The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal commends Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson MP, and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer MPL for their historic visit to His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the Mashobeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.
In my capacity as the Provincial Whip of KwaZulu-Natal in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), I had the honour of joining the Minister and MEC in this landmark engagement, one that signifies a renewed era of cooperation between democratic institutions and traditional leadership in advancing inclusive development across rural KwaZulu-Natal (view images here, here and here).
This dialogue with His Majesty and Amakhosi underscores the vital role of traditional leaders in driving sustainable infrastructure delivery, local job creation, and social cohesion. It aligns with the NCOP’s mandate to strengthen intergovernmental relations and ensure that national and provincial initiatives directly benefit rural communities.
The NCOP stands ready to support and monitor the implementation of key outcomes of this visit, including the reformed Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) pilot and the Social Facilitation Framework designed to prevent construction stoppages and enhance community participation.
This collaboration demonstrates how unity of purpose between government and traditional authority can unlock rural potential, reclaim hijacked state assets, and deliver modern infrastructure that restores dignity to our communities.