It’s all systems go for the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Taking Parliament to the People Programme in Nquthu, Kwazulu-Natal.
The Nquthu Sports Ground is a flurry of activity ahead of the five-day event which will provide a platform for people of Umzinyathi District to bring their service delivery issues to the attention of the NCOP.
Mninwa Mahlangu, Chairperson of NCOP says: “We are more than ready for the Programme. Members of the NCOP and the Members of the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Legislature have arrived in Nquthu to listen to the people of uMzinyathi.” Zweli Mkhize, Premier of Kwazulu-Natal, will address the opening ceremony - starting at 10.00am today, Monday 7 November.
The opening ceremony will be followed by public hearings on local government and human settlements and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Richard Baloyi will address issues raised by the people of uMzinyathi.
The uMzinyathi District consists of three other local municipalities. These are Msinga, Mvothi and eNdumeni. The area is one of the most rural and underdeveloped municipalities in the province and has a high unemployment rate. This is what informed choosing this area for this NCOP Taking Parliament to the People programme.
National Ministers, Members of the KwaZulu Natal Executive Comimitte, Mayors and Councilors will attend the week-long programme to respond to issues raised. President Jacob Zuma will address the sitting on Friday, 11 November.
This week-long event is a culmination of several activities by the NCOP in Umzinyathi District. These include a public meeting, which identified critical service delivery issues, and a joint oversight programme with the committees of the Provincial Legislature and Municipal Councils.
Click here to view the programme of the week-long activities.
Media wishing to attend should forward their details for accreditation to Nolizwi Magwagwa at nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za or on 083 313 1323. Details required are: Full name, ID/passport number, name of media organisation and media group, designation (writer, photographer, for example), telephone number, and cell phone number.
