KZN Speaker Nontembeko Boyce says all preparations are complete for the 2026 Official Opening and State of the Province Address, with legislation, oversight and meaningful public participation central to the programme.
Image: KZN Legislature
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce says the provincial legislature is fully prepared for the 2026 Official Opening and the State of the Province Address (SOPA), which will mark the start of the third session of the seventh term.
Addressing the media in Durban on Tuesday, Boyce said this year’s programme will be held under the theme: “Advancing Service Delivery that Makes Meaningful Impact through Legislation, Oversight and Public Participation.”
She said the theme speaks directly to the Legislature’s constitutional mandate.
“This theme reflects our firm commitment as the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature to ensure that our constitutional responsibilities translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people of our province,” Boyce said.
“Parliament is the voice of the people and it must act in their interests at all times,'' she said.
“These words remain relevant today,” she added.
“They remind us that legislation must respond to real challenges, oversight must protect public resources, and public participation must be meaningful rather than symbolic.”
The Official Opening will unfold over two days at Woodburn Stadium.
On Thursday, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini will address the House, formally commencing the session.
Boyce described the monarch’s address as a significant feature of the legislative calendar that reinforces unity, social cohesion, and the role of traditional leadership within the democratic framework.
In line with Rule 10(1)(a) of the Standing Rules, which provides that the Monarch may address the Legislature, she said the occasion affirms the formal recognition of the institution of the Monarch and demonstrates “our deep appreciation for cultural heritage and traditional governance in advancing overall public participation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.”
On Friday, Boyce said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli will deliver the State of the Province Address, outlining the government’s priorities and service delivery commitments for the year ahead.
Boyce confirmed that all logistical arrangements, including security planning, infrastructure, audio-visual systems, and accessibility measures, have been finalised in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure what she called “a seamless and dignified event”.
She said attendance will include Members of the Provincial Legislature, the Executive Council, traditional leaders, civil society, business representatives, organised labour, faith-based organisations, youth formations, community stakeholders, and members of the public.
The Speaker said the Legislature would sharpen its focus on its three core functions: passing quality legislation, intensifying oversight of departmental performance, and expanding meaningful public participation.
“We will prioritise the processing of quality legislation that directly addresses the socio-economic challenges facing our communities,” she said.
She added that oversight mechanisms would ensure budget allocations translate into “visible and measurable outcomes”.
Boyce said fiscal discipline had been exercised in planning the event.
“As an oversight institution, we must lead by example,” she said.
“The budget for the 2026 Official Opening and SOPA has been carefully managed to ensure cost-effectiveness while preserving the dignity and constitutional significance of the occasion.”
Following the two-day programme, the House will convene to debate the State of the Province Address, allowing political parties to scrutinise the policy direction outlined by the Premier.
“As we prepare to commence the Third Session of the Seventh Legislature, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing service delivery that makes a meaningful impact,” Boyce said.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that legislation is responsive, oversight is effective, and public participation is substantive and inclusive.”
She added that the people of KwaZulu-Natal “must experience this Legislature not merely as a law-making body, but as an institution that actively safeguards their interests and improves their daily lives.”
“We are ready to officially open the 2026 legislative programme,” she said.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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