2025 Youth Parliament, Bulwer

Delegates urge the Government to Create Employment and Economic Opportunities for the Youth During the Youth Parliament Held at Bulwer Hall

During the Youth Parliament dialogue at the Bulwer Hall in the Dr  Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality, the delegates raised various issues that affect them in the presence of the KZN Legislature Members and Members of the Executive Council for their attention in order to address them.

The delegates made calls to the provincial government to be equipped with relevant skills that respond to the economy of the country. They decried the limited job opportunities that are available in the province.

The delegates called on the government to invest in skills development for the youth and create economic opportunities that target young people. Government should incorporate

entrepreneurship skills in the school curriculum to enable the youth to participate meaningfully in the economy and there should be a curriculum review to address the skills shortage that are needed by the youth to participate in the economy.

 

The youth should get equal access to health care regardless of their economic status.

Read More

Chairperson of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Sizophila Mkhize, joined the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in celebrating the 11th International Yoga Day.

Chairperson of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Sizophila Mkhize, joined the Sivananda World Peace Foundation in celebrating the 11th International Yoga Day. The event took place at the Durban Amphitheatre , bringing together yoga enthusiasts and community members in the spirit of peace, health, and unity.

The celebration highlighted the importance of physical well-being, mental clarity, and cultural harmony, with participation open to all.

#InternationalYogaDay2025

Read More

Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature at the Members Capacity Building Workshop held at the Legislature Building in Pietermaritzburg.

Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, led by the  Deputy Speaker Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, convened for a Members Capacity Building Workshop held at the Legislature Building in Pietermaritzburg.
 
The workshop served as an essential platform for members to pause from their demanding schedules, reflect on their responsibilities, and refine the skills required to carry out their legislative duties effectively. It created a space for deepening the understanding of legislative functions, reconnecting with the core purpose of public service, and accessing practical tools to enhance members’ impact and efficiency in their day-to-day work.
 
In her remarks, Deputy Speaker Hon. Tembe emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development within the legislature. “As public representatives, it is crucial that we constantly invest in our growth to ensure we serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal with integrity, insight, and accountability,” she said.
 
The workshop forms part of the Legislature’s broader commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and promoting good governance through ongoing training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
 
 
Caption 
 
Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature at the Members Capacity Building Workshop held at the Legislature Building in Pietermaritzburg.
 

Read More

Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, together with Members of the Provincial Legislature, attended the official Youth Day Celebrations hosted at the University of Zululand in Umhlathuze Municipality.

Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, joined by Members of the Provincial Legislature joined the official Youth Day Celebrations held at the University of Zululand in Umhlathuze Municipality. 
 
Delivering a message of support, Hon. Tembe stressed the significance of hosting this year’s event at the University of Zululand, a historic institution renowned for its role in intellectual resistance and transformation.
 
“We must also acknowledge the real and pressing challenges students face today: financial exclusion, mental health struggles, lack of accommodation, digital inequality, gender-based violence, and the burden of academic stress,” she said. “As leaders, we carry the responsibility to ensure our institutions of higher learning become safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all students to succeed and thrive.”
 
Youth Day, commemorated annually on 16 June, honours the courage and activism of the 1976 youth and serves as a call to action to address the current struggles of young people in South Africa. The celebrations aimed to not only reflect on the past but also inspire commitment towards building a more equitable future for the youth.
 
 
Caption 

Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, together with Members of the Provincial Legislature, attended the official Youth Day Celebrations hosted at the University of Zululand in Umhlathuze Municipality.

 

Read More

KwaZulu-Natal Speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce Honoured as a Champion for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy

In a momentous celebration of advocacy, visibility, and excellence, the 1st eThekwini Pride Recognition Awards took place at the iconic Ushaka Marine Aquarium, bringing together changemakers and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community under the theme: “Honouring Excellence, Visibility, and Advocacy in the LGBTQIA+ Community.”

Among the evening’s distinguished honourees was the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, who received the prestigious “Voice for Inclusion Award.” This accolade celebrates individuals whose voices extend beyond private advocacy, resonating in policy-making arenas and shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

Hon. Boyce has demonstrated unwavering commitment to justice, diversity, and representation. Through her leadership, she has consistently used her platform to champion LGBTQIA+ rights, influence progressive policies, and ensure that inclusion is not just an aspiration but a reality in governance. Her dedication to amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices at the highest levels of government exemplifies the very spirit of the Voice for Inclusion Award.

The event marked a significant milestone in Durban’s Pride history, celebrating not only the resilience and brilliance of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also the leaders who stand beside them in solidarity

Caption 

 

Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, was honoured with the prestigious Voice for Inclusion Award at the inaugural eThekwini Pride Recognition Awards, held at uShaka Marine Aquarium in Durban. 

Read More

KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, delivers an address during the Pride Month flag-raising ceremony organized by eThekwini Pride in Ward 24, Chesterville, Durban. Held under the theme “Make Waves, Live Proud,” the event celebrated visibility, inclusion, and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Caption 

 
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, delivers an address during the Pride Month flag-raising ceremony organized by eThekwini Pride in Ward 24, Chesterville, Durban.
 
Held under the theme “Make Waves, Live Proud,” the event celebrated visibility, inclusion, and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
 
#eThekwiniPride2025 #PrideMonth #LiveProud #KZNLegislature

Read More

Welcoming And Purpose By The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe Ethics, Privileges And Contempt Committee Workshop

11 June 2025

Good morning, Honourable Members, and colleagues.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to today’s meeting of the Ethics, Privileges and Contempt Committee. Thank you all for availing yourselves to continue the important work of upholding integrity, accountability, and transparency in the Legislature.

As public representatives, the ethical standards we uphold set the tone not only for the functioning of this Legislature, but also for how we are perceived by the people we serve. The mandate of this Committee is central to ensuring that our work is guided by clear principles, fairness, and a genuine commitment to ethical conduct.

Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to focus on our broader priorities around ethical governance and capacity-building. In an evolving political and social environment, the challenges we face are complex. For that reason, we must constantly assess how well-prepared we are, not just to respond to ethical misconduct but to prevent them through education, support, and proactive leadership.

Our key priorities involve us reviewing at how to strengthen ethical governance across the Legislature. This includes identifying areas of risk, ensuring consistent application of the Code of Conduct, and reviewing how we can better support Members in dealing with ethical dilemmas before they escalate.

Secondly, we need to focus on ethics training and knowledge-building. Our work must be supported by clear guidance, practical tools, and continuous learning. Ethics cannot be something we revisit only in times of crisis; it must be an integral part of how we lead, engage, and make decisions.

Thirdly, we must reflect on the role of this Committee in shaping a culture of integrity and principled leadership. That includes setting an example as Members of this committee, and ensuring our processes are fair, transparent, and aligned with the highest standards of accountability.

Finally, this is also a time to set our agenda going forward, to align on key focus areas for the months ahead, and to identify opportunities for outreach, collaboration, and stronger internal support systems that reinforce ethical behaviour at all levels.

Honourable Members, the work of this Committee is more than compliance, it is about protecting the public trust and affirming the values upon which our democracy is built.

I encourage open engagement, critical reflection, and shared ownership of the outcomes we seek to achieve. With your commitment, I am confident that we can continue to advance a strong, principled, and ethical institution.

Thank you once again for your participation, Honourable Members, I trust that today’s session will be informative, practical, and empowering. Let us approach this workshop with openness and a shared sense of purpose.

Thank you once again for your presence and active participation. I now invite our facilitator to take us into the session.

Caption 
 
Deputy Speaker Hon. Mmabatho Tembe chairing the Ethics, Privileges and Contempt Committee workshop, guiding discussions on strengthening ethical governance, accountability, and principled leadership in the Legislature.

Read More

Premier, Community Safety and Liaison Portfolio Committee holds Public Hearings on the Public Service Amendment Bill and Public Administration Management Amendment Bil

Premier, Community Safety and Liaison Portfolio Committee holds Public Hearings on the Public Service Amendment Bill and Public Administration Management Amendment Bill

Today, 10 June 2025, the Premier, Community Safety and Liaison Portfolio Committee is holding the third public hearing on the Public Service Amendment Bill and the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill at the Old Legislative Assembly Chamber in Ulundi. The first public hearing was held in a hybrid mode where Members of the committee and certain stakeholders attended the hearing physically in the Legislature Chamber in Pietermaritzburg while other stakeholders, and the public participated in the public hearing on our virtual platform. The second public hearing was conducted virtually in which committee Members, and all stakeholders participated in the hearing on our virtual platform.

The Public Service Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Public Service Act, 1994 to provide for the devolution of administrative powers from executive authorities to heads of departments, and to enhance and strengthen the role of the Director-General in the Presidency to support the President. The Public Administration Management Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Public Administration Management Act, 2014 so as to provide for the transfer and secondment of employees, to provide for the clarification regarding the prohibition against employees conducting business with organs of state, to provide for the National School of Government to be constituted as a national department, and to provide for the removal of employment disparities across the public administration, and to provide for the determination of conditions of service with financial implications.

At the conclusion of the public hearings, the Premier, Community Safety and Liaison Committee will consider all submissions received from the public and stakeholders and formulate a report that will be presented to the Legislature Sitting where a final Negotiating Mandate of the KZN Legislature on the Bills will be adopted for presentation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town. At the NCOP Sitting where the final Negotiating Mandates from all provinces will be considered and debated, the two Bills may be passed and then referred to the National Assembly for final passing into the laws of the country.

Read More

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

Issued by:
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
Media Enquiries
Phathisa Mfuyo – Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Speaker, KZN Legislature
Cell: 0810215111 Email: mfuyop@kznleg.gov.za

Read More

KwaZulu-Natal Speaker, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, joined by Deputy Speaker Hon. Mmabatho Tembe and Chief Whip Hon. Blessed Gwala shares heartfelt support for all participants of the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Special recognition is given to Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Tamsyn Colley and KZN Legislature Administration staff taking on this iconic challenge.

KwaZulu-Natal Speaker, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, joined by Deputy Speaker Hon. Mmabatho Tembe and Chief Whip Hon. Blessed Gwala, extends heartfelt wishes to all the courageous men and women taking part in the 2025 Comrades Marathon.
A special tribute is extended to the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Tamsyn Colley, and members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature administration who are participating in this iconic race. Your commitment to excellence beyond the chamber is deeply commendable. By taking on this extraordinary challenge, you embody the resilience, discipline, and determination that not only reflect your personal character but also uplift the spirit and pride of our institution. Siyaziqhenya ngani!
The Comrades Marathon is more than a race, it is a celebration of human perseverance, unity, and strong will to succeed. To all athletes from across South Africa and beyond, your courage and resolve remind us that through hard work and passion, limits can be pushed, and dreams can be realized.
Run with pride, knowing that millions are behind you. As you face each hill, each kilometre, and every test of endurance, may you be strengthened by the unwavering support of your families, communities, and this province. You are not running alone, you carry with you the admiration and hope of an entire nation.
Good luck, and may your journey be safe, victorious, and deeply fulfilling.
 
Caption:
KwaZulu-Natal Speaker, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, joined by Deputy Speaker Hon. Mmabatho Tembe and Chief Whip Hon. Blessed Gwala shares heartfelt support for all participants of the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Special recognition is given to Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Tamsyn Colley and KZN Legislature Administration staff taking on this iconic challenge.

Read More