Madam Speaker
Members of the Executive Council (MECs)
Members of the provincial legislature
Mayors and councillors
Acting director-general and heads of department
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
As I rise to address this house, I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to his majesty on behalf of KwaZulu-Natal government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal for his consistent leadership and guidance as a champion of peace and development and a symbol of unity of the people of our province.
I have to pause at this point to convey the apology of Isilo that he would not be joining us in this House as has happened in the past to listen to the tabling of the Royal Household Vote but has conveyed his best wishes to this House for fruitful deliberations.
We have set ourselves the task of positioning the monarchy as an office of strategic value in the future of the province of KwaZulu-natal, giving our province the uniqueness that we must utilise as a competitive edge to advance the social and economic lives of our people and the prosperity of our region.
We have indicated that the value of having this unique feature of our democracy has not been tapped to its maximal value as the embodiment of our unique African heritage and conjoint representation of our rich history and our contemporary democratic dispensation. This office symbolises the effort by people of South Africa to create space for aspirations of our diverse people within the framework of our national Constitution, allowing us to share on our common values of modern democracy yet have space for accommodating divergent cultures and traditions in building our nation.
I have outlined below the role, value and benefit that our province stands to gain by appropriately positioning and utilising the Royal Household as an asset and plead that we work together to eliminate negative publicity that has been associated with debate on this matter. It can only do our province good. There may be many suggestions, corrections and proposals that members may wish to table for consideration but let these not distract from the fact that we need to create a positive image of the monarchy and the Royal Household Portfolio.
Monarch as champion of development
Isilo samaBandla has spent most of the year implementing a programme to support the programme of our government, making appearances in many functions in support of various Members of the Executive Council and increasing the appeal and uptake of the programmes of service delivery. In these occasions of public engagements, Isilo has persistently acted as:
*·The champion of peace, reconciliation and unity of all our people and advising strongly against the destruction of statues and symbols of past governments and leaders and calling for these to be embraced as our common heritage
* An advocate for socio-economic development, including provision of infrastructure, roads, water, electricity, etc.
* Promoter for creation of sustainable livelihoods with people being an integral part of the fight to eradication of poverty, talking strongly against dependence and indolence
* As champion for the building of schools and provision of quality education, strong ally in the fight against crime
* Campaigner against corruption especially by those entrusted with high government official responsibility
* Advocate for socially responsible conduct, speaking strongly against drunkenness substance abuse (drug and alcohol)
* Tireless campaigner for respect for women's rights and their emancipation, fighting against domestic violence, abuse of women
* Champion for provision for support and protection for orphans and vulnerable groups in society, an aspect that the whole Royal Household is playing a significant role in the nearby and remote communities.
Members of the house will attest that the authority and respect that the office of the monarch commands always ensures the stronger endorsement of messages and influence in the hearts of people of our province. Isilo has continued to interact with various leaders and sectors to seek support for the provincial government programmes amongst the business, church and different other stakeholders in our society.
Bold leadership in fighting HIV and AIDS
Isilo has shown consistent and bold leadership in the fight against the HIV and AIDS for years. He is driven by the passionate love for the people and his conviction that culture and traditions can be effectively mobilised to change behaviour and reduce the transmission of the virus.
The presentation from Isilo in all public forums is never complete without the strong message on this subject. The passion, with which he has presided over the Umhlanga or reed dance ceremony for more than twenty years of its revival, has been driven by the belief that it provided 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 appeal that the approach has generated in both rural and peri-urban communities.
Isilo has campaigned for the end of discrimination against infected and affected individuals and called for people to undergo testing, and use health facilities to prevent diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and cancers.
Male circumcision
The concern Isilo has about the devastating effect of the pandemic had made him to follow closely on the latest reports of academic research in this field. He was concerned about the inexplicably massive prevalence of the infection in KwaZulu-Natal and felt that the matter deserves additional effort from our province.
It was in this context that during the Ukweshwama ceremony Isilo made the unprecedented but groundbreaking announcement that the ritual of male circumcision had to be revived. This also addressed the previous criticism from women rights activists that there had to be consistent attention paid to the younger males for the interventions to be effective.
The king has used several occasions on public addresses to clarify the call he made not to suggest that male circumcision is a cure for HIV infection but it is an additional effort that improves hygiene and may in the long term impact in the reduction of the spread of the infection. The support from Amakhosi and Izinduna has been overwhelming.
The medical fraternity, health and HIV activists have commended Isilo for this mark of firm and bold leadership. There has not been a word of disapproval or discord nor endless debates that have in the past marred some positive contribution to this fight. We have had no debate, no cynicism. We are immensely grateful to Isilo.
Bayethe! Hlanga lwamakhosi!
The MEC and Department of Health have received unbelievable support from the national government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) representatives. We now have our tasks cut out for us to circumcise over two million males using the safety of professional techniques and encourage the HIV pre-testing as Isilo has commanded.
This announcement will forever change the course of HIV and AIDS in this province. The king and our province has received accolades from the ambassadors of goodwill for the AIDS free generation, who came specifically to pay tribute to Isilo for the leadership and reported the praise for this contribution in the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) meeting chaired by the Deputy President, His Excellency Kgalema Motlanthe held recently in the province. This initiative will be launched on 11 April by the king.
Leader in agrarian reform and food security
The passion Isilo has for agriculture is legendary. Isilo has continued to promote agriculture and self help approach for subsistence farmers. It was this passion that led us to the revival of the Nguni breed cattle project. I am pleased to see that the MEC has reviewed the project and will ensure that it is back to normal again for the benefit of our people and for the preservation of the much treasured indigenous stock.
The historic visit of Isilo to the Fujian province in China led to the development of the mushroom project in the province is a matter of record, as the project was well received by the community. In his capacity as the Chairperson of IngoTyama Trust Board, Isilo as piloted the agrarian reform by working with amakhosi to identify 100 hectares of land to create larger scale farming along the lines of commercial agriculture. The Department of Agriculture Environmental Affairs and Rural Development is already hard at work to make the projects work along the lines of One Village One Product.
Image and profile of KwaZulu-Natal
Isilo continues to represent a unique brand in the identity of our province that has proven to be a source of interest within and outside our borders. Invariably, public engagements by the monarch attract positive publicity for our province. We need to understand that this appearance always creates a unique but appealing image about the province, creating more interest for tourists and investors alike. For this reason the images of the Royal Household and the palaces have to be upgraded to offer an appeal that is consistent with the profile we desire for our province.
Many investors have visited our province and have pleaded to be presented to Isilo before returning to their respective homes. Those who have been hosted by the king, have been left with a lasting impression of the compassion, friendship and charm of the people of KwaZulu-Natal that the King displays as the representative of our people. We need to maximise our benefits in this regard.
Ondlunkulu have made themselves available to support community efforts in the implementation of government flagship programme and working for a better life for all. The coming year will see more involvement and activities in this regard.
Royal diary
A glimpse at the royal diary indicates that with stronger focus more will be achieved by the province of KwaZulu-Natal through the effective coordination of the programme of the Royal Household. Isilo has participated in the ceremonial opening of the provincial legislature adding much colour and grandeur to this special day in our calendar. The official opening of the provincial House of Traditional Leaders was addressed by Isilo on 30 March 2010.
The following amakhosi were officially installed by Ingonyama:
Inkosi Gumbi in Ngwavuma
Inkosi Molefe in Nqutu and
Inkosi Mazibuko in Nquthu
Many more amakhosi will have the honoured bestowed upon them by Isilo in the coming year. The Royal Household hosted guests of international note:
Dr Mark Finley, international Vice President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church on 13 July 1009
Champions for AIDS Free Generations:
* His Excellency Festus Mogae, former President of Republic of Botswana and convenor
* His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, former President of the republic of Mozambique
* Madam Joyce Mahaville, the Chairperson of the African Broadcast Media Partnership and citizen of Tanzania
* His Excellency Todoro Obiang Nguema Mbasongo, President of the Equatorial Guinea Republic on 10 May 2009.
On all these visits, the Office of the Premier ensures adequate high level representation of our government. More visits are expected his year for the benefit of the province.
Royal Household Trust
It is with pleasure that we report that the matter of the Royal Household Trust has been finalised to manage the affairs of the Royal Household. The following individuals have kindly agreed to serve as the members:
Judge Jerome Ngwenya, Chair
Prince Mbonisi Zulu, Deputy Chair and Spokesperson
Mr Don Mkhwanazi, Member
Inkosi Lily Mpungose, Member
Mr Vusi Cyril Xaba, Member
Mrs Binizwi Yaka, Member
Mr Ishwar Ramlutchnan, Member
The Chief Executive Officer is Nkululeko Luthuli who holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Economics and is familiar with the Royal Household. The members of the trust were introduced to the king in the company of Prince MG Buthelezi and the Chair of the provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Bhengu.
We have agreed that a meeting will be held soon for the royal counsellors to the king. I acknowledge the tardiness that has delayed the effective functioning of this team, it shall be rectified. The trust is now operation, a bank account has been opened. They are able to receive revenue and some funds will be transferred into the account so that the trust can deal with responsibilities that have been assigned whilst some responsibilities will remain with government department. Mr Roger Govender will continue to act as the Head of the Royal Household Department encompassing the activities of the department including the trust.
Governance and programmes
The department has a history of over spending, however, with the change in administration of the department came a positive change in financial management. Indeed, for the first time in the last few years, the department is anticipating that no over-expenditure will occur in 2009/10. This is a result of the stringent cost cutting measures that we have implemented.
The Department of the Royal Household succeeded in aligning its programme activities with its budget during the past financial year. The department also surpassed its service delivery targets in terms of ceremonies and events as well as the refurbishment project at the palaces, thus managing to maintain a positive image of his majesty the king and the royal family.
Raising funds for the refurbishment of the palaces was not achieved during 2008/09 financial year as it was anticipated. This was due to the fact that the trust had not come into operation. Minor repairs and refurbishment projects were funded from the departmental budget.
We will continue to ensure the alignment between the realities of traditional leadership governance and the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). In this regard we have appointed the chief financial officer and budget controller to ensure the compliance with PFMA.
Whilst there are strategies being developed to streamline the administration of the department, programmes that were tabled in the last 2008/09 financial year will continue.
The department will undertake to prepare a zero based budget where all cost drivers will be clearly identified. A zero based budget could not be achieved in the 2008/09 financial year since cost drivers were not clearly identified.
An accurately calculated schedule of events will be developed in consultation with other departments like the Office of the Premier, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Arts and Culture.
The Royal Household Department will continue with the issue of finalising policies and guidelines. These includes the key policy on the quantum of expenditure that is allowed for various activities and ceremonies, subsistence and travel and procurement of vehicles and other equipment for His Majesty the King and the Royal Family will be finalised and implemented.
The protocol manual with regard to the size of his majesty's entourage will also be finalised and implemented. The budget policy will be reviewed to include prioritisation criteria. The process of retrenching excess employees will be finalised and voluntary packages will be paid at the beginning of the 2010/11 financial year. The department will also offer bursaries and in-service training for its employees in order to build capacity.
The department intends to fully roll out the implementation of the trust during 2010/11. Board members and the chief executive officer have been appointed and have been formally introduced to his majesty. We have already approached National Treasury regarding the formulation of the trust into a public entity. We anticipate that the trust will be listed as a public entity by mid-year, and that the Trust will run parallel with the department as an interim measure.
Once the trust has been listed as a public entity, funds will be transferred from the department to the trust. As of the 2011/12 financial year, it is envisaged that the department will be replaced by the trust and will be incorporated into vote one; Office of the Premier as a sub-programme.
During the transition period, the department will continue with its routine activities, such as administrative support to his majesty, the king, maintenance of palaces and farming activities.
Programme one: Administration (support services to his majesty), R21,117 million
The purpose of this programme is to provide administrative and auxiliary services to his majesty, the king and the royal family. It is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that his majesty, the king and the royal family execute the mandate as provided in the legislation. It is also responsible for the development and protection of the monarchy as a provincial brand.
Programme two: Royal Household planning and development, R15,774 million
This programme is responsible for the overall infrastructure design and maintenance of the Royal residences, with its core activity being the refurbishment of the palaces.
Programme three: His majesty, the king’s farms R3,187 million
This programme is responsible for the operation and maintenance of his majesty, the king’s farms. It ensures 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, in his role as guardian and protector of the vulnerable. The operation and maintenance of the farms will continue, with the department ensuring that all 1 300 cattle will be vaccinated.
Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to thank the acting Director-General, Mr Roger Govender and the staff of the Office of the Premier for their commitment and dedication. I now formally wish to table vote 10 with a budget of R40,078,000 before the legislature.
I thank you,
Mulalo Afrika Tshipembe
Contact:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
Tel: 031 327 9360 or 033 341 3320 or 3342
Fax: 031 301 0336 or 033 345 8490
E-mail: ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com and sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 April 2010
