The Provincial Executive Council of KwaZulu-Natal Chaired by the Premier Sihle Zikalala convened its ordinary meeting yesterday, 23 March 2022.
The meeting reflected on a number of issues impacting on the lives of the people of the province.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CALLS FOR FASTER IMPLEMENTATION OF ETHEKWINI HUMAN SETTLEMENTS STRATEGY
The Provincial Executive Council welcomes the report on the Human Settlements Strategy that was presented by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cllr. Mxolisi Kaunda, Deputy Mayor Cllr. Philani Mavundla and Acting City Manager Musa Mbhele.
The Provincial Executive Council invited the Ethekwini Metro to make a presentation on their strategy for Human Settlements.
Th presentation on the implementation of the comprehensive Human Settlements Strategy for eThekwini covered a number of areas including the housing backlog, land invasion, transit camps, the completion of Cornubia, social and gap housing, community residential units among others.
The Executive Council noted and appreciated the work being done to meet the ballooning demand for human settlements in eThekwini which is exacerbated by rapid urbanisation.
The Executive Council noted that the figure of housing delivery has declined, and that not enough focus was being placed on other housing instruments such as social houses.
The Provincial Cabinet however raised concerns about the decline in the rate of housing delivery attributed to two years of COVID-19, but urged the Metro to introduce a turnaround approach that will ramp up the delivery of houses again.
Provincial Cabinet also raised concerns related to invasion and the illegal occupation of land which in some instances is affecting transport and impacting negatively on the economy.
Land invasions also frustrate development plans for the city adding undue delay through litigation.
The Executive Council expressed outrage at allegations that officials are reportedly fighting among themselves over who will benefit from housing developments. In some instances officials serving in bid committees fight amongst each other.
In addition the Executive Council has called for strict measures to be taken against people who sell RDP houses or rent them out only to stay in land that is not suitable for human settlement.
The Executive Council wants a sense of urgency and more pace in delivering human settlements and arresting the moving target of informal settlements.
To that extent the Municipality has been requested to return soon to the Executive Council to present reports and a project plan with clear timelines on the eradication of transit camps, informal settlements upgrades, projects that have been stopped and why.
The Executive Council will also pay close attention to the state of the City and will request a session to reflect on issues related to water, sanitation, metro police, hijacked buildings and many others.
The Executive Council expressed its support for efforts to develop the eThekwini Municipality into a leading global city that is the envy of many in Africa and the rest of the world.
In the process, the city was directed to thrive to develop its human development index that will also see the standards of its people rise and improve to unparalleled levels in Africa and the world.
EXTENSION OF CONTRACTS FOR 7020 STAFF EMPLOYED TO ASSIST IN COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN
The Executive Council has resolved to extend the contracts of 7 020 temporary staff members that were employed to assist the province in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the pandemic seems to be subsiding, the Government is of the view that the COVID-19 virus remains unpredictable and throws surprises at any given moment. Therefore, we are of the view that while some measures may be de-escalated, we should adopt a cautious phased approach and not completely de-mobilise the machinery.
While the addition of these cadres is a much-needed shot in the arm to the public healthcare system, we are of the view that their retention will allow for a quicker response should there be new variants and/or outbreaks of COVID - 19. Government wishes to remind all citizens that the cure has not been found as yet and encourages all those who have not received the jab to get vaccinated. The extension by the Executive Council will be for a further six months.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE TO WORK IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY TOWARDS CORORNATION OF KING MISUZULU KAZWELITHINI
The Executive Council further hailed, welcomed and congratulated the people of KwaZulu-Natal following the announcement by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa that His Royal Highness Crown Prince MisuZulu kaZwelithini as King of the Zulu nation.
The Executive Council invites all the people of KwaZulu-Natal to unite behind our newly announced King and the entire Royal Family.
The Executive Council team led by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Peggy Nkonyeni, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sipho Hlomuka, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation Hlengiwe Mavimbela will lead all consultations with the Zulu Royal Family, the national government on all matters that are relevant to its responsibilities culminating also to all processes relating to the coronation of the King.
Now that the President has formally gazzetted the King, all structures and systems from the Provincial Government stand ready to provide all the necessary support including the tools of trade to His Majesty the King as he embarks on this important task of leading the nation.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE EDUCATION HOD DR NZAMA
The Provincial Cabinet offered its condolences to the family, friends, relatives and colleagues of the late Dr Enock Nzama, a seasoned educator and former HOD for education in KwaZulu-Natal who passed away this week.
The Executive Council paid tribute to Dr Nzama for his passion for the development of the province expressed in how he contributed to the improvement of the education sector and the development of many learners in the province. Thanks to Dr Nzama many former learners who went through his hands now occupy leading positions in various industries not only in South Africa but also in other parts of the world. Provincial Executive Council regards Dr Nzama wishes especially his family well and May His Soul Rest in Peace.
ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: PROVINCIAL HEAD COMMUNICATION – LENNOX MABASO ON 0828842403 OR PREMIER MEDIA LIAISON GUGU SISILANA ON 0828893474.