The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Friday warned that voter confidence in democracy has fallen sharply in KwaZulu-Natal, after a new HSRC survey found rising political disengagement, economic dissatisfaction, and weakening trust in electoral institutions.

The findings form part of the IEC-commissioned Voter Participation Survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council, and the KZN-focused report titled What is happening in KwaZulu-Natal? Electoral Integrity, Civic Duty and Disillusionment.

IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the survey provided the commission with an important barometer of public sentiment ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.

The findings were presented during a press conference in Durban after a week-long IEC visit to KwaZulu-Natal, where commissioners met stakeholders including Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Premier Thami Ntuli and political parties including the ANC, IFP, National Freedom Party and EFF.

Moepya said meetings with the MK Party and the DA would be held at a later stage after the two parties requested postponements.

He said the findings showed that support for democracy as the preferred political system was no longer held by a majority of adults in KwaZulu-Natal, making it necessary for the commission to engage stakeholders in the province and seek lasting solutions.

“The study highlights declining trust in key political institutions, growing political disengagement, and rising voter disillusionment.

“KZN is among the provinces recording the sharpest decline in confidence in democracy. These trends underscore why the commission’s presence in the province this week has been both necessary and urgent,” Moepya said.

The report found that support for democracy as the preferred political system had fallen to 43% in KwaZulu-Natal, from 65% in 2015.

It also found that satisfaction with how democracy was working in the province had dropped severely, from 54% in 2004 to just 6% in 2025, compared with a national average of 17%.

Moepya said most adults still supported democratic values, but many felt democracy was not working well in practice.

“Economic dissatisfaction is very high in the province, with 88% unhappy about current conditions. The same proportion expect the economy to worsen in the next five years. 60% say life in their communities has worsened over the last five years,” he said.

He said the IEC had also not been spared, with those surveyed in the province expressing low confidence in the commission.

“Trust levels in the Electoral Commission have not been spared. On this metric, it is lowest in KwaZulu-Natal at 20%. The national average being 32%. There is a clear electoral divide with persons who voted in elections assessing the Electoral Commission more favorable than those who did not vote.”

Moepya said the commission was working to address concerns raised by political parties during the 2024 national and provincial elections, as it anticipated a difficult election period ahead.

“On its part, the commission reassured stakeholders that challenges experienced in the 2024 elections have or are in the process of being remedied.

“The commission has taken concrete steps to address concerns arising from the 2024 elections, including measures to reduce long queues, improvements to the Voters’ Roll App and the results leader board in the results centres, and subjecting the Voter Management Device to rigorous stress testing and independent audit to ensure its reliability and integrity,” he added.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday launched housing assistance reparations for victims identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at Sonkombo Sports Field in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal.

The launch marked the implementation of regulations enabling apartheid-era victims, verified through the TRC process, to receive state-funded housing support.

“We are marking this milestone almost exactly 30 years after the first public hearing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was held in East London on April 15, 1996,” Ramaphosa said.

“We remain determined to ensure that the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is completed.”

He said Ndwedwe holds significant historical importance, having been among the areas in KwaZulu-Natal hardest hit by political violence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with widespread displacement, destruction of property and loss of life.

Ramaphosa said the TRC’s final report recommended measures to restore the dignity of victims, including targeted housing support in areas where violence led to mass displacement.

“The housing assistance regulations that we published in January 2026 flow directly from these recommendations,” he said.

The regulations provide for a once-off housing grant or the construction of a new home for beneficiaries formally identified through the TRC process.

The cost will be covered by the President’s Fund established under the TRC Act.

“Through these regulations we are giving effect to our longstanding commitment to reparations for victims of apartheid and to our constitutional obligation to advance human dignity,” Ramaphosa said.

He said parliament in June 2003 approved a package of reparations, including a once-off grant of 30,000 rand, medical and social support, memorialisation, and community rehabilitation.

Ramaphosa said the once-off grant programme had been completed for all processed applications, with remaining cases limited to those who had yet to apply.

He added that the government had supported 11,783 learners in basic education at a cost of just over 134 million rand, and 1,896 students in higher education at a cost exceeding 129 million rand.

TRC victims and their families are also entitled to free healthcare in public facilities, he said, adding that the Gallows Exhumation Project had been completed.

Ramaphosa further referred to several apartheid-era inquests recommended by the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), including those into the deaths of activists such as Albert Luthuli, the Craddock Four, Griffiths Mxenge and Steve Biko.

The housing regulations, published on January 16, 2026, provide for assistance of up to 183,257 rand per approved beneficiary, per household, per incident.

As of March 18, 2026, the Department of Justice had received 941 applications, with 220 beneficiaries verified, all opting for the once-off housing grant.

A total of 650 million rand has been ring-fenced for the programme.

In Ndwedwe, 476 approved beneficiaries are expected to receive a combined 87.2 million rand once all applications are verified. To date, 20.9 million rand has been paid to 114 beneficiaries.

“As at March 18, 2026, the total number of approved listed beneficiaries positively verified in Ndwedwe is 220. The estimated total amount to be paid to these beneficiaries is 40.3 million rand,” Ramaphosa said.

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The government of KwaZulu-Natal has launched its R110 million restoration programme at the historic old legislature precinct in Ulundi.

“This precinct is not just a building; it is a symbol of KwaZulu-Natal’s legacy and the visionary leadership of His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who sought to bring government closer to the people,” Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said on Friday at the handover of the project to a contractor.

The premier was joined by IFP MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and DA MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer.

In September, Buthelezi and Meyer signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the refurbishment. Once complete, the building will be handed to Cogta.

KwaZulu-Natal is littered with unused or derelict government buildings, which Meyer’s department has been selling off, leasing or upgrading for government use. Earlier this year, the department released 86 buildings and vacant land plots, combined.

Described at the time as “dead weight”, Meyer said the disposal of the R120,7 million worth of assets would save the department R24,3 million in annual rates.

At Friday’s launch, Ntuli said the first phase of work would entail the replacement and repair of roofing infrastructure, set to cost about R20 million.

The entire restoration package was described as a “critical milestone” in preserving and upgrading a site of historical, cultural and administrative significance.

The old provincial legislature building was formerly the seat of the KwaZulu-Natal government until the move to Pietermaritzburg. The building has been largely under-utilised since 2004 and suffered storm damage, general decay and maintenance neglect.

Ntuli said that sub-contracting, employment and procurement opportunities from the project would benefit Ulundi and the surrounding communities.

He said the province had “ambitious plans” for the precinct, including a new nursing college, for which a contractor had already been appointed.

“In addition, Zululand University is set to establish an extension campus in Ulundi, complete with a student residence, further reinforcing the town’s role as a centre for education and development.

“This precinct will not only be restored but revitalised to serve future generations. Our efforts here are about more than brick and mortar, they are about dignity, service delivery, and a lasting legacy,” said Ntuli.

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Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has emphasised that in the wake of last week’s devastating floods, immediate priorities must include providing temporary relief, supporting bereaved families with burial arrangements and initiating the long-term relocation of affected households.

Addressing the media and communities, Simelane confirmed that over 1000 homes were destroyed and approximately 2686 people were now homeless following what she described as a “tragic and deeply emotive disaster”.

“It’s a huge tragedy. But our teams, health, education, home affairs, police, human settlements and civil society partners like Gift of the Givers, are all on the ground. The focus right now is ensuring families can bury their loved ones with dignity,” Simelane said.

The minister has embarked on a critical three-day oversight visit to flood-stricken communities across the Eastern Cape, including Decoligny and Joe Slovo informal settlements, following the natural disaster which claimed at least 90 lives and left thousands of households in crisis.

Simelane confirmed that the government was mobilising Temporary Residential Units starting this week, with bereaved families prioritised.

Technical teams are continuing on-site assessments to identify suitable land for permanent relocation, though Simelane expressed reservations about one proposed location being too close to a stream.

“We have a duty to move people to safer areas. Rebuilding near the dam or stream would be irresponsible. Assessments will continue, and if the sites are viable, we aim to begin permanent housing construction within the next two months,” she added.

The minister addressed reports of food looting and extortion of aid workers.

While stating she had not previously been informed of any such incidents during the trip’s daily technical briefings, she promised a full investigation.

“If food is being looted by people not affected, that’s criminal and law enforcement will be involved. If the need is genuinely greater than our provisioning, we’ll reassess allocations. Either way, we are taking this seriously,” she stated.

Her comments followed accusations that members of the Gift of the Givers were harassed while delivering water supplies, with some being extorted.

King Sabatha Dalindyebo mayor Nyaniso Nelani condemned the alleged acts and confirmed police investigations were underway.

“We cannot allow criminal elements to hijack humanitarian efforts. Those responsible will be found and dealt with,” Nelani assured.

As the government scrambles to respond, criticism has mounted over the Eastern Cape’s preparedness.

Democratic Alliance leader of the opposition in the Eastern Cape legislature, Vicky Knoetze, declared the province’s disaster management “a crisis”, citing chronic underfunding and unfilled key positions.

“Of the R1.165 billion allocated to CoGTA for 2025/26, only R11 million went to provincial disaster management. That is political failure, not bad luck,” Knoetze said.

Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who visited flood victims in Butterworth’s Skiet informal settlement, admitted his government was unprepared.

Displaced residents reported further hardships.

Despite the devastation, Simelane praised the community’s resilience, sharing how residents had joined search efforts to recover missing bodies and support their neighbours.

“It’s ubuntu in action. People who’ve lost everything are still out there helping others search through mud and rubble. It’s deeply moving,” she said.

Simelane confirmed that government grants of up to R12,000 per household were being allocated for emergency rebuilding, and that a consolidated disaster management plan for the province was being reviewed for long-term improvements.

Meanwhile, two people have died and over 400 homes were damaged following extreme weather in KwaZulu-Natal last week.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited the hardest-hit area of Impendle.

Ntuli confirmed that 140 families were affected in Impendle alone, with 31 left without shelter and currently staying with neighbours.

He also announced the deaths of two people in eThekwini due to the disaster.

Provincial officials are assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts for affected residents as the region begins to recover from the widespread destruction.

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In the wake of a fire that claimed six lives in the Marikana informal settlement in Boksburg, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called on provincial and local governments to urgently prioritise the upgrading of informal settlements across the country.

Six family members lost their lives in the blaze, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of millions of South Africans living in precarious housing conditions.

“The unfortunate incidents in our informal settlements are a clear sign that we should accelerate and invest in the upgrading of informal settlements and commit to finishing all the stalled projects around the country.

“This will enable qualifying beneficiaries to have access to decent shelter, prevent loss of life and improve the quality of household life,” Simelane said in a statement on Monday.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday morning, destroyed multiple makeshift homes in the densely populated settlement in Ekurhuleni.

The department has reported a surge in disasters affecting informal settlements over the past month, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

Fires, flooding and other environmental hazards have wreaked havoc in communities with limited access to proper infrastructure and emergency services.

According to the minister, the department was committed to upgrading over 4000 informal settlements as part of its 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

It aims to improve living conditions, reduce disaster risks and expand access to basic services like water, sanitation and electricity.

In addition to the MTDP target, Simelane reaffirmed her department’s commitment to completing 271 blocked Breaking New Ground housing projects and nine distressed social housing developments that have stalled in recent years.

These unfinished projects represent thousands of homes that remain out of reach for qualifying beneficiaries, despite the urgent need.

The minister emphasised the critical need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and communities themselves in addressing the country’s housing crisis.

In response to the Marikana fire, the department has activated its Emergency Housing Unit, which handles disaster response.

Simelane has instructed the unit to work closely with its Gauteng counterpart and the Ekurhuleni metro to provide immediate relief and support to the affected households.

Relief efforts are expected to include the provision of temporary shelter, food parcels and psychological support for survivors and families of the deceased.

Local officials are currently assessing the damage and identifying those in need of urgent assistance.

The department confirmed that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire and called on communities to report hazards and work with authorities to improve safety in high-risk areas.

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The Economic Freedom Fighters has shaken things up in the leadership positions of four of its provincial command teams, describing the changes as a tactical move to sharpen its leadership capacity.

The party explained that the changes were made according to Section 14 of its constitution and were a direct outcome of the resolutions of the Central Command Team meeting this week.

This flowed from resolutions adopted at its 3^rd National People’s Assembly in Johannesburg in December 2024.

“The EFF remains steady in its revolutionary mission: to build a mass-based, militant and disciplined organisation that is firmly rooted in the struggles of the working class and the poor, and that will deliver true economic freedom in our lifetime,” the party said in a statement on Friday.

The EFF hailed the appointments as a moment that marked its continued commitment to ensure that every province was equipped with a revolutionary, disciplined and ideologically coherent leadership collective, which was capable of advancing its historic mission of economic emancipation and deepening grassroots organisational presence.

In the Western Cape, deputy provincial secretary Thozama Lithakong was elevated to provincial secretary and Ntsikelelo Tyandela as his deputy, in what the party said signalled a renewed commitment to building strong organisational discipline where it continued to make steady and principled inroads.

In the Northern Cape, Francis Thulo was appointed as the deputy secretary, replacing Mervin Willemse, and Goitseone Sekgopi was appointed as treasurer, replacing Kerileng Botman.

“This strategic reinforcement is part of ensuring that the EFF’s machinery in the Northern Cape is well-coordinated, administratively sound and financially efficient, to meet the political demands of a mineral rich and working-class province that is ready for radical change,” it said.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Vukani Ndlovu was appointed provincial secretary replacing Nkululeko Ngubane, and Ncedo Njenga is the now the treasurer, replacing Chuma Wakeni.

The command team said this reflected a deliberate effort to improve administrative capacity in one of the most politically complex provinces in the country and was aimed at strengthening the revolutionary engine and laying a firm foundation for the battles ahead.

In Limpopo, Anthony Matumba was confirmed as the provincial deputy chairperson replacing Rassy Maepa.

“This key deployment is a consolidation of the gains made by the organisation in Limpopo, ensuring that the leadership collective is equal to the task of preparing for intensified electoral engagement and organisational growth in the province,” it said.

It added that Matumba brought experience, discipline and clarity to the role.

“All of these appointments are not merely symbolic, they are tactical moves in a broader programme to refine the EFF’s leadership machinery, deepen accountability and build a movement that is responsive to the material conditions and aspirations of the oppressed and exploited,” it said.

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The KwaZulu Natal co-operative governance and traditional affairs department tabled its 2025/ 2026 Budget, worth a total of R 1,9 billion and prioritised economic infrastructure projects and revitalising municipalities across the province.

MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said: “We are reviving the Back-to-Basics programme as central to local government within our province.”

Buthelezi said this strategic focus demonstrates the department’s commitment to ensuring effective service delivery and responsive local government.

Local government received R 397,5 million.

Buthelezi said the investment would empower municipalities to enhance their capacity and serve communities more effectively.

The MEC outlined 11 infrastructure projects across regions and in the eThekwini Metro.

Buthelezi said the projects “are designed to ignite economic activity and drive development within their respective regions”.

They include the Ulundi, Nkdandla and Abaqulusi electrification projects with a total of R113 million.

The development and planning function received R 377,9 million.

“The  2025/26 budget reflects a strong commitment to strengthening local governance, empowering communities, and driving sustainable economic development across the province,” said the MEC.

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is concerned about the slow pace by his department to combat the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal.

He has ordered officials from the Agriculture Department to explore declaring a state of disaster in the province.

“This lack of sufficient action is jeopardising farmers’ livelihoods, the agricultural industry and the economy. This needs to stop. Immediately,” Steenhuisen said on Wednesday.

Many farmers and community leaders told the minister during a recent visit to the province that the department was not effectively addressing the outbreak.

KwaZulu-Natal has been grappling with 147 active FMD outbreaks, and despite ongoing efforts by the department, new infections emerged outside designated Disease Management Areas (DMA) that were declared in 2021 when outbreaks of the SAT2 FMD strain first emerged in the province.

Steenhuisen extended the DMA boundaries last month to curb the spread of the disease.

“The reports we continue to receive from KwaZulu-Natal regarding the persistent and, in some cases, expanding foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks are of great concern. This, with the slow progress in strengthening our national biosecurity and acquiring vital vaccines, presents significant risks that this government views with serious concern.

“I have directed the department to identify and lift every single impediment standing in the way of vaccines being delivered in a timely manner,” the minister said in a statement.

In the meantime, Steenhuisen has instructed department officials to contact the police and the Road Traffic Management Corporation to prioritise and assist with roadblocks and the management of the movement of animals.

They must also focus on alternative sites for the sale of livestock and identify abattoirs within the DMA to provide an alternative for farmers.

Other priorities are procuring and providing enough vaccines to meet the demand for a comprehensive vaccine roll-out and exploring mechanisms to declare a state of disaster in the province.

The minister has ordered that the implementation of a permit system be monitored.

“The current control measures, while necessary, are clearly insufficient to contain these outbreaks effectively. The legislative requirement under the Animal Diseases Act… for owners to stop the spread of disease must be supported by effective government leadership and enforcement,” Steenhuisen said.

This must include increased surveillance, firm enforcement and providing farmers with the support and know-how they need to implement effective biosecurity.

Meanwhile in the Eastern Cape, the department continues to make progress in containing FMD.

Steenhuisen said the lifting of the DMA restrictions has been delayed due to recent suspicious results on two properties. 

One test result has come back negative, and the department is waiting for the outcome of the second to decide on the way forward.

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The Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) will be held in the City of uMhlathuze in KwaZulu-Natal later this year, after a deal was secured at the Meetings Africa gathering in Johannesburg which came to close on Wednesday night.

Delegates from across the continent share ideas on how to grow the event and conference industry on the continent.

uMhlathuze municipality mayor Xolani Ngwezi was thrilled about the deal that would bring businesspeople and investors from the country and the continent to explore investment opportunities in city.

At the media launch to unveil the agreement on the sidelines of the Meetings Africa, the deal was described by organisers as a milestone in the lead-up to the event.

Ngwezi said the municipality would grab the opportunity with both hands and showcase the city’s commitment to leveraging the event as a catalyst for economic growth.

“We intend to drive economic growth while positioning our port city and region as a competitive hub for export trade and investment. For this reason, the city has various investment projects in the pipeline aimed at unlocking the region’s global competitiveness, not only for trade, but also for tourism.

“Our strategic location as a gateway to the natural attractions of Zululand and Maputaland, along with our growing popularity as a cruise ship destination, makes us an ideal host for this prestigious event,” Ngwezi said.

KZN Tourism and Film Authority CEO Sibusiso Gumbi said they supported hosting the event as it aligned with the organisation’s mandate to promote the province as a tourism destination.

“Hosting the event will not only create opportunities for access to capital, but also elevate lesser-known regions and cities as attractive investment locations and business events destinations,” said Gumbi.

The event will be held from 26 to 27 August 2025 at the Thembela Events Venue in Richards Bay. It will attract key industry stakeholders, investors, policymakers and tourism leaders from across Africa and beyond.

It is expected to provide a platform for impactful discussions, partnerships and investment opportunities that will drive sustainable growth and development within the continent’s tourism sector.

“There are certainly a lot of opportunities to interest the TIFA delegates in the region. Hopefully, it will lead to future investment and development in this exciting area,” said the organisers.

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The ANC has confirmed that Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provincial executive committees have been disbanded in a reconfiguration move to prepare the structures for the 2026 local government elections.

The two provinces were disbanded following poor performances in the national and provincial elections.

The party said on Wednesday that the reconfiguration was part of the decisive steps to strengthen its structures in the two provinces as discussed by the national executive committee in its meeting on 18-19 January 2025.

“Recognising the challenges faced in these key provinces, the ANC has reconfigured the provincial executive committees (PECs), incorporating the wealth of experienced leaders and veterans to reinforce stability and renewal,” it said in a statement.

It added that this intervention, aligned with the ANC Constitution, was part of a broader strategy to rebuild the movement and prepare for the local polls.

The party said the reconfiguration marked a substantial step in consolidating the ANC’s presence, reconnecting with communities and restoring public confidence.

It said while veterans would be deployed to lead the party in the two provinces, the leadership of Gauteng and KZN would focus on inspiring hope, addressing electoral setbacks, and driving transformation and development in line with the ANC’s renewal agenda

Engagements with the PECs have already been held to communicate the decision of the NEC and the next phase included direct engagements with regional structures in both provinces, followed by a comprehensive induction of the reconfigured provincial leadership and strategic planning sessions.

“These efforts will provide a structured framework for renewal, political education and the implementation of the 2024 ANC manifesto. The ANC remains committed to gender parity, youth participation, non-racialism and the revitalisation of its structures,” it said.

Speculation is that former mayor Amos Masondo will be the convenor for Gauteng and former minister Jeff Radebe for KwaZulu-Natal.

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