Luhlanga Lomhlabathi, Madam Speaker, Honourable Members of the Executive, Honourable Members of the Legislature, KwaZulu-Natal Judge President, Amakhosi aseNdlunkulu, Izinduna zamakhosi, Mayor of UMsunduzi Municipality, All our Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Speakers, All Councillors, Judges, Abaholi bamabhizinisi nabemboni yamatekisi, Religious Leaders, Ambassadors, Consul Generals, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, SAPS Provincial Commissioner, the Director-General, Heads of Departments, Learners from Long Market Primary School, Msilinga Primary School, Merchiston Primary School, Orient Heights Primary School, Media, Fellow Citizens. Recently we lost our Sons in the DRC, which we are relieved that their mortal remains are back to the land of their birth to be given a befitting send-off.
As a Province once again, we lost fellow citizens and infrastructure due to heavy rains and floods. Recent reports indicated that we lost 11 people. I therefore request that we all observe a moment of silence in their remembrance. Njengaminyaka yonke, izolo sicoshe amanoni enkulumeni yoNgangezwe Lakhe, nesizibophezelayo njengo Hulumeni weSILO ukuthi amagama aso ngeke awele phansi. Ngiselapho SILO ngiyafisa ukwedlulisa ukuthokoza.
1. Kusuka ngoZibandlela ngonyaka owedlule ISILO sibe nohambo olumqoka kuso nase sizweni jikelele. Lolu hambo bekuwu Mkhosi woSelwa ongumongo kaZulu. Kube yintokozo nokuziqhenya kithi ukuthi OMdala ekukhuphukeni kwakhe entabeni, abuye engumqemane nokwenze wawagcina onke amasiko namasikothi aqondene naloMkhosi.
Madam Speaker
2. We are indeed living in unprecedented times. We face a future marked by the uncertainties of a global climate crisis, alongside enormous challenges in health, social stability, economic resilience and geo-politics. The waves of pandemics, epidemics, and endemic diseases serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities we must address. By all accounts, we are navigating through a period of profound crisis.
3. Yet, it was that legendary statesman, the former Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, who reminded us, 'Never let a good crisis go to waste.' In his words, we find a powerful call to action—a reminder that even in times of hardship, there lies an opportunity for growth, transformation, and renewed purpose.
4. As we end the month of February, we mark eight months since the dawn of the 7th Administration—a period defined by commitment, engagement, and the pursuit of progress. This journey has been both a privilege and a profound learning experience as we have dedicated our time to listening, understanding, and working alongside our people from all walks of life.
5. At the heart of this administration is a deep and unwavering commitment to serving our nation with integrity, responsiveness, and a clear vision for a better future. Through continuous engagement with communities, businesses, workers, and civil society, we have gained invaluable insights that will shape the policies and programmes driving our collective progress.
6. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to build an inclusive, prosperous, and resilient society, one where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
7. We stand before this august House today to account, to report on the commitments we made and the actions we have taken in pursuit of a better future for our people. In my maiden State of the Province Address, we committed to inspiring new hope both inside and outside of government. We also pledged to lead a government founded on honesty, accountability, and service. Over the past eight months, we have engaged extensively with stakeholders across government, business, labour, and civil society. We have reviewed reports, examined projections, and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that confront us.
8. We remain resolute in our mission to build a government that is responsive, transparent, and driven by the needs of the people. This is not just a promise, it is a responsibility that we will continue to uphold. Today, we stand before you to speak candidly, not only about the challenges we face but, also about the progress we have made, the rationale behind our decisions, and the critical steps that still lie ahead.
Madame Speaker
9. Our administration governs in a time shaped by both internal and global economic realities. When we assumed office eight months ago, we were confronted with the stark fiscal constraints facing KwaZulu-Natal. As the Government of Provincial Unity, we inherited outstanding financial commitments from the 2023/2024 financial year, obligations that weighed upon the budget of 2024/2025.
10.Despite these challenges, we remain resolute in our commitment to prudent financial management, ensuring that every rand spent serves the people and advances our shared vision for economic stability and inclusive growth. In confronting the fiscal challenges before us, the Executive Council has taken decisive action. Recognizing the need for responsible financial management, we collectively agreed on a cost-cutting initiative designed to help departments navigate financial constraints—some of which are beyond their control. This initiative is not merely about reducing expenditures; it is about enhancing financial planning, ensuring fiscal accountability, and safeguarding service delivery.
11.Across the globe, governments face the difficult task of balancing cost containment with developmental imperatives. Trade-offs are inevitable, but our approach has been strategic: ensuring that while we streamline expenditure, we do not compromise essential services. We are pleased to report that, within a short period, these measures are already yielding positive results in KwaZulu-Natal. Further details on these fiscal adjustments will be outlined by MEC for Finance, Honourable Rogers in his forthcoming budget presentation.