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King Misuzulu during KZN legislature official opening. Photo Supplied
KING Misuzulu kaZwelithini said after three decades of democracy, Mzansi has made significant progress, yet challenges continue, particularly with gun violence in KZN.
He expressed concern that not everyone sees the harmful impact of using guns to resolve political disputes and other conflicts.
He praised the KZN police, led by provincial commissioner Major-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, urging them to continue in their efforts to shield the community from criminals and violent individuals.
The king was speaking at the official opening of the KZN legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 30 July, leading the State of the Province Address (Sopa) by KZN Premier Thami Ntuli scheduled for Wednesday, 31 July.
In his address, King Misuzulu spoke about the evolution of the nation over the past 30 years but cautioned against self-satisfaction, noting that it would be misleading to declare that all is well with democracy in the region.
He pointed out the harsh reality of poverty, with some citizens going to bed hungry.
He grieved the loss of community leaders and members to gun violence, emphasising the role of instigators behind such acts.
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The king also highlighted the broader social impact, with families losing breadwinners and the resultant poverty. He stressed the vulnerability of women and girls in the current climate, who face abuse and violence.
Looking ahead, Misuzulu welcomed the planning of a crime summit as a positive development. He called for the participation of all traditional institutions and stressed the importance of addressing security in rural areas.
He also advocated for the inclusion of the education sector in these discussions, given the dominance of violence at schools which threatens the safety of pupils and teachers.
Central to these discussions, the king noted, should be the underlying causes of crime to avoid merely blaming or focusing only on high-profile crimes while neglecting daily criminal activities.
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