislature.

The costs entail audio visual setup, transport, catering, infrastructure setup and publicity. By maintaining 2000 guests, we will be able to minimize the costs and still align them to the constitutional mandate of the Legislature which requires us to conduct the business of the Legislature in public and facilitate public involvement.  

Ladies and gentlemen, over and above the two events mentioned above, the House will debate SOPA on the 04 March 2025 wherein all political parties will take part in the debate. The debate will take place in the Legislature Chamber at Langalibalele Street in Pietermaritzburg.

As I conclude, let me reiterate our unwavering commitment as the Legislature to the full exercise of our constitutional mandate of maintaining robust oversight over the provincial government to ensure prudent spending of public resources including the provincial budget by all departments and public entities to ensure visible delivery of services to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Our oversight tools are in place to monitor the provincial government in the form of committees and other institutions such as the Auditor-General of South Africa.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE

For more information contact:

Office of the Speaker Media Liaison, Phathisa Mfuyo on 081 021 5111

KwaZulu-Natal Speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce received a warm welcome at Ezinqoleni Secondary School in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality where she spent time with pupils as part of civic education programme. 

Hon. Boyce stressed the importance of career guidance especially to the class of 2025. Students from all grades then participated in a quiz where Hon. Boyce questioned them on general knowledge about South Africa and KZN. 

“Hon. Boyce said, “it is import for us as the legislature to visit our schools such as Ezinqoleni Secondary as part of civic education. What’s more encouraging is that even though the school has a high enrolment, but they were able to get 95,8 % during the 2024 NSC. 

Owethu Nxumalo, Grade 12 pupil who participated in the quiz received a laptop said, “She is grateful for the Speakers visit and thanked the Speaker for visiting eZinqoleni Secondary School and says the laptop will come handy when she goes to university next year.”

Media Advisory

17 February 2025

KWAZULU-NATAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ENTITIES TO ACCOUNT TO SCOPA ON HOW THEY HANDLE THE PUBLIC PURSE

KwaZulu-Natal provincial government departments and state entities will appear before the Legislature’s Standing Committee of Public Accounts (SCOPA), to report on how they have implemented legislature resolutions relating to how they handle public funds.

Commenting ahead of the hearings scheduled for this week and next week, SCOPA Chair, Hon Tim Brauteseth, said his committee was determined to hold government officials accountable for the expenditure of the public purse and to ensure that funds are not used for self-enrichment.

“Tomorrow we will begin with our follow up hearings with various departments and state entities, and we will conclude these hearings week. SCOPA met with the departments in October 2024, and they were asked to provide concrete responses to an avalanche of concerns raised relating to public expenditure within their departments.” said Hon Brauteseth.

This week’s hearings will take place as follows:

TUESDAY, 18 February 2025

Venue: Ingcuce committee room

09:00 – 09:45    :  Social Development

THURSDAY, 20 February 2025

Venue: Ingcuce committee room

09:00 – 10:30    :  Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

10:30 – 14:15    :  Ithala SOC

FRIDAY, 21 February 2025

Venue: Ingcuce committee room

09:00 – 11:30    :  Education

11:45 – 13:00    :  Public Works

13:40 – 16:00    : Transport

Members of the media are invited to cover the hearings and to indicate if they want to cover the proceedings virtually.

For enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

For interviews: SCOPA Chair, Hon Tim Brauteseth 0837664657

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE

KZN Speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce who is a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Region Budget Committee joined the CPA meeting held in Durban on Thursday, 13 February 2025. 

Deputy Speaker Hon. Mmabatho Tembe joined the delegation for the gala dinner where she welcomed the CPA Africa to KZN. While giving her address she said, “ We appreciate the efforts by the CPA of championingand promoting gender equality, and emancipation of women whilst promoting good governance. We as women leading in legislature across the African Region, we appreciate the strides that have been made to push for gender equality and the drive to have women in leadership positions. It is encouraging to see these efforts not only happening in legislatures but also ensuring there is women representation in forums such as the CPA Africa Region.”

MEDIA ADVISORY

11 February 2025

KWAZULU-NATAL GOVERNMENT PRAISED FOR REDUCING BUDGET DEFICIT BY OVER R4 BILLION IN LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Finance Portfolio Committee has heaped praises on the provincial government for managing to reduce the projected over expenditure from R9 billion to R5 billion in a short space of time.

Briefing the Finance Portfolio Committee at the legislature today, Finance MEC Francois Rodgers announced that the cost cutting measures implemented by the provincial government at the end of last year had produced handsome dividends.

“When we implemented the cost curtailment measures in November last year our projected over expenditure was R9 billion and we are happy to announce that we have reduced it by R4 billion. We have achieved this by implementing significant reductions in travel expenses, vehicle rentals, catering and functions. We will continue to ensure that we reduce it even further,” said Rodgers.

Members of the committee commended the provincial government and urged it to continue implementing measures aimed at closing the budget shortfall. “This is a major achievement over a short period of time. We know that this is not easy to achieve,” said Finance Portfolio Committee Chair, Hon Mthandeni Dlungwana.

The Finance department also presented its 2025/2026 draft budget, the 2024/2025 third quarter financial, non-financial reports as well as the draft 2025/2026 annual performance plan.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE

For enquiries : Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600             

For interviews: Committee Chair, Hon Mthandeni Dlungwana 0823290354

MEDIA ADVISORY

10 February 2025 

ESKOM TO APPEAR BEFORE THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE TOMORROW

Eskom senior managers will tomorrow appear before the COGTA Portfolio Committee to provide feedback on progress made in addressing challenges faced by the power utility in KwaZulu-Natal. “We have requested Eskom to brief us on the thorny issue of damaged electricity transformers that remain stubbornly high and leave communities without power. Eskom will also share a detailed report on electricity debt owed by municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and how they plan to remedy the situation. We will also share with Eskom issues raised by the public and councilors to get feedback and work towards overall improvement,” said COGTA Chairperson, Hon Marlaine Nair ahead of the meeting.

 The meeting will also be attended by the COGTA department which will, among other things, provide an update on the outstanding backpay for izinduna, Members of the media are invited to cover the meeting which is scheduled as follows:

Date  : 11 February 2025

Time  : 11:30 am

Venue: Chamber, Pietermaritzburg

Link:

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE

For enquiries: Mr Bongani Tembe 0823272600

For interviews: COGTA Chairperson, Hon Marlaine Nair 0726928963