ECD training to transform communities

 

ECD training to transform communities 

SANE SHANDU

ETHEKWINI Municipality has launched a transformative Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative that is already changing lives across disadvantaged communities and informal settlements.

The eThekwini Municipal Academy (EMA) has introduced a comprehensive one-year NQF Level 4 training programme for over 50 ECD practitioners.

These practitioners are being equipped to nurture holistic child development including the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical aspects, ensuring that children are not only school-ready but life-ready.

They are also trained to identify developmental delays early, enabling timely interventions that can alter a child’s entire trajectory.

The initiative is being held in partnership with the Human Settlements and Safer Cities Directorates. While EMA is capacitating them with skills, Human Settlements is investing in infrastructure by upgrading ECD centres.

This integrated programme intends to improve learning environments and create safe, stimulating spaces where children can thrive.

EMA Project Manager Lihle Sishi described this initiative as a commitment to breaking cyles of socio-economic challenges, unemployment and inequality. ‘’By empowering ECD practitioners with the right tools and knowledge, we are ensuring that every child, regardless of where they come from, has a fair chance at a better life, starting from a young age,’’ she said.

The initiative is already making a visible impact in communities.

Children who once roamed the streets are now engaged in structured learning. Parents are seeing the benefits of early education, and communities are beginning to rally around the centres as hubs of growth and safety.

Metro Police bolster their force with 65 new Constables

 

Metro Police bolster their force with 65 new Constables

VUYANI DIMBA

The Metro Police has welcomed 65 new Constables, bolstering their force to ensure they can execute their mandate of traffic policing, by-law enforcement, crime prevention, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

The new recruits, who bring with them a wealth of experience come from various law enforcement institutions outside the Municipality.

Metro Police Deputy Director Commissioner Winnie Zama said continuous innovative crime prevention strategies continue to be implemented throughout the City, among them bolstering the Metro Police force.

‘’As we celebrate these appointments, it is imperative that we instil a culture of discipline, integrity, and excellence. The City pride itself on fast-tracking service delivery through the safety and wellbeing of residents,’’ said Zama.

She attributed the recent employment of the Colonels as the ‘’brainchild of Director Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu who has emphasised the importance of employment creation’’.

‘’We are gaining ground as law enforcement as we hire both new and experienced officials. We want our presence to be felt as the Metro Police throughout the City as we work to curb crime,’’ said Zama.

Zamashuku Shangase said he is pleased to with the appointment. ‘’This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which will help bring about positive change. It is also an opportunity for growth and to make a difference in peoples lives.’’

Shangase previously served as an Acting Captain for the Metro Police and praised the major strides taken by the Metro Police to bolster its workforce.

Jubilation as community attends Tshelimnyama bridge handover

 

Jubilation as community attends Tshelimnyama bridge handover

ZIMBILI MAZIBUKO

There were tears of joy and jubilation from the community of Tshelimnyama in Ward 15 when eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially handed over the newly upgraded Tshelimnyama bridge.

The handover brought much-needed relief to an area long affected by infrastructure challenges and flood risks. The devastating floods of 2019 and 2022 exposed the inadequacy of the old bridge, which was often submerged and rendered impassable, putting lives and livelihoods at risk. On 18 July, the community came out in their numbers to witness the occasion, which was a celebration and a beacon of hope for the community.

Addressing the community, Mayor Xaba said the bridge is a symbol of progress, resilience and hope. ‘’It gives me great pleasure to spend my 67 minutes on Nelson Mandela International Day in Tshelimnyama, officially handing over this newly constructed bridge. This is your bridge, built for you, with your future in mind. Let us protect it and ensure it serves x generations to come,’’ he said.

Valued at R20 million, the new 20-metre bridge features a modern, climate-resilient design aimed at ensuring year-round accessibility and improved safety for both motorists and pedestrians.

It is a key part of eThekwini’s climate adaptation and infrastructure renewal strategy. Tshelimnyama resident, Dumisani Kumalo could not contain his joy, saying the floods left pain and sorrow in the community.

‘’We don’t have to worry about our safety during heavy rains. The bridge is beautiful and strong,’’ said Kumalo.

Mayor Xaba highlighted the importance of community involvement in the success of the project and requested the community to look after it and protect it from vandalism. Job opportunities were also created during the project as 20 residents were employed during construction, gaining valuable skills in trades such as concrete work and bricklaying.

The Mayor also commended the local taxi industry and residents for their cooperation in ensuring the project proceeded without disruption.

August Specials at uShaka Marine World

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 12, 2025

If you visit uShaka Marine World during August 2025 you will be able take advantage of promotional offerings to experience the park at a big discount.

The Phantom Ship. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

During this time guests can enjoy a full day of fun and entertainment for R195 per person, valid Wednesday to Sunday. The single ticket grants access to four of the park’s big attractions which are:

§  Sea World – explore the ‘Phantom Ship’

§  Wet ‘n Wild – with a 450-metre Duzi Adventure River

§  Dangerous Creatures – see the ‘fearsome’ creatures

§  Kids World – with Africa’s biggest jungle gym

Visitors can also enjoy a reduced rate of R99 per person on Mondays and Tuesdays. This single ticket offers access to two of the attractions namely:

§  Sea World

§  Dangerous Creatures

These discounted rates aims to offer everyone a chance to enjoy the wide range of experiences at uShaka Marine World while also saving some money.

‘’We are the number one tourism place to go to in Durban,’’ said Ndabo Khoza, uShaka Marine World CEO.

So whether you are looking for a relaxed midweek visit or action-packed weekend with the family or friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at uShaka Marine World.

For more information visit: www.ushakamarine.com or call 031 328 8000

Ts and Cs apply.

Kings Park Swimming Pool Upgrade Going Well

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 3, 2025

The City’s Kings Park Swimming Pool is getting an upgrade to the value of R42 million and the upgrade is progressing well.

Kings Park Swimming Pool is getting an upgrade. Photo: Supplied. 

The media were taken on a walkabout around the pool area on 25 July to show them how the upgrade was going and assess the progress made so far.

According to Acting Director of the Recreation and Parks Directorate Dr Zakhi Mkhize the emergency phase of the revamp is complete. This included work on deteriorated concrete columns and the roof structure works.

‘’We are now entering the phase of the project focusing on the facelift of the swimming pool to improve its efficiency and productivity as well as to ensure an aesthetically pleasing appearance,’’ noted Dr Zakhi Mkzhize.

The upgrade of the swimming pool is expected to be complete by July 2026.

Mkhize mentioned that the Kings Park Swimming Pool is one of the country’s premier aquatic venues and the only swimming facility in South Africa that has World Aquatics status, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee for administering water competitions.

The upgrade is being done in two phases. Photo: Fred Felton. 

The Kings Park swimming complex has both indoor and outdoor facilities.

The indoor facility comprises of a 50-metre swimming pool while the outdoor facility has a diving pool that is 25 metres in length and is 6.5 metres deep.

This revamp is part of the City’s maintenance programme for all its swimming venues.

EThekwini intensifies rabies awareness following death in Ezimbokodweni area

 

EThekwini intensifies rabies awareness following death in Ezimbokodweni area 

ZIMBILI MAZIBUKO

ETHEKWINI Municipality is intensifying its efforts to curb the spread of rabies and prevent further loss of life following the death of a man after being bitten by his dog in the eZimbokodweni area.

EThekwini intensifies rabies awareness. Photo: Supplied. 

The dog, which was unvaccinated, showed rabies symptoms which included changed behaviour and aggressiveness. The City’s Communicable Diseases Coordinator Thokozile Ngcobo said: “Our investigations discovered that the man was bitten by the dog in March and did not seek medical attention.

He only went to the clinic in May. He couldn’t be assisted as the poison had spread to his body and he died.” This case is similar to another incident in the Ngonyameni area last year, where a three-year-old child died after coming into contact with a dog suspected to have had rabies.

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, including dogs, cats, mongooses, goats, cattle, and other mammals. It is preventable through vaccination, yet fatal once the virus reaches the central nervous system.

Rabies in humans can present with symptoms such as headaches, fever, mental confusion, and muscle pain, among others. Immediate action, such as thoroughly washing any bite wound with running water and seeking prompt medical attention for a rabies vaccination, are crucial no matter how small the wound may seem.

An infected animal licking or scratching a person also needs to be reported as it can also transmit the disease. The City’s Communicable Diseases team is working closely with the KwaZuluNatal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to curb the spread of rabies. Vaccination campaigns will be conducted around the City.

For more information on these campaigns, the public can contact the eThekwini State Vet Office on 031 328 9300.

R67 Million Boost For Hostels

 

R67 Million Boost For Hostels

SIMPHIWE DLAMINI

ETHEKWINI Municipality has earmarked a substantial R67 million in the 2025/26 financial year for the continued rehabilitation of the Wema Community Residential Unit (CRU), formerly known as the SJ Smith Hostel as well as the nearby Jacobs CRU.

This allocation demonstrates the City’s commitment to transforming historic migrant worker hostels into modern, dignified living spaces. Originally constructed in the 1950s to house migrant labourers supporting Durban’s industrial boom, the Wema and Jacobs CRUs have long stood as a symbol of the City’s economic history.

Today, they are at the heart of the Municipality’s sweeping urban renewal initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for thousands of residents. The refurbishment project, led by the City’s Human Settlements Directorate has already made significant progress.

Director of the Human Settlements Directorate Lawrence Pato said 23 new blocks, ranging from Block R to Block AO, have been added to the Wema CRU, while existing structures Blocks D, E, and J have undergone major upgrades.

“Block F has been demolished to make way for 80 new units, and tenders are currently underway for the redevelopment of Blocks C and G. This large-scale overhaul represents a significant investment in the wellbeing of CRU residents. The R67 million budget allocation will ensure that we continue to move beyond providing shelter, toward creating safe, stable, and hospitable communities,” said Pato.

The transformation is not only physical. Community initiatives like the Wema CRU Netball Club are helping to foster a renewed sense of belonging and engagement.

Themba Mvubu, Chairperson of the Human Settlements, Engineering, and eThekwini Transport Authority Committee has welcomed this broader vision. “By acknowledging the historical significance of these sites while boldly implementing modern upgrades, the Municipality is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. With the new budget in place, the Wema and Jacobs CRUs are set to become flagship examples of how government can drive meaningful urban renewal and social upliftment,” said Councillor Mvubu.