Statement of the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council
The KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council held its ordinary meeting today, 14 November 2020. The meeting, which was chaired by the Premier Sihle Zikalala and attended by Members of the Executive Council, took decisions on the following areas.
Greenlight to pilot the KZN Elimination and Prevention of the Re-emergence of Slums Bill
The Provincial Executive Council has given the green light to the Department of Human Settlements to table before the Provincial Legislature a revised version of the proposed new bill called the “Elimination and Prevention of the Re-emergence of Slums Bill”.
The bill empowers landlords and municipalities to act against illegal land invaders and also assists in the fast-racking of housing delivery for the needy and qualifying beneficiaries. Government remain concerned about the spate of illegal land invasion which in most cases slows down the pace of housing delivery. Government welcome the fact that the public will make an input on this bill through the legislature process.
KwaSizabantu mission – fact-finding inspection by the provincial government
The Provincial Executive Council received and noted the preliminary report from the Chairperson of the Task Team appointed by the Premier Sihle Zikalala, to establish more details regarding allegations levelled against KwaSizabantu Mission. The Executive Council has assigned the task team to do more work and continue to support and respect the work done by the Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Cultural, Religious and Linguistics Communities (CRL). The task team led by MEC Peggy Nkonyeni will engage with the leadership of KwaSizabantu on the findings of its preliminary report.
The Provincial Executive Council encourages people to visit the commission and offer their testimonies so that the truth over all allegations can be established.
KZN to convene emergency meeting on crime
The Provincial Executive Council has resolved to hold an emergency meeting to arrest the spread of crime in certain parts of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The Exco noted with concern the brutal manner of the crimes perpetrated against women and children, traditional leadership especially in areas endowed with minerals, and those linked to the payment of the stipend for Izinduna as well as acts of gangsterism involving young people in Newcastle. The special emergency meeting on crime will take place at the date to be announced next week. The Executive Council reiterated its commitment to creating a peaceful province, free of crime, and fit for people to live, work and continue with their normal lives.
Fast-racking consequence management – speedy finalisation of disciplinary cases
The Provincial Executive Council assessed and analysed the trends of consequence management within the province of KwaZulu-Natal. While notable progress has been registered, the Exco analysis revealed that there are still areas where it takes too long to finalise disciplinary cases in some departments. Exco was particularly concerned that currently there are 105 cases of officials on precautionary suspensions. In some departments, there were cases that have exceeded over 60 days to resolve and conclude. The Executive Council resolved to task the Office of the Premier, to lead a coordinated approach that will lead to the speedy finalisation of all disciplinary cases. The Executive council is not in favour of officials being paid while not of service to the public because of long suspensions. Consequence management is a priority for the KZN Provincial Government; so is the prudent management of finances. The Exco has also warned departments not to use precautionary suspensions as a tool for punishment - but such sanction must be genuine and cases must be concluded with necessary speed.
IEC granted permission to use KZN Government facilities as voting stations
The Provincial Executive Council has approved the request by the Independent Electoral Commission to make available public facilities for use by the IEC during the election and by-elections. There has been concerns among some stakeholders and reluctance to make facilities available due to the fear of exposure to Covid-19. Especially if there is high voter turnout. The Executive Council is satisfied with the measures in place to ensure adherence to health and safety during elections. KZN Government encourages all citizens to take part in the by-elections scheduled for the 11 November 2020.
Appointments
- The Executive Council approved the following appointments, subject to all processes being complied with and relevant verification and qualification and clearance:
- Mr Bright Nkontwana - The Executive Council approved the appointment of Mr Bright Nkontwana as the new Head of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
- Mr Sithembiso Kubheka - The Provincial Executive Council also approved the appointment of Mr Sithembiso Kubheka to the position of Deputy –Director General: Stakeholder Coordination within the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier.
Board Appointments
The following replacements to the Boards were approved, subject to all processes being complied with - including gazetting in line with relevant applicable legislation.
Dube Tradeport – Mr Siyabonga G. Nene as a new Member of the Board of Directors of the Dube Tradeport Corporation.
Agriculture Development Agency
Subject to compliance with all relevant prescripts, the Executive Council approved the filling of two vacant posts at ADA. These were necessitated by resignations.
- Mr Willies Mchunu (former KZN Premier) as the new board member;
- Inkosi Mbhekiseni Petros Mbangomuni Mazibuko as an additional board member
Condolences
The Provincial Executive Council noted with deep pain that the province of KwaZulu-Natal lost 20 lives over the weekend as a result road crashes. The Exco extends its heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones. The Executive Council will provide support to the bereaved families. A mass funeral will be held this coming Saturday
The Executive Council wishes strength to all those affected as they go through this most difficult period in their lives.
Upcoming events
KZN Government to hold a session with KwaZulu-Natal Based Diplomatic Corps.
The Provincial Executive Council will on Friday hold a session with members of the Diplomatic Corps based in KwaZulu-Natal. There are 31 consulates representing various countries in KwaZulu-Natal. The session is aimed at fostering closer engagements and sharing of investment opportunities as the province commence efforts to rebuild the economy. The occasion will discuss matters of interest and keep the missions abreast on the Covid-19 situation in KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN Planting season
The Provincial Executive Council invites all citizens of KwaZulu-Natal to commence to roll-up their sleeves and be part of the planting season which commences in October. Opertion Phez’ koMkhono” is an effort by the government to drive the agrarian revolution and ensure that the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal get into the habit of tilling the land and planting, in order to guarantee food security and also sell agricultural products to advance themselves economically. Government is making available markets such as schools, hospitals, clinics under its Radical Socio Economic Transformation (RASET) for all small-scale farmers to sell fresh produce and earn an income.
The 2020 planting season will be launched by the Provincial Executive Council led by Premier Sihle Zikalala at Harry Gwala District from the 23rd October 2020.
KZN Provincial Taxi Lekgotla
The Provincial Executive Council approved the hosting of the taxi lekgotla which is a build-up to the national taxi lekgotla. The objective of the taxi lekgotla is to assess progress made and implementation of resolutions taken in the past years around concerning the taxi industry. The lekgotla will focus on unity, leadership, empowerment and industry improvement.
Enquiries:
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Bongani Mthethwa
Cell: 083 253 0748
