The Provincial Executive Council chaired by the Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube held its ordinary meeting today,19 October 2022 and resolved on the following issues:
1. PREPARATIONS FOR THE HANDOVER OF THE CERTIFICATE TO HIS MAJESTY
The Executive Council received a report on preparations for the handing over of the certificate to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 29 October 2022.
The Executive Council expressed excitement that the province will play host to this once-in-a-lifetime historic event. The province is ready to roll-out the red carpet to all Royal Dignitaries, Heads of State and Government, International and National Guests that will grace this auspicious occasion.
EXCO appeals to all the people of the province to showcase our hospitability and the spirit of Ubuntu that the province and the country is well-known for.
2. KZN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT ON TRADITIONAL COURTS BILL
The Provincial Executive Council received an update with regard to the processing of the Traditional Courts Bill. The update was led by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development John Jeffreys.
After much deliberation, the Executive Council resolved that based on the chorus of concerns from many organisations in the province, the bill in its current form may not pass Constitutional muster.
It is the view of the Executive Council that in order to avoid the bill being delayed and challenged by dissenting voices, EXCO will consider approaching the Presidency with a view to consider sending the bill back for revision and refinement.
The EXCO noted strong views expressed by various parties, especially related to concerns around the perceptions that the bill in the current form infringes on the rights of women and freedom to choose.
EXCO is also concerned about the input from stakeholders whose views are based on their lived realities, which allegedly are not being adequately accommodated in the current bill.
Some of the presentations of concern received by Members of the Executive Council include perceptions that the bill seems to be taking “women and vulnerable groups to the dark ages, creating two worlds and may perpetuate the suffering of women and vulnerable groups”.
The Executive Council affirmed its unceasing support to the institution of traditional leadership which is recognised in our Constitution, and remains committed to supporting traditional institutions.
The Executive Council has however directed Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube to write to His Excellency the President in this regard. EXCO is of the view that through submitting the areas of discomfort from stakeholders it will stop the bullet and eventually save the Traditional Courts Bill from being delayed unnecessarily.
3. STATE OF READINESS FOR MATRIC CLASS OF 2022 - EXCO WISHES GOOD LUCK TO ALL MATRICULANTS – SATIFIED WITH STATE OF READINESS
The Provincial Executive Council received a report on the state of readiness for the matric class of 2022. EXCO is satisfied with the amount of work done and preparation of learners which augurs well for an outstanding performance by the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Government is confident of the smooth start to the 2022 Matric exams and wishes all learners and teachers, especially matriculants, the best of luck as they prepare to commence their examinations.
The Provincial Executive Council is optimistic that the class of 2022 will fly the flag of our province high. The EXCO requests all learners across the province to take examinations seriously and to prepare accordingly. EXCO appeals to parents and relatives to provide support during this demanding season to learners.
4. DISTRIBUTION OF DONATIONS FOR APRIL AND MAY FLOOD DISASTERS
The Executive Council has received the report from Provincial Treasury relating to cash donations towards the April and May 2022 flood disasters. The EXCO noted that an amount totalling R 7,6million has been received. Some donors specified that the money should be utilised toward Health and Education, and the funds have been channelled to the relevant departments.
The remaining balance will be channelled to the Department of Social Development and Human Settlements to meet the needs of the displaced flood victims as they are currently being moved from Community Care Centres to Emergency Accommodation while permanent settlement plans are being addressed.
5. KZN TO HOST 10 YEARS OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND STATE CAPACITY CONFERENCE
The Executive Council has welcomed the decision by the National Government to host the National Development Plan and State Capacity Conference in KwaZulu-Natal. The event will be jointly led by the Department of Public Administration and the Office of the Premier in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
EXCO feels that ten years since the adoption of the NDP it is important to take stock of the road travelled toward building a Capable, Ethical and Developmental State. It is the view of the Executive Council that the conference must interrogate contentious subjects in the public discourse including poverty, unemployment, inequality and narratives of a failing state.
The Conference will take place from the 7-9 November 2022 and will contribute to the revival of the Tourism industry in our province.
6. KZN EXCO TO HOST OPERATION SUKUMA SAKHE/ DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL IN UTHUKELA
The Executive Council approved the hosting of the Operation Sukuma Sakhe/District Development Model in uThukela District under Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality. The Executive Council will use the day to assess progress in service delivery and the implementation of various programmes to improve the lives of communities in various wards.
The occasion will be utilised to respond to and remove obstructions that frustrate service delivery to the communities. The Operation Sukuma Sakhe is being rebranded to be more impactful and to deliver visible improvement in the lives of communities.
7. IMBIZO TO FOCUS ON WATER IN UMZINYATHI
Executive Council resolved to host Imbizo in uMzinyathi District to focus on pressing challenges such as water shortage. The District is currently under section 139 administration in terms of the Constitution and the Imbizo will be used to also give feedback to the residents on the progress being made in supporting the municipalities within the district in discharging their mandate.
Government will also unveil a number of interventions on issues raised by the members of the public.
8. LAUNCH OF SMART PROVINCE PROGRAMME
This week will see the launch of the Smartt Connected Province initiative where learners will be introduced early to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
As part of this programme on tomorrow, Thursday, 20 October 2022, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will launch the Mobile Data Analytics Labs in Orient Heights Primary in Pietermaritzburg.
The Mobile Data Analytics Labs will be used by youth to develop their 4IR data analytics skills.
The day will see the unveiling of the KZN Space Technology Programme where the guests will be exposed to 3D and 9D technology, Drone and space technology. The programme will be rolled-out to all Districts in the province.
SMART AGRICULTURE LAUNCH\
As part of rolling-out the SMART province programme the Premier will this weekend launch the SMART Agriculture project in KwaXimba. This project sees the implementation of SMART technology to agriculture with a view to growing and developing the sector in African rural areas and townships.
The event to coincide with International Rural Women’s day, will see rural emerging farmers being supported and assisted with technology in Agriculture that can help improve their yields. The event will culminate into the launch of the planting season in the Ethekwini Metro. Rural women will be taught to apply technology such as drones and other equipment to monitor their crops, lives stock etc.
These projects indicate in earnest, the entry of KZN into the digital era and to catch up on its peers in the rest of the world. Most importantly the focus is on ensuring that no one is left behind in the KZN Fourth Industrial Revolution that is being unleashed by the KZN Provincial Executive Council.
9. APPOINTMENT OF MR RAVI PILLAY AS THE ADVISOR TO THE PREMIER
The Executive Council approved the appointment of former MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay as special advisor to Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Mr Pillay is a seasoned lawyer who boasts vast experience in the public sector and has a wealth
of knowledge in evolution of public policy and relevant legislative frameworks.
He has served in the sphere of local government, the KZN Legislature and the Executive Council holding key strategic portfolios such as MEC for Provincial Treasury, Public Works and Human Settlements, and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
EXCO believes that the appointment of Mr Ravi Pillay will add value not only in the Premier’s Office, but also in the entire Provincial Government.
Ends
Issued by the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal