KING Misuzulu has officially opened the KZN Legislature, and KZN premier Nomusa Dube Ncube will be free to deliver her State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Wednesday, 28 February.
The KZN Legislature was opened at The Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 27 February.
KZN is the only province where the legislature is officially opened by the king before the state of the province by the premier.
King Misuzulu, who recently shocked many people when he fired Ingonyama Trust Board chairman Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela and appointed himself as the new chairman, told the legislature about his vision.
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"Because of my vision, my vision is to protect and develop the land of the Zulu. I have introduced changes in the leadership of Ingonyama Trust to ensure that people who live in the land benefit from activities in Ingonyama Trust land," he said.
He said this year marks the 30 years since the dawn of Mzansi democracy.
"The foundation of this democracy was led by kings, such as King Cetshwayo, who fought against and defeated the British army at the battle of Isandlwana 145 years ago.
"It was in the defence of our land, which today we still protect. It's important that our democracy grows from strength to strength," he said.
King Misuzulu said he has declared 2024 to be a year of peace, unity, revival of pride and dignity among the Zulus and the province of KZN.
"I therefore appeal for peace and tolerance between all political parties that will be campaigning in this year's elections. I wish you all the best of luck. I come to raise something that is concerning us all, which is the killing of our counsellors in this province, my brothers and sister. It must come to a stop.
"The killing of amakhosi needs to come to a stop immediately. We are a province of peace and understanding, and all of this bloodshed must stop immediately. I'm calling the law enforcement to arrest and prosecute all the criminals who are giving our province a bad name," he said.
