King Goodwill Zwelithini too ill to attend KZN SOPA this year

Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini’s health has cost him a chance to be part of this year’s State of the Province Address as per norm and Official Opening of KwaZulu-Natal’s Legislature. The King was hospitalised earlier this month because of unstable glucose levels and is believed to be in ICU.                         

Nontembeko Boyce, Speaker of the National Assembly said that they have been preparing for the Address by His Majesty as well as the State of the Province Address to run over a period of two days.

KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI BELIEVED TO BE ICU

“On Tuesday 23rd February the Speaker received a formal letter informing the Legislature that, on medical advice, His Majesty will not be able to address the House. We value the pivotal role played by His Majesty. As the Legislature, we work extremely well with His Majesty and recognise that the guidance and counsel he provides to the legislature and government is invaluable. We take this opportunity to wish the monarch a speedy recovery,” Boyce announced. 

The event, as has been the tradition over the years, is a two-day occasion that commences with the address by His Majesty and culminates in the State of the Province Address (SOPA). Due to restrictions in the context of Level 3 of the COVID-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy there have been drastic changes made.

READ: King Goodwill Zwelithini gets R4.5 million raise amid COVID-19 crisis

• This year, KwaZulu-Natal’s State of the Province Address will be held in a hybrid mode (at the Legislature precinct) where 50 participants, representing the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature will be physically present at the Legislature Chamber.
• The 2-day event usually costs R2.5 million, this year’s costs are expected not to exceed R500 000.
• This year’s session will only comprise the State of the Province address by the Premier. The public can stream the proceedings on reverse billing or data-free (meaning members of the public can stream for free on the KZN Legislature’s social media pages and website. They can also tune into Ukhozi FM and the following community radio; UMgungundlovu FM, Inanda FM, Izwi Lomzansi FM, Ugu Youth Radio, Rise FM, Inqubeko FM, Nongoma FM, Maputaland FM. We will also be live on 1 KZN TV.

THE FOCUS OF THIS YEAR’S KZN SOPA

During the briefing, Boyce explained that the SOPA is critical in that it serves to set out the province’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year.  “This is essential for the legislature to commence its oversight process for the year in that it can have a clear picture of the Executive’s plans and intentions for the year.

“The SOPA will, among other things, focus on the provincial government’s seven key priorities which include: job creation, improving the delivery of services, growing the economy, human settlement, and sustainable livelihoods.

This address by the Premier follows the President’s address to the nation and serves as an opportunity for Members of the Legislature to consider the issues of accountability and oversee whether commitments of previous years have been achieved or are on track.