Parliament, Friday, 21 November 2025 – The KwaZulu-Natal delegation of permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) successfully concluded its Provincial Week programme in the Umgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal.
The delegation was back in the province for the NCOP’s 2025 Provincial Week Programme to conduct oversight, strengthen cooperative governance and uphold their constitutional duty to hold the executive to account.
The theme for this year’s programme was “Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services”. The programme brought together the NCOP delegation, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli, Members of the Executive Council, Members of the Legislature and mayors from across the district.
During his presentation, Premier Ntuli acknowledged the critical role of the NCOP in supporting the province’s efforts towards improved governance and service delivery. He emphasised the significance of infrastructure development as a cornerstone of economic growth and social stability, and further stressed that such development must be delivered without delays, corruption or mismanagement.
The Premier’s remarks reinforced the central message of this year’s Provincial Week: accountability, integrity and efficiency must guide the work of every sphere of government.
In his opening address, the Provincial Whip and the leader of the delegation, Hon Mzamo Billy, reaffirmed that the NCOP is not a punitive structure, but a partner to the province and to the municipalities. He said the NCOP exists to strengthen governance, unlock stalled projects and support service delivery, not to reprimand or instil fear.
This message was strongly welcomed by stakeholders across the district and set the tone for a constructive, solutions-focused oversight week. The delegation welcomed the progress in the projects it visited but also noted with concern lack of progress in some areas.
For example, the Cedara Housing Development in uMngeni remains stalled, despite commitments made by the District Municipality to provide the required bulk water and sanitation infrastructure. The failure to supply these services has blocked the construction of over 500 houses, affecting beneficiaries who have waited years for dignified housing.
The delegation called for the immediate establishment of a multi-stakeholder Working Group to unblock the project and accelerate bulk infrastructure funding.
At Mkhambathini Ward 7 Housing Project, while 159 houses have been completed in Phase 2 of this rural housing project, financial constraints, terrain challenges and delays in material delivery have slowed progress. The delegation encouraged the Department of Human Settlements to prioritise access roads and secure additional funding to ensure timely completion.
Despite the challenges, the delegation observed excellent examples of effective leadership and governance. The delegation commended Mayor Chris Pappas of uMngeni Local Municipality for the successful Howick Taxi Rank Revitalisation Project through an innovative public-private partnership (PPP). The project demonstrates how infrastructure development can be delivered efficiently, transparently and in partnership with the private sector without unnecessary delays or inflated costs.
The delegation also commended Mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo of Richmond Local Municipality for delivering high-quality road rehabilitation projects that are already benefiting local communities. The delegation said these successes serve as proof that municipalities can perform exceptionally well when leadership, planning and accountability align.
Throughout the week, the delegation observed a strong willingness among government departments, district and local municipalities, and community stakeholders to work together. This is crucial for strengthening service delivery, restoring public trust and ensuring that resources are used responsibly and effectively.
The delegation will deliberate on its findings and produce a consolidated report with actionable recommendations. The report will be finalised and adopted in the coming week. The NCOP will ensure that the commitments made during the Provincial Week are implemented.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE LEADER OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL DELEGATION TO THE NCOP, HON MZAMO BILLY.
For interviews with the leader of the delegation, please contact the delegation’s Media Officer:
Mr Temba Gubula
Cell: 081 402 3531
Email: tgubula@parliament.gov.za
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