Latest news with #DrZweliMkhize
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Chairperson Calls for Assistance for Flood Victims in Eastern Cape and KZN
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has noted with sadness the severe flooding that has left 49 people dead so far and others without homes as flood waters washed away houses and destroyed road infrastructure in the Eastern Cape. According to media reports, the disruptive rains, strong winds and snowfall that have hit the province hard started on Monday. Schooling has been suspended in the affected areas and some 58 schools have been damaged in the OR Tambo coastal area, Amathole East and Alfred Nzo West, the most affected areas in the province. The bodies of four children, a driver and a conductor who were on a bus that was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge near Mthatha on Tuesday morning are among those that have been recovered. Dr Mkhize said the committee calls for assistance from all those who are able to assist the families affected by floods in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the worst affected districts. Dr Mkhize said disasters of this nature are not new, they come and go, even this one is certainly going to pass. 'We note its catastrophic consequences with broken hearts, however,' emphasised Dr Mkhize. He said the committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of those who passed away as a result of the floods. 'We are with you in this very difficult and heavy time of loss of the loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.' As floods continue, according to media reports, the number of victims may rise. KwaZulu-Natal also experienced flooding and at least 68 schools across nine districts in KZN have been damaged, although no fatalities have been recorded according to media reports. The committee has noted reports of injuries arising from damage to houses and other infrastructure in parts of KZN in the past few days as a result of adverse weather conditions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Welcomes Seminal Review of White Paper on Local Government
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has welcomed the launch of the seminal Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, hailing it as an important step towards more accountable and efficient local governments, resulting in better service delivery. Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize and several committee members attended the launch event in Johannesburg on Monday. The review was launched under the theme 'Every municipality must work – A call to collective action'. The Chairperson said the review is long overdue, as a lot has changed in local government since the first White Paper, with many municipalities struggling and dysfunctional. He said the vision for local government as an important lever in addressing historical injustices and improving people's lives has not aligned with the lived realities in communities over the years. 'Now, this review provides an important pause to reinvigorate and chart a new trajectory of growth, development and efficiency for our municipalities,' the Chairperson said. He invited all stakeholders to make their voices heard in the planned consultations that will follow, as the review is set to address service delivery challenges in municipalities and the funding model for local government, among other things. 'The committee is looking forward to interacting with the review process of the White Paper on Local Government,' said the Chairperson. The review is expected to be finalised by March of next year. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
