Category: News

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has conveyed her condolences to the Zungu family in the King Cetshwayo district municipality where a family member was electrocuted and died while another has been hospitalised when a tree fell onto electricity wires.

“This tragic incident which took place on Saturday is yet another reminder of the unnecessary loss of life that our province suffers every year as a result of inclement weather conditions. Our disaster management teams are in contact with the family to provide the necessary support” said Dube-Ncube.

We have also issued a warning to communities that more rains are expected which might lead to localised flooding along the province’s coast today and along the north coast tomorrow. This warning comes as the province has commenced with mop-up operations following three days of heavy rains and strong gale force winds that have caused numerous weather-related incidents across KZN.

Communities have been urged to take extreme caution as inclement weather poses a great danger to residents of low lying areas. “We urge communities to be vigilant and not cross rivers and bridges in low lying areas. Our province has seen cases where cars and people got swept away while trying to cross low lying bridges. This leads to unnecessary loss of life,” said Dube-Ncube.

Disaster Management teams are on alert and schools are urged to take stock of the weather before embarking on excursions. “Our disaster teams have logged and responded to several incidents in Ugu, eThekwini, Richards Bay and Ladysmith, which impacted on both public infrastructure and private property and disrupted lives in most parts of the province. Our interim assessments reveal that houses have had their roofs blown away and trees had fallen over and blocked roads to damage property and vehicles,” said Dube-Ncube.

Media enquiries: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Senzelwe Mzila 082 302 3472.

Date: 18 September 2017

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KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is taking stock of the two days of heavy rain and strong gale force winds that have caused numerous weather-related incidents across the province. The department is also embarking on a clean-up operation to ensure that life throughout KZN returns to normal.

Over the weekend KZN experienced inclement weather conditions moving in from the west as predicted by the South African Weather Service.

“Our disaster teams have logged and responded to several incidents in Ugu, eThekwini and Ladysmith, which impacted on both public infrastructure and private property and disrupted lives in most parts of the province. The interim assessments reveal that houses had roofs blown away, trees falling over and blocking roads and damaging property and vehicles,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

At least 3 people reported to be critically injured and were admitted to hospital.  No deaths are reported at this stage.

“All reported incidents are being attended to promptly by our disaster management teams which provided immediate disaster relief. We are still assessing the long-term impact of damages to roads, public infrastructure and facilities as well as private properties and we continue to offer assistance to all concerned,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta’s disaster management teams are working around the clock throughout the weekend in close cooperation with all District Disaster Management Centres that serve individual municipalities.

“We are responding to the emergencies on the ground with shorter response times and more comprehensive relief packages. We would like to thank all our disaster management teams for their dedication which has mitigated the impact of many disasters for the communities that have no one else to turn to when disasters strike,” said Dube-Ncube.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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The KZN Provincial Government has welcomed the swearing-in of members and peaceful election of office bearers of the new Provincial House of Traditional Leaders.

These elections saw the incumbent Chairperson Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza re-elected unopposed to retain his position and uNdlunkulu waseMatheni Inkosi Thabisile Zulu elected as the first ever female to co-chair the House as its Deputy Chairperson.

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Deputy Judge President of the KZN Division of the High Court, Justice Isaac Madondo.

KZN Premier Willies Mchunu, who officiated at the ceremony, has welcomed the elections. He believes that they are a testament to the fact that democracy is alive and well within the institution of traditional leadership in our province. “The election of the first female Deputy Chairperson shows that women have a place within this important institution,” said Mchunu.

“As the provincial government, we are committed to working with the newly elected leadership to fulfil our responsibility to our communities as they are an invaluable partner in our efforts to advance development,” continued Mchunu.

The elections were convened in terms of section 38(1) of the KZN Traditional Leadership and Governance Act, 2005 (Act No. 5 of 2005). The reconstitution and elections of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders are intended to synchronise the term of office of the Provincial House with that of the National House of Traditional Leaders.

Reacting to this significant development, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube said that “traditional leaders of KZN deserve applause from all of us for setting the example by electing a female in the second most senior position within this institution and in so doing amakhosi have launched a serious assault on the false image created by the colonial and apartheid regimes of the role of women within traditional leadership. This proves beyond doubt that the work of creating a non-sexist and non-racial society is one that amakhosi within our province take seriously”.

KZN constitutes the largest number of traditional leaders in the country and amakhosi are a key governance structure that plays a catalytic role in facilitating service delivery and development in the province.

The occasion also witnessed the election of eight members who will serve in the Executive Committee and the members who will serve on behalf of the province in the National House of Traditional Leaders.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Senzelwe Mzila, 082 302 3472

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has congratulated amakhosi elected to the Executive Committees of Houses of Traditional Leaders in the northern and inland parts of the province which include Zululand, uThukela, uMzinyathi, Amajuba, uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo districts.

This effectively means that all of KZN’s districts, except Ilembe, which is expected to convene soon, have held these elections.

“These elections are once again a reflection of democracy being alive and thriving within the institution of traditional leadership in our province. We are where we are today as a province because of the great work done by amakhosi who are the custodians of our culture and traditions. They also serve as peace makers and mediators in disputes within our communities, especially those in rural areas,” said Dube-Ncube.

The term of office of the current Houses of Traditional Leaders in the province began in 2012 in line with the provisions of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act 2005 which, read with the applicable national legislation, provides for the alignment of terms of the local and provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders with that of the National House of Traditional Leaders.

“In the coming weeks, we will be convening the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders where a new chairperson will be elected. As a province, we take pride in knowing that the calibre of amakhosi who serve our communities is very high,” said Dube-Ncube.

The following amakhosi were elected as Chairpersons of their respective Local House of Traditional Leaders:

Amajuba:                       Inkosi Cosmos Sawela Kubheka

uMkhanyakude:      Inkosi Zwelinzima Thwalizwe Gumede

uThukela:                  Inkosi Ngqayizivela Sipho Wiseman Sithole

uMzinyathi:              Inkosi Mbangomuni Petros Mbhekeni Mazibuko

Zululand:                   Inkosi Langelihle David Ntshangase

King Cetshwayo:    Inkosi Hlanganani Cameron Biyela

Media enquiries: KZN spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Senzelwe Mzila, 082 302 3472

Date: 5 September 2017

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has described the news of the sudden death of uMzimkhulu Municipality councillor, Sindiso Magaqa, as a crippling blow to the sphere of local government and a time for a united action to end the impunity of killers who have spilled too much blood of local government representatives in our province.

Dube-Ncube was reacting to the shocking and tragic news that Councilor Magaqa one of the youngest and rising local government leaders finally succumbed to injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in July 2017.

Councilor Magaqa was one of the three uMzimkhulu councillors who were shot at by unknown assailants while returning from a meeting. The trio sustained serious injuries after the suspects unleashed a hail of bullets at their car.

The incident prompted a joint visit by the KZN MECs for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube  and Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda,  who urged the police to work around the clock to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.

KZN Cogta has long voiced its concerns about the increase in attacks on local government representatives. The department has described these violent incidents as a dangerous trigger that could plunge the province’s municipalities into chaos and a state of ungovernability.

“The loss of such a young and energetic community leader is indeed a grievous loss.  The sphere of local government lost one of the most zealous and determined public servant who dedicated his short span of life to the cause of bettering his community.  His devotion to serving the community at the coalface of service delivery he exemplified, is a message to young people that they must dedicate themselves to making a difference where it matters the most” said Cogta MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube

The latest death in uMzimkhulu has once again demonstrated that a cowardly use of violence against a councillor was carried out with the intention of subverting the will of the people who elected him.  We are confident that justice will be served to all those behind this heinous deed.

We extend heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family of Councilor Sindiso Magaqa, his friends, relatives and Comrades.

For more information please contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 8842403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has today read the riot act to a full gathering of eDumbe councillors where political infighting, absenteeism from important council meetings and flouting of the code of conduct have paralysed the entire municipality and its administrative and technical capacity to deliver basic services to the local community.

Dube-Ncube today addressed a special council in eDumbe Municipality (Paulpietersburg), Northen KZN,  where she announced key interventions to get the municipality back to the rails.

In response to the emerging state of paralysis, Dube-Ncube,  has taken a decision to:

• Institute a partial intervention at eDumbe in terms of is section 136(2) of the MFMA to appoint a financial administrator whose role will be to introduce a financial recovery plan for the ailing municipality. The department has notified the National Minister and all relevant structures of these support measures.

• MEC Dube-Ncube also announced that Cogta will be launching a forensic investigation to get to the bottom of what is causing financial distress at eDumbe and prosecute those involved in wrongdoing. Even though the department is aware that the current council has inherited many of its financial problems from its predecessors, its lack of action and power games have worsened the situation over the past year.

“We have tolerated this behaviour from eDumbe councillors for far too long.  Today we are here to remind you councillors of your oath of office and the need to prioritise the plight of their communities. From now on, we will be imposing fines and even expelling councillors found to have breached the code of conduct,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta has noted with grave concern that the hung eDumbe municipality where no political party has a working majority has witnessed councillors walking out of the council chamber to frustrate efforts to conduct important council business such as the filling of critical vacancies, including that of Municipal Manager and several senior managers linked to key service delivery functions.

“The rules are very simple: if a councillor absents himself or herself for three consecutive meetings, the MEC is empowered to remove such a councillor. We can assure the eDumbe council that in applying the code of conduct which all of its councillors have signed up to, we will be acting without fear or favour and without any political considerations,” said Dube-Ncube.

“I already have the names of the councillors that have violated the code of conduct and as the MEC empowered by the law, I will be instituting disciplinary hearings in this regard.      All implicated councillors will have to explain themselves before the disciplinary process. ” Dube-Ncube added.

“After one year in office since the 2016 municipal elections, we should be reporting back to communities and celebrating various highlights and achievements by this municipality but instead we are dealing with a breakdown in governance. While we accept that political parties are entitled to their differences, we will not allow anyone to play political football with the lives of our communities,” said Dube-Ncube.

Dube-Ncube announced that Ms Nonhlanhla Mzimela, a suitable qualified Financial Expert, with extensive experience in the Local Government Sector,  is appointed as a Financial Administrator, among her responsibilities is to introduce a financial recovery plan which will encompass cost-curtailment measures.  This will be critical to arrest the growing budget deficit in this municipality.

Media enquiries: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube has congratulated amakhosi elected to the Executive Committees of Houses of Traditional Leaders in the southern parts of the province which include eThekwini, Ugu, Harry Gwala, uMgungundlovu and Ilembe districts.

Dube-Ncube was today present in the eThekwini metro where she witnessed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected amakhosi.

“The institution of traditional leadership is an important pillar in our democratic dispensation. Without amakhosi, our province would not be where it is. We are very optimistic that the leadership that was elected today is going to guide us as government in our endeavour to usher in a better life for all our people, especially those residing in the rural areas,” said Dube- Ncube.

The term of office of the current Houses of Traditional Leaders in the province started in 2012 in line with the provisions of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act 2005 which, read with the applicable national legislation, provides for the alignment of terms of the local and provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders with that of the National House of Traditional Leaders.

“In the coming days, we will be reconstituting Houses of Traditional Leaders in the nothern part of the province that is uThukela, Amajuba, uMkhanyakude, Zululand and uMzinyathi districts. We will then be left with the reconstitution of the Traditional Councils whose term of office is due to lapse in February 2018. We are hopeful that this process too will proceed smoothly,” said Dube-Ncube.

The following amakhosi were elected as Chairperson’s of their respective Local House of Traditional Leaders:

• uMgungundlovu: Inkosi Zwelinjani Mhlabunzima Mthuli
• Harry Gwala: Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza
• Ugu: Inkosi Rubert Sifiso Shinga
• EThekwini: Inkosi Simingaye Mlaba

ILembe elections were adjourned and will be reconvened, the date will be advised.

Media enquiries: KZN spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has described the killing of yet another councillor, this time in uMkhambathini municipality, as yet another moment of darkness for our province.

MEC Dube-Ncube has reacted with shock and anger at the brutal murder of Cllr Kwazikwakhe Mkhize, of uMkhambathini municipality (Camperdown) who was allegedly gunned down after a community meeting in the area.

Dube-Ncube has called on the law enforcement agencies to do everything in their power to root out the evils of crime and violence faced by local government public representatives in recent months.

“This tragic death of yet another servant of the community confirms that there are indeed clandestine forces who want to undermine the democratic will of the people. There is clearly an agenda to create a blanket of fear and insecurity in our communities through these attacks on their leaders. We full confidence that our law enforcement agencies will speedily apprehend those behind this callous deed,” said Dube-Ncube.

“It befuddles our minds that something like this continues to happen. While most incidents are isolated, the murder rate of councillors is indeed a very worrying trend. We are utterly disgusted by such disrespect for human life,” added Dube-Ncube.

This is a very sad and tragic loss and we extend condolences to the family of the councillor and all the loved ones, including his political home – the African National Congress.

DA CONDEMNED FOR USING COUNCILLOR’S DEATH FOR POLITICAL POINT-SCORING

KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube has also expressed disappointment with the Democratic Alliance whose representatives in this moment of grief and sadness for all the people of KZN seek to gain political mileage from the pain and grief brought on us by this death.

“We urge politicians and political parties not to use this tragedy as a political football because it deepens the pain and anguish for all those affected,” Dube-Ncube pleaded.

“We are depressed that at this difficult time when the province is in mourning, the DA wants to use this tragedy for political point-scoring. This is against the values of uBuntu and we appeal for calm and for all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to stand together at this dark moment,” concluded Dube-Ncube.

For more information please contact Lennox Mabaso on 082 8842403 or Msawakhe Mayisela on 0609664220.

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KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube has urged young women to take advantage of opportunities created by our democratic government to systematically empower women. Dube-Ncube was speaking in Durban where she today shared a platform with hundreds of school going girls from various schools around eThekwini.

Dube-Ncube said that the future of this country is in their hands and it is incumbent upon them to ensure that this government ultimately succeeds in its endeavours to advance the agenda of Radical Socio Economic Transformation.

“Many of you are part of the generation that will be responsible for taking our country into the next phase of our democratic dispensation which we now refer to as Radical Economic Transformation. The fact that your parents were denied the opportunities that you enjoy today should serve as an inspiration for you to play your part in combating injustice and to become part of the solution to the challenges faced by your communities,” said Dube-Nucbe.

She called upon young girls to enjoy the fruits of freedom that are available to them today. “Today you have access to the best education which is as a result of this government. There were women who sacrificed their lives for you to go to schools you are attending today. These schools were previously only reserved for the select few and the African majority was left to receive inferior education,” said Dube- Ncube.

Dube-Ncube said she wanted to see young girls venturing aggressively into career paths that had previously been the sole reserve of men. In her bid to motivate these girls, Dube-Ncube invited women leaders from various sectors of society to speak to young girls. These include, among others, Ukhozi FM’s radio host Dudu Khoza and Ushaka Marine CEO Stella Khumalo.

Media enquiries: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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#MandelaMarathon What an awesome weekend. Congratulations to all our athletes #Run4Unity pic.twitter.com/5PDT9ZVw2S

— KZNCOGTA (@kzncogta) August 28, 2017

KZN Provincial Government has congratulated the winners and participants of this year’s Mandela Day Marathon whose main 42 km race today covered the iconic route between Edendale and the Mandela Capture Site outside Howick for the sixth time since 2012.

“The human spirit has once again triumphed as some fifteen thousand athletes from all over the globe competed in various disciplines in the uMgungundlovu district where the late former President Nelson Mandela was arrested 55 years ago by the apartheid police,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

The winners of the main 42 km race are Tekletsion Kassahun Tefera (Ethiopia) in the men’s category and Mamarallo Tjoka (Lesotho) in the women’s category. The winners of the 21 km race are Jobo Khatoane (Lesotho) in the men’s category and Betha Chikanga (Zimbambwe) in the women’s category.

The second and third in the main 42 km race are Lyno Muchena (South Africa) and   Kebede Aberra Dinke (Ethiopia), respectively, in the men’s race and Selam Abere Alebachew (Ethiopia) and Liveness Madziva , respectively, in the women’s race.

“The Mandela Day Marathon has again demonstrated our capacity to organise world-class sporting events that not only bring people together for a common purpose but also provide much needed economic incentives for our communities and municipalities in KZN,” said Dube-Ncube.

The annual Mandela Day Marathon aims to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the late former President Nelson Mandela but also provide business and job opportunities for the local communities in the uMgungundlovu district. The marathon is also helping to market KZN as a tourist destination.

“Our warm congratulations go to all winners and participants of this year’s marathon. As exciting as it is to win a sporting event of this nature, the most exhilarating experience is to participate and share in its communal spirit. We also applaud all visitors to the province who have come to support these athletes,” said uMgungundlovu district Mayor Cllr Thobekile Maphumulo.

The sixth edition of the Mandela Day Marathon has exceeded all expectations in terms of participants’ numbers and facilities available to athletes and observers. The 2017 marathon has also benefited from a major sponsorship deal with ABSA which has brought in an amount of R6-million over three years.

Results of other races are available at www.mandelamarathon.co.za 

Caption: Tekletsion Kassahun Tefera (Ethiopia) crossing the finishing line for the 42 KM race.

caption 3049: Mamarallo Tjoka (Lesotho)  crossing the finishing line for the ladies 42 KM race.

For more information please contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403 or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

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