Today the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala chaired a Sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council, which deliberated on a number of issues and took the following decisions:
1. PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE FORMER DEPUTY MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY KAMAGWAZA-MSIBI
The Provincial Government noted with great sadness the news about the passing away of the former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi. It was reported that the family of the late former Deputy Minister has requested the Honourable Premier to assist with the declaration of her funeral as Special Provincial Official Funeral.
The Executive Council supports this request by the Premier to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to grant Ms Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
The request is in line with the provisions of the 2016 Policy on State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral. The Executive Council believes that kaMagwaza-Msibi deserves such as an honour having served the people of this country with distinction as an untiring and dedicated activist, Councillor, Mayor and Deputy Minister.
2. KZN PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ADOPTS PROGRAMMES TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE AND RACIAL TENSIONS
The Executive Council conducted an assessment of the situation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The Provincial Exco noted that there is strong need to enhance unity and social cohesion in the province following the civil unrest and racial tension. The Executive Council resolved to adopt the 365-day social cohesion and moral regeneration programme as part of building a united and a peaceful province.
To breathe life to this commitment the provincial government resolved that commencing with Heritage Month, society will be mobilised around socially cohesive and uniting programmes. These will include arts, culture, heritage and sports as an instrument of building a united province.
On the 3rd of September 2021, the Provincial Executive Council will join civil society in peace walks that will take place across all districts of KZN. KZN will also hold Heritage Day under the #WE ARE ONE banner, which is a call for unity across the cultural divide and focus in areas that are considered hotspots for tensions. Sporting tournaments will be organised in identified areas to foster a common nationhood and to help lower the tensions.
3. GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE UPL CHEMICAL SPILL
The Executive Council received a report on the fire incident and the subsequent chemical spill that took place at the UPL Warehouse in Cornubia. Executive Council noted with concern the environmental disaster caused by this incident, and the danger it poses to the citizens and businesses in the area. The Executive Council supports a thorough investigation into the cause of this incident and further calls for criminal enforcement against anyone found guilty for their role in this matter. Executive Council has directed that affected communities be continuously kept abreast of the progress with regard to efforts aimed at resolving this matter.
4. NEW AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEMBERS APPROVED
As part of efforts to facilitate a dynamic, transformed, diversified and sustainable agribusinesses sector in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Executive Council approved the appointment of new Board Members of the Agricultural Development Agency of KwaZulu-Natal.
The new board members have been tasked with speeding up the implementation of catalytic agricultural projects that will change the lives of many citizens and to ensure that they benefit in the entire agro-processing value chain.
The New Board Members are as follows:
Mr Willies Mchunu (Chairperson) Inkosi Mbhekiseni Mazibuko (Deputy Chairperson) Ms Thandeka Ntshangase Ms Sinethemba Cele Mr Nkosenhle Mngadi Ms Dianetse Mokoatle Mr Sifiso Gabela
5. COMMENCEMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION ADJUDICATION OF ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES (AARTO)
The Provincial Cabinet received a report on the commencement of the implementation of the Administration Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO).
The Executive Council noted that the Municipalities of eThekwini, Msunduzi, uMhlathuze, Newcastle, Ray Nkonyeni, Alfred Duma, and KwaDukuza have been identified as ready to implement the AARTO system.
Executive Council welcomed the good intentions of AARTO which includes improving driver behaviour and encouraging motorists to be law-abiding citizens and to reduce road accidents.
The Executive Council raised discomfort with the recommendation that AARTO stationery may only be sourced from Government Printing Works at a fee.
According to the Provincial EXCO this move will undermine the possible job spinoffs which may accrue to the province should the supplies be sourced in KwaZulu- Natal.
The Executive Council delegated the provincial Department of Transport to engage the national department with the aim of increasing appetite for participation, but also to educate people thoroughly on the AARTO system.
6. BUDGET PERFORMANCE REPORT – JULY 2021 & CASH POSITION AS AT 31 JULY 2021
The Executive Council was informed of the budget performance of the Province for 2021/22, as at July 2021 and decided as follows:
a) All Departments must analyse their budgets and ascertain if there is no spending on items that are not necessary.
b) There must be no overspending by any department in the Provincial Government. Departments that are projected to over-spend must analyse their budget and programmes.
c) There must be absolute discipline and dedication from all role players in order for KwaZulu-Natal to recover sustainably from the current economic challenges
7. LAUNCH OF THE 2021/2022 PLANTING SEASON
The Executive Council received a report on the launch of the 2021/2022 Multi-Planting Season which seeks to heighten public awareness of government’s programmes that are aimed at eliminating hunger and poverty in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Executive Council supports the efforts to develop a thriving rural economy and to make agriculture attractive to the youth in rural and urban areas.
ENDS
Issues by the Provincial Government Communication
For more information contact: Lennox Mabaso on 082 884 2403 OR Gugu Sisilana on 082 889 3474