kzncogta

Category: News

  • PLIGHT OF FEMALE TRADITIONAL LEADERS TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA CONVENES SOCIAL DIALOGUE 

    The plight of female traditional leaders took centre stage this morning as KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka convened a social dialogue webinar with female traditional leaders to address pertinent issues that affect them as leaders within the sphere of traditional leadership.
    The session, which was chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House uNdlunkulu waseMatheni, brought together female amakhosi, oNdlunkulu and iziNduna to deliberate on the challenges they are faced with as women and the solutions to be explored in resolving these challenges.
    During the session, panellists who included Dr Stella Khumalo – Deputy Director-General in the national Department of Arts, Culture and Sport, shared with the audience their experiences as leaders in various spheres of government that were previously male-dominated. Dr Khumalo encouraged the female leaders to take a stand in their spheres of influence and to stand for the rights and the empowerment of women.
    Advocate Samkelisiwe Hlongwane from the National Prosecuting Authority shared initiatives that have been taken by the NPA to address the scourge of gender-based violence and ensure that victims have the necessary support when they come forward to report incidents of gender-based violence.
    Inkosi Molefe, who is the Deputy Chairperson of the uMgungundlovu Local House of Traditional Leaders, shared her experience of navigating unchartered waters when she became a widow at a young age after her husband Inkosi Molefe passed away. Ndlunkulu Molefe emphasised the importance of government protecting the rights of oNdlunkulu in such instances since they can become easy targets within their respective families.
    The dialogue, which took place through a virtual platform, provided an opportunity for oNdlunkulu to engage one another on the challenges they face in the roles they occupy with their respective communities.
    Ends.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA SENDS CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING THE PASSING OF RICHMOND MAYOR

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has learned with shock and sadness of the passing of Cllr Sibusiso Joseph Mchunu who served as the Mayor of the Richmond local municipality having been sworn into office in 2016.

    Hlomuka has expressed his condolences to the Mchunu family, residents of Richmond, to whom Cllr Mchunu dedicated his life serving. Hlomuka has also thanked the grieving family for the sacrifices they had to make in order for their husband and father to be able to fulfil his call in serving his community.

    “Cllr Mchunu has been a dedicated and loyal servant to the people of Richmond. His life was dedicated to the single task of uplifting the material conditions of residents through the delivery of tangible services. As the sphere of local government, we have lost a foot soldier in our efforts to improve the lives of our communities. His legacy is one of dedication to his community,” said Hlomuka.

    Mchunu’s passing comes at a time when the sphere of local government in the province remains at the forefront of the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus which has wreaked havoc in many countries across the world.

    Hlomuka has also sent his condolences to the political party Cllr Mchunu belonged to – the African National Congress.

  • KZN COGTA MEC SIPHO HLOMUKA WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF NEW UMGENI WATER BOARD

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has welcomed the appointment of an 11-member Interim Board at Umgeni Water by the national Minister of Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu. The interim Board began its tenure on 1 August and will last until the appointment of a Permanent Board.

     

    “As KZN Cogta, we are committed to working with the Interim Board for the shared goal of bringing water to a large number of communities in the province. Water is an indispensable resource and, as our solid track record demonstrates, we take its delivery to communities across this province with the seriousness it deserves,” said Hlomuka.

     

    The appointment of the Interim Board at Umgeni Water follows a decision by the national minister to terminate the term of the previous Board due to discovery of non-compliance with national cabinet approved protocol pertaining to appointment of Board members of a state-owned entity.

     

    “The Interim Board comprises capable men and women from diverse backgrounds whose primary role is to manage the organisation with efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure that the principles of good governance principles are honoured at all times. We have full confidence in the minister’s choice of board members and the Chairperson Mr Magasela Mzobe” said Hlomuka.

  • KZN COGTA MEC TOGETHER WITH MALE MAYORS COMMIT TO ENDING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

     

    Male Mayors in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal have committed themselves to playing a meaningful role in ending gender-based violence within their communities. This follows a social dialogue meeting, which was convened by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sipho Hlomuka where he engaged with mayors on the role the sphere of local government can play in ending gender-based violence.

    The session which hosted on Friday, 31 July and streamed on social media saw the Mayors of the Mkhanyakude District Cllr Mkhombo, The uMzinyathi District Cllr Ngubane and the Greater Kokstad Municipality Mayor Cllr Mtolo take part in the discussion which centred on the proactive steps that can be taken by all local government stakeholders to bring an end to the abuse of the rights of women and children.

    The discussion which wasa moderated by Mr T Mdadane highlighted the positive contributions that can be made by Councillors in their respective communities through being positive role models in their own private lives. “As the sphere of local government we are at the coal face of service delivery and naturally any issues that affect our communities require us to as with speed in addressing them” added MEC Hlomuka in opening the dialogue.

    The respective Mayors shared their insights on the possible solutions that can be looked as a way to end the abuse of the rights of women and children. Mayor Mtolo spoke about his experience in Greater Kokstad, where young men undergo the process of uLwaluko where they are taught and guided by elders on what is expected of them in their journey into manhood. Mtolo highlighted how such practices have a positive impact in ensuring that young men are aware of what is expected of them from a very young age.

    The Mayor of uMzinyathi, emphasised the important role played by governance and public participation structures such as Ward Committees in ensuring that the message of protecting the rights of women and children is understood by communities.

    Mayor Mkhombo highlighted the imbalances that were inherited by the democratic government and the steps that have been taken by to address these imbalances more especially when it comes to gender parity. “The fight for the rights of women and children is one that is critical to the democratic dispensation. It defines what kind of a society we aspire to be. As a sphere of government, we have an important role to play in ensuring that the constitution of the country is upheld in every area that is under our purview as leaders” added Mkhombo.

    The resolutions that were taken in this dialogue were:

    • The integration of social support systems in the workplace more especially for mother with babies
    • The continuous rollout of the Social Dialogue digital programme as a means for Mayors and Councillors to engage directly with their constituency on GBV

    Ends

     

     

  • KZN COGTA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS’ FAMILIES AFTER FIRE KILLS THREE CHILDREN IN LADYSMITH

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has learned with shock and sadness of the passing of three children in a fire that engulfed a home in the early hours of this morning in eZakheni B Section outside Ladysmith.

    This morning disaster management teams responded to this incident where three members of the Hlubi family died tragically while one adult was admitted to hospital in the same incident. The cause of the fire is unknown at this point.

    Hlomuka has expressed his condolences to the family: “We are shattered to lose three children in this manner. A thorough investigation will be conducted by the disaster management teams around the circumstances of this tragedy. The department is also coordinating relief for the Hlubi family as they deal with the tragedy” said Hlomuka.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA WANTS EXPLANATION ON VIDEO OF TRUCK DUMPING WATER NEAR PONGOLA

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has called for answers following the circulation of a video on social media platforms which shows a water tanker being emptied of its contents on the side of the road in oPhongolo.

    Hlomuka has requested the Zululand district municipality to explain this incident which comes at a time when the province is dealing with the after-effects of a gripping drought that has decimated water resources in the province and especially in the Zululand district.

    Hlomuka is expecting a detailed report from the district which will detail the circumstances of this incident and the relevant sanctions that will be taken by the Water Service Authority should any wrongdoing emerges from the investigation.

  • KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA CONDEMNS DESTRUCTION OF MUNICIPAL PROPERTY AND VEHICLES IN LAMONTVILLE, ETHEKWINI

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has condemned in the strongest terms the wanton destruction of public property that took place in the Lamontville community in Durban where a Sizakala Help Centre and six vehicles belonging to the eThekwini metro were set alight this morning.

    Hlomuka has called on the law enforcement agencies to speedily apprehend those who are responsible for this deed which is tantamount to sabotage of public infrastructure.

    “The destruction of public property is unacceptable and there can never be any justification for the burning of municipal infrastructure and vehicles which are meant to serve our communities,” said Hlomuka.

    “Images and videos circulating on social media showing the Sizakala Centre, which houses SASSA offices and a clinic, in flames is a clear indication that this incident was no accident and that it was caused by those who are seeking to undermine the provision of services to our communities,” said Hlomuka.

    Hlomuka has called upon community members to come forward with information so that those responsible can be held accountable as this act of criminality is tantamount to treason. “The country is facing a war in attempting to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus and the destruction of a public health facility does immeasurable damage to government efforts,” said Hlomuka.

  • KZN COGTA MARKS 2020 MANDELA DAY WITH THE LAUNCH OF WINTER WARMTH CAMPAIGN

    KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) under the leadership of MEC Sipho Hlomuka has marked this year’s Mandela Day, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic whose hardships now coincide with the winter season, with the launch of the Mandela Winter Warmth Campaign in social partnership with the several Non-Governmental Organisations.

    “In the spirit of the Mandela Day and the 67 minutes we on this occasion annually devote to improving the lives of the disadvantaged fellow citizens, we are today from our social partners receiving 1500 blankets, 200 hygiene packs, 120 food hampers for distribution to the needy to alleviate the effects of cold weather and hunger,” said Head of Department Thando Tubane.

    The department together with social partners also handed over a container house to a young family in Waterloo just outside Durban in Ward 58. The container house replaces an unsafe shack that the Ntuli family which is made up of 2 children and their parents used to live in.

    KZN Cogta has taken this opportunity to work with like-minded social partners to source donations in the form of blankets for distribution to those who require assistance during a time when communities in the province are coping with the extreme weather conditions and the devastating effects of a global Covid-19 pandemic.

    “We are grateful for every contribution we receive from our social partners in addressing the social challenges faced by our communities. Our thanks today go to representatives of the Muslim World League, Human Aid and World Assembly of Muslim Youth for these donations they have made. The intervention they have made come at a time when they are needed most to alleviate the effects of cold weather and hunger while we are in the Covid-19 pandemic

  • KZN COGTA COMMENCES WITH REVIEW OF KZN PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

    KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), under the leadership of MEC Sipho Hlomuka, has commenced with the process of reviewing the Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) as per the requirements of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013.

    The PSDF represents the long-term spatial vision of the province. It is to be consistent with and be formulated within the context of the National Spatial Development Framework. It is thus the spatial expression of the KZN Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) and provides a spatial context for proposed strategic interventions.

    The PSDF must guide the spatial dimension to achieve the goals and objectives of the PGDS in a targeted and spatial coordinated manner. Speaking about the review process, Hlomuka believes the department’s transparent process will solicit a wide range of views on how to better position the province in the midst of what is perhaps the greatest economic and healthcare challenge – the novel coronavirus which has decimated many countries.

    Through the PSDF, KZN will have a spatial representation of the land development policies, strategies and objectives of the province, which include the province’s growth and development strategy.

    On Wednesday the department, together with the Provincial Planning Commission will be hosting an introductory webinar which will unpack the review process.

    The panelists will be made up of the following individuals:

    • Mr M Msiwa who is the Chairperson of the KZN Provincial Planning Commission

    • Mr TW Mchunu who is the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission

    • Mr FR Brooks (Commissioner)

    • Prof U Bob (Commissioner)

    • Prof RW Green-Thompson (Commissioner):

    • Prof N Gawe (Commissioner)

    • Mr MM Mtshali (Commissioner)

    • Dr LN Bhengu-Baloyi (Commissioner):

    • Dr TI Nzimakwe (Commissioner):

    • Ms Martie Milne (Office of the Premier)

    • Ms Lisa Del Grande (KZN COGTA)

    • Mr Sbongiseni Maseko-Isibuko (SeAfrica Development Planners)

    • Ms Amanda Zungu (KZN COGTA)

    Members of the media are invited to join and participate in the webinar which will be taking place tomorrow, 15 July at 10:00 AM on Zoom.

    To register for the webinar visit:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mamt5AV0SmqKZBWOEBlR_w

    You can also follow the discussions live on YouTube using this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3JIVuHG2YvNCtuI8UWgULA?view_as=subscriber

    Or you can follow it on Facebook using this link: www.facebook.com/kzncogta

  • DISASTER MANAGEMENT RESPOND TO WEEKEND INCIDENTS AS KZN COGTA MEC HLOMUKA URGES COMMUNITIES TO REMAIN VIGILANT

    Inclement weather conditions over the weekend saw disaster management teams in KZN responding to several incidents which are now under control. These include yesterday’s storm which brought hail and snow to the interior parts of the province. The storm made conditions on the roads treacherous and caused the closure of smaller access roads in areas with excessive snowfall.

    KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has warned communities to remain vigilant as inclement weather conditions continue through the winter season. During this time, the province faces the increased risks of veld fires, house fires and fires in informal settlements as well as strong winds and extreme temparatures.

    Hlomuka has warned residents about the dangers posed by sources of heat, such as candles, paraffin stoves, gas stoves, heaters and braziers, when these are left unattended, potentially starting fires that could cause injury, death and/or the destruction of property in communities.

    As communities we must:

    • Listen to weather warnings on radio and television

    • Keep matches and candles away from children

    • Never leave children unattended near a lit candle or fire

    • Never start a fire or use a heater while intoxicated

    • Never leave fires unattended because embers can cause uncontrolled fire

    • An open fire, stove or heater should not be used to dry clothes or shoes

    • Keep a window open to ensure good ventilation when using an indoor fireplace, braziers or gas heater

    • Plan and request assistance with burning of fire breaks

    * Never throw away cigarette stumps in an open field

    Disaster management teams continue to be on stanby in areas that are prone to incidents during the winter season.