KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, presided over the sitting of the Provincial Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Council at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

In his opening address, Premier Ntuli called for greater unity, accountability and decisive action in advancing social cohesion and moral regeneration across the province.

The Premier expressed concern over the absence of key government departments from the Council meeting, warning that failure to account for social cohesion programmes undermines the Council’s mandate and the democratic principles it seeks to advance.

“Destination matters less if you cannot trust the route that led you there,” said Premier Ntuli.

He urged Council members to move away from prolonged planning towards visible implementation that produces tangible results for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

Reflecting on his two years in office, Premier Ntuli said citizens are no longer interested in promises alone, but expect government to demonstrate measurable progress and improvements in their communities.

The Premier emphasised the importance of strengthening and effectively utilising existing government and community structures instead of establishing parallel structures that could result in duplication and fragmentation.

He also called for greater discipline, coordination and unity among members of the Council, stressing that social cohesion requires collective responsibility and consistent implementation.

Premier Ntuli challenged the Council to ensure that provincial programmes and events genuinely reflect the diversity of KwaZulu-Natal.

He cautioned against provincial events being dominated by any single racial or cultural group, saying government must practise the inclusivity it seeks to promote within society.

The Premier said KwaZulu-Natal belongs to everyone who calls the province home and that programmes aimed at fostering social cohesion must create spaces where people of different races, cultures and backgrounds feel represented and included.

“What is wrong in design can be corrected in design. Social cohesion is not a slogan for banners, but the foundation of democracy itself,” said Premier Ntuli.

The Premier called on Council members to translate the principles of social cohesion and moral regeneration into practical interventions that strengthen communities, promote mutual respect and build unity across the province.

He reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to building a KwaZulu-Natal in which diversity is embraced as a strength and all communities are able to participate meaningfully in the social and developmental life of the province.

The Provincial Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Council forms part of government’s broader efforts to promote unity, ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence among the people of KwaZulu-Natal.