The DA thanks KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, Thami Ntuli, for presenting the Office of the Premier and Royal Household budget, and for making it clear that he takes the financial challenges facing this government very seriously. It is a true leader who leads through his own example, and the Premier is doing exactly that.
Finding ways to cut costs is critical and every cent counts in our current fiscal climate and there are numerous ways in which the Legislature can save money by implementing minor changes. The Premier is also in a position to influence the way the Royal Household contributes to our province.
His Majesty the King made it very clear – during his first meeting with KZN’s new government of provincial unit (GPU) cabinet and in his recent address to the Legislature – that he wants to reform the use of Ngonyama Trust land and expand on its agricultural and tourism potential along with that of the Royal Household.
The DA calls on Premier Ntuli to give all necessary support to His Majesty in the vital and worthy project of enhancing KZN’s economy through the work of the Royal Household, which will ultimately benefit all the people of our province.
The Ngonyama Trust’s agricultural potential is huge. By using various possible models, such as the Botswana beef corporation model, government can enhance food security in KZN, improve the economic positions of small-scale farmers and greatly contribute to the overall economic development of our province.
KZN must also look at Alaska, where indigenous groups have created the Alaska Native Regional Corporations. These corporations work according to the peoples’ values, using the profits to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. The corporations invest in the communities through contributions focused on social, health, cultural and educational services. In 2017 these corporations, owned by the people, had a revenue of $9,1billion and employed more than 15 000 people. Since these group began, the quality of life, life span and health of Alaska’s indigenous groups has greatly improved.
The DA encourages Premier Ntuli to take the lead in building a capable, ethical and developmental state and to look into this and other examples and to assist -through the budget – with their adaptation and implementation in order to greatly benefit the Royal Household and KZN’s people.