The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council led by the Premier Sihle Zikalala, held its ordinary meeting on the 03 March 2021. The meeting was the first since the tabling of the 2021 state of the province by the Premier Sihle Zikalala. The following matters were reflected upon and key decisions taken:

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WELCOMES AND SUPPORT EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE DURBAN PORT

The Provincial Executive Council received a report on Transnet’s plans for the expansion of the Durban Port. The plans are part of the Port of Durban Master Plan by Transnet. The plan seeks to establish an internationally competitive hub port system and leverage private sector partnerships to re-position the container rail and port terminal businesses.

Key initiatives include establishing the Port of Durban as a container hub port and growing its capacity. The Executive Council overwhelmingly supported the expansion of the port and pledged its support in ensuring that all municipalities and stakeholders are fully behind the plans.

The Provincial Executive Council further emphasised the importance of the implementation of all the plans saying there is a need to move towards fast racking the implementation of all the projects that have been pronounced.

The MECs responsible for the Infrastructure Subcommittee have been assigned to work with Transnet to catalyse these projects with required speed.

RELOCATION OF TRANSNET HEAD OFFICE TO THE EASTERN CAPE During its ordinary meeting, the KZN Provincial Executive Council also received a report on the planned relocation of the Transnet National Ports Authority Head Office to the Port of Ngqura in the Eastern Cape. At the meeting Transnet was represented by a delegation of senior executives led by CEO Portia Derby. The delegation made a presentation on the planned move and the rationale behind it.

According to Transnet, the decision to relocate was prompted by the fact that its iMendi Building at Ngqura was underutilised. The Executive Council expressed its vehement opposition to the decision to relocate the Transnet Head Office to the Eastern Cape.

The Provincial Executive Council made it succinctly clear that its opposition to the move is based on the long standing and agreed principle that the Head Office of one of the biggest ports on the African continent should be next to its major operations.

The Provincial Executive Council made it clear that this matter should not be viewed in the prism of a KZN vs Eastern Cape, but should be judged purely on international best practice and the economic logic of locating the HQ of a logistics organisation such as Transnet. The Provincial Executive Council said the move in fact amounted to reneging on a long-standing decision to relocate the head office to Durban.

It is the view of the Provincial Executive Council that the Port of Durban is not only the heartbeat of the country’s economy, but it affects the entire ecosystem of the SADC economy.

The Provincial Executive Council believes that the decision to relocate the head office to the Eastern Cape defies all global trends and standards. The decision is not in line with the global trends where head offices of port authorities are located in areas where the major operations are.

The Provincial Executive Council believes that having a Transnet head office in Durban is the most rational decision to take given that the Port of Durban is the busiest in Africa.

The Executive Council resolved to consider using all the mechanisms at its disposal to oppose the move. Such may include declaring an intergovernmental dispute on the Transnet decision.

The Executive Council has appointed a team comprising of MECs Ravi Pillay and Peggy Nkonyeni to work with Transnet and other stakeholders with the view to finding a solution to the matter.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EXTENDS CONTRACTS OF 10 321 HEALTH CARE WORKERS BY SIX MONTHS – MOVE TO ACCELERATE VACCINATION AND POSSIBLE THIRD WAVE

Provincial Cabinet has approved the extension by six months of the contracts of 10 321 healthcare workers who were appointed to strengthen the provincial healthcare system last year, and deployed to COVID – 19 sites.

Given the unprecedented devastation caused particularly by the second wave of COVID – 19 – and with the country worryingly facing the possibility of a third wave in or around April 2021, the province needs to maintain the capacity that it has created, in order to be able to respond effectively to the potential attack of the virus in the coming months.

The appointment of the above-mentioned contract staff has assisted in alleviating the pressure and burn-out of staff who have borne the brunt of COVID – 19.

Their presence has improved turn-around times in the attendance and treatment of patients; as well as led to the reduction in patient waiting times, among other critical performance areas. It has also assisted in the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates of patients.

We are therefore very pleased that these staff members will continue being in the frontlines of our healthcare system, helping us to continue waging war against COVID – 19.

KWAZULU-NATAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT TO BUILD ETHICAL AND CAPABLE GOVERNMENT

The Executive Council approved for the first time, a KwaZulu-Natal Consequence Management Framework which will serve as a practical instrument to curb fraud, corruption and mismanagement of public resources. Under this framework cases of misconduct, corruption, fraud will be expedited and finalised within the set time frames. The framework ensures the protection of investigating and presiding officers against undue influence or threats, victimization and other acts of intimidation. The framework also prescribes that recommendations and findings by investigating units are implemented within 30 days of their release by the relevant departments. Long pending cases of fraud and corruption will be finalised within 90 days. The framework will be linked to Performance Agreements, Assessment and rewards in respect of all public servants in the province.

DAMAGE TO INFRASTRUCTURE, POLICING OF FUNERALS AND ILLEGAL LIQUOR OUTLETS

The Provincial Executive Council received a report on the threats and attack on infrastructure in Kwa- Zulu Natal.

This included:

➢ Attacks on the Road Freight industry whereby damages to roads, disruptions to traffic and delivery occur; ➢ The Damage of Cell phone Towers. This threat began after a video on social media alleged that the 5G towers was a risk to health; ➢ The damage to electricity and water supply in the UGU District; ➢ Damage of fuel pipelines and theft of fuel, reports has shown an increase in the areas of Escort, Cato Ridge and Warden (Free State).

PROGRESS ON TRUCK PROTESTS AND ATTACKS

The Provincial Executive Council noted and welcomed the report to the effect that 31 Cases were reported and 10 suspects arrested. A dedicated task team at District levels has been established to promptly attend to these cases.

All investigations will be conducted with the aim of identifying, tracing and arresting perpetrators with the intention of neutralising the syndicate.

THEFT AND DAMAGE TO FUEL PIPELINES

A Provincial plan has been put in place to address theft of fuel and damage to pipelines. Investigations have been centralised with the DPCI. All police stations are patrolling and conducting site visits to key points. As a result of intelligence operations the following recoveries and arrests were made • 28 suspects arrested; • 2 delivery trucks and 3 tankers were recovered during an intelligence driven operation in Ladysmith in December 2020.

DAMAGE TO CELLULAR TOWERS

The EXCO noted that 8 cases have been reported. The incidents started when health risks were posted on social media. The SAPS are working on the cases.

THE DAMAGES TO WATER SUPPLY IN UGU

The Executive Council noted the progress report. Police are still hunting for those behind this infrastructure sabotage. Several dockets have been opened and the SAPS is working closely with the NPA to arrest and prosecute suspects.

HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH COMMEMORATION

The Provincial Executive Council will commemorate the Human Rights Month with a focus on the plight of farm workers and farmers as well as water delivery in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Executive Council will be visiting the areas of Vryheid and Edumbe from the 19-20 March 2021. The main Human Rights Day will be held in Newcastle where the Premier and the Executive Council will be giving feedback to farm workers and farmers since the last engagement.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONGRATULATES THE MATRIC CLASS OF 2020

The Provincial Executive Council received a report on the performance of the Matric Class of 2020. The Executive Council reiterated its appreciation to all the teachers, leaners, parents, unions and all education stakeholders for flying the flag of the province high in a year that has been extraordinary difficult. Provincial Executive Council congratulates all the stakeholders especially the students and staff led by MEC Kwazi Mshengu.

CONDOLENCES

The Provincial Executive Council passed its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Mduduzi Michael Mtshali who served as a member of the Provincial Planning Commission. Mr Mtshali passed away on the 28 February 2021 and will be laid to rest on the 06 March 2021 at KwaJoni in the Ugu District.

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government

For more information

Please Contact - Lennox Mabaso –

Spokesperson   -     Provincial Government Communication

Mobile               -     082 884 2403

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Thami Ngidi - 066 3066 793