Unions hail Durban port decision: Court halts Transnet’s plan to grant R11bn tender to Philippines firm
Two of the biggest unions representing workers at Transnet have welcomed a court ruling putting the brakes on its plans to outsource the management and operations of South Africa’s biggest container terminal to Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)… continue reading HERE.
RFA, SAAFF call for greater urgency on private sector’s participation in ports: Following the recent High Court judgment on the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, which halted the contract between Transnet and International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) has highlighted the key role it believes the private sector could play in South Africa’s logistics network.
While the court’s decision raises significant procedural issues, the SAAFF says it sees this as a crucial opportunity to revamp and fortify the frameworks for private-sector investment and inter-port competition.
The association posits that the Durban port, which has grappled with inefficiencies and operational delays for many years, represents the broader challenges facing South Africa’s logistics… continue reading HERE.
RFA laments privatisation waiting game: In the strongest cargo industry response yet following the Durban High Court’s ruling earlier this week that Transnet’s privatisation tender awarded to International Container Terminal Services be interdicted, the Road Freight Association (RFA) has unequivocally recorded its frustration.
“Are we doomed to an endless backwards and forwards at Pier 2?” an RFA statement says about the ruling in favour of Maersk’s quay division, APM Terminals.
The statement continues: “The woes of substandard services and inefficiencies at the Port of Durban seem destined to stay with us for the foreseeable future.
“The RFA notes with dismay that the process of introducing private players into the port – specifically Pier 2 – has been dealt a serious blow, probably the… continue reading HERE.
Mhatu family prepares to bury four relatives: A mother, her two daughters, and grandson are among the 18 people gunned down in Lusikisiki last week.
As the Mhatu family prepares to lay their loved ones to rest on Saturday, they fear for their own lives as gun violence escalates in the area.
Nancy Sinqina Mhatu was killed alongside her two daughters Dimpho and Athini.
Thabiso (13), the son of Dimpho, also died in the hail of bullets..continue reading HERE.
Can you buy a full meal for just R20 in Durban?: In a time when prices seem to climb daily, the idea of preparing a full meal for just R20 feels like an impossible task but that’s exactly the challenge Sumeran Govender set out to tackle in his latest YouTube video.
Armed with only R20, Sumeran ventures into Checkers, fully aware of the struggle many South Africans face as the cost of living skyrockets. His mission? To prove whether it’s still possible to stretch such a small budget into a meal that can feed multiple people. Spoiler alert: it’s harder than you’d think.
From the start, reality sets in as item after item exceeds his budget. A single loaf of bread hovers right at R20, leaving no room for anything else. Fresh vegetables and everyday pantry staples are out of the question.
Sumeran pushes…continue reading HERE.
Two more suspects linked to massacre of seven family members: Two suspects were killed in shootout with police in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.
Two more suspects wanted in connection with the massacre of seven family members, including three children, in Hlokozi, Highflats, in southern KwaZulu-Natal, were shot dead by police in Umlazi near Durban on Saturday afternoon.
On 8 October, two suspects were also killed in a shootout with police on St Faiths Road in Port Shepstone on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.
The four suspects were allegedly involved in the killing of seven members of the Khambule family on 11 September.
KwaZulu-Natal police…continue reading HERE.
Abanqobi co-founder laid to rest: Abanqobi bid farewell to their co-founding member Sibusiso Zulu during his funeral service on Saturday, 12 October. The co-founding member of the acapella group, Abanqobi was laid to rest.
Sibusiso Zulu’s funeral service was held at The Station in Durban before he was laid to rest at Lala Kahle Cemetery at Botha’s Hill, west of Durban on Saturday, 12 October.
The 42-year-old from Durban who co-founded Abanqobi in 1999 died on 3 October after a short illness.
His funeral service was attended by Abanqobi and top gospel musicians including Ithemba, Thobekile, Babo Ngcobo, Gah Ndlela, Siphumelele Mbambo…continue reading HERE.
High-Speed Chase Lead to Arrest of Robbery Suspects: On October 10, Members of our Special Operations Team received critical information about suspects possible leaving the Bluff area, suspected of planning business robberies and robberies from persons. Acting on this intelligence, Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team was immediately activated, working in close collaboration with CI MDOC Durban, Durban Central SAPS, Yin Yang Security, and YT Security.
At approximately 21:30, the suspects’ vehicle, a white Mercedes, was spotted speeding on the M4 Southern Freeway heading south-bound. Responding swiftly, all role players managed to intercept the vehicle, bringing it to a stop. All suspects were promptly apprehended at the scene.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had committed… continue reading HERE.
Ronan Kelleher to miss Ireland’s November Tests: Ireland’s plans for the upcoming November Test series have suffered a blow as Leinster’s Ronan Kelleher has been ruled out following an ankle procedure.
The hooker sustained the injury during last weekend’s match in Treviso, leaving him sidelined for approximately four to six weeks.
Kelleher, a key player for Ireland, will miss the series of four Test matches in November.
His absence will be a significant loss as Ireland faces a challenging set of fixtures. Leinster Director of Rugby Leo… continue reading HERE.
Indian Cricket Team’s T20I schedule: The Indian cricket team will next play a T20I series in November 2024.
The Indian cricket team thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the three-match T20I series at home. The Men in Blue won the opening match by seven wickets, followed by an 86-run win in New Delhi in the second T20I.
The final match of the series saw Men in Blue smashing 297/6 and registering the highest total by a test-playing nation in T20Is till now. The Suryakumar Yadav-led India crushed Bangladesh by 133 runs in the third T20I in Hyderabad.
After a dominant series victory over Bangladesh, the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 champions now have four T20Is left in 2024. The Indian cricket team will travel to South Africa for a four-match T20I series. The high-voltage series will be played from… continue reading HERE.
Durban North Break-In: At approximately 15:10, the Marshall Security Dispatch Centre received an alarm activation from a property in Humber Crescent, Durban North. Responding immediately, our Armed Response Officers were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, the officers were met by a vigilant neighbor who informed them that there are suspects onsite. While on-site, Marshall Security officers conducted a thorough search and apprehended two suspects.
It was later established that the suspects had gained entry to the property by jumping over the rear wall and breaking a lounge window to access the house. Several stolen items were recovered, including a TV, alcohol and three pairs of takkies.
Both suspects were transported to the Durban North Police Station by… continue reading HERE.
Driver arrested after four killed in N2 accident : A driver has been arrested after an accident in KwaZulu-Natal that claimed four lives and left many others injured on Saturday.
The accident happened on the N2 near Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal transport and human settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said.
“An unroadworthy bus travelling from the Eastern Cape to Durban with more than 33 passengers overturned on the N2. At this stage, four people have unfortunately died. We send our condolences to the families.
“I am in touch with the Eastern Cape MEC for transport, Xolile Nqatha, to ensure that the families of the victims are assisted. Other injured passengers have been transported to public health facilities in the Ugu district.”
Duma confirmed that the bus driver was arrested and taken to Margate police… continue reading HERE.
Designer grabs Durban fashion award: South Coast fashion designer Makhosazane Ntshangase of Sistas Felas was recently named the Durban Fashion Designer of the Year.
Ntshangase won R15 000 and an award at the annual Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards at the Durban Exhibition Centre last week.
She is not only a fashion designer but is also one of the people behind the Esayidi Fashion School and the annual South Coast Business Fair.
Speaking about the award, Ntshangase said her designs in the competition were influenced by her journey at the Durban Fashion Fair.
“The first ever award I received was from the Durban Fashion Fair when I was still a mentee. Since then, I have never looked back. I am an international fashion designer representing South Africa, which is why the South… continue reading HERE.
Private sector waiting to sail into port: South African ports need to lift anchor and change course urgently.
The SA Association of Freight Forwarders says this can be done by involving the private sector.
The call comes on the heels of a recent High Court ruling on the Durban Container Terminal.
It raised critical procedural flaws at the port.
SAAFF says this is an opportune moment to review the framework for investment and inter-port competition.
We find out more from the Associations’ Jacob Van Rensburg… continue reading HERE.
Mercs in Saudi, death threats in Durban: After Ireland. An anthology of short stories.
In the middle of 1987 Eoin Hand landed in Saudi Arabia. The sports shop he part-owned in Dublin had folded and he had not worked in football since he finished as Ireland manager, 18 months earlier. Every trail in England had gone cold. Wolverhampton Wanderers had interviewed him but plumped for Graham Turner instead. They had just fallen into Division Four. He needed to earn a crust.
Al-Taawoun were searching for a European coach. Tommy Docherty, a vivacious character, had turned them down but, for Hand, being out of work had broadened his horizon. An agent made the match. The Saudis liked the idea that he had been an international manager. They were importers of prestige.
“I said, ‘Look it, I’ll go and… continue reading HERE.
Durban University of Technology holds council meetings at fancy club: The Durban University of Technology has held council meetings at The Pencil Club in Umhlanga Ridge. (DUT/X)….. continue reading HERE.
Transnet & government will not appeal interdict:
Private sector is crucial: In the aftermath of the recent High Court judgement about the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 matter, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) has underscored “the pivotal role of robust private sector participation in South Africa’s logistics network”.
A statement released by the association’s head of Research and Development, Dr Jacob van Rensburg, said: “The judgement, which halted the contract between Transnet and International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), is a serious moment to contemplate the future of South Africa’s port operations.
“While the court’s decision raises significant procedural issues, Saaff sees this as a crucial opportunity to revamp and fortify the frameworks for private sector investment… continue reading HERE.
Community rallies behind mental health awareness: Durban’s North Beach amphitheatre came alive with the ninth annual KZN Mental Health Walk and Wellness Fair, on Sunday morning. Hosted by the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group, the event drew a significant crowd of over a thousand people, all eager to support mental health awareness and engage in wellness activities.
Participants gathered from as early as 8am for a mindfulness meditation and stretching session before the 5km walk officially kicked off at 9am under the warm, welcoming Durban sun. The walk, which started opposite Elangeni Hotel, saw participants from all walks of life donning green in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Along the route, walkers were greeted with fruit, bottled water, and even medals at the halfway point, a… continue reading HERE.
Creecy witnesses improvements in Merebank -Chatsworth line: Transport minister Barbara Creecy is optimistic the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) will be able to realise its lofty goals of reaching 600 billion passenger trips per year by 2029.
Creecy was speaking during a visit to the Merebank station in Durban on Friday.
“The contribution of eThekwini should be 126 billion (passenger trips) a year. At the moment we are running 13 million. Nationally by the end of this financial year we should be running 40 million,” said Creecy.
She was accompanied by eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba and senior officials who took a train ride from Merebank to Chatsworth.
During their commute, Creecy got to see the facelift to the five stations which included ticket sales offices, ablution facilities and weather… continue reading HERE.
eThekwini’s lost water crisis: Now, eThekwini (greater Durban) is facing a severe water crisis with new water rationing schemes set to begin, which I read could last for seven years, unless urgent action is taken. Despite efforts to reduce consumption, the city continues to lose more than half of its water supply due to leaks and theft. With no major new water sources expected until after 2030, residents in Durban and businesses are being urged to use water sparingly.
So today I want to go a little more in depth into this and explore the challenges facing eThekwini and what needs to be done to secure the city’s water future. I’m joined now by Professor Faizal Bux, director, Institute for Water and Wastewater…continue reading HERE.
South African court blocks ICTSI-Transnet Durban deal: A complaint by losing bidder APM Terminals has led a court to temporarily block the deal between International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) and Transnet to develop a container terminal in Durban.
A South African court ruled that Transnet’s selection of ICTSI was “potentially flawed … and unfair”, after APMT challenged the decision, questioning the solvency evaluation of ICTSI, reports Port Calls. The judge has issued the injunction until the case is heard and resolved… continue reading HERE.
Economic Activities: The economy of Pietermaritzburg is diverse, including sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.
Moon Peaches
Did you knowthis about South Africa? South Africa celebrates its annual Heritage Day on 24 September. On this day, South Africans get together to celebrate their diverse cultures, traditions and beliefs. You’ll most likely find people enjoying a braai (barbecue) and dressed in traditional garb.
Mr. Lucky
Domkop – idiot [dom-kop] Similar to the German “dummkopf” or Dutch “domkop”, this term literally translates to “dumb head” and is a derogatory term used to describe someone who you think is stupid.Example: “Ag! You domkop! You broke my cell phone!”