ENABLE Consultative Session: MEC Nkonyeni Calls For Action
Story by Vusi Shabalala with images by Gugu Mtshali
MEC Peggy Neliswa Nkonyeni
As the year 2019 comes to a close, Honourable MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mrs.
Peggy Neliswa Nkonyeni wished to settle for nothing but tangible community delivery outcomes that
would confirm to moving the people of KwaZulu-Natal forward. She is indeed determined to see a
positively life changing pattern from those vulnerable people of the province she serves. This comes
at a consultative session that was held on 8 and 9 December 2019 at the Royal Hotel in Durban.
Day one of the programme outlined key strategic direction the MEC had in mind to sharing with all in
attendance – with specific reference to all those who are excluded from the democratic growth of the
country. The gathering was aimed at strengthening the inclusion of differently enabled persons in the
‘construction and built environment’ value chain. “This time I want action. First, let us hear what your
problems are and also teach us so that we could know better. I assure you that accountability has to
prevail,” reiterated MEC Nkonyeni strongly in her keynote address. According to her, government has
been talking, government has lamented and since 25 years of democracy has come and is slowly fading
from the faces and lives of the poor and vulnerable – action is paramount. The theme “ENABLE” was
ideal for the event in a sense that it precisely articulated the desired meaning that reflect on
‘Encouraging and Nurturing an All-inclusive Broad-based Local Empowerment’ of all differently abled
persons.
Amongst senior delegates of government who accompanied Mrs Nkonyeni were Messrs. Duma, the
acting Head of Department for Public Works and Mr Zungu, the Head of Department for Human
Settlements. Presentations on Youth, Women and People with Disabilities were conducted by Ms
Delisile Mncube and Mr Mduduzi Nhlozi from the departments Public Works and Human Settlements
respectively with Ms Dlaine Duval the Director for Policy & Product Development from Human
Settlements. Guests who honoured the invitation were provincial representatives from various NonGovernment Organisations (NGOs) that cater for persons with disabilities. Ms Bulelwa Mbolekwa, from
the Department of Health and who also represented Persons with Disabilities was guest speaker on the
day.
Above: Deputy Director-General for Corporate Service, Mr Phiweyo Duma with MEC Nkonyeni
Delegates responded positively and robustly to MEC Nkonyeni’s call for action during the session. The
engagements were conducted in a spirit of ‘respect’, ‘trust’, ‘comradeship’ and ‘ubuntu’. They were
fully participative and displayed character with sense of urgency to address their concerns during the
three ‘commissions’ established to sift through issues that touch the vulnerable , while the focus was
on youth, women and People with Disabilities.
On day two of the programme, Mr. Phiweyo Duma, the acting Head of Department for Public Works
rendered a ‘recap’ address. He briefly acknowledged that the vulnerable citizenry has serious
challenges and equally urged them to indicate or rather report all concerns for appropriate solutions to
be implemented. Amongst issues he raised was the reiteration of MEC Nkonyeni’s remark that
embraced ‘accountability’ pinning it to all staff and management from both departments in ensuring
that they live to the expectation of the people they serve; that all partners and Non-Government
Organisation (NGOs) for People with Disabilities will step up all efforts to continue working ‘hand-inglove’ with MEC Nkonyeni’s Ministry and the departments under her portfolio. Some of the crucial
resolutions were presented by representatives from the three Commissions.
Honourable MEC Nkonyeni has committed to establish a Steering Committee that will spearhead the
implementation of resolutions undertaken during the two-day session. However, she advised that not
all issues raised from the three Commissions may be single-handedly handled by her Ministry because
a number of challenges raised are located within the ambit of other provincial departments. It is quite
fathomable that she has an intrinsic desire to serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Her desire leaves an
obligation for her to realise and achieve specific wishes and her wishes are a command for her Ministry
to deliver. Therefore, Human Settlements and Public Works must come to the party. In closing, MEC
Nkonyeni delivered a very warm-hearted thanks giving message with inspiring words for thought.
Service delivery does not come to an end.