The Provincial Executive Council chaired by the Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, held its ordinary meeting in Durban on Thursday, 23 November 2022 and among others discussed the following issues:

KZN EXCO MOVE TO CLOSE THE SAD CHAPTER OF APRIL AND MAY FLOODS The Executive Council continued its task of assessing progress being made in rebuilding the province since the April and May 2022 floods. The Executive Council noted further strides that are being made in getting the lives and livelihoods of the flood victims back to normal. The Executive Council has welcomed the announcement by the Public Works and Human Settlements Department that more accommodation is being secured and made available to move people out of mass care centres into more decent accommodation. This is a clear indication that the province is well on track towards ensuring that by mid-December all flood victims will be out of shelters. The Executive Council also welcomed the comprehensive package of ensuring that the flood victims especially those who are unemployed, are given opportunities under the Expanded Works Programme. This is to help them earn a living through participation in the construction of their permanent residences and other programmes from Transport and Human Settlements Departments.

EXCO CALLS FOR A RETHINK ON HOUSES NEAR RIVERBANKS The Executive Council also reflected on the latest flood incidents in uMsunduzi Municipality and other districts. While EXCO appreciated that most people have returned to their homes, EXCO has called for a rethink on the houses that are built on either riverbanks or flood plains. EXCO believes it is crucial for municipalities and disaster teams to proactively do an assessment in this regard and advise communities to prevent future disasters. The Provincial Government working with the police and justice institutions are working on the challenge of the residents that are still missing including the fast tracking of DNA and other measures. EXCO will continue to monitor the clearing of rubble and rebuilding infrastructure.

PROVINCE TO LAUNCH MASAKHANE CAMPAIGN- AS CONSUMER DEBT SKYROCKET TO R24 BILLION The Provincial Executive Council has welcomed the efforts to intensify the Masakhane Campaign, which seeks to reignite a culture of responsibility among citizens and municipalities. The campaign seeks to educate, inform and inspire communities to pay for their municipal rates and services. The poor payment of services has a negative impact on municipal budgets and service delivery. Currently, municipal consumer debt amounts to R24billion in KwaZulu-Natal with households and business representing the significant component of this debt at R4.5billion. It is the view of the Executive Council that if the province is to have financially viable local government system, every citizen must pay for services. The campaign will create conversations, persuade but also implement punitive action against those who default deliberately and have no arrangements with municipalities. Non-payment of services impacts on municipal budgets and service delivery.

LAUNCH OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM FOR NO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, in partnership with eThekwini Metro Municipality, will launch the 16Days of Activism for No-Violence Against Women and Children on Friday 25 November 2022 in uMlazi E-Section, Ground Number 5.

The campaign will run from 25 November to 10 December 2022 and this year’s theme is Socio-economic rights and empowerment to build women’s resilience against gender-based violence and femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract.

The campaign is aimed at fighting and conquering the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) aimed at women and children. As the provincial government, we have resolved to fight gender-based violence and femicide for 365 days a year, and not limit it to 16 days only.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality urge members of the community to fight the pandemic of GBVF whenever and wherever it shows its ugly face.

KZN COMMENCES DRAFTING ITS OWN TRADITIONAL AND KHOISAN BILL TO ALIGN WITH NATIONAL LEGISLATION The Executive Council received a presentation on the implementation of the Traditional Leadership and Khoisan Act. One of the features of the act is the recognition of Khoisan Community and Khoisan leaders, to be done through the Commission appointed by the Minister of COGTA at National level. The Province of KwaZulu-Natal has henceforth commenced the process of drafting its own provincial legislation on traditional and Khoisan leadership in line with the national act.

Ends

Issued by the Provincial Government Communication