Premier Sihle Zikalala: KwaZulu-Natal Prov Budget Vote 2022

• Published date: 05 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

Hon. Speaker, we deliver this Budget Policy Speech for Vote 1, Office of the Premier, to this esteemed house after marking 28 years since South Africa entered democratic rule, and severed ties with the racist apartheid regime, setting our country firmly on the path to true non-racism, non-sexism and an equal and prosperous society. We commemorated Freedom Month under the theme of 'Consolidating Our Democratic Gains', in recognition of the giant steps we have taken, but also the road yet to be travelled. We commit to strive daily to honour the contributions and heroic sacrifices of those who laid the foundation on which we continue to build.

Marking End of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Our Muslim compatriots have marked the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the beginning of the new season has particular significance for all the people of KwaZulu-Natal who are beginning a new journey of recovery, restoration and lasting peace in the aftermath of a season of storms, diseases, and floods that devastated the province of KwaZulu-Natal. We say Eid Mubarak to all our fellow citizens of the Islamic Faith.

Celebration of Founder of Ibandla LamaNazaretha

On Monday, 02 May 2022, Ibandla lama Nazaretha commemorated its founder, Inkosi Isaiah Shembe who founded the Church more than a century ago, in 1910. We cherish the rich spiritual heritage of the Shembe Church and take immense pride in it as the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

After the devastating floods: Recovery and Resilience

Hon. Members, we stand here still reeling from an extraordinary act of nature that has produced the most catastrophic human tragedy in the history of our province and country. We are still nursing our wounds, recovering from the tragic loss of life and human suffering on a massive scale. The Provincial Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal pay tribute to South Africans from all walks of life, political parties, civil society, and the international community for standing with our province during South Africa's worst floods in recent history.

As of today, more than 435 people lost their lives, about 63 people are reported to be still missing, over 6000 people were left homeless, over 630 schools were affected, and over 100 of which were inaccessible. While the floods had a disproportionate and more severe impact on the poorest of the poor in our province, it was indiscriminate - it brought misery to all, black and white, rich and poor, urban and rural, young and old.

Dedicating May Day...