The red carpet has been rolled out at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, where AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is set to officially open the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
The ceremonial event signals the start of a key two-day programme that combines cultural tradition with the formal business of governance.
Thousands of attendees are expected on Thursday morning, including members of traditional leadership structures, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, business representatives, organised labour and members of the provincial legislature.
The king’s address follows a significant legal milestone after the Constitutional Court of South Africa recently affirmed his status as the rightful heir to the Zulu throne, effectively settling a long-running succession dispute.
During last year’s address, the monarch highlighted the growing threat of climate change and called on government to take decisive action to protect communities from flooding and other extreme weather events.
Once the opening proceedings conclude on Thursday, the legislature will adjourn and reconvene on Friday for the State of the Province Address by Premier Thami Ntuli.
Organisers say all logistical and security preparations have been finalised for the opening of the seventh administration, setting the stage for what promises to be both a symbolic and policy-focused start to the legislative calendar.