Members of the media, Leader of Government Business MEC Siboniso Duma, Members of the Executive Council good afternoon and welcome to this press briefing.
INTRODUCTION:
We welcome you this afternoon as the Nation is commemorating the Human Rights Month under the theme “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.
The Human Rights Day is being observed tomorrow, 21 March 2024 and in KwaZulu-Natal we had opted to commemorate this milestone as a month-long activity and have infused it in all Government activity.
Reflecting on the journey of the Human Rights Day, which is anchored on the Sharpville Massacre that took place on 21 March 1960 when the apartheid police opened fire on innocent people who were protesting peacefully for their rights to dignity, killing 69, is poignant at this juncture of our 30 years of freedom.
It deepens our appreciation and honour for those who laid down their lives for us to be free. Through their selfless sacrifices we realized the many rights that are guaranteed under our Constitution, that we are all enjoying today.
PAYING RESPECTS TO KING GOODWILL KABHEKUZULU
The Executive Council today took an opportunity to pay its respects to the late AmaZulu King, His Majesty King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, uMdlokombane who passed away on 12 of March 2021.
Members of the Executive Council have engaged with oNdlunkulu beSilo uMdlokombane Government has committed to join them in commemorating the life and times of uMdlokombane and continue to hold him in the highest regard. Government’s support for the Monarchy and Royal Household is unwavering. Details of government and oNdlunkulu organised Isikhumbuzo SeSilo uMdlokombane and Prayer Day will be announced once finalized with oNdlunkulu.
KING DINUZULU ANNIVERSARY
The Executive Council expressed that it was proud that KwaZulu-Natal hosted a successful event on behalf of the Nation, to honour Isilo SasoSuthu, iNkosi Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo through a well-coordinated and executed Government led 110th anniversary of King Dinuzulu. This event took place at KwaCeza in the Zululand District Municipality this past weekend, 16 March 2024.
The Executive Council expressed sincere appreciation to His Majesty the King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Royal Household for providing guidance and support during the planning and execution of this event.
Cabinet also registered its appreciation to President Cyril Ramaphosa for addressing the Nation and articulating the role that King Dinuzulu played in defending his people. Cabinet also noted that the President educated many South Africans about this warrior King, a leader, who sacrificed everything and suffered untold humiliation to defend the land, the rights of his people and gallantly fought for his people to be free. Today South Africans enjoy this freedom that King Dinuzulu and many heroes and heroines fought for.
The President reminded the Nation that the noble struggle for freedom in South Africa was largely inspired by the heroics of the likes of ISILO SasoSuthu, who worked with Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Dr John Langalibalele Dube and many others, to fight for the Human Rights that are being enjoyed today.
Cabinet also stated that it is historical fact that the majority of those who attended the meeting of 8 January 1912 which spawned the African National Congress (ANC) in what was then called Bloemfontein were Amakhosi and religious leaders. Cabinet stated the Provincial Government, will continue to respect and support AmaKhosi. King Dinuzulu was instrumental in the establishment of the African National Congress (ANC) and the liberation movement. He is acknowledged as the ANC's honorary president. Even though Zululand was going through political turmoil, King Dinuzulu was still able to support the ANC.
DENOUNCING VIOLENCE AT THE EVENT
The Executive Council condemned developments that took place during the commemoration of King Dinuzulu’s 110th anniversary at KwaCeza, which shamed every peace loving South African.
In this regard the Executive Council highlighted that the actions of the Mayor of Zululand District Municipality, Thulasizwe Buthelezi demonstrated poverty of appreciating the Zulu Culture which he claims to represent. The Executive Council stated that Buthelezi’s intention was to collapse the event and embarrass His Majesty King Misuzulu, the Royal Household and the President.
The Executive Council noted that already Buthelezi had indicated during the build-up on various platforms that he would disrupt the event. Cabinet stated that Mr Buthelezi unashamedly brought up party political matters to an event that had nothing to do with politics.
The Executive Council supported the approach that MEC Duma has taken to apologise to his Majesty, not for stopping Mr Buthelezi from making party political rhetoric on a wrong platform, but that it was done in public, in front of His Majesty and the President.
The Executive Council appreciated the Leader of Government Business approach to apologise to His Majesty. As such, the LoGB indicated that he will be engaging His Majesty on this matter.
The Executive Council however rejected those who purport to speak for His Majesty and even determine the so called fine. Cabinet is of the view that such behaviour is tantamount to undermining the authority of His Majesty to make his own decisions.
The Executive Council viewed Mr Buthelezi’s behaviour and how he rallied up Amabutho as one single action that led to the attack of innocent women and children who were attending that event. 16 people were badly injured. Sadly a 37-year-old woman had to be transferred to Ngwelezane Hospital as she sustained serious head injuries. Another has been transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli
The Executive Council condemned in the strongest term the act of violence especially against women as disrespectful to His Majesty, the President and to the Nation at large. The Provincial Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is being engaged to ensure that police act swiftly to bring perpetrators to book.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ROYAL HOUSEHOLD
The Executive Council has indicated that it adheres to a Government principle of not discussing the matters of the Royal Household in public. However, Cabinet has noted that misinformation that has been spread by Mr Thulasizwe Buthelezi about Government failing to support His Majesty King Misuzulu and the Royal Househould is dangerous and must be responded to. In this regard, the Executive Council clarified matters as follows:
• The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, during the 2023/24 financial year increased the budget for the royal household unit, from R67 million to R79 million, which is a R12 million increase. This budget goes towards making it possible for His Majesty to executive his duties.
• Government is providing support to the Zulu Royal Household Trust, the Zulu Royal Household and His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
• Government is of the view that the Zulu King plays a critical role in facilitating government’s programmes that develop rural people and support the rural economy.
ON THE LEGAL FEES FOR HIS MAJESTY:
The Executive Council noted that the Office of the Premier has already refuted any claims that the Provincial Government reneged on an agreement or any arrangement whatsoever, to pay the legal fees of His Majesty.
The former legal representatives of His Majesty have been paid in full. The attorneys who replaced the former attorneys submitted invoices that were not properly itemised.
a) The Office of the Premier received correspondence and various Tax Invoices from the attorneys representing His Majesty for fees and costs incurred in a variety of litigation and other matters His Majesty is involved in.
b) The Office of the Premier scrutinised the invoices accordingly, which at face value, appeared to be substantially above generally accepted attorney-and-client costs;
c) The State Law Advisor addressed correspondence to the attorneys representing His Majesty, expressly stating that the Provincial Government is unable to consider payment of any invoices for services rendered, unless the services allegedly rendered are described in detail, with the appropriate detailed documentation in support of any disbursements that are being claimed;
d) The correspondence explicitly stated that the invoices, that were attached to the so-called Letter of Demand, provided no specificity whatsoever, and the attorneys were requested to submit detailed and comprehensive invoices specifying the various dates on which services were allegedly rendered, the nature of the service, the specific matter that the services related to, detailed fee notes of all Counsel fees, as well as supporting documentation for any other disbursements claimed.
e) His Majesty’s Attorneys have to date failed, or opted not, to provide the State Law Advisor with detailed invoices for further scrutiny, as required by law.
The Executive Council therefore stated that it was regrettable that an assumption has been created that the Office of the Premier is withholding, refusing, or reneging on Government’s undertaking to cover His Majesty’s legal fees.
It was also noted that as the country approaches the general elections, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will on Friday 22 March launch the Provincial Multi-Party-Political Intervention Committee as government intensifies preparations for the upcoming general and provincial.
The Multi-Party-Political Intervention Committee (MPPIC) is a significant platform whose main objective is mobilise all stakeholders to work towards the promotion of peace and harmony in the build-up and during the elections and beyond.
The Executive Council urged society to reject leaders who want to take the province back to the pre 2004 era of massacres and violence, who incite violence.
PINK EYE
The Executive Council also received a report on the increasing number of persons infected with pink eye in the Province from the 26th of February 2024. The first cases of PINK EYE were reported at Mangosuthu University of Technology in eThekwini District (Umlazi) and Cator Manor Clinic.
Since the cases have been reported in other districts with eThekwini has the highest number of cases of over (13 500), followed by King Cetshwayo with (39) cases, Umgungundlovu (16), with uMkhanyakude (15), Ilembe (14) and uGu with the lowest at (9.)
The Executive Council indicated that an intensive awareness campaign will be undertaken to educate the public about Pink Eye.
Ends.
For more information contact Head of Provincial Government Communication Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757
ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT