Premier Senzo Mchunu has called on the people of this province to unite and ensure that the land claims process is peaceful and brings prosperity to the people of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
He was speaking during the meeting convened by His Majesty at the old KZN Legislature Building in Ulundi. The meeting which was attended by Amakhosi (traditional leaders) from across the province focused on the reopening of land claims process and rural development.
"I salute His Majesty for convening this historic meeting. This meeting cannot have come at a better time than when we as the country reflect on hundreds of years since the passing of the 1913 Natives Land Act which dispossessed millions of our people their birth right in the land of their forefathers."
"Importantly, the President of the Republic His Excellency J.G Zuma announced the reopening of the land claims process."
"This meeting today will inspire us further to find sustainable solutions to the question of land reform and rural development. We appreciate the opportunity as government to be invited to make a contribution to the discussions."
"We want to stress as government that unity of our people will ensure that the land claims processes brings prosperity to our people. We understand that this is the most sensitive issue but I am positive that the people of KwaZulu-Natal will pass the test of time. Over the years we have worked together to tackle the worse challenges that we were facing. We have managed to rebrand the province to be known for peace and stability."
"I must also thank the King, Isilo samaBandla for establishing Ingonyama Rural Development Forum. The Forum has been formed to act as a platform for public discourse and has opened up space for many stake holders to share their views with regards to land reform and rural development issues.
"In my first meeting with the new provincial executive council I expressed my commitment towards ensuring the successful implementation of the rural development strategy and all related programmes."
"The first issue I want to clarify is the roles of different structures of government. I want to plead that we act in line with the legal and defined roles for various actors so that our actions are aligned and effective. The role of the National Minister and Department of Rural Development is to set policy and provide overall leadership, and financial resources to ensure the overall impact of rural development on the communities."
"As government we recognise the role of Isilo both as champion for rural and overall socio-economic development. His Majesty, as the head of Ingonyama Trust Board will continue to champion the cause for rural development. The Office of the Premier has the responsibility to monitor the coordination and integration all programmes for rural development and ensure involvement of all departments in such programmes. This relates to the integration of departmental and municipal plans, identification of priorities, allocation of resources, research, monitoring and evaluation of performance."
"Municipalities have an important role of ensuring that all the plans are integrated within the geographic sphere of the municipal jurisdiction in Integrated Development Plans. The consultative processes for community participation and input become the role of all leaders, traditional, religious and non-governmental organisations."
"Amakhosi as leaders of communities will perform their roles as champions of rural development in their communities and act in partnership with all government agencies to promote service delivery."
"Researchers and academics have a responsibility to provide scientific research and intellectual input into the rural development programmes as well as training professionals in this field so that officials involved in implementation have sound theoretical and academic backup for efficient service delivery."
"The role of business is to study these plans and seek opportunities to invest in growing the economy and job creation. It is also important that rural development is understood to be all encompassing and not just about agriculture and that in our case it encompasses peri urban settlements and has therefore to be looked at in the context of local economic and regional development and comprehensive service delivery programmes as well as the mobilisation of communities to be players in the process of their own development."
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