Author: cogta_adm

His Majesty the King of the Zulu nation Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhezukulu has called for an end to gender-based violence. The King’s appeal came today during the uLwaluko Homecoming Ceremony which was held in Kokstad in the Harry Gwala district municipality.

This year’s edition of the ceremony welcomed back 280 young men who have successfully undergone the practice of ukusoka. It celebrates their safe return from the six initiation traditional schools around the Greater Kokstad area. The ceremony was attended by KZN MECs for; Cogta Sipho Hlomuka, Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza and Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela.

His Majesty’s call comes at a time when the country and province have experienced several incidents of gender-based violence.

Speaking at the ceremony, the King has also urged the government to ensure that indigenous knowledge is used in conjunction with the best of Western medical practices to ensure that the fight against the spread of the HIV/Aids is ultimately successful.

In 2009 the King revived the tradition of ukusoka (circumcision) which was backed enthusiastically by the KZN Provincial Government. Since then over a million men in the province have been circumcised

“Since the inception of this programme which I revived, our province has not had a single incident where a young man has lost his life because of ukusoka” added his Majesty.

The King also thanked the Indlondlo Organising Committee, for the great work they continue to do in ensuring that young men that are undergoing Ukusoka in Greater Kokstad do it safely.

Speaking at the ceremony, MEC Hlomuka echoed his Majesty’s call for men to play their part in the fight against the abuse of women and children. Hlomuka also thanked the King for his visionary leadership in reviving the practice of Ukusoka which is also being championed by the Provincial Government. “As the Provincial Government, we are happy to see young men in Kokstad and all surrounding areas undergoing the practice of traditional circumcision in safe and hygienic environments. We are also happy to see that these men are being taught about the responsibility men have in building our communities” said Hlomuka.

“What we have witnessed today is also a reminder of the important role that the institution of traditional leadership continues to have in creating social cohesion within our communities. When these young men are in the mountain, they are taught to stay away from social ills such as drugs and alcohol abuse, through this we are ensuring that our young men are better prepared to face life’s challenges” added Hlomuka.

One of the initiates Vuyolwethu Tubane called the process that he and his fellow initiates have gone through a life-changing experience. “The process we have undergone through the uLwaluko ritual has been educational and has prepared us to be men who will play a meaningful role in our communities. At the mountain, we were taught what manhood is and the responsibility we have in fighting against social ills that continue our communities which include the abuse of women and children” added Tubane.

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The task of solidifying and strengthening the role played by the institution of traditional leadership in creating social cohesion in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal continues to be a top priority for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Sipho Hlomuka.

As part of these efforts the Cogta MEC will tomorrow, Sunday 5 January, host uLwaluko Home Coming Ceremony in Kokstad, where His Majesty the King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, will be welcoming, New Initiates (Amakrwala) that have undergone the traditional practice of ukusoka.

The event celebrates the safe return of the young men from the six initiation traditional schools around the Greater Kokstad area.

The practice represents the beginning of a new period for these initiates filled with responsibilities and expectations.

His majesty will also share his wisdom with these young men regarding their expected role in the building of stronger communities.

This event is taking place at a time when the province is making steady progress in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus and with several Districts meeting the UNAIDS 90 90 90 ambitious treatment target to help end the Aids pandemic.

Members of the media are invited to attend and report on this event:

Date: Sunday, 05 January 2018

Venue: Riverview Stadium, Kokstad

Time: 10:00 AM

For more information contact: KZN COGTA Spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila 082 474 1882.

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka today visited the Inkosi Langalibelele local municipality, where severe thunderstorms left a trail of destruction on New Year’s Day, with over a hundred houses destroyed.

Hlomuka, who was accompanied by the Inkosi Langalibalele Mayor Cllr J. Mbhele and uThukela District Deputy Mayor Cllr N. Sibiya, delivered interim relief to families in the Mahlubingwane area in Ward 5. The relief included the provision of blankets, food and an emergency box; which has pots, a kettle, a stove and cutlery. 

Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka has assured affected residents that the provincial government is doing all in its power to support them during this difficult time. “We are very saddened by the devastation that we witnessed today. The provincial government is doing everything in its power to ensure that the affected residents receive adequate support as they rebuild their lives. We are working with several departments and other organs of state to ensure that more relief is provided to the victims which includes the provision of building material” said Hlomuka.  

Disaster management teams are continuing with assessments and are visiting all the people that are affected in the areas of Mahlubi, Mangwe, Tatane and Mwedandaba in Wards 4 and 5.

Inclement weather conditions expected to continue across the province

Hlomuka has also placed disaster management teams on alert in the Harry Gwala and Mgungundlovu District following weather reports received from the South African Weather Service which indicate that severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the Harry Gwala District moving towards Richmond, Msunduzi and Mkhambathini with possible hail, strong winds and heavy downpours. Hlomuka has called for residents in these areas to be weary of the impact these thunderstorms could have on the roads and in their communities. 

For more information contact: Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila, 082 474 1882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka has called for an investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed four vehicles belonging to the Ndwendwe local municipality.

Reports received by the department indicate that at 6 am this morning, security guards at the municipality saw smoke coming from the parking bays which house municipal vehicles when they went to investigate they found four municipal vehicles burning. In this incident, two of the vehicles were destroyed while two others were partially damaged.

Hlomuka has expressed his concern at this incident and has called for a speedy investigation into the cause of this fire. “We are very concerned by this incident, the destruction of municipal assets which are meant to bring services to our communities is very unfortunate. While the circumstances around the cause of this fire may not be clear, we have therefore directed the municipality to ensure that this incident is properly investigated and that appropriate actions are taken should it be found that it was arson” said Hlomuka.

Disaster Management teams responding to Hail Storm in Estcourt

Hlomuka has also deployed disaster management teams to the Inkosi Langalibalele Local municipality where a hail storm struck the area of Phumleni, Kwaganguve, yesterday damaging over 100 houses.

Reports received by the department indicate that in this incident four people were treated for minor injuries by emergency services.

“We have deployed our teams to assist the local authority in dealing with this incident. Currently, assessments of the extent of the damage are being done by our teams and the roll-out of disaster relief has commenced. This includes the provision of plastic sheeting, food and blankets” said Hlomuka.

For more information contact: Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila, 082 474 1882

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kzncogta

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kzncogta

Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka today visited the areas of Ibisi, KwaMeyi and KwaJames in the Mzimkhulu local municipality to lead mop-up operations following the severe thunderstorms that hit the District on Christmas Eve which severely damaged the Mlozana Primary School and 308 houses leaving 32 families homeless.

Tragic scenes of houses with roofs blown off, collapsed walls greeted Hlomuka as he visited the school and the affected households together with Mayor of Harry Gwala Cllr Nxumalo, the Mayor of uMzimkhulu Cllr Mpabanga, KZN Legislature Deputy Speaker Honourable M Ndobe.

Disaster relief packages specifically put together for the affected families were distributed which include roof sheeting, food and blankets. “We are heartbroken about what we have seen here. We are thankful to the All-Mighty that there were no fatalities and those that were injured were quickly rushed to a hospital and have received proper medical care. We have identified community halls which are being utilised to assist those that have been left homeless while they rebuild their lives” said Hlomuka.

Hlomuka has vowed to ensure that all the victims of the storm receive adequate support in rebuilding their lives. “It is very sad that instead of celebrating Christmas, 308 families now have to rebuild their lives following these heavy storms. Since the area where the storm hit is spans across three municipalities (Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, uMzimkhulu and uBuhlebezwe local municipalities) our disaster management teams will continue to work with these local municipalities and the district to ensure that adequate support is provided to all the victims of this severe storm” added Hlomuka.

The department has also received a weather warning from the South African Weather Service which indicates that dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected to continue in the North-Eastern parts of the province, today. Hlomuka has urged residents to stay hydrated as these conditions are expected to be extremely uncomfortable.

Hlomuka has also directed the department to convene a Disaster Management workshop in the new year to mitigate the impact of weather-related incidents across the province. Since January the province lost over 200 lives as a result of weather-related incidents.

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has placed disaster management teams on high alert following a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service which indicates the possibility of severe thunderstorms in uThukela, uMgungundlovu and the Harry Gwala districts.

The warning indicates the high possibility of heavy rains which can lead to localised flooding and reduced visibility. “We have placed our teams on high alert as inclement weather conditions continue to pose a serious risk to residents in our province. Our teams are monitoring areas that are prone to flooding and will be able to respond should any situations arise,” said Hlomuka.

The weather warning also indicates that there is a risk of gale-force winds along the uMkhanyakude district coast which could potentially uproot trees. “We are appealing to residents, especially along the coast, to put their safety first and ensure that they seek shelter in a sturdy building during these strong winds,” said Hlomuka.

High seas are expected along the coast of the province with heavy swells above 4 metres. Hlomuka has called upon parents and those who might be going to the beach to take the necessary precautions.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, joined hundreds of residents from Harry Gwala District Municipality in commemorating World Aids Day at the eMagqubeni Sports Stadium in the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma local municipality Ward 6. 

Hlomuka who is the Political Champion of the District, thanked the work done by the Aids Council in the District, as it continues to work with communities to reduce the spreading of HIV/AIDS. “We commend the work done by the council in this district in spreading the word on protection, abstinence and the importance of testing for HIV/AIDS. The significant improvement we witness today is a result of the concerted efforts by the Aids Council in this District,” said Hlomuka.

The Harry Gwala District is one of the Districts that are receiving support from the provincial government to achieve epidemic control by December 2020. This is in line with the 90-90-90 concept that was introduced by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in 2013 to which set targets that had to be achieved by 2020 if the world wanted to make a significant dent in controlling the pandemic. 

The set of goals were that 90% of HIV infected people should know their status; 90% of those who know their status should be initiated on antiretroviral therapy and 90% of those on treatment should be virally suppressed. All this will be achieved by 2020.

At the commemoration, Hlomuka led the hundreds gathered in lightning the candles of remembrance in honour of the lives that have perished because of this disease.

The Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional Leaders Inkosi P.D.H Chiliza who is also the Chairperson for the Harry Gwala local house condemned the scourge of abuse of women and children and called upon residents to play their part in combating this scourge. “As the institution of traditional leadership, we condemn the ongoing war that is waged against our women and children by men who behave like animals. As communities we have to take a stand and say not in our communities; this is the only way we will stamp out this scourge,” said Chiliza.

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka today visited the Kokstad Police Station in the Greater Kokstad local municipality where he assessed the capability of this facility in handling cases related to gender-based violence.

 Hlomuka’s visit marked the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against the Abuse of Women and Children Campaign in the Harry Gwala District where he serves as the political champion. Hlomuka encouraged staff at the police station to be sensitive to the cases involving gender-based violence. The police station accounts for the highest number of gender-based violence cases in the District with 142 and 66 cases of child abuse all reported in the previous financial year.

“We are very concerned about the high number of incidents that relate to gender-based violence reported within this district. We also have cases where young women are kidnapped in the name of ukuthwala, that is marrying off school-agee girls against their will. We want our policemen to act with haste where incidents like this are reported,” said Hlomuka.

The MEC also engaged with the community of Shayamoya at their local community hall where he called upon all residents to play an active part in the fight against the abuse of women and children.

“The fight against gender-based violence is one that we all have to play a part in. It is your duty as a citizen, a neighbour, a friend or a family member to report the abuse of women and children. As a society we are judged by how we treat our most vulnerable; the rights of the most vulnerable within our society are to be protected by all of us,” said Hlomuka.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has condemned the practice of ukuthwala where young women are kidnapped and forced into marriage against their will. Hlomuka made these remarks today in the area of Isandlwana in Bergville (Okhahlamba local municipality) where he officially adopted the Vuma High School which he has also promised to rally business and NGOs behind to provide support and resources to.

In adopting the school, which has over 160 learners, Hlomuka aims to ensure that he plays his part as a deployee of the Provincial Legislature in ensuring that the young men and women of Bergville are empowered through education.

“Our visit today to Bergville today is as deployed Members of the Provincial Legislature under the programme that encourages us to adopt schools, hospitals and police stations near our communities so that we can ensure that service delivery is not hindered in these important institutions,” said Hlomuka.

Hlomuka visited the school and also visited the Emmaus Hospital which is the main hospital servicing this deeply rural community. During his visit, Hlomuka interacted with the patients and motivated staff to continue the great work they are doing in providing important health care to our communities.

The MEC also committed to providing lightning conductors to the hospital as Bergville is prone to severe thunderstorms which pose a risk to patients and staff. Hlomuka also visited the Upper-Tugela police station which services the large area of Ward 5 of the Okhahlamba local municipality.

The MEC was apprised by the station commander of challenges they are facing, including the high rate of stock theft in the area. The police station also has a broken pump station which means that it has gone without water for three months. Hlomuka has pledged to liaise with the relevant departments to resolve some of the challenges faced by the police station so that they can improve the quality of service given to the community.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sipho Hlomuka has announced harsher consequences for residents, businesses and government institutions who owe billions of rands to the province’s municipalities.

Hlomuka announced this at the launch of the Masakhane, Let’s Rise and Build Campaign in the Ugu District.

Under this programme, a number of measures are being implemented as part of the push by the provincial government to tackle the R20.1 billion debt owed to municipalities.

Part of the interventions announced by Hlomuka include:

• A grace period for those that come forward who have defaulted on their municipal services payments or have illegal water and electricity connections

• Municipalities to incentivise those that are paying for municipal services
• Municipalities to aggressively register indigent residents under the Indigent Policy
• Taking to court defaulters who refuse to settle their municipal bills. This also includes the possibility of attaching properties so that municipalities can recoup monies owed. This is catered for in the Municipal Systems Act, Municipal Finance Management Act and By-Laws of municipalities.

“Currently the province’s municipalities are owed R20.1-billion in total by various consumers. Out of this total, domestic consumers account for R14-billion, which is 70% of the total debt. It is for this reason that we have unveiled this programme whereby we will be embarking on an awareness drive calling on consumers who owe their municipalities to come forward and make the necessary arrangements to pay up,” said Hlomuka.

KZN Cogta is also working with municipalities to update their indigent policies so that residents who qualify can take advantage of this policy that is aimed at households that cannot afford to pay their municipal rates and service charges.

Earlier in the morning, Hlomuka met with the local ratepayers’ associations, businesses and NGOs working in the Ugu district where consumer debt is currently sitting at R600-million. In his engagement with these stakeholders, Hlomuka, together with the Ugu district Mayor Cllr Ngcobo and the Ray Nkonyeni Mayor Cllr Mqwebu, set timelines to address concerns raised by businesses which are hampering their ability to invest in this tourism hub.

Hlomuka will also visit other municipalities to engage with local stakeholders in order to troubleshoot some of the challenges faced by municipalities in their efforts to enhance revenue.