Executive statement by Hon. Premier of KZN Mr S Zikalala – Legislature Sitting
Honorable Speaker,
Honourable Members
Report on the opening of schools
The province of KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the smooth re-opening of schools which saw the return of all grades back to school.
Teacher attendance
We can confirm that all the teachers that were expected did indeed report for duty. Learners of Grade R, Grade 1 and Grade 6 were expected to return and they indeed reported in schools. Challenges experienced related to water and sanitation, mobile classes and furniture in some schools. However, they are all being addressed.
There was a report of non-attendance by 22 teachers at Chief Lokothwayo but the Circuit Manager had a meeting with them and they were expected at school today. One school in Pinetown did not open due to a reported case of Covid-19, decontamination is in progress.
We reiterate the commitment we made that as we seek to recover the 2020 curricula, the safety of our leaners and teachers will remain a priority.
Signs of COVID-19 cases plateauing welcomed
Following a surge in Covid-19 cases which saw the province reaching the peak of the pandemic and occupying the number two spot nationally, we welcome early emerging trends that the infection rate is approaching a plateauing phase. We have witnessed in the past few days a remarkable reduction in the number of infections.
The Province currently stands at a total of 109 332 cases, 1 949 deaths and 85 055 recoveries. Worryingly four of our districts still contribute the highest number of cases in the Province, those being King Cetshwayo District, EThekwini, uMgungundlovu and Amajuba.
We are monitoring the impact of inter-provincial travel, the re-opening of schools and more sectors of the economy. This carries with it a high risk of person-to-person transmissions.
We appeal to our people to fully embrace our New Normal.
Let us continue to wear our masks regularly, sanitise or wash our hands with soap and water, and keep the two-metre social distance at all times. As individuals, we are now the only ones that can make the difference.
Mthwalume murder cases
We are deeply concerned by the gruesome murders of five women in the Mthwalume area on the KZN South Coast. This animalistic behaviour has no place in our society. We commend law-enforcement authorities for moving with speed in investigating these murders which resulted in the arrest of two suspects aged 35 and 41 years and a number of sim cards found.
We are breathing a sigh of relief that, Nosipho Gumede and her child who had been reported as missing in the area have been found unscathed. Police are still searching for, Sizakele Myende who had been reported missing at Msizeni and has still not yet been found. We appeal to the community to assist.
The Department of Community Safety & Liaison is currently conducting an evaluation of the Hibberdene Police Station in response to the complaints received from the community and there will be action.
For enquiries, contact:
KZN Provincial Government Spokesperson
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Bongani Mthethwa
KZN Premier Media Liaison
Cell: 083 253 0748
