UNPACKING THE KZN BUDGET 2020/21 

On Tuesday, 10 March 2020, Provincial Treasury briefed Members of the Finance Portfolio Committee on the KZN Budget for 2020/21.

The KZN Budget is appropriated to all KZN Government departments through the KZN Appropriation Bill which is tabled by the MEC for Finance annually.

Money Bills are the Bills defined by Section 120 of the Constitution and usually appropriate money, impose taxes, levies, duties or surcharges in the Province. They also abolish or reduce , or grant exemptions from provincial taxes, levies duties and surcharges. Money bills also authorise direct charges against a provincial revenue Fund and they are processed by the Finance Portfolio Committee.

The Chairperson of the Finance Portfolio Committee, Honorable KK Nkosi said, “The briefing by Provincial Treasury is welcomed by all Members of the Committee.  It offers us all the opportunity to unpack the budget and allows Members of the Legislature the opportunity to clarify any issues they might have directly with the KZN MEC of Finance, Hon Ravi Pillay, and his senior officials.”  

The  next step in to process before the budget is passed by a Vote of the Full Sitting of the House in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature is that each Department and each Portfolio Committee will appear before the Finance Committee.

The Chairperson of Chairpersons of Committees, Honorable Themba Mthembu (MPL) said, ” This briefing by Provincial Treasury is attended by all Members of the Legislature in preparation for their meeting with KZN Departments who will outline their budgets. These budgets will be studied by Members of portfolio committees who will in turn draw up a report.  This Committee report is then tabled at a Sitting of the House by the Chairperson of each committee.”

“The IFP welcomes the briefing on the 2020/21 budget. The cuts on budget emanating from cuts by the National Treasury, indicates the state of finances in our country. Our priorities should be on service delivery than the nice to have. It is important that the money we have for this financial year must be spent on time and correctly for the benefit of our people! ” says Honorable VF Hlabisa (MPL), who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislature.

Hon Ravi Pillay, the KZN MEC For Finance emphasised,” We find ourselves in a situation where the economy of KwaZulu-Natal is under strain by various international and local factors and despite the budget cuts, we have geared the KZN Budget for 2020/21 to protect government’s key priority programmes so that we do not lose sight of our vision of ensuring a better life for all.  Our focus in all decisions taken was to protect the funds allocated to departments for the improvement of the lives of our people.”.

He added, “This challenge we face today is different from that of Luthuli and OR Tambo and Mandela. We are not required to face bullets or go to jail. We are simply asked  to be sober, determined, disciplined and focussed and work hard every day for as long as we are called upon to do so.”

For any Enquiries please contact the Finance Committee coordinator: Mr Siphamandla Chili on 063 251 8538.

After receiving reports (through a whistleblower) of a stalled Sanitation Programme in Msebe in kwaNongoma the Chairperson of the Committee Hon SC “KK” Nkosi led his Committee to hear the views of the community and the Zululand District in a bid to restore the project to the service of the needy community of Nongoma. According to the Chairperson this was not the only objective to conduct this Focused Intervention Study, but it was also to “kuphenya ibheshu (to expose the dirty work) ” to those who have led to the suffering of the community by abusing the taxpayer’s monies, thereby leaving the community with no toilets when in fact, government had planned and invested a lot of money on this project.
The Chairperson the vowed in front of a fully packed hall of Msebe that whoever is responsible for this wastage will face the full might of the law, and that investigations are to begin so that those responsible can be made accountable.
Members of the community of Msebe when weighing in on this matter, expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of officials employed in that district. In no uncertain terms the allegations made by most speakers pointed out to “corrupt officials who receive brown envelopes”. During an interview with members of the media the Chair Hon Nkosi also said that according to the Department Treasury’s report presented it does point out that the Supply Chain section of the Municipality may have committed errors in the tender process, but Hon Nkosi emphasized that the Committee will however await the full report from the Municipality (before jumping into any conclusions) on how this project was rollout including the tender processes involved.

Hon. Nkosi addressing the Community of Msebe on the purpose of the visit of his Committee.

Members of the community register their unhappiness with the officials of the Municipality.

He Chairperson “KK” Nkosi addressing the media after the Focused Study Intervention Study.

The Chairperson Hon N Majola fires series of questions to the senior management as the Committee seeks assurance on the readiness of health institutions.

The Chairperson for the Health Portfolio Committee Hon Nomakiki Majola and her Committee has called for the department to make presentations on the readiness of Health Institutions to manage the spread of Coronavirus. This was after the Chair had visited various Health Institutions across the province. These include Greys, Addington, Ngwelezane, and Manguzi hospitals. In her findings the Chair was not so pleased with the state of readiness as there were several infrastructural adjustments that had to be put in place to ensure that the isolation rooms are equipped to admit patients. For instance, in Addington hospital’s air-conditioning in the designated facility, Addington had better facilities although some adjustments were needed, this was according to the Chairperson Hon Majola. She added that Ngwelezane and Manguzi hospitals were also in a much better state.
The MEC for Health Hon Nomagugu Simelane said although Grey’s Hospital was one of the designated institutions by the National department, the Provincial department of Health decided to further designate a few others, “because of the vast province we have, we cannot only have one institution. These include four Regional hospitals, namely, Madadeni, Newcastle, Ladysmith, and Edendale. “We do not have any confirmed cases in our province, the MEC continued “the three cases that were suspected were simply because they worked for Chinese shops, this was just a false alarm, if you were top say”.

The Portfolio Committee in its Special Meeting with the Department of Health

The discussion was extended to include the training of staff which the department confirmed to have taken place, and ensured the Committee that issues of waste management in cases of death and general management of the infected patients was properly addressed to eliminate human to human transmission. There is also an assurance of ongoing contact between the department and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in which revised case definitions are distributed regularly to all health facilities through their Communicable Disease Control Coordinators.
The Committee was assured that additional hospitals had been identified for renovations of their Isolation wards or units to meet the requirements for future use and management of confirmed cases. These are Dundee, Vryheid, Emmause and Murchison District hospitals.
Members were of the Committee impressed on the Department the importance of running media campaigns including newspaper adverts where community awareness campaigns can be reinforced.
What is Coronavirus:
“A virus that causes infection in the nose, Sinuses, or upper throat which may complicate into lower respiratory infection resulting in pneumonia. Affected individuals present with upper respiratory infections symptoms like a stuffy nose, cough, sore throat and fever. The Coronavirus is spread through infected people coughing, and sneezing by touching, an infected persons hand or face, or even touching doorknobs touched by infected people”.

Committee chairperson visits the family in distraught

The Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Conservation and Environmental Affairs Hon SW Mshengu moved swiftly (after the news of the death of a young man in Umtubatuba Dukuduku area) to visit the bereaved family and the CEO of Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. The death of a member of Nxumalo family was because of the attack by a Hippo that was said to be wondering about in the community. “Hippos do come out to graze at night and it was unfortunate that the young man had to die in this way”, said the CEO, Mr Sibusiso Bukhosini. In his visit to the Wetlands Park the Chairperson of the Committee sought to understand why and how this incident had happened and to meet with the family to express his condolences on behalf of the Committee.
The Nxumalo family was in tears as they were explaining the pain of losing a member of their family. “we are struggling here at home, and the death of our brother brings no hope of a better life for us, as he was a breadwinner. We now are even afraid to go out at night in this community as Hippos roam around here”. In his response the Hon Mshengu promised the family to consult with the Committee and return in three weeks’ time to “see what assistance could be provided to the family”. He further promised to engage with the entire community and Isimangaliso Wetlands Park to seek a lasting solution that will prevent such incidents in the future. Chief amongst preventative measures is a possibility of fencing the area to keep Hippopotami away from the community, a suggestion which the CEO of Isimangaliso said, was (in the past) rejected by the community, as the community felt that the Wetlands Park’ intention was to keep the community away from the Park thereby preventing their freedom of movement in and out of the Park.

Hon SW Mshengu listening (in blue pant and T-shirt) to Nxumalo family as they express their pain at the loss of a member of the family.

Community development initiatives such as empowerment of SMME in the field of nature conservation and road construction opportunities were explored by the Chairperson and the CEO in the meeting that preceded a meeting with the family. The Chairperson commended Mr Bukhosini for his passion for community upliftment and his plans (which he briefly shared) for the future of Isimangaliso. The meeting concluded with the invitation of the CEO to a Committee meeting planned for late November in Hluhluwe.

The KZN Finance Portfolio Committee took the Provincial Treasury to Amajuba District, Dannhauser Municipality, Durnacol Sports Complex on Friday 6 December 2019. The Provincial Treasury presented the Draft Annual Performance Plan and Budget for 2020/21 Financial Year. The main aim was to expose the public to have a glimpse of the APP and Budget long before these two are passed by the Legislature. Their views and comments are factored in as the two are in a draft form.

This public involvement proves that the KZN Legislature is a truly “activist Legislature” which is a centre for public involvement and oversight. Our people are involved many months before the APP and Budget are passed by their Legislature.

The public members were exposed on how the KZN Provincial Treasury is structured and what are its main functions. Treasury Programmes and Sub programmes were clearly explained. These were presented by the Deputy Director General Mrs Shezi, Chief Financial Officer Mr Ndlovu and other three senior officials.

The Chairperson Hon “KK” Nkosi welcomes the members of the community to the Stakeholder Engagement Session.

The public was afforded the opportunity to engage on these presentations. The questions and comments were of a high quality thus all Hon Members of the Finance Portfolio Committee commended the public. They were indeed involved in their Legislature which passes Laws.

The Chairperson of the Committee Hon Sipho “KK” Nkosi said, “we salute the people of Amajuba for posing relevant yet difficult questions during this, and concluded by thanking the Speaker of Dannhauser and all Councillors who had taken their time to attend this important meeting.

Hon Rogers outlines the purpose of the visit on request by the Chairperson.

Hon Sonjica makes input into the presentation and probes the departments CFO an DDG who are seen here seated.

Programme Director

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Mluleki Ndobe

The Secretary of the Legislature, Ms Nerusha Naidoo

Members of the media

We would like to start by thanking each one of you for responding so positively to our invitation to this morning’s press briefing wherein we seek to update you on key developments in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.

Ladies and gentlemen, over the past three weeks, the leadership of the legislature has been seized with critical consultations with all pertinent stakeholders regarding the Official Opening of KZN Legislature. Our stakeholders include His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Mr Sihle Zikalala and leaders of all political parties represented in the Legislature. We are excited that all the stakeholders are fully on board and we are ready to officially commence with the annual programme of our Legislature

The event, as has been the tradition over the years, is a two-day occasion that commences with the official opening of the Legislature His Majesty and culminates into the State of the Province Address (SOPA). Due to space constraints at the current Legislature precinct, we have been holding this event at the Royal Showgrounds and that will continue to be the case this year.

However, we are excited that the construction of the new government precinct, which includes the Legislature, is firmly back on the agenda as this will give a lasting solution to needs of a modern legislature such as ours.

The opening of the legislature by His Majesty the King demonstrates our respect for the institution of traditional leadership in KwaZulu-Natal. His Majesty, As the Head of traditional leadership in the province, represents the unity of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. It is against this backdrop that the Standing Rules of the Legislature (Rule 9) provide for an address by His Majesty to officially mark the commencement of the annual programme of the Legislature.

It is for this reason that we reject unwarranted attacks against His Majesty that seek to reduce the pivotal role that he plays. As the Legislature, we wish to state it categorically that we work well with His Majesty and that his guidance and counsel he provides to the legislature and government is invaluable.

Ladies and gentlemen, during SOPA, the Premier will expand on practical steps to be taken by government in its quest to propel the province to greater heights. The SOPA will, among other things, focus on the provincial government’s seven key priorities which include: job creation, improving the delivery of services, growing the economy, human settlements and sustainable livelihood. 

Let me now deal with issue of costs for hosting both the official opening and SOPA which have often sought to dilute the good work we do as the Legislature. I really must state that we are concerned when costs escalate and all avenues and interventions have been employed to reduce the costs.

We are proud that this year we have been able to cut costs by nearly one million rand for the opening of the legislature through the reduction of number of people who attend both events. The Office of the Premier is busy compiling figures for SOPA and we are confident that there will also be major savings. We would have saved even more had we hosted the events at the legislature complex which proved impossible as the results of the renovations currently taking place.

Amongst high profile guests expected to attend both events include the King, former President Jacob Zuma, Speakers of other provincial legislatures, members of parliament, diplomates, religious leaders, members of the Royal Household, mayors, amakhosi, councillor and community leaders.

Ladies and gentlemen, over and above the two events mentioned above, we believe an exciting year awaits us in our quest to deliver on the mandate bestowed on us by the People of KwaZulu-Natal. I would like to share with you the following highlights with an undertaking that we will engage with members of the media at least quarterly to update you on the work of the Legislature.

Provincial Budget Speech

The Treasury MEC will table the Provincial Budget on the 06th March followed by Budget Policy Speeches of all provincial governments including the Legislature to be concluded towards the end of April. All other activities of the Legislature will ensue as was the case in previous years. These include the following: –

a) International Women’s Day at King Cetshwayo District towards the end of March

b) The Interfaith Symposium will be held on the 21st and 22nd April in Ilembe District 

c) The Workers’ Parliament will take place on the 7th and 08th May in Umgungundlovu District 

d) The Youth Parliament on 17th and 18th June in Harry Gwala District 

e) Women’s Parliament 7th and 08th August in Ugu District 

f) Senior Citizens’ Parliament on 2nd and 3rd October in uThukela District 

g) TLTP on the 3rd and 4th November in Ethekwini Metro and; 

h) Disability Parliament on 4th and 5th December in Umzinyathi 

The Deputy Speaker, Honorable Mluleki Ndobe visited Siwa Development Centre in Umzimkhulu Local Municipality which cares for ailing senior citizens, orphaned children. The centre provides supporting project aimed at promoting prevention of HIV/AIDS affected, care for the HIV/AIDS infected and support for the orphanage children and accommodation of elderly within community.  

The outreach programme was attended by the deputy Mayor Cllr Nkala, Cllr Shazi and beneficiaries of the NPO. The Deputy Speaker of KZN Legislature donated various goods including linen, food parcels, vanity packs for the senior citizens, goodies packs for the children as well as paint. Due to the challenges the center is facing, Hon Ndobe committed to bringing together the all relevant stakeholder departments in order to assist the centre.  

Indeed, we are an Activist People-centred legislature. 

In a gesture of selfless and charitable leadership, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce (MPL), Speaker of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has used the occasion of her 44th birthday to donate school uniforms to scores of needy learners in the Ugu District, in the south of the province.

Handing over the items to jubilant learners and teachers, the 44-year-old Speaker explained that she had decided to spend time with needy learners on her birthday because the Legislature valued education and wanted to see all learners attired in a dignified manner.

“As part of our social responsibility programme, we decided to hand over these uniforms. Through this initiative we have already benefited hundreds of pupils in different parts of KwaZulu-Natal. We are providing uniforms because we know that some families face serious financial hardships which make them unable to support their children. In turn, this leads to absenteeism and even dropping out,” added Boyce.

The Speaker described the time spent with underprivileged on her birthday as immensely satisfying.

“History has taught us that it is through giving that we enrich and prolong both our own lives and the lives of others.”

The school principals and parents expressed great appreciation for the kind gesture and wished the Speaker a birthday filled with joy.

“When we heard about the legislature’s social responsibility programme that has been praised in other parts of the province, we never thought it would also come to us. We really want to thank Ms Boyce and the legislature she leads for choosing our school,” said Mbambuya Primary School Principal, Ms Tholakele Memela.

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATURE
Enquiries: Bongani Tembe 0823272600

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More than 500 underprivileged learners will now go to school in full uniform thanks to a corporate social responsibility programme run by the Office of the Speaker in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. The programme, which aims to lessen the burden among the neediest of communities, where the brunt of poverty is most severely felt, is currently being rolled out in different parts of the province. Education stakeholders, including parents and governing bodies have showered the programme with praise, saying that the provision of uniform packs to deserving children would foster a sense of pride and belonging among needier pupils, thus boosting their self-esteem. 

The uniform packs (shoes, socks, trousers, shirts, jerseys and ties) were handed over to schools by the KZN Legislature Speaker, Hon Nontembeko Boyce and her Deputy, Hon Mluleki Ndobe. 

“Our back to school programme which coincided with the start of the 2020 academic year has been a resounding success. When we conceptualized this programme we underestimated the impact, it would have on the recipients and their parents. We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback from parents and teachers of the beneficiaries. It is self-evident that our gesture has had a good bearing on learners’ performance. It is an established fact that absenteeism from school is often attributed to the lack of school uniforms,” said Hon Boyce. 

Boyce also added that the provision of school uniforms to needy learners was also part of the legislature’s education programme of monitoring the functionality of schools. And that the legislature is working closely with the Department of Education to ensure that our schools have enough teachers, adequate infrastructure and are safe environment s for learning and teaching to take place 

Schools that were visited:  

• Umuziwabantu Local municipality:  Hafuleni High school. 
• Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality:  Mkhandi Primary School
• Umzimkhulu Local Municipality: Ibisi Secondary School, Rietvlei Junior Secondary School,  Izwelibanzi Junior Secondary School.   
• Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality: Clairewood Secondary School, Durban South Primary School