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Upgrade of Main Road P2-53 to boost economy in uPhongolo Municipality

Location: News

Upgrade of Main Road P2-53 to boost economy in uPhongolo Municipality

Residents and businesses within Nongoma, uPhongolo and surrounding areas stand to benefit from a multimillion rand upgrade of the Main Road P2-53, which will not only improve local infrastructure, but create employment and contribute to economic growth in the area.

The Main Road P2-53 53 in uPhongolo Local Municipality serves as a crucial feeder road to the National Road, N2-32.

Its resurfacing, at a cost of over R329 million, is aimed at enhancing accessibility, benefiting numerous residents and businesses within Nongoma, uPhongolo and surrounding areas.

The development of the road will also improve road safety in the area, and also help to boost the local economy by making it easier for people to travel to and from the area.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the development of the road not only promises better accessibility, but also aims to bolster road safety within the region. 

Dube-Ncube said the upgraded road is also expected to catalyse the local economy by facilitating smoother travel for residents and visitors alike. 

“Moreover, the upgraded road provides vital access to numerous communities, social facilities, and businesses, including educational institutions like Petergate Primary, Empakama Public, KwaMagwaza Combined Primary, and others. 

“It also serves as a gateway to essential amenities such as healthcare facilities, police stations, places of worship, and recreational areas like the Mkhuze Game Reserve,” Dube-Ncube said.

To ensure the inclusivity of the project, the Premier said a combination of established contractors and emerging contractors was enlisted through the Contractor Participation Goal (CPG). 

“Contracts were strategically grouped to maximise employment opportunities, aligning with the objectives of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and contract participation goals, thus fostering job creation within the area,” the Premier said.

The section of the road undergoing upgrades falls under the governance of Mgazini Traditional Council, under the leadership of Inkosi Ntshangase, and Osuthu Traditional Council, under the auspices of His Majesty King Misizulu kaZwelithini, covering Ward One and Ward 18. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:55

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A visionary and a freedom fighter: President Ramaphosa pays homage to King Dinuzulu

Location: News

A visionary and a freedom fighter: President Ramaphosa pays homage to King Dinuzulu

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo as a visionary and freedom fighter, who fought and greatly sacrificed for the freedom enjoyed by the country today.
 
President Ramaphosa was paying tribute to King Dinuzulu at the 110th commemoration of the death of the former Zulu monarch at KwaCeza Sports Field in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The President commenced the commemoration by paying his respects at the King Dinuzulu Memorial in Emakhosini, where the honours of a wreath laying ceremony took place. 

Reflecting on his legacy, the President said it was an honour that the late King’s life is being celebrated at a time when the country is also celebrating 30 years of democracy and freedom.

“...The honour is even greater in that as we commemorate and celebrate the life of King Dinuzulu, we are also celebrating 30 years of democracy and freedom in South Africa. 

“It is a freedom that many, including iSilo uDinuzulu, fought for and greatly sacrificed for. We are here to pay homage to Inkosi Yamakhosi, a visionary and a freedom fighter, who, despite the yoke of oppression and bondage inflicted on him and his people, never wavered,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

The President said like many before him and elsewhere who led their people in fighting against colonial invaders, his fight was not only for one group of people, in one area. He said it was a collective struggle for freedom for all the oppressed people of South Africa, even though his battle theatre was in KwaZulu.

“Since the colonisers first arrived on our soil, our forebearers, the Khoi, the San, the amaXhosa, the amaZulu, AbeSotho, Batswana, BaVenda, BaShangane, ba Dzonga, BaPedi, the Xhu and the Khwe, Ama Swati all took up arms in defence of our sovereignty, in defence of the land, and in defence of our people.

“Long before the founding of the African National Congress in 1912, it was traditional and indigenous leaders at the forefront of the resistance against colonialism,” the President said. 

The President further elaborated on King Dinuzulu’s love for education and music, which went on to have a big impact on the Zulu Royal Household. 

He said that he embraced education and his children, including Princess Magogo and her brother King Solomon, were all sent to school. 

“He became deeply involved in the arts. Earlier in his life, he had been a prolific composer of Amahubo esiZulu. On St Helena [where he was exiled], he played the piano and the organ, and developed a love for church hymns that he sang in isiZulu and English. 

“This love for music led to the spread of choral music and other transitional styles like isicathamiya, maskandi and others, which are unique to the Zulu Kingdom,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa described King Dinuzulu as one of the country’s greatest forebears. 

“On this 110th anniversary commemoration of one of our greatest forebears, we must ensure that the story of this son of the African soil is not lost in the annals of history, but that it continues to be told by generations to come. 

“As government departments, provinces and municipalities, we continue to embrace our cultural heritage and liberation history,” he said. 

The President told the gathering that liberation tourism has a key role to play in developing the economy of the province and the country as a whole. He called on the private sector to be part of this endeavour aimed at preserving the story of South Africa's liberation.
 
“It is important that these events and activities be translated into sustainable socio-economic endeavours aimed at job creation in the related sectors.

“It will also be important that our academics and intellectuals are engaged in the documentation of our history. For us to know where we are going, we have to know where we come from as a people,” he said.
 
President Ramaphosa emphasised that with the foundation laid by forebears such as King Dinuzulu, the country shall overcome poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment. 

“We are mindful that the struggle for liberation was waged by those who were robbed of enjoying their own youth, as was the case with Inkosi uDinuzulu. 

“We shall not fail to make them proud. We shall ensure that their struggle and sacrifice was not in vain. We shall ensure that we leave no-one behind,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 09:58

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Read moreA visionary and a freedom fighter: President Ramaphosa pays homage to King Dinuzulu

KZN Treasury, SANTACO extends helping hand to underprivileged learners

Location: News

KZN Treasury, SANTACO extends helping hand to underprivileged learners

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) have handed over 1 000 school uniforms to underprivileged learners across the iLembe District Municipality.

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni and SANTACO iLembe Region joined hands to give dignity and improve confidence among underprivileged learners through a much-needed donation of 1 267 full school uniforms.

The annual event, which takes place in iLembe District and is led by SANTACO, is an attempt to strike a serious blow to poverty affecting learners, and a step in the direction to embed focus in education and to encourage learners to improve themselves through schooling. 

During the handover ceremony held at Sibusisiwe Community Hall in Mandeni, SANTACO donated 1 000 full school uniforms, while KZN Treasury donated 267 uniforms.

Nkonyeni said the donations help to close the poverty gap among learners so that they will “look and feel similar and jointly focus on education”.

Nkonyeni said government has been donating the uniforms to various schools, not only in iLembe District but all over KwaZulu-Natal. 

“SANTACO iLembe Region has done exceedingly well, and this again is a sign that they are not only interested in profit and their own families, but they are working with government to improve the socio-economic situations in our communities.

“All these donations complement the efforts by certain teachers who silently use their hard-earned money to buy uniform for some of the poor learners that they teach,” Nkonyeni said.

SANTACO iLembe District Chairperson, Sibongiseni Kubheka, said the council works with the provincial Department of Education to identify learners coming from disadvantaged households, so that they can be assisted with full school uniform. 

“This is our way of ploughing back into the community, but we also want to demonstrate that education is important, and we encourage our children to focus on it in order to build a bright future for themselves. 

“We are also delighted to be joined by KZN Treasury, iLembe District and Mandeni Local Municipalities because this creates a better impact for our initiative,” Kubheka said.

District Director for the Department of Education in iLembe District, Musa Madondo, said the donations build partnerships that help each recipient learner to embrace education as a platform that ensures a bright future. 

This event comes just after KZN Treasury and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) donated close to 300 full school uniforms last month, which were handed over to learners from various schools in the district. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 14:38

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Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed

Location: News

Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed

The raising of the Hazelmere Dam project was successfully completed at a cost of R820 million, increasing the storage capacity of the dam, said Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

It increased from 23.9 million m3 to 43.6 million m3, which is an increase of 83% for the KwaZulu-Natal dam. 

“To enable this additional stored water to be treated and supplied to the City of eThekwini, the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 millilitres (ML) per day, at a cost of R135 million.

“It will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years at a cost of R25 million,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.

She was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday.

During this meeting, Cabinet received a progress report on four strategic Mega Raw Water Resource Augmentation projects executed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

“The implementation of the Umzimvubu Water Project [in the Eastern Cape] was delayed for many years by [a] lack of funding. However, the access roads to the dam, which is 84% complete, is expected to be completed by June 2024. The construction of the dam, which is at 6%, is expected to be completed in 2028. 

“The Raising of the Tzaneen Dam Project [in Limpopo], which is currently at 40%, is expected to be completed in March 2025, at a cost of R555 million,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni said the Raising of the Clanwilliam Dam Wall Project in the Western Cape is aimed at meeting the need for additional water for agriculture development, which includes resource-poor farmers.

“The dam wall is being increased by 13 metres to increase its storage capacity from 122 million m3 to 343 m3, which is an increase of 181%. The project is currently at 34% construction and anticipated to be completed in April 2028 at an estimated cost of R3.92 billion,” she said.

Upgrading informal settlements

Cabinet also received a progress report on the implementation of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant Framework/ Policy that was introduced in the 2019/ 2020 financial year.

“The objective of the Grant is to provide the means for households to receive basic services such as water, electricity, roads, stormwater, refuse removal and sanitation services. The target was to upgrade 1500 informal settlements,” the Minister said.

The progress has been reported as follows:

  • A total of 578 informal settlements went through Phase 1 activities, which entailed the business plan and pre-feasibility details of the upgrading of the informal settlements.
  • A total of 1 497 informal settlements went through Phase 2 activities which focus on Security of Tenure and includes the acquisition of land and installation of interim services- basic water and sanitation services pending the formalisation of the settlement, and
  • A total of 197 informal settlements were fully upgraded.

-SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 13:03

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Disaster teams activated in KZN municipalities amid heavy rainfall warning

Location: News

Disaster teams activated in KZN municipalities amid heavy rainfall warning

Disaster teams have been activated in all KwaZulu-Natal municipalities that may be affected by heavy rainfall that could potentially lead to flooding in the north-eastern part of the province.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) activated the teams after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) raised the alert level to orange, Level 6, the highest warning level.

The level 6 alert indicates a high probability of flooding, as a significant amount of rainfall exceeding 100mm is expected over the extreme north-eastern part of KZN. 

According to the South African Weather Service, the weather poses a high likelihood of flooding of roads, bridges and settlements, major disruption of traffic flow, and disruption to essential services, including water, electricity, and communications.

The department said the areas that maybe affected include, uMhlathuze, Mtubatuba, Big Five Hlabisa, Nongoma, Jozini, uPhongolo and Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipalities. 

“We have activated our disaster teams in all the municipalities that are likely to be affected to be on high alert during this period. We advise communities to seek shelter in safe places.

“Public facilities, such as community halls, are open as safe havens for those in need of shelter. Our teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee high risk of danger due to inclement weather,” the department said.

The department has also advised motorists to avoid travelling during this period, as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life.

On Monday, SAWS issued a warning about Moderate Tropical Storm ‘Filipo’ that is currently nearing the coast of southern Mozambique and expected to impact north-eastern areas of South Africa.

“The weak, embryonic tropical low-pressure system located between Madagascar and mainland southern Africa (Mozambique Channel) experienced significant intensification overnight, attaining a “Moderate Tropical Storm” status, which is associated with average winds of 63 to 89 km/h. 

“Consequently, it has now been elevated to a “named” system, namely Moderate Tropical Storm Filipo. The storm is expected to affect mostly the southern parts of Mozambique, but some of its effects will also be felt over the extreme north-eastern parts of South Africa,” the Weather Services warned. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 10:33

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Read moreDisaster teams activated in KZN municipalities amid heavy rainfall warning

Westown Square Reveals Exciting Community Market Experience

Location: MyPR

March 2024, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal  – Created to embody a community market experience, The Barn on The Square (THE BARN) includes an eclectic selection of artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food and beverage outlets, alongside quality restaurants and niche concept eateries, all housed in an iconic barn-shaped structure. THE BARN is the spatial heart of the …

Read moreWestown Square Reveals Exciting Community Market Experience

Indwe 4IR Lab a hub for communities: Manamela

Location: News

Indwe 4IR Lab a hub for communities: Manamela

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, says the establishment of the Indwe 4IR Lab positions the Ekurhuleni East TVET College as a transformative hub for communities. 

Manamela made the remarks during the launch of the Indwe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Lab at the Ekurhuleni East TVET College’s Artisan and Skills Development Centre on Tuesday.

The state-of-the-art lab is set to provide staff and students at the TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) college with cutting-edge skills pertinent to 4IR.

The establishment of the Indwe 4IR Lab is a direct result of a collaborative private-public partnership involving the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), Festo Didactic and the Ekurhuleni East TVET College.

Festo Didactic offers state-of-the-art learning concepts for technical basic and further training.The company’s customers include vocational colleges, universities, research centres, educational institutes and industrial companies all over the world.

The strategic alliance aims to introduce comprehensive 4IR educational programmes that will significantly boost the employability and productivity of the workforce, as well as enhance the capacity-building efforts for staff at TVET colleges.

Speaking at the launch, Manamela said the launch of the lab must be viewed as part of government’s strategic goals such as developing the relevant skills to help address the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges, but also “help steer our economy from being resource driven to one that is more knowledge driven.”

Manamela said the advent of the 4IR has rendered some skills and jobs obsolete, which will require the country to reimagine the content of what is taught at universities and TVET colleges, as well as their role in society.

“The other priority that our embrace of the 4IR must help us to address is the issue of youth unemployment and in particular, the disturbing phenomenon where over two million of our young people, are not in any form of employment, education, or training, what is commonly referred to as the NEET problem.

“As a country, we can’t hope to sustain our key national goals of skills development, education, and employment, if an important section of our population-our young people-are not in any form of schooling or training. This is a huge risk that threatens to undo much of the progress we have made thus far in education and skills development,” Manamela explained.

The Deputy Minister said the launch of the Indwe 4IR Lab also forms part the department’s programme to equip TVET colleges with 4IR related capacity.

“The Indwe 4IR Lab is also envisioned as a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation, offering opportunities for young people to engage with cutting-edge technologies. It also imagined to be a space where young people can acquire skills in exciting areas such as robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies. 

“These skills are no longer optional but essential for success and prosperity in the digital age. There is therefore no doubt the establishment of Indwe 4IR Lab also positions the Ekurhuleni East TVET College as a transformative hub for the communities of Ekurhuleni,” he said.

Equipping young people

Manamela also encouraged the TVET college to reach out to the surrounding community and open its doors for the youth and young adults to access the cutting-edge technologies that can equip them with the knowledge and skills to get out of the debilitating grip of poverty and unemployment.

“As the Department of Higher Education, we remain steadfast in our support for visionary initiatives such as the Indwe 4IR Lab and this is because we value the role of our TVET colleges in equipping our young people with the skills, not only to pursue relevant careers, but also for them to be able to earn a living from what they are taught,” Manamela said. 

The introduction of 4IR programmes to TVET colleges initiative started at Maluti TVET College in the Free State, with Ekurhuleni East TVET College being the second beneficiary. 

The department said the initiative will be rolled out to additional TVETs nationwide, including Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga; Lovedale Eastern Cape; Majuba in KwaZulu-Natal; Northern Cape Urban; South West Gauteng; Waterberg in Limpopo; West Coast in the Western Cape; and Taletso in North West Province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 15:35

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KZN police officers commended for tracking down police killer

Location: News

KZN police officers commended for tracking down police killer

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has commended the multi-disciplinary team of police that tracked down a suspected police killer at Clermont informal settlement in Durban. 

The suspect, who was wanted for the killing of an off-duty police officer over the weekend, died during a shootout with the police officers in Clermont on Monday afternoon.

KZN police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, said the police officer from Durban Central SAPS and his colleague from KwaDabeka SAPS who were off duty, were visiting a private residence in Clermont in the early hours of Sunday when they were attacked in their vehicle.

“The deceased constable (34), who was the driver, was killed before he was robbed of his firearm, while his colleague (35), who was also robbed of his firearm, was left unharmed. The two suspects fled the scene with both policemen’s firearms, as well as a wallet and cellphone,” Naicker said.

Naicker said that following an around the clock investigation that began after the shooting, police received information that one of the killers was at an informal settlement in Clermont. 

“As police officers approached the suspect’s residence, they were met with gunfire. The suspect, who is in his 30s, sustained fatal injuries following the shootout. Two firearms were recovered from the suspect’s possession.

“Investigations are ongoing to trace his accomplice. Detectives are also working on information that the deceased suspect is linked to a string of murders, robberies and carjackings,” Naicker said.

The Provincial Commissioner has thanked the team who left no stone unturned after they heard that their colleague was killed and commended them for their bravery when they came under fire from the same person who had killed him. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 14:17

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Small KwaZulu-Natal family business soars to new heights through deal with Shoprite

Location: MyPR

Since signing a deal with the Shoprite Group just over a year ago, Durban-based family business, TMK Foods has grown from stocking their Mediterranean Kitchen brand initially in five to now 15 Checkers stores in KwaZulu-Natal. The business was established in 2010 by former restaurateur Dino Constantinou (65), who created a range of Mediterranean dips, …

Read moreSmall KwaZulu-Natal family business soars to new heights through deal with Shoprite

Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

Location: News

Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

The Independent Electoral Commission says over 27.79 million voters - the highest since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, are eligible to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

According to the Commission, the voters’ roll will be certified by the Chief Electoral Officer today.

Briefing media in Pretoria on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the voters' roll will be published by making it available at the Commission’s head office, each of the nine provincial offices of the Commission and at each municipal office of the Commission.

“The certification follows the finalisation of objections by the Commission on the provisional voters’ roll that was published for inspection on 26 February 2024. Certification signals confirmation of those citizens who are eligible to vote in the elections,” he said.

Mamabolo said the electronic copies of the voters’ roll, which contain the redacted identity numbers of voters, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act will be provided to all political parties and independent candidates who have qualified to contest the elections.

“Since the voters’ roll was compiled for the first time ahead of the 1999 National and Provincial Elections, it has shown steady growth of over 35% and contains the highest number of registered voters, recording an increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.

“The provincial breakdown of the registered voters indicate that Gauteng remains the biggest voting block, followed by the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, respectively.

“The highlight of the certified roll is the increase in the rate of representation by persons in the age cohort 18 - 39 years. This age band accounts for 42% (or 11. 7 million) voters on the voters’ roll,” he said.

Mamabolo said of the 27.79 million voters, 15 million are female, representing over 55%.

“The introduction of the online self-service voter registration modality has contributed to the increased rate of registration by younger voters in the country, as well as by citizens who are resident outside of the Republic,” he said.

Mamabolo said compliance verification of the candidate nomination submissions is under way.

“In terms of the law, a party submission must contain a list of candidates accompanied by payment of the applicable deposit for it to be compliant. In respect of unrepresented parties, the submission must in addition, be accompanied by proof that the requisite number of signatures have been uploaded on the nomination portal,” he said.

According to Mamabolo, the requirements for independent candidates are that a prescribed nomination form must be submitted by the cut-off time, accompanied by the prescribed form confirming that the candidate has submitted the requisite number of signatures and payment of the relevant deposit.

“Failure by a party or independent candidate to comply with any of these foundation nomination requirements cannot be remedied and will result in the disqualification of the party or independent candidate,” he said.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The President Ramaphosa has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Electoral Commission on the election date.

READ | Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections

The announcement of the Election Date comes after the successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.

READ | IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:04

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Read moreOver 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

Kempsdale Dam wall expansion to ensure reliable water supply

Location: News

Kempsdale Dam wall expansion to ensure reliable water supply

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, is looking forward to the start of construction to raise the Kempsdale Dam Wall from four meters to 7.8 meters in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. 

According to the Minister, the expansion will address the current water shortages and secure future demand for the Greater Kokstad community.

Mchunu further reiterated government’s commitment to fast-track service delivery projects, particularly those meant for the provision of adequate and consistent water supply, as water is one of the essential services and a basic human right.

The Minister was on a working visit in Kokstad, in the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday. 

The Executive Mayor of the District, Councillor Zamo Nxumalo joined him in conducting a sod-turning ceremony to signal the handover of the raising of Kempsdale Dam wall to the appointed contractor. 

The delegations included Greater Kokstad Mayor, Councillor Lwanda Madikizela, other local mayors from the district, traditional authorities, and departmental and municipal officials. 

The R160 million project, which is anticipated to take three years to complete, is envisaged to boost raw water capacity in the dam to meet a projected future demand up to 2040. 

The project will also ensure there is an adequate, safe, reliable, and sustainable potable water supply in areas such as Kokstad town, Kokstad C-Max prison, and Shayamoya and Bhongweni areas. 

“The development involves the raising of the existing Kempsdale Dam wall height from four meters to 7.8 meters and the construction of a new pump station downstream of the dam to be treated at the already existing 18 megalitres per day Kokstad Water Treatment Works,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS explained. 

The current water demand for Kokstad is 10.35 millilitres per day and is estimated to increase to 14.45 millilitres per day by 2030. 

The project will benefit eight wards within the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality with uninterrupted, adequate and clean water supply upon completion of the collaborative initiative between the DWS, municipalities concerned, farming communities, businesses and residents.  

Speaking at the construction site during the handover, Mchunu and Nxumalo indicated that the Kempsdale Dam wall would ensure there is enough water storage which will be supplied to the communities. 

“What is happening today is a culmination of what the district has been doing with our support. there is going to be quite a substantial increase of the dam wall, it is clear that the water services here in Kokstad are working very well,” Mchunu said.  

The District Mayor echoed the Minister’s sentiments and highlighted that water supply interruptions would now be a thing of the past. 

“The project is aimed at alleviating water challenges in Greater Kokstad Local Municipality for a period of 50 to 100 years, and this will be dependent on the development of the area,” Nxumalo stated.  

The leaders also took the opportunity to engage various stakeholders and the community of Kokstad. 

Mchunu acknowledged there were challenges. However, he reiterated government’s commitment to ensure that basic services such as water and sanitation are provided to the people and made an undertaking that the situation will improve. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 03/10/2024 - 11:17

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Commemorating Zulu stalwarts at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre this March

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The Bhambatha Rebellion tells the story of the 1906 Zulu uprising against the cruel colonial poll tax which resulted in the imprisonment and death of thousands of Zulu warriors. This pivotal moment in history will be commemorated at KwaZulu-Natal South Coast’s Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre – supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) …

Read moreCommemorating Zulu stalwarts at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre this March

Over 14 000 youths employed in KZN greening project

Location: News

Over 14 000 youths employed in KZN greening project

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, has announced that the department has employed 14 714 young people as part of the greening revolution.  

The provincial Department of Environmental Affairs, guided by the agenda adopted by the Council on Climate Change, is rolling out initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. 

Municipalities have experienced a number of extreme weather patterns in the past five years, ranging from drought and heat waves to extreme storms, bringing severe lightning and flooding.

“We are cognisant of the unfortunate reality that ordinary members of society are the first to bear the brutal brunt of such impacts and climate change. The destruction of socio-economic infrastructure and our economy is our major concern.

“For these reasons, we have employed more than 14 714 energetic youth who will be foot soldiers,” the department said. 

The responsibility of the newly employed young people will include the following:
 
•    Protecting the environment.
•    Accelerating the implementation of climate change mitigation measures.
•    Fighting the impact of waste.
•    Fighting invasive plants.

The department highlighted said there is a "silent army" marching across the province that looks harmless, yet it is growing by the day. 

“This ‘army’ is depleting the province's water supply. It is intensifying wildfires, reducing agricultural productivity, and threatening globally significant biodiversity.

“This army is what we call invasive alien species. There are more than 539 registered alien plants. Invasive species steadily diminish water resources, as they typically use significantly more water than native vegetation.

“Critically, the greening revolution involves grassroots mobilisation against littering and illegal dumping. Litter is often carried by stormwater systems and streams into rivers and in coastal areas, into the ocean, where it impacts negatively on our beaches and freshwater marine life,” the department said. 

The department said that the greening revolution is the launch of its unprecedented effort to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal becomes greener, cleaner, sustainable and prosperous. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:54

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Read moreOver 14 000 youths employed in KZN greening project

MSC’s R350m investment poised to boost KZN economy

Location: News

MSC's R350m investment poised to boost KZN economy

The Mediterranean Shipping Company SA’s (MSC) R350 million investment in KwaZulu-Natal will go a long way in boosting the provincial economy and creating jobs for the local community.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said this at the unveiling of MSC's new cold storage facility at Cator Manor in Chesterville, Durban. 

Officially opened on Thursday night, the facility has the capacity to accommodate 10 000 pallets and is poised to meet the growing demands of the cold logistics market and ensure the preservation of temperature-sensitive goods, guaranteeing their quality during transit.

Delivering the keynote address, Dube-Ncube expressed her appreciation to MSC for choosing KZN as their investment destination of choice, noting the state-of-the-art facility represents an investment in the development and construction of a cutting-edge cold storage facility.

“The investment by MSC is not only a vote of confidence in our economy but it shows that if we work together as government and the private sector, there is so much we can achieve.

“The fact that MSC has invested R350 million in the construction and development of this cold storage facility, is a clear demonstration that you share our positive outlook for the future growth of KwaZulu-Natal,” Dube-Ncube said.

MSC South Africa Chairperson, Captain Salvatore Sarno, said the establishment of the cold storage facility underscores MSC's commitment to enhancing supply chain reliability for perishable goods, and playing a pivotal role in facilitating the international trade of temperature-sensitive products worldwide.

Sarno said South African exporters are set to benefit from a comprehensive logistics solution enabling their perishable products to reach global markets seamlessly via sea transport.

"We are proud to unveil this state-of-the-art cold storage facility, which not only reinforces our dedication to supporting the South African economy but also underscores our commitment to job creation and economic growth.

"This investment exemplifies our ongoing efforts to provide value-added services to our customers while contributing to the development of the local economy," Sarno said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:07

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Read moreMSC’s R350m investment poised to boost KZN economy

Lane closures on N3 in Durban

Location: News

Lane closures on N3 in Durban

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has advised motorists that the N3 highway between Westville Viaduct and Paradise Valley Interchange in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will be subject to lane closures.

The road closures will start on Monday, 11 March 2024 to 22 March 2024, between the hours of 8pm and 4.30am. 

This is to facilitate the repainting of lane markings and installation of road studs as part of the construction process for the N3 road upgrades from the Westville Viaduct to the Paradise Valley Interchange.

“The lane closures will take place on the east and westbound lanes of the N3 between Westville Viaduct (Pavilion Mall) and Paradise Valley Interchange (N3/M13 split). The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), with the assistance of the contractor’s traffic accommodation team, will monitor and manage traffic during this period,” SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager Jason Lowe said on Thursday.

Motorists have been urged to plan their trips and consider alternative routes to ensure safe and timeous arrival at their respective destinations, whilst adhering to speed limits.

“SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period of road improvements and appeals to the motoring public to be patient and considerate on the road,” Lowe said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:37

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Read moreLane closures on N3 in Durban