By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa will be in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday and Friday as part of his mission to enhance intergovernmental relationships since the establishment of the Government of National Unity.
During his visit he will pay tribute to King Shaka Zulu’s legacy, meet the ANC provincial executive committee and connect with the people of eThekwini.
Ramaphosa is expected to unveil a statue of King Shaka Zulu at King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
In attendance will be Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, premiers, MECs, mayors, councillors and traditional leaders.
President spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Wednesday that “the unveiling of this statue aims honours the King’s legacy and preserve his memory for future generations.”
“The monument will serve as a symbol of unity, strength and pride for the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the entire nation, celebrating King Shaka’s contribution to Zulu history, culture and identity,” he said in a statement.
King MisuZulu KaZwelithini and Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli will join Ramaphosa as pays tribute to King Shaka.
The visit is also part of efforts to enhance service delivery and align delivery 7th administration’s priorities.
“The provincial leadership will present to the president its five-year programme that will respond to the national priorities of securing inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty and building a capable and ethical state,” said Magwenya.
Ramaphosa will also be updated on the work being done to support and accelerate efforts by the eThekwini municipality to improve service delivery, improve business confidence and reposition eThekwini as an investment and tourism hotspot.
On Friday, Ramaphosa is set to engage with citizens and organised civil society groups during a Presidential District Development Model Imbizo held under the theme “Leave No One Behind”.
Friday’s imbizo will focus on enhancing cooperative governance and integrated service delivery.
“The DDM Presidential Imbizo is an important public participation platform that ensures the voices and perspectives of communities are heard to advance a participatory democracy. In addition, it brings government closer to the people by ensuring that they can engage directly with communities and it enhances active citizenry to build better communities,” government said on Thursday.
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