Madame Speaker
Members of the Executive Council
Members of the Provincial Legislature
Members of the Royal Family
Mayors and Councillors
Amakhosi present
Director-General and Heads of Department
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen, and
People of KwaZulu-Natal
Madam Speaker, allow me to pay tribute to Isilo Samabandla and the Royal Household for the support over the years.
We express our appreciation to His Majesty for allowing us to bring the Freedom Flame to Enyokeni in May this year as part of the celebrations of our 20 years of Freedom and Democracy. We took the flame to the Palace because we wanted to highlight the fact that over the years Isilo SamaBandla brought light to the people of this province.
Importantly, we wanted to acknowledge the role that was played by the Kings of the Zulu nation against oppression.
Isilo SamaBandla is the direct descendant of the Kings of the Zulu - King Dingane, King Cetshwayo and King Dinuzulu. It is those three kings whose reign was seriously impacted upon by the arrival of the European settler regimes.
Therefore, as we celebrate our Freedom and Democracy, we must also reflect on the road that has been travelled over the years to be where we are today.
As we do that we are reminded that at one stage, Natal as it was then known, played-host to many battles, conflicts and confrontations in South Africa. History records show that the following battles were fought in this province:
- Voortrekker: Blood River 16 December 1838
- Anglo-Zulu: Battle of Isandlwana 22 January 1879
- Anglo-Boer: 1899 -1902
- The Bhambatha Resistance of 1906 - 1907
All of these wars were led by the Kings who wanted independence, self-determination, protection of cultural identity and language. They wanted to protect their land for their people.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, as I table Budget Vote 10, I want to pay tribute to the Kings of the Zulu nation.
We intend to have a meeting with His Majesty to request his guidance on how to comprehensively celebrate the heroism of King Dinuzulu of KwaDlamahlahla Palace who was exiled to St Helena Island. King Dinuzulu fought against colonialism, which was the precursor for the apartheid.
We are alive to the fact that here in KwaZulu-Natal province there are brothers and sisters who were born in St Helena Island but are residents of this beautiful province. I refer here to the British, French and Italians who live in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and other parts of the province. They make ours a Rainbow Nation.
The Battle of Isandlwana and the heroism of King Dinuzulu served as an inspiration to many generations of our leaders who found themselves at the forefront of the fight against apartheid government.
What I am highlighting is the rich history of KwaZulu-Natal which involves the people of all races and which spills over to the continent and the world. It is this history and heritage that is being restored and preserved by this democratic government for future generations.
As we seek to move into the future as One People, One Nation – His Majesty remains our source of inspiration. We believe that with his support, this province will continue to edge towards a brighter and prosperous future.
We will never forget that, when intolerance threatened the fragile peace that had been achieved after years of political violence, His Majesty meticulously brought together leaders from all political parties. Indeed, we have made a miraculous progress over the years.
We remember very well, how alongside our former President Nelson Mandela, whom we laid to rest last year, guided all of us in this province on how to promote peace and reconciliation.
With his guidance, we will continue to work hard to create an equal society where values identified in the country’s constitution are enjoyed by all. We are confident that we will succeed in our endeavours because His Majesty has always been available to lead us.
His consistent leadership was demonstrated when he revived circumcision which has assisted in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This is one of the most significant developments during the 20 years of our democracy.
When we host the 21st International Aids Conference in 2016, I have no doubt that His Majesty’s decision of the revival of circumcision will come under discussion.
The revival of circumcision was driven by his conviction that culture and traditions can be effectively mobilised to change behaviour.
The passion with which His Majesty has presided over Umkhosi Woselwa, King Shaka Day and Umkhosi WoMhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony for more than twenty years of its revival, has been driven by the belief that it provides a common platform for parents to counsel and support their daughters in fostering responsible conduct.
The ever increasing numbers that swell the reed dance ceremony is testimony to the interests that the ceremony has generated in both rural and peri-urban communities.
Madam Speaker, at this stage I want to thank 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.
I want to assure this House of the commitment of the Executive Council to working with His Majesty towards ensuring the successful implementation of the rural development programmes and all related programmes.
It is important at all times to understand and clarify the roles of different structures of government in relation to rural development. We need to 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.
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.
His Majesty, the King’s activities
During 2013/14, His Majesty, the King was supported by the department to undertake the following activities:
- Participated in government events and ceremonies, such as the opening of the KZN Provincial Legislature, opening of Traditional House at Ulundi.
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Traditional events hosted by the King:
- The Reed Dance at eNyokeni and Ingwavuma
- First Fruits (Umkhosi woSelwa) at eNyokeni
- Umkhosi woMama at Khangela
- Event hosted in honour of His Majesty the King :
- King’s birthday at KwaKhangela on 03/08/2013
- King’s Lifetime Achievement Award by Anglican Church at Ulundi on 1205/203
- His Majesty King also hosted dignitaries from other countries, such as delegation of investors from India on 15 April 2013 and delegation of investors from USA on 23 April 2013 both at Thokazi Lodge.
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Installed Amakhosi statutorily:
- Inkosi Mavundla – Ezingolweni on 13 July 2013
- Inkosi Mkhize– Ethekwini on 20 July 2013
- Inkosi Gumede – UMkhanyakude on 18 October 2013
- Inkosi Chiliza- Ugu – on 1 November 2013
- Inkosi Nzima – Amajuba on 17 January 2014
Royal Household Trust
In the previous term of office we established the Royal Household Trust. Although we have recorded a great progress, I am of the view that the trust has a lot of potential in terms of achieving its objectives. As government we want to see the trust develop to its full potential and become a viable and important entity in this province.
The department has in 2013/14 financial year transferred money to the Royal Household Trust. The department intends to transfer more funds to the trust depending on the progress on the issue of staff transfer.
Refurbishment and Renovations of Palaces
In 2013/14, the department continues with the rehabilitation, renovations and refurbishment and emergency repairs to the Royal residences. The whole R32 million which was exclusively allocated for this purpose was fully utilised.
Dlamahlahla Palace
At Dlamahlahla Palace the following projects were undertaken in 2013/14 financial year. Interior renovation to the King’s house and water reticulation were all done and completed.
Other projects which were part of the plan but could not be implemented due to budget constraints includes exterior renovations to the King’s house, paving and construction of new guest house.
KwaKhetha Palace
At KwaKhetha Palace the following projects are now completed: - Renovations to the King’s main house, water reticulation and road works and paving were done and completed in 2013/14 financial year. Renovations to other houses could not be undertaken due to budget constraint.
Ingwavuma Palace
At Ingwavuma Palace, the construction of four new rondavels, new kitchen facility and extension of the King’s main house was 80% complete at the end of 2013/14 financial year. This project will be complete in August 2014/15. Other small projects (such as garage with living quarters for drivers and installation of new water tanks) which were part of plan could not be undertaken due to budget constraint.
KwaKhangela Palace
At KwaKhangela Palace the following projects were done in 2013/14: Water reticulation project was done and completed. Major renovations in two guest houses were also done in 2013/14. There is still a lot to be done in this palace if budget could be made available.
Linduzulu Palace
At Linduzulu Palace and office the following projects were done in 2013/14: repairing roads, constructing storm water drainage system and car ports. New standby generator set was also installed. Office renovations were also started in this financial year and will finish in the first quarter of 2014/15. Extensions and construction of the porte-cochere in front of the main house which both need urgent attention could not be undertaken due to budget constraints.
ENyokeni Palace
At ENyokeni Palace the department could only manage to do roofing and thatching of two rondavels, attending to plumbing work and fencing of the grazing area next to the palace. There is a lot that needs to be done in this palace but due to budget constrain the department could not do much last year. We are assessing the situation during this budget cycle.
Madam Speaker and Members of the House, I want to indicate that there are many matters that are under review in relation to the affairs of the Royal Household. My experience since I assumed office make me realise that there is an urgent need for the Office of the Premier to tighten up and play a direct role in the affairs of the Royal Household.
2014/15 Budget
Programmes, Structure and Budget
The department has currently three programmes and these are:
- Programme 1: Support Services His Majesty the King
- Programme 2: Planning and Development
- Programme 3: His Majesty, the King’s Farms
The total budget allocation for the Department of Royal Household for 2014/2015 financial year is R54 211 million.
Programme 1: Support Services – His Majesty the King: R42 226 million
The purpose of this Programme is to provide administrative and auxiliary services to His Majesty and the Royal Family, to ensure that mandates are executed within relevant legislation. This Programme also provides strategic guidance in respect of the interface of traditional protocols and government compliance requirements. It has got two sub-programmes, and these are: King’s office support and Royal Household Trust.
Programme 2: Planning and Development: R 9 047 million
The programme is responsible for “the overall maintenance of the Royal Household infrastructure including the refurbishment of Palaces”. This programme is also responsible for providing domestic services to the Palaces.
This programme has however been transferred to the Trust. The department only left with the responsibility of paying salaries for Palace workers until such time that staff transfer to the Trust is finalised. The department is also responsible for finalising capital projects, which were carried through from previous financial year.
Programme 3: His Majesty, the King’s Farms: R2 938 million
Programme 3 is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Royal Farms. Its main aim is to ensure commercial viability and customary relevance in terms of the farms being able to contribute to poverty alleviation and other responsibilities of His Majesty, the King. This programme has however been transferred to the Trust. The department only left with the responsibility of paying salaries for Palace workers until such time that staff transfer to the Trust is finalised.
In conclusion
I wish to express my deepest appreciation to my colleagues, all categories of staff in the Department of the Royal Household, the Royal Household Trust and Members of the Provincial Executive Council for supporting His Majesty has he leads his people and all of us in this house.
I now formally wish to table Vote 10 with a budget of R54 211 million before the Legislature.
I thank you.
