The Provincial Executive Council of KwaZulu-Natal, Chaired by the Premier Sihle Zikalala held a Special meeting today which was followed by the Command Council.

The Provincial Command Council is comprised of Members of the Executive Council, District Mayors and the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Chairperson Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza. It ensures a well-integrated and coordinated planning and response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the province.

Both meetings were held virtually and took the following decisions:

The following resolutions were taken:

1. KWAZULU-NATAL ISSUES COVID-19 WARNING AS FIVE DISTRICTS CROSS THIRD WAVE LINE

Provincial Command Council received the latest report on the Covid-19 infection rate in KwaZulu-Natal which paints a bleak picture and an approaching danger as KZN districts cross the third wave line.

The province had a percentage change of 45% (45% increases) in the number of new cases received in the past week. The average number of cases recorded daily has increased from 859-1 261 within 7-day period. The number of daily hospital isolations increases steadily in both private and public hospitals, including ICU and patients requiring ventilation. Five districts are recording high numbers constantly and are reportedly on resurgence - third wave: These include Amajuba, Uthukela, UMzinyathi, UMgungundlovu and Zululand.

The report attributed the rise to behaviour including lack of adherence to the non- pharmaceutical measures and the continued holding of social gatherings and parties.

In addition, movement from provinces adjoining KwaZulu Natal such as Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State meant that the province is likely to see a peak in the number of infections. The Provincial Government continues to appeal to citizens to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols and not embark on activities that may put lives at risk and spread the virus.

2. KZN LEADING IN VACCINATIONS

 

The Provincial Executive Council received an update of the vaccination rollout in the province. The vaccination programme was launched at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital by Premier Zikalala in February this year.

The Province is leading nationally in all the vaccination categories such as Health Care Workers, Teachers and those over the 60 years of age.

The Province is embarking on a vaccination drive with a key focus on rural areas where the turnout for vaccinations is less impressive. The Government calls on all Amakhosi, Councillors, Izinduna to assist in ensuring that citizens in the qualifying categories in rural areas are assisted ton register and take their vaccinations. The Provincial Department of Health will always be available to provide support. So far the figures are as follows:

3. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSONS AND DEPUTY CHAIRPERSONS OF THE BOARDS OF ENTITIES

Today the KwaZulu-Natal provincial executive council approved the appointment of chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of the various boards of public entities under the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

The decision comes just weeks after the provincial executive council approved the appointment of board members into vacant posts at these entities. The filling of these critical will strengthen the boards and enable them to fully execute their mandate which in turn will improve governance and efficiency of the entities.

The public entities are the key drivers of innovation, investment attraction and marketing for the province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is thus expected that the entities will lead the recovery of the economy of the province following the devastation caused by Covid-19.

It must be noted that the appointment of these new members is subject to them accepting the appointments and also undergoing relevant processes including vetting.

3.1. MOSES KOTANE INSTITUTE

 

Chairperson: Mrs S Nkomo

Deputy-Chairperson: Mr Thinta Cibane

3.2. KWAZULU-NATAL SHARKS BOARD

 

Chairperson: Ms Precious Funiwe Lungayeni

Deputy-Chairperson: Mr Innocent Bheki Dladla

3.3. KWAZULU-NATAL TOURISM AUTHORITY

 

Chairperson: Mr. Sithembiso Madlala

Deputy-Chairperson: Ms. Mato Madlala

3.4. KWAZULU-NATAL GAMING AND BETTING BOARD

 

Chairperson: Dr Sakhile Glen Ngcobo

Deputy-Chairperson: Ms Mbali Myeni

3.5. RICHARDS BAY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE

 

Chairperson: Dr Sakhile Glen Ngcobo

Deputy-Chairperson: Ms Gugu M Mashiteng

3.6. TRADE AND INVESTMENT KWAZULU-NATAL

 

Chairperson: Ms. Ina Cronjé

Deputy-Chairperson: Ms. LCZ Cele

3.7. KWAZULU-NATAL FILM COMMISSION

 

Chairperson: Ms. Nise Malange

Deputy-Chairperson: Mr John Wills

4. The appointment of Chairpersons and their Deputies follows the approval on the 9th of June of the Boards of State-Owned Entities. The new boards are constituted as follows:

4.1. MOSES KOTANE

 

Clive Bheka Zulu

Thinta Cibane

Senamile K N Masango

Tshepo David Khoza

Mel Clarke

4.2. KWAZULU-NATAL SHARKS BOARD

 

Pascal Siphelele Zulu

Sibusisiwe Maureen Ngcobo

David Roy Holness

Innocent Bheki Dladla

Sibusiso Jetro Khoza

Precious Funiwe Lungayeni

Rampathie Naidoo

4.3. KWAZULU-NATAL TOURISM BOARD

 

Sifiso Kalinjani

Ragnhild Button

Krishna Naidoo

4.4. KWAZULU-NATAL GAMING AND BETTING BOARD

 

Sharon Fikile Mkhize

Charlotte Mhlongo

Mpumelelo Zikalala

Nalini Maharaj

4.5. RICHARDS BAY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE BOARD

 

Silas Zwelakhe Hlophe

Gracia Sibongile Skosana

Johannes Collen Weapond

Elphas F Mbatha

Sakhile Glen Ngcobo

Gugu M Mashiteng

Mbali Ndlovu

Sizwe Mchunu

Sikhumbuzo Mdlalose

Cynthia Vilakazi

4.6. TRADE AND INVESTMENT KZN BOARD

 

Sakhile Keith Mpungose

Edwin Bheki Mkhize

Derek Naidoo

Eric Makhosini Nkosi

4.7. KWAZULU-NATAL FILM COMMISSION BOARD

 

Sanele Siyabonga Zondi

Linda Rose-Anne Ngcobo

John Wills

5. NEW HEAD FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

During its sitting, the Provincial Executive Council approved the appointment of Mr Siboniso Mbhele as the new Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. Mr Mbhele has since 2009, been Chief Director of Road Infrastructure and Regional Services in the Department of Transport. In these roles Mr Mbhele has been responsible for a number of areas including the Motor Licencing Offices, the provision of the basic transport network to the urban and rural dwellers of the province and the management of the Expanded Public Works Programmes in the region. A seasoned and highly rated transport administrator, Mr Mbhele holds a Diploma in Civil Engineering, a B.Tech in Engineering and a Master of Business Administration. All appointments are subject to the appropriate verification processes.

6. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ON AIDS

 

Premier Zikalala also convened the Provincial Council on Aids which commended the work done in terms of the Response Plan in managing the AIDS and HIV pandemic under the 90-90-90 initiative.

The Provincial Executive Council noted the need for continued focus on HIV and AIDS alongside the current challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The stakeholders have committed to ensuring that there is no lowering of the guard in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and that all approaches be integrated to address both the Covid-19 and HIC/AIDS pandemic. The Provincial Council on Aids undertook to continue to support structures at District and local level in this regard.

Issued by the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal

For more information contact the Provincial Head of Communication Mr Lennox Mabaso on 082 884 2403 or Thami Ngidi 066 3066 793