LAUNCH OF THE KZN PROVISIONAL SPEAKERS FORUM HELD AT THE LEGISLATURE BUILDING IN PIETERMARITZBURG
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06 June 2025
KZN SPEAKERS FORUM LAUNCHED TO EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEEPEN DEMOCRACY
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature today officially launched the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Speakers Forum, a strategic platform designed to foster collaboration, enhance oversight, and build stronger links between the provincial legislature and municipal councils across the province.
Speaking at the launch, the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, hailed the establishment of the Forum as a “landmark moment” in the province’s democratic journey and a vital step toward a more responsive and accountable system of governance.
“This Forum represents a shared commitment to honest leadership, collaborative oversight, and better service delivery,” said Hon. Boyce. “Our people don’t see separate spheres of government; they just want results. This Forum helps us move forward, together.”
The establishment of a Speakers Forum is not a new concept; it revitalises work initiated under former Speaker Peggy Nkonyeni and Deputy Speaker Mtholephi Mthimkhulu, and later advanced by Speaker Lydia Johnson during the fourth and fifth legislative terms. Today’s launch continues the relationships they built towards the end of the fifth term and throughout the sixth.
“Our engagements carried over from previous Provincial Executive Councils have always been dignified, grounded in mutual trust and respect. None of us studied specifically to be public representatives, we succeed through the capable, professional, and dedicated technical teams at SALGA and the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature,” said Hon. Boyce.
She extended heartfelt thanks to SALGA KwaZulu-Natal for its ongoing partnership and commitment to working with the Legislature in pursuit of accountable, ethical governance.
Objectives of the Forum
Modelled on the National Parliament Speakers Forum, the provincial body will provide a platform for municipal Speakers to:
- Share oversight strategies and capacity-building resources,
- Strengthen inter-governmental relations between councils and the Legislature,
- Address service-delivery challenges through coordinated responses,
- Exchange knowledge, skills, and governance strategies,
- Align Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) with legislative priorities.
Hon. Boyce urged all municipal Speakers to embrace the Forum fully, emphasising collective ownership and participatory leadership. “This is not just a Legislature-led initiative, but a collaborative journey for everyone who believes in ethical, effective governance. We may come from different municipalities, but we are united by purpose. Let this Forum be a space where we support and uplift each other. In that unity, we find real power to change people’s lives.”
The Forum is expected to convene regularly and contribute to broader national oversight mechanisms, serving as a proactive and structured platform that strengthens legislative leadership and supports service delivery in communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
ENDS
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
Media Enquiries
Phathisa Mfuyo – Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Speaker, KZN Legislature
Cell: 0810215111 Email: mfuyop@kznleg.gov.za
