By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube delivered her last State of the Province Address (SOPA) for the 6th administration at the Oval cricket stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Dube-Ncube spent a considerable amount of time in her speech outlining the work that has been done by the African National Congress (ANC) led government since 2004 in the province.
Crime, unemployment, corruption are just some of the issues which came out of the address.
Her address comes ahead of the national and provincial elections to be held on May 29.
Premier announced plans to build a new palace for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in Nongoma.
“In consultation with his majesty, we are finalising plans to build a new palace for the king in Nongoma, “Dube-Ncube said.
“We are encouraged at the continuation of the cordial and professional relations that exist between our government and His Majesty, the King. As we did with the late King, we continue to provide administrative and logistical support for the reigning Monarch. In consultation with His Majesty, we are finalising plans to build a new palace for the King in Nongoma,” said Dube-Ncube.
The premier also welcomed interventions by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address congestions at the ports of Durban and Richards Bay.
Ramaphosa visited the two ports after vessels were stuck at sea for weeks before they could offload goods. Trucks were lined up for kilometres waiting to be allowed into the port of Richards Bay.
This caused delays in the delivery of goods and had an impact on the economy.
“At the Port of Durban, after having received word on the introduction of the Container Surcharge by Shipping Lines because of the container backlog in our ports, we are delighted to report that the number of vessels at anchorage has reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November, to just 12 ships at January 13, 2024.
“We recognise, with appreciation the role played by the industry as well as local businesses in ensuring our ports are held accountable and deliver on their intended mandate of facilitating international trade.”
She also said KZN was on the road to recovery after it was devastated by the floods last year and the July unrest in 2021.
At the time, it was said the July unrest cost the economy billions of rands.
However, Dube-Ncube said the economy was recovering.
“Having almost been brought to its knees by the floods, the civil unrest, and global economic challenges, today our economy is back on its feet, gradually addressing the damage which is estimated to be in the region of R33 billion.”
She said they were also fighting corruption in the province. Over the last five years, 508 investigations were instituted against officials implicated in corruption in various departments. She said 113 officials were suspended for alleged corruption.
The premier also promised that they will address the energy and water challenges facing the province.
Dube-Ncube said government has made significant strides in the fight against HIV and Aids, eradicating mud houses and providing support to small and emerging businesses.
Opposition parties criticised the Premier’s speech. Accusing her of grandstanding and not providing solutions to the problems facing the people of KZN.
DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers said the speech was tantamount to electioneering.
ActionSA provincial leader Zwakele Mncwango said the speech lacked substance on how a lot of the province’s issues would be addressed.