By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Amazulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini says the devastation caused by the recent heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal is a reminder of the reality of climate change.
King Misuzulu delivered his annual address during KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature opening at Pietermaritzburg’s Woodburn Stadium on Wednesday.
His address went ahead despite raising security concerns at the stadium.
The monarch traditionally opens the legislature.
Last week he raised concerns about the stadium being able to host the two-day event safely — the opening of the provincial legislature and state of the province address — instead of the Royal Showgrounds, also in Pietermaritzburg.
The king highlighted the impact of climate change on the lives it claimed in the province.
“The recent devastation caused by floods is a reminder of the challenges we face as a nation. While it is undeniable that climate change plays a significant role in these disasters, we must also reflect on the way our land is settled and developed.
“I have observed, with great concern, that in areas under the leadership of Amakhosi, as well as in certain urban settlements, homes are being built too close to roads and rivers, placing our people in danger.”
According to eThekwini Municipality, six deaths have been confirmed so far – two adult women (aged 56 and 60) and three children (aged 5, 11, and 16) from Lamontville, along with a sixth victim from Chatsworth.
The weather service issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms along the South Coast of KZN, warning the public of expected heavy downpours, localised flooding, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail damage.
The eThekwini Municipality reported extensive damage in areas surrounding eThekwini, with flooding causing structural collapses, mudslides and fallen trees. About 280 families in Lamontville were affected by last night’s heavy rains and will be relocated to temporary shelters as mop-up operations continue.
The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed that disaster response teams are conducting evacuations and providing aid to affected communities.
This is an issue that demands urgent and decisive action. I call upon the premier to convene a high-level summit on climate change and spatial planning.”
The King also called on the government, civil society and citizens at large to continue the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“We shouldn’t relent in this fight. We should renew our commitment to ending this crisis,” he said.
The King’s KZN Legislature opening address would be followed by Premier Thami Ntuli’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) scheduled to be delivered at the same venue.