By Celani Sikhakhane
The outgoing premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomsa Dube-Ncube, says the provincial government will build a new palace for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
She made the promise during her State of the Province Address at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
“As we continue to support our royal kingdom, we are going to build a new [palace] for King Misuzulu in Nongoma. This is part of government work to show our pride in our King,” she said.
“We have also constructed [fences] for the royal palaces to ensure the safety of the royal family and bought cars for the queens of the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.”
King Misuzulu is staying at the house of former KZN premier Lionel Mtshali, which was converted into a palace called kwaNkomonye in Ulundi.
Dube-Ncube also said it was no longer economically viable to use the old legislature building in Ulundi — thus addressing the controversial issue of paying rent in Pietermaritzburg while the buildings in Ulundi that had housed the legislature and offices stand empty.
“It was difficult to drive to Ulundi every day. Some leaders had to use air transport to get to Ulundi. That is why we decided to move the legislature to Pietermaritzburg,” she said.
King Misuzulu was accompanied at the event by his newly appointed traditional prime minister, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and his deputy, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.
Former KZN premiers Zweli Mkhize, Sbu Ndebele and Willies Mchunu also attended.
Dube-Ncube announced at the event that cameras would be installed in traditional leadership villages.
“We want to prioritise the safety of our traditional leaders. We also want to address the issues of headmen through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” she said.
“We understand that there are issues they are complaining about, but we are working at fixing those problems.”
In her speech, Dube-Ncube complained about the failure of municipalities to pay service providers on time. She said the practice is unacceptable because it destroys black businesses.
This was Dube-Ncube’s last speech as premier as her administration comes to an end on election day, 29 May.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini with Premier Nomsa Dube-Ncube and Deputy Speaker Themba Mthembu.
Image source: X
