Today, the Speaker of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Honourable Neliswa Nkonyeni announces that the official opening of the third session of the fourth KwaZulu-Natal Legislature will take place on 21 February 2011 at the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds’ Olympia Hall in Pietermaritzburg.
As per the Standing Rules of the Legislature, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini, will officially open the Legislature and deliver the keynote address to the house.
The speaker said, “The opening of the Legislature by His Majesty the King demonstrates our respect for the institution of traditional leadership in KwaZulu-Natal. His Majesty, as head of traditional leadership in the province, represents the unity of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. We wish to express our gratitude to His Majesty for performing this important role with unwavering commitment for many years.”
The official opening of the Legislature marks the beginning of the business of the Legislature for the current year. The opening of the Legislature will be followed by the State of the Province Address by Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize on 22 February 2011 at the Royal Show Grounds Olympia Hall.
In his State of the Province Address, the Premier will address all the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal and outline key priorities and programmes of the provincial government during 2011. The Premier is expected to recommit his government to improved and faster service delivery in all priority areas in order to bring about a better life for all KwaZulu-Natal citizens. On 24 February, all political parties represented in the house will debate the Premier’s State of the Province Address in the Legislature chamber.
Amongst high profile guests expected to attend both events include Speakers of other Provincial Legislatures, Members of Parliament, diplomats, business leaders, religious leaders, members of the Royal Household, Amakhosi, all Mayors and Councilors.
In keeping with the Legislature’s commitment to facilitate public participation in all its activities, the public from Umgungundlovu District will also attend the events. Members of the media are invited to both events. The media will use Gate five to enter the Royal Show Grounds and proceed to the media room (Parklane) where they will receive accreditation. This will enable the media to proceed to Olympia Hall where they will be seated in an area designated for journalists. The media room, Parklane House, will be available for use by media during the two days of the sitting at the Royal Show Grounds. Both sittings start at 10h00.
For more information contact:
Sina Wiseman Nxumalo
Cell: 082 906 0449
E-mail: nxumalow@kznlegislature.gov.za
Wonder Hlongwa
Cell: 082 908 3532
E-mail: hlongwaw@kznlegislature.gov.za
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
