How a Durban Company Came to Illegally Uplift a Railway Line in the Eastern Cape
General manager says they were duped by then Western Cape regional manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz and businessman Nadir Mohiudeen
Durban
Former PRASA Acting CEO Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Railway Line
Mthuthuzeli Swartz and his co-accused plead after six years of court delays
eThekwini Buffelsdraai landfill site set to reopen for public use
eThekwini Buffelsdraai landfill site set to reopen for public use
The eThekwini Municipality has announced the planned reopening of the Buffelsdraai landfill site, in the north-west of Durban, following its closure in 2023.
The municipality said the reopening follows extensive rehabilitation and safety improvement projects undertaken at the site.
The landfill site was closed in July 2023, after it was invaded and set alight by some members of the public, leading to a confrontation between security personnel and invaders.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality announced that eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, will on Thursday address the community of Ward 59, on the planned reopening of the landfill site.
Ward 59 includes Osindisweni, Zwelisha and other neighbouring areas in Verulam.
The municipality explained that the site is set to reopen in two phases, commencing on 1 April 2025, for garden refuse, builders’ rubble, and sand cover material.
“The second phase will be planned for completion opening on 1 May 2025, for all other general waste which includes domestic waste,” the municipality said.
The city added that it has worked diligently to implement robust measures to prevent incidents occurring at the site, while enhancing security measures to prevent unauthorised access.
Waste pickers have also been capacitated as part of the waste picker integration guidelines.
The city has reminded the public that special disposal of condemned food and counterfeit goods, is still prohibited at all the city’s landfill sites.
“Customers are encouraged to make alternative arrangements with other available private facilities for such a disposal,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 08:55
60 views
Municipalities Are Taking More Water From Dams Than Permitted
One municipality regularly exceeds its water allocation limit yet it received top marks for water management from the water department
Nelson Mandela Bay shines in global business services sector
Nelson Mandela Bay shines in global business services sector
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has emerged as the fastest growing region in South Africa for the global business services sector, following Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
This is according to data from the municipality's Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate.
NMBM Member of the Mayoral Committee for the EDTA, Bassie Kamana, on Monday said she was encouraged by the rapid growth of the global business services sector (call centre services) within the city.
In collaboration with Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), NMBM recently hosted a stakeholder engagement session in Newton Park, Gqeberha.
BPESA is a leading association that represents global business services and business process outsourcing companies in South Africa. The association’s key objectives include positioning South Africa as a prime destination for offshoring, driving local job creation, and promoting excellence in service delivery within the global business services sector.
BPESA partners with the private sector, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and municipalities to promote South Africa's capabilities, empower youth through training and job creation, and strengthen the industry’s ability to deliver high quality services.
The purpose of the engagement session was to create a collaborative platform for sector stakeholders to share experiences, review their growth since establishing operations in Nelson Mandela Bay, and explore future opportunities for expanding the industry within the region.
The session also highlighted the support available from government and its entities to further develop the sector.
Participants included representatives from the Coega Special Economic Zone, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the dtic, Harambe Youth Accelerator, and various global business services companies.
Prominent players in the industry that have already established operations in Nelson Mandela Bay include Discovery Health, ISON, Startek, Dastile Wealth Insure, Outworks and Teleperformance. Teleperformance, which opened its office in late 2024, has already created over 500 jobs for young people in the city.
Addressing the session, Kamana highlighted the growing investments in the sector, noting that over 3 000 jobs have been created for youth with secondary and tertiary education.
"Working with our partners to mobilise resources and create a conducive environment for Nelson Mandela Bay to be a destination of choice is starting to pay off. We can already see ourselves being a major player among the major three cities that are leading in this sector, [and] that alone is encouraging news.
“What encourages [me the] most is the fact that this sector is able to offer jobs to youth, an area that we as the metro we are working around the clock to come up with solutions to,” Kamana said.
Teleperformance Vice President, Leanne Felix, expressed optimism about the future growth of the industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, and even greater expansion in the next five years.
Felix acknowledged the partnership the company has with NMBM.
“This partnership makes it easier for us to mobilise resources and market the city and its talent. The international industry is beginning to show interest in the talent, commitment and skills base we have here in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We just need to do more in to showcase our capabilities as the Eastern Cape and open up about the support and incentives that are available to support the industry. When the demand came last year for the company to expand our operations from Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay became an obvious choice. The support we have received from the metro has been amazing,” Felix said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 09:44
203 views
TNPA issues RFP for appointment of terminal operator at Durban Port
TNPA issues RFP for appointment of terminal operator at Durban Port
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to design and transfer a multi-purpose terminal handling agricultural dry bulk and other compatible cargo in the Maydon Wharf Precinct, Port of Durban.
With the precinct extending approximately 145 hectares, featuring 15 berths and boasting capacity of over seven million tons of cargo annually, it primarily serves as a mixed-use area hosting cargo terminal for dry bulk, break bulk, a limited amount of liquid bulk and a small number of containerised units.
The RFP invites interested parties to submit proposals to design, develop, fund, construct, operate, maintain and transfer the terminal for a 25-year concession period.
“The issuance of this RFP signifies our ongoing and intentional efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the Port of Durban,” said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, Acting Port Manager for the Port of Durban.
“By attracting capable terminal operators, we aim to modernise infrastructure, optimise cargo handling and strengthen the port’s role as a key trade gateway for the region,” he said.
The site consists of two leases, namely Leases L36049 and L306091, with respective areas of approximately 12 266m² and 12 859m², resulting in a total area of 25 125m².
Lease L36049 is a brownfield site that includes various structures, such as the main administration building, an office block and a workshop.
RFP documents can be accessed on the Transnet e-tender portal.
The TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura.
It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005).
For more information visit: https://www.transnet.net/SubsiteRender.aspx?id=5515515. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 13:08
179 views
Warriors Lose Playoff Spot Following Sanction
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced that the Dafabet Warriors will lose their spot in the 1Day Cup playoff after...
Dolphins Take Play-off Race to Final Round
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KZN unveils women empowerment initiatives
KZN unveils women empowerment initiatives
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has unveiled new initiatives aimed at accelerating gender equality and economic empowerment for women.
Ntuli announced several government interventions on Saturday when he led the province’s International Women’s Day celebrations at KwaMashu Indoor Sports Centre, north of Durban.
Held under the theme, “Accelerate Action: Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”, the event highlighted the need for urgent and practical interventions to support women in various sectors.
Ntuli addressed the pressing challenges women face, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), economic exclusion, and limited access to resources, while recognising their invaluable contributions to KwaZulu-Natal’s development.
Tackling gender-based violence
The Premier reflected on the disturbing statistics of gender-based violence and femicide in the province, particularly in eThekwini, where 2 252 cases were reported between October and December 2024.
“These figures are a national crisis that demands urgent and collective action,” the Premier said.
To combat this, the Premier announced government interventions, including:
- The launch of a GBVF mobile app, developed in partnership with the private sector, to provide real-time emergency assistance and access to support services.
- The construction of a new Thuthuzela Care Centre in Jozini, in collaboration with the Spar Group Ltd, to provide support for GBV survivors.
- The fast-tracking of the establishment of a Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in eThekwini, ensuring better access to critical GBV services.
- The strengthening of psycho-social care and support through 21 shelters and 31 White Door Centres, offering emergency accommodation and victim assistance.
Women advancement fund
Recognising the link between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, Ntuli also reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to empowering women financially.
He highlighted the R200 million Women Advancement Fund, launched in August 2024, which provides funding for women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses, mentorship and skills development programmes to ensure long-term business success, and access to markets and resources, enabling women to fully participate in the province’s economic activities.
The Premier announced that district-wide roadshows will be conducted shortly to assist women in applying for funding and accessing business development support.
Call for collective action
Ntuli urged all sectors of society, including government, business, community leaders and traditional authorities, to unite in the fight for gender equality.
He emphasised that gender justice is not just a women's issue, but a societal responsibility.
“We must commit to accelerating action and move beyond words and implement real, measurable interventions that bring lasting change. Women are the backbone of our communities, and we must ensure they live in a world where they are safe, empowered, and given equal opportunities,” the Premier said.
The International Women’s Day celebrations concluded with stories of resilience and success from women across various industries, inspiring others to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the provincial government. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:47
109 views
Government activities for the week 10 – 14 March 2025
Government activities for the week 10 – 14 March 2025
On Monday, 10 March, the Department of Health will commemorate World Obesity Day at Ritson Campus Hall, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal.
Also on Monday, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy visits victims of a tragic Free State crash at Pelonomi Hospital.
On Tuesday, 11 March, the Acting Director-General of the Department of Military Veterans, Nontebeko Mafu invites the media to a Military Veterans Memorial Lecture and South African Military Veterans Association (SANMVA) engagement in the Eastern Cape.
Wednesday, 12 March, no confirmed event.
On Thursday, 13 March, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, will host the inaugural National System of Innovation Transformation Summit from 13 to 14 March.
Friday, 14 March, no confirmed event.
Neo
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:58
61 views
Police commended for drug bust at Durban school
Police commended for drug bust at Durban school
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and effective operation at Fairvale Secondary School in Wentworth, south of Durban, which led to the confiscation of illegal substances and large sums of cash.
The massive operation on Friday follows the reports of violence and drug-related activities within the school.
Over 60 police officers conducted a thorough search and seizure to ensure that teaching and learning can continue in a safe and drug-free environment.
Among the illegal substances confiscated are vapes, cigarettes, sharp scissors, pocket knives, pain medication, and some unknown pills.
Hlomuka reiterated that the department is against criminal activities permeating the schools and putting learners' futures at risk.
"We will not idly stand by while drugs and illegal activities threaten the safety and education of our children," Hlomuka said.
The MEC also implored parents and guardians to play an active role in monitoring their children’s activities.
“We ask that parents be intentional about ensuring that their children stay away from the use of illegal substances and any criminal activities. The safety and well-being of our learners requires joint effort between the department, law enforcement and families,” Hlomuka said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 10:27
59 views
Department of Health commemorates World Obesity Day
Department of Health commemorates World Obesity Day
The Department of Health will observe World Obesity Day on Monday, 10 March 2025, to raise awareness about the global challenge of obesity and advocate for systemic changes that promote healthier lifestyles.
This year’s World Obesity Day is celebrated under the theme: “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,” which emphasises a need to shift focus from individuals to the systems that influence people’s health.
According to the department, previous responses to obesity have primarily focused on individual behaviours. However, this year, they are shifting their focus.
“This highlights the need for multi-sectoral interventions to address the root causes of obesity and improve health outcomes.”
The department highlighted that being overweight and obesity are serious health issues in South Africa, significantly contributing to non-communicable diseases, and are associated with an increased risk of death and disability from these conditions.
According to the 2022 National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, nearly 50% of adults in South Africa are overweight or obese, with 68% of women and 38% of men affected.
In addition, almost 69% of obese adults reside in households that do not have enough food.
It is estimated that by the year 2025, one in four people will be living with obesity.
“It is time we turn our attention to creating supportive environments where people can have access to available healthy food and physical activity opportunities and to receive appropriate nutritional information to make decisions that will contribute to healthy eating habits and lifestyles,” the statement read.
World Obesity Day is observed on March 4 every year to raise awareness about the causes and prevention of obesity in adults and children and to encourage action to address it.
The commemoration will take place at the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal today. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 08:51
62 views
Titans, Warriors in Play-off
PAARL: A half century by Blayde Capell coupled with a fine all-round bowling display helped Goldrush Boland secure their place in...
Government will move with urgency to restore City of Gold
Government will move with urgency to restore City of Gold
President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to assure residents of the City of Johannesburg that government is determined to move with urgency to resolve the service delivery challenges facing the city.
The President was addressing residents during a stakeholder engagement at the Johannesburg City Council Chamber on Friday afternoon.
Earlier in the day and on Thursday, the President together with the National Executive conducted an oversight visit to Gauteng.
“As a resident of Johannesburg, I share the concerns that have been expressed here about the deterioration of services and infrastructure.
“Over the last two days, members of the National Executive have engaged the leadership of Gauteng and the City of Johannesburg on the challenges they face and the work that is being done to address them.
“We are committed to ensuring cooperation among the three spheres of government to urgently attend to these challenges. We may well have said so in the past, but the enormity of the challenges and the problems compels us to now say we are going to redouble our efforts,” he said.
The President highlighted some of the challenges facing the city, including deteriorating road infrastructure, the closure of public facilities like the Johannesburg Library and delayed or unfinished infrastructure.
“Through the Department of Cooperative Governance, National Treasury and the Provincial Government, we are supporting the City of Johannesburg to stabilise its governance and financial affairs.
“We need to ensure that we unlock service delivery backlogs and begin to address the backlog in infrastructure provision,” President Ramaphosa said.
Rejuvenating the city
Turning to the establishment of the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group announced earlier in the day, President Ramaphosa explained that the group will be made up of not only government bit also stakeholders.
A similar approach has been applied in KwaZulu-Natal with the establishment in 2024 of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group to turnaround the fortunes of Durban and position it as an investment and tourism hub.
“Our learnings in eThekwini make us confident that this is the correct model to address Johannesburg’s many challenges.
“Over the last month, the Presidency has engaged the City of Johannesburg, the province of Gauteng and some social partners on establishing a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group.
“There has been broad support from everyone engaged for an intergovernmental mechanism that will strengthen cooperation and leverage the expertise and resources of all stakeholders in the City of Johannesburg,” he said.
The working group’s first focus will be on governance and financial sustainability.
“We will work to strengthen the internal governance and financial management of the city by restoring institutional capacity. The second focus will be on water and sanitation and the third focus will be on electricity.
“We will work to stabilise critical infrastructure by improving maintenance, increasing funding and focusing on the whole value chain.
“The fourth focus will be on public spaces and beautifying the city. Specific interventions will include fixing road infrastructure, restoring street lighting and traffic lights, and enhancing waste collection throughout the city,” President Ramaphosa said.
Focus will also be placed on improving law enforcement and urban security, accelerating housing delivery, launching an inner-city rejuvenation project.
“We have set out a timeframe to achieve all this. It should not be an elongated timeframe. This Working Group will report on a regular basis to the Ministers and myself.
“We cannot act as if it is business as usual. We must recognise the crisis before us and meet it with the resources, timeframes and accountability measures required,” he said.
The President called on stakeholders to join hands with government to turn the city back to its former glory.
“Government cannot do it alone. The involvement of broader stakeholders in the Working Group will not only hold us collectively accountable to the targets set, but accelerate our efforts.
“In the coming weeks, my team will be engaging business, labour, civil society and academia regarding their respective roles in the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group.
“Johannesburg is a city of resilience. It is also a place of innovation and…a place of great hope. Let us move forward with determination, unity and a shared commitment to leaving no one behind,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sat, 03/08/2025 - 11:38
61 views
Alex Candler: From High School Star to Dolphins’ Run Machine
JOHANNESBURG: Having played a huge role in helping the Hollywoodbets Dolphins secure a historic 50-over title last season, opening batter Alexandra...
KZN Premier calls for swift arrest in Sphindiwe Hlongwa’s murder
KZN Premier calls for swift arrest in Sphindiwe Hlongwa’s murder
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for the swift arrest of the perpetrators involved in the rape and murder of Sphindiwe Hlongwa, whose body was found dumped near her home in Mkhazini, south of Durban.
According to reports, Hlongwa, 31, was found strangled to death, with visible signs of assault and a swollen face after being dropped off by a Renault Kwid near her home on Monday evening.
Ntuli has condemned Hlongwa’s killing, describing the act as “barbaric, inhumane, and an attack on the dignity and safety of women” in the province.
“We are deeply horrified by yet another grotesque act of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice without delay. This is one of many murders linked to the scourge of GBVF in our province.
“However, working with the SAPS [South African Police Service] under our Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, we will make sure to treat every case as an emergency, one case at a time. We will never give up and we will do everything to defeat GBVF,” the Premier said.
Ntuli urged anyone with information related to the crime to come forward and assist the police by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.
International Women's Month commemoration
Meanwhile, Ntuli will on Saturday lead a delegation of the Members of the Executive Council (MEC) to commemorate International Women's Day at the KwaMashu Civic Centre.
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women's achievements and a call for gender equality. Observed annually on 8 March, the day is a reminder of the contributions women make to society and the challenges they continue to face. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/07/2025 - 11:54
50 views
Slow Systems Delay Switch to New Social Grant Card
Postbank acknowledges that completing the card transition before 20 March deadline is unlikely
Emergency housing unit deployed to assist KZN flood victims
Emergency housing unit deployed to assist KZN flood victims
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has deployed a team from the Emergency Housing Unit -- in collaboration with the department's roving team -- to support families impacted by the ongoing floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
During her two-day visit to the province on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Minister held discussions with provincial and local authorities to explore urgent human settlements interventions.
As part of these efforts, she announced several initiatives aimed at alleviating the immediate housing crisis for flood victims.
The interventions announced include the temporary accommodation of 225 residents from Ward 74 in Lamontville, who have been relocated to the Impala Hotel.
Simelane also announced plans to provide permanent housing for 229 families from Lamontville, who will be resettled on land owned by the eThekwini Municipality in Georgedale, near Hammarsdale.
“We will build Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for these families, while permanent homes are being constructed. Additionally, 93 households will be supplied with building materials to help them begin rebuilding,” Simelane announced on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Simelane, accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, visited the flood-affected Ncube and Nkwanyana families in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban.
The Ncube family, with six members, was forced to flee their home as three of their houses were completely submerged. The family is currently living together in a two-bedroom house.
Duma confirmed that an excavator has been deployed to clear rubble and waste from the area so as to unblock the drainage system. He said after discussions with Inkosi Makhanya, a suitable piece of land has been identified to relocate the Ncube family.
Simelane also visited the Ugu District Municipality to assess the extent of the flood damage in the region, with plans for further intervention in the coming days.
Unlocking emergency housing fund
The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has called on the national Department of Human Settlements, KwaZulu-Natal’s Human Settlements Department, and the eThekwini Municipality to work together to address the devastation caused by the ongoing floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
Committee chairperson Nocks Seabi emphasised the immediate need to unlock the Emergency Housing Response Fund to provide critical support to the affected communities.
Seabi said during its oversight visit in October last year, the committee highlighted various concerns with delays to ensuring access to the fund for victims of floods.
He said it is in this context that impediments must be removed, so the fund can serves its purpose by being timeous and agile in assisting victims.
“In an environment of devastation and distress, government programmes must not be tied up in bureaucracy and territorial disputes that delay interventions. We are hopeful that the concessions made by the national department on the implementation of the fund will come in handy in the response to the current disaster.
“The delays witnessed previously, such as the verification of beneficiaries and assessment of damaged houses, which had taken 10 to 12 months or longer, should be a thing of the past going forward,” Seabi said in a statement this week.
Seabi called for enhanced monitoring of building standards, as regulated by many laws, including the Housing Consumer Protection Act, and the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act to ensure that houses are able to withstand the elements.
“In an environment of increasing environmental disasters, building standards and building materials should be such that they can withstand such disasters. Stronger monitoring and inspections should be the order of the day,” the chairperson said.
Seabi extended his heartfelt condolences to the people that have passed on during the floods, which continue to wreak havoc in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 11:16
12 views
My Chaotic Train Journey From Johannesburg to Durban
“It is obvious PRASA was not prepared for this journey” says frustrated commuter after long-distance train breaks down several times
DPWI Minister briefs committee on progress made since taking office
DPWI Minister briefs committee on progress made since taking office
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has told the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure that while the department faces several challenges, there are visible signs of progress that have been achieved which will help improve service delivery.
The Minister on Wednesday updated the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure on the progress made in his department since taking office.
The Minister emphasised that in the months ahead, the department will need to accelerate its efforts to ensure that it plays a leading role in turning the country into a construction site, driving economic growth and creating jobs.
Among the key initiatives implemented in the department are:
● Establishing a Special Projects Unit within the department to revive stalled infrastructure projects and prevent future failures.
● Restructuring the Prestige Unit - previously responsible for the Nkandla scandal - to fall under the direct oversight of the Director-General. Furthermore, bringing an end to the practice of unchecked spending, including eliminating R20 million in unauthorised expenses.
● Tackling the construction mafia head-on by signing the historic Durban Declaration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Treasury to improve cooperation and bring an end to construction site stoppages.
● Releasing 31 public properties valued at R1.4 billion for requests for proposals under the first phase of redevelopment, which is expected to attract R10 billion in private investment and create 165 000 jobs.
● Initiating a process to reform procurement regulations within the department to blacklist non-performing service providers.
● Collaborating with the National Treasury to reform Public-Private Partnership (PPP) regulations, making it easier for the private sector to invest in public infrastructure projects.
● Initiating a number of investigations into allegations of corruption, including the failed nearly R1 billion Telkom Towers project and PSA Oxygen Plant Tender at the IDT.
● Spearheading the revitalisation of small harbours, including Hout Bay Harbour, to transform them into economic hubs that create jobs and drive investment.
● Launching a first-of-its-kind project preparation fund with an R180 million budget to prepare and package infrastructure projects across government. The first bid window of the fund was oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand and investor confidence in the country’s infrastructure pipeline.
● Piloting an ‘Adopt a Municipality’ programme through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission to ensure that infrastructure budgets are optimally utilised and delays in project execution are minimised.
● Initiating a process to reform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure that it provides participants with a pathway to permanent employment.
“The progress we have achieved in the eight months since taking office is a testament to our commitment to reforming the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa.
“This will help turn South Africa into a construction site, grow the economy, and create thousands of new jobs,” Macpherson said.
“However, in the months ahead, we must expedite the work we are doing to ensure that South Africans across the country experience the department’s efforts to improve their lives. While we face a number of challenges, we are working to overcome them and enhance service delivery.
“I have no doubt that, by working together, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will play a leading role in building a better country for all South Africans,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 14:58
11 views
Video of bullying incident at Nqabakazulu High School condemned
Video of bullying incident at Nqabakazulu High School condemned
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has condemned a video circulating on social media showing an alleged incident of bullying at Nqabakazulu High School in KwaMashu, north of Durban.
In the video, a learner is seen physically attacking another learner inside the school’s toilet over gossiping allegations.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, has expressed his deep concern over the incident and strongly condemned any form of bullying or violence in schools.
"Bullying as a whole is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools. We, as a department, are committed to ensuring that all learners feel safe and protected within the school environment,” Hlomuka said.
Hlomuka has encouraged learners to report bullying incidents so that they can be addressed immediately. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:01
34 views
KZN Premier’s Netball Cup to empower young women
KZN Premier’s Netball Cup to empower young women
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially unveiled the 2025 KZN Premier’s Netball Cup, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the province’s efforts to foster netball talent and empower young women through sport.
Launched on Sunday, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Netball Federation, the tournament will take place from 5 - 9 March 2025 at the Victoria Mxenge Indoor Complex in Umlazi, south of Durban.
The competition is designed to provide a platform for young women aged 16 to 36, and serves as a crucial building block for the future of netball in the province.
The tournament will feature 12 district-based teams, each representing a local district and named after its respective mayor. The teams will compete for supremacy in one of the province's most prestigious netball tournaments.
A key feature of the competition is the requirement that each 15-member squad must include at least six players under the age of 20, ensuring the inclusion of emerging talent and helping to nurture the next generation of netball stars.
Furthermore, each team must field a minimum of 12 players per match, with at least 50% match participation, promoting both fairness and opportunities for skill development.
A launchpad for future netball stars
Speaking at the launch, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, said the tournament will not only showcase the grace and intensity of modern netball, but also offers valuable exposure for players aiming for provincial and national representation.
“Players will have the chance to be scouted for teams such as the Kingdom Stars, KZN’s professional netball franchise, and potentially the Spar Proteas, South Africa’s national netball team. The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup is not just about competition, but it represents a comprehensive strategy to professionalise the sport,” Ntuli said.
The Premier said the tournament aims to contribute to netball’s holistic growth, focusing not only on players but also on coaching, officiating, sports administration, marketing, and sponsorship.
Through these investments, Ntuli said the province is creating pathways for job creation and boosting sport tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Premier also urged local businesses, municipalities, and fans to actively support the sport, both financially and through engagement, to ensure its continued growth and success.
Positioning SA as a dominant force in international netball
The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup aligns with the larger vision of Netball South Africa (NSA), the sport’s governing body, which has been pivotal in positioning South Africa as a dominant force on the global netball stage.
This includes the successful hosting of the 2023 Netball World Cup, which highlighted the country’s rising influence in international netball.
According to NSA, netball is the most popular female sport in South Africa and ranks as the second-most participated sport overall, with over two million active netball players participating on a weekly basis.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has extended its best wishes to all participating teams and encouraged the communities to rally behind their local districts. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 13:18
260 views
eThekwini Municipality tackles water challenges
eThekwini Municipality tackles water challenges
The eThekwini Municipality will continue to work on various interventions to manage and reduce the increase in water demand that has resulted in the recurring disruption of water supply.
To manage the demand and to build storage, the municipality has implemented rationing in many areas, especially in the Northern and Southern areas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality noted that demand currently exceeds supply by approximately 100 megalitres a day, resulting in further strain on the system.
This is due to the current curtailment measures that were implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water in October last year.
“To augment the water supply, comprehensive plans have been set in motion in collaboration with the national Department of Water and Sanitation and uMngeni-uThukela Water to construct and commission the uMkhomazi Dam, a pivotal project to augment water supply to the city,” the municipality said.
The municipality is also actively implementing various medium-term interventions, including infrastructure upgrades, pipeline replacements, and a comprehensive leak detection and repair programme.
The installation of pressure management valves, dysfunctional meter replacements, the incorporation of technology to enhance meter accuracy, and improvements in billing and debtor management, are also being implemented.
“Currently, areas in the West of the city are experiencing intermittent supply due to the shutdown of the 53 Pipeline by uMngeni-uThukela Water. This was done to allow the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to relocate approximately 200m of the 53 Pipeline, as part of its N3 upgrade project,” the municipality said.
Durban’s beachfront set for major overhaul
Meanwhile, Durban’s iconic beachfront is set to undergo a major transformation, with a complete facelift and redevelopment of the buildings along the promenade.
Over the past few years, changes have been made to improve the offering to visitors on the beachfront, ensuring that it remains a world-class facility.
Head of the Real Estate Unit, Thapelo Mmusinyane noted that as tenant leases expire, the municipality follows proper process to invite bids for the development of innovative new spaces and eateries that will elevate the beachfront experience.
This forms an integral part of the City’s Proactive Land Release Strategy, which was adopted in September 2021.
The strategy enables the city to proactively manage surplus land, assisting the city to achieve its developmental objectives, stimulate economic activity and Black economic empowerment, and promoting economic transformation in the property sector.
Mmusinyane explained that between May 2021 and November 2022, 25 properties were put up for bid, with 10 new leases being awarded to companies 100% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals.
“All 10 awards were made to companies that are 100% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals. On the beachfront in particular, properties that have been affected are Circus, Bike and Bean, and Minitown.”
Mmusinyane added that the historic building in which Joe Cools and other eateries are housed, will be upgraded soon by a developer, who will then sublet the space to suitable tenants.
He assured the public that a fair, equitable, and transparent process was followed as stipulated in Section 14(5) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
“This section mandates that the disposal, including leasing of municipal properties must adhere to principles of fairness, equity, transparency, and competitiveness in line with the City’s Supply Chain Management Policy (Section 111 of the MFMA).
“Renewing the leases without an open, competitive process would have violated these principles, as well as Section 217(1) of the Constitution, which upholds the same standards for public procurement. Therefore, lease renewals could not be granted without contravening the law,” he explained. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 14:47
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