The Provincial Executive Council Chaired by the Premier Sihle Zikalala, held its ordinary meeting today. This was the first meeting since the planting of His Majesty the King.

KZN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO SOUTH AFRICANS FOR SUPPORT DURING THE PERIOD OF MOURNING

The Provincial Executive Council observed that a sombre mood still engulf the Province following the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu. Many who held His Majesty dear in their hearts are still contemplating the future without the physical presence of His Majesty the King. His Majesty has left an indelible mark on the sands of time, and his passing even deeper scars in the hearts and minds of the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

The Executive Council has on behalf of the people and government of KwaZulu-Natal, expressed its sincerest gratitude to the many South Africans, distinguished guests from other Royal Families here and in the rest of the world, governments, the faith-based community and the private sector who personally and from a distance, have conveyed their shared grief to the Royal Family and provincial government throughout this mourning period in our province.

The Provincial Executive Council also wish to thank His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa for according His Majesty’s Memorial the Official Category 1 status, and for honouring us with his valued presence and comforting address. We also thank the former President Jacob Zuma, Umtwana waKwaPhindangene, Inkosi Buthelezi, leaders of political parties, all the arms of government in KwaZulu-Natal and nationally for their role in ensuring a dignified and befitting goodbye to His Majesty. In particular we thank Amabutho and the members of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster for delivering an incident-free send-off to our beloved King.

“We also wish to express our appreciation to members of the media for the wonderful coverage and relaying to viewers around the world this historic yet sad occasion. We are particularly grateful to the media throughout because we were able to reach to the rest of the country to relay the message that owing to the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic, we expected them not to come to the event but to remain at home and view the proceedings on media platforms”.

*EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WARNS AGAINST COMPLACENCY ON CORONAVIRUS*

The Provincial Executive Council, would like to reiterate that the threat of the Corona virus remains real. We remind all citizens that we are expected to observe all the relevant restrictions including sanitising, social distancing, and the wearing of masks at all times. The Executive Council observed with concern some behaviours that poses the risks of increasing Covid-19. Failure to adhere will leave government with no option but to review the impact and effectiveness of the level 1 restrictions.

*LET’S AVOID ANOTHER WAVE*

As we said before, we must continue to adhere to all health protocols and avoid another wave of Covid-19. Let us wear our masks, sanitise, and keep social distancing. Let us avoid dropping the guard and engaging in social activities that have a potential of becoming super spreaders of the virus and to bring even more death and sorrow. We urge all the people of KwaZulu Natal to continue showing maximum discipline.

*UGU DISTRICT RESPONSE*

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal has on behalf of the Provincial Executive Council, deployed the MEC’s for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, who is also Cabinet Champion of Ugu District as well as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sipho Hlomuka, to respond to the issues affecting the community in uGu District. The government working together with the community is committed to addressing issues holistically. The Executive Council appeals for calm and cooperation among all stakeholders.

*Issued by the Provincial Government Communication*

*For more information please contact*

*Provincial Government Spokesperson: Lennox Mabaso on 082 884 2403*

Or

*Thami Ngidi 066 3066 793*

ENDS*