"Taking Decisive Action in the time of Renewal and Hope as we Rebuild a Better, Prosperous, and Resilient KwaZulu-Natal."
His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini Hlanga lomhlabathi! Prime Minister of Zulu Monarch: - Prince M.G. Buthelezi Queen Mothers
Ndlunkulu kaMayisela Abantwana baseNdlunkulu
Former President of the Republic of South Africa: - His Excellency J.G. Zuma Chairperson of Provincial House of Traditional and Koisan Leaders: - lnkosi R.S. Shinga Speaker of the KZN Legislature: Ms N. Boyce
Hon Deputy-Speaker of the KZN Legislature: Mr R.T. Mthembu
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: - Mr N. Mthethwa
Former Minister of Health: - Dr Z.L. Mkhize
Former Premier: - Mr S. Zikalala
Deputy Minister for Social Development: - Ms H. Bogopane-Zulu
Deputy Minister of Health: - Dr S. Dhlomo
KwaZulu Natal Secretary of the African National Congress: - Mr B. Mtolo
Members of the Provincial Executive Council Members of the KZN Legislature
Members of the National Council of Provinces
Judge President of the KZN Division: - Judge Poyo Dlwathi Hon. Judge Radebe
uMgungundlovu District Mayor Cllr M. Zuma uMsunduzi Host Mayor Cllr M. Thebolla, eThekwini Metro Mayor Cllr T.M. Kaunda All other District & Local Mayors Present
Provincial Commissioner: - Lte General Mkhwanazi
Members of the Diplomatic corps
Director-General of KZN Province: -Dr N.O. Mkhize- and all HODs
Secretary of the KZN Legislature: - Ms N. Naidoo Members of the Planning Commission Present Representatives of Business, Labour & Civil Society Religious Leaders
Distinguished guests
All Media Houses present Ladies and gentlemen
Madame Speaker and Honourable Members,
I stand here honoured to address this august house and the people of KwaZulu-Natal on the 2023 State of the Province Address.
I am deeply humbled by the opportunity that the African National Congress and this Legislature, representing the people of KwaZulu-Natal, have given me to rewrite history and serve my beloved province in this esteemed capacity.
This is yet another notable achievement for the women of this province, all made possible by the African National Congress in pursuit of a South Africa which is truly united, non racial, non-sexist, equal and prosperous.
We thus stand here acutely conscious that those chosen by fate as pioneers also carry the duty to break ceilings and throw open the gates of inequality, so that more like us can come in and make the circle of leadership bigger and better in service of the people who have entrusted us with the mandate to lead.
Condolences to Judge Phillip Levinsohn
Madame Speaker, it is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of retired Judge Phillip Levinsohn who dedicated his life to upholding justice and the rule of law in South Africa.
Judge Levinsohn was a champion of human rights and played an important role in South Africa's transition to democracy and served as a judge in the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.
We remember his contribution to the fight for the recognition and promotion of women judges to higher positions in the Judiciary. In 2013, Judge Levinsohn was awarded the Order of the Baobab (Silver) by our government.
May His Soul and those of all the Departed Rest in Peace!
We hail His Majesty the King! Bayede Wena Wesilo!
Madame Speaker, yesterday history was made as His Majesty King MisuZulu kaZwelithini for the first time since his crowning, officiated at the opening of our Legislature.
Madame Speaker, yesterday history was made as His Majesty King MisuZulu kaZwelithini for the first time since his crowning, officiated at the opening of our Legislature.
In 2022 we were first-hand witnesses to history as His Majesty ascended to the throne through uMkhosi wokungena esiBayeni and the Handing Over of the Certificate of Recognition. His Majesty's presence here today - accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, Abantwana baseNdlunkulu and Amabutho - continues our province's time-tested tradition in which our reigning Monarch plays a leading role as we open our Legislature session.
We look forward to the continuation of this great tradition where His Majesty gives wise counsel and serves as a uniting force in our province.
Hlanga Lomhlabathi, we hear your call for a crime summit against the horrific crimes in our province including Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
Nathi sibabaza umhlola ngamahlazo enzeka esizweni, nangalenhlobo yodlame oselubhebhethekile. Sithembisa ukwelula isandla singuHulumeni sibambisane neNdlunkulu ukweseka iMkhosi yesizwe njengokulayela kweSilo, uMlomo ongathethi manga!
Celebrating the indomitable spirit of the people Kwazulu-Natal - A key component of our national character
Madame Speaker and Hon. Members, in the face of adversity, the history of KwaZulu Natal must rhyme with hope.
At a time when the national mood is understandably gloomy, depressed by a plethora of challenges, it is possible to miss the rainbow of hope in the distant horizon, and to fall into the temptation of caricaturing life as dull, falling apart and depicting it as being beyond redemption.
In such moments of apprehension, may we regain our perspective and draw courage from the undeniable history of resilience of the people of our province, whose tenacity and fortitude have sustained generations in different epochs of strife and crises.
Our generation must notice the silver lining in the clouds and choose faith over anxiety about the common future we are carving together.
Again, today and tomorrow, we must remain anchored in the oasis of faith so that in time we can reach the pinnacle of our dreams and fulfil our potential.
A better tomorrow is no wishful thinking
Madame Speaker, our faith for a better tomorrow has been fortified by the KwaZulu-Natal matric class of 2022 which attained the impressive 83 % pass rate. Again, we say Halala Matric Class of 2022 for surpassing all expectation!
We are also energised by the achievements of our Grammy Award winners Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman. Their success has nourished our hope for a better future and because of their exploits, KwaZulu-Natal stands shoulder high above others in the number of Grammy Awards that have been won by a province. [PDF] Read more:
