AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (centre) will officially open the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday.
Image: Supplied
AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini will officially open the KwaZulu-Natal legislature at Woodburn Rugby Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
The provincial legislature's Standing Rule stipulates that the king is the sole person in the province to officially open the legislature. This opening takes place the day before the premier's State of the Province Address (SOPA). Notably, the king is the only individual permitted to officially open the legislature in the province.
In a media briefing on Tuesday, legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce outlined the programmes of the three days, starting on Thursday, up to next week, where the parties will debate the SOPA.
Boyce announced that it was systems go for the opening, adding that all the necessary arrangements, including the safety of the public and the legislature members, have been put in place.
She said she was not expecting any challenges politically or otherwise, saying all members of the legislature are expected to abide by the rules of the chamber.
“On the first day, His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini will address the House, marking the commencement of the third session of the seventh administration of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. His Majesty's address remains a significant moment in our legislative calendar because it reinforces unity, social cohesion, and the important role of traditional leadership in our province,” said Boyce.
She defended the decision to separate the events, addressing the question of why they weren't combined into a single day to save costs.
She said although the concern has never been discussed in the legislature, costs have been trimmed down over the years, particularly busing of people outside Pietermaritzburg has been cut out to minimise costs.
The king is expected to be accompanied by traditional leaders and regiments. The king will address this year’s events with enhanced image and confidence following his affirmation as a legitimate AmaZulu monarch by the Constitutional Court.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za