Durban — King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has reminded KwaZulu-Natal residents that although they were a family of different hues, their diversity was not an impediment but an opportunity to know, understand, teach and accept one another.
The king also called for people to change their approach; if they didn’t, all good things being planned would come to nought.
King Misuzulu was speaking at the opening of the KZN Legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday. On Wednesday, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli will deliver his State Of the Province address.
The king urged people to work together for the betterment of KZN. He said that as residents of KZN, all must go beyond tolerating one another to accepting one another.
“We must accept that, while we are different, we are a family. As the crown head, I stand ready to assist you in this journey and other initiatives to develop the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
To the youth, the king said he understood the challenges most of them faced.
“Some of you are from impoverished families, others are orphans and some are unemployed graduates. I urge you not to despair. In your lack, do not harm yourselves. Do not allow your diminished circumstances to hold you back in life. Organise yourselves and participate in your own government. This could mean joining local youth councils, engaging in community development projects or even running for local office. Seek a place for yourselves at the table and offer solutions. This province needs you.”
The king said South Africa had evolved in 30 years of democracy, as evidenced by the profile of the leaders who were members of the House.
“Who knew that one day the descendants of an oppressed people would be legislators in KwaZulu-Natal? Who knew that black women would be members of this legislature and others, leaders thereof? We are observing all of this because of democracy.”
Misuzulu said no one could say all was well when some people went to bed hungry because of poverty. Neither could anyone sing praises when there were people who believed that the gun was a solution to political differences and other disagreements. The king said people could not “look the other way when our province is overrun with abusers”.
“Many Amakhosi, izinduna and community members have been buried because of the gun. The critical point is that there are always instigators behind the shooters. Due to gun violence, many families are impoverished, having lost breadwinners.
“Our girl children, our sisters and our wives are not free under this democracy. They are abused and killed. This bothers me a lot and it should also bother you. Women are also citizens of our country. They must be safe and feel part of a caring and protective country.”
He urged the SAPS to continue protecting people from criminals. He wanted all traditional institutions to take part in an upcoming crime summit, with the issue of security and safety in rural areas on the agenda.
“I also urge that the education sector be included since violence is rife in our schools, rendering learners and teachers unsafe. At the core of those discussions should be the question: Why do we have crime? This question is crucial because there is a risk of pointing fingers or focusing on major crimes while ignoring everyday criminal activities.”
The king said bribing officials and law enforcement officers; stealing funds earmarked for public services; racial and gender discrimination; and parents neglecting their children were all crimes.
“There is a temptation to regard the crown as a mere ceremonial artefact, to be occasionally taken out during ceremonies of only one section of the population. As the crown head and uBukhosi, we are ready to economically uplift our province through tourism, co-operative governance and fighting crime. I urge you to give uBukhosi an appropriate role. I also ask uBukhosi not to frown at changes that our times necessitate.”
The king commended Premier Ntuli on his new approach and taking into account the need for consultation between communities and leaders in various spheres and tiers of responsibility.
“I advised in the discussion that there should be a willingness to hear each other’s viewpoints, even from those who hold different views,” the king said.
Ntuli expressed gratitude for the king’s insights and pledged to work closely with traditional institutions and community leaders.
The king urged members of the provincial legislature (MPLs) to play a crucial role in the next five years and to work hard and without pause. He called on MPLs to continue developing themselves to be better-skilled by the end of the term.
ANC KZN spokesperson Mafika Mndebele said Misuzulu’s speech raised significant points that resonated with the party’s priorities.
Mndebele welcomed the king’s advocacy for increased youth participation in leadership positions, viewing it as a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive political landscape.
“This aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring their voices are heard,” he said.
Moreover, the ANC noted with approval the king's strong stance on combating violence against women and children, a pressing issue in the region.
“King Misuzulu’s outspoken condemnation of such atrocities and his call for unity among political parties underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling social issues,” Mndebele said.
Mndebele called on other political entities to heed the king’s call for unity and to work collectively towards creating safer communities for all residents.
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