Temporary arrangements to freeze advertising of job applications

 

Temporary arrangements to freeze advertising of job applications

THE public is urged to note the temporary freezing of eThekwini Municipality’s online vacancies portal from 1 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition to a new recruitment portal.

Temporary freezing of eThekwini Municipality's online vacancies portal from 1 December 2025 to 1 February 2026. Photo: Supplied. 

A report outlining the freezing was noted during an Executive Committee meeting on 19 November.

The temporary suspension of the online portal comes as the Human Resources Directorate’s e-Recruitment service is migrating from the Neptune System to Oracle HCM, a modern, fully online platform designed to simplify recruitment, streamline applications, and enhance onboarding.

The current e-Recruitment link closed on 30 November. From 1 February 2026, all vacancies will be published via the Oracle HCM on the Municipality’s website.

During this freeze, no job advertisements will appear on Neptune or any other recruitment platforms such as the Municipal newspaper Metro eZasegagasini, Sunday Times, LinkedIn, etc.

The only exception applies to the Outreach and Capacity Building Section, which will be permitted to advertise and receive manual bursary applications during this period.

In the event of critical or high-priority positions requiring urgent recruitment during this period, adverts may be approved for publication.

However they will have to follow a manual process as no online advertising will be active. This will be based on the approval of the Human Resources Directorate.

Gas training creates pathways to jobs and business growth

 

Gas training creates pathways to jobs and business growth

FOURTEEN emerging gas installers are now proud certified professionals, ready to take on South Africa’s growing domestic gas installation market thanks to the skills gained through the Basic Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installer Training.

This is a partnership between eThekwini Municipality and Sasol which offered 30 small business owners from across the City training to become qualified gas installers. The intensive two-week course combined both theoretical and practical components to ensure trainees were industry ready.

The theory phase was conducted earlier this year at the City’s Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre, while the practical training took place in August at Liquefied Petroleum Gas South Africa’s facilities in Johannesburg.

For Zamokuhle Mbatha, founder of Zami Gas, the training has been a turning point in his entrepreneurship journey.

‘’After receiving my operating certificate, I have already completed five installations. This licence allows me to work on domestic installations. My long-term goal is to advance to commercial and industrial certifications,’’ he said.

Another graduate Mbongeni Nduli, co-founder of Nkanyiso Gas Solutions in Lamontville, said: ‘’Before this training, we only sold and refilled gas. Now we can install gas.’’

 

Cabinet Day drives service delivery

A SUCCESSFUL Operation Sukuma Sakhe-District Development Model (OSS-DDM) Cabinet Day was held in eThekwini on 26 November, led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli together with eThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose.

This flagship programme, under the DDM, demonstrates government’s commitment to integrated service delivery and collaborative governance. The Cabinet Day focused on Region 7 of eThekwini Municipality, known as the Henry Bona and Archie Gumede Zones, which covers 11 wards including KwaNdengezi, Mariannridge, Thornwood, Tshelimnyama, Pinetown, KwaDabeka, Clermont, and Ndunduma.

The day began with war room engagements across the wards, followed by project site visits before culminating in a large community engagement at the KwaNdengezi sports field where government leaders interacted directly with residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing progress on service delivery.

Among the projects visited were the R293 Housing Development, the KwaLinda Rural Housing Project, the eThembeni Crisis Centre, and local community gardens.

These projects reflect government’s commitment to housing, social support, and food security, directly addressing community priorities. Premier Ntuli said the OSS-DDM Cabinet Day is designed to listen to communities, act on their needs, and ensure accountability.

‘’As provincial government we will continue to brief the Executive Committee and regional councillors to ensure continuous monitoring. Municipal communication platforms will also keep communities informed about progress of service delivery initiatives discussed during this outreach,’’ said Premier Ntuli.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the OSS-DDM approach has shown its value in speeding up the removal of service delivery bottlenecks. ‘’The programme allows officials to respond in real time when delays arise. When challenges appear, the Municipality and the provincial government step in together to resolve these issues,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

As part of the day’s activities Councillor Nyawose handed over a newly built house to 59-year old Felumusa Nzimande from KwaLinda in Ward 12. The house forms part of the KwaLinda Rural Housing Project. Councillor Nyawose welcomed the progress of the housing project which when complete, will deliver 480 housing units.

‘’Over 400 units have already been completed and handed over to deserving beneficiaries. The remaining units are under construction and will be completed soon,’’ said Councillor Nyawose.

An emotional Nzimande expressed gratitude to the Municipality and provincial government for the house. ‘’I still cannot believe I have a decent home. My life and that of my children will never be the same. Our dignity has been restored,’’ said an elated Nzimande. ‘’We are thankful to government for changing our lives.’’

City's Festive Season Plan 2025

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 7, 2025

The eThekwini Festive Season Plan for 2025 was unveiled at uShaka Marine World on 5 December 2025 in Durban, South Africa.  

The city successfully launched its festive season management plans at Ushaka Marine on Friday, 5 December 2025. Photo: Supplied. 

The City unveiled its Festive Season Management Plan (FESMAC) to show their state of readiness to host thousands of holidaymakers.

‘’This festive season is particularly special for us, as it comes at a time when the City is experiencing significant improvements in water and sanitation services. For the first time in five years, all our bulk water reservoirs are stable with Durban Heights, Wiggins, and Midmar Treatment Works operating at full capacity. This means that communities in the north, south, and central regions will enjoy uninterrupted water supply during this period and beyond,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba.

The township and rural communities in the north of Durban have also received an early Christmas gift, as they will now get reliable water supply as the Ntuzuma Water Pump Station has been recommissioned after being destroyed by fire in 2023.

‘’Our festive season is further strengthened by the latest beach water quality results, which confirm that all 23 of our bathing beaches are safe for swimming. We reiterate to our visitors and residents that all our beaches are open and safe,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The City continues to monitor beach water quality through weekly testing. The Mayor also mentioned that more than 40 swimming pools will be open to the public including the popular Children’s Amusement Centre pool.

At the launch of the Summer Season Campaign in October, the City expected to receive 1.3 million visitors to Durban. The anticipated a direct spend of more than R341 million and a total contribution of R845 million to the City’s GDP. This economic activity would help create over 15,000 jobs and generate more than R630 million in taxes.

Tourism continues on an upward economic trajectory. Recent figures from SA Tourism show exceptional growth across domestic and international markets. Domestic tourism spend increased by 28%, reaching R8.4 billion between January and October 2025, driven by growing demand for experience-led activities. International visitor spend rose by 29% to R1.1 billion, supported by high-growth markets such as Australia, the UAE, and Botswana.

The City’s festive season theme for 2025 is ‘’Endless Waves of Tranquillity’’ and the programme includes flagship events like the Durban Jazz Festival, Fact Durban Rocks New Year’s Celebration, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Christmas Special, Anywhere In Your City, and even more events.

There will also be precinct activations including the City Street Carnival, Christmas lighting displays, the revival of major hotel celebrations, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the beachfront.

The cruise season also began in November. Durban is welcoming an amazing line-up of vessels and many international tourists.

‘’We encourage our residents to explore and appreciate the hidden gems within our own city. Durban, with its golden beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class attractions, has much to offer not only to our international guests, but also to the people who call this city home. We urge our residents to become ambassadors for Durban,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The Mayor also invited visitors to explore the vibrant nightlife of Florida Road and the serenity of the Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights.

Just some of the many police cars you can expect to see patrolling Durban during the festive season. Photo: Fred Felton. 

The City will also have more law-enforcement on the streets of Durban. There will be multidisciplinary operations, including roadblocks, focusing on those who break the law. Over 2,000 officers will be deployed for day and night-time patrols on freeways, the beachfront, shopping centres, and crime hotspots. This will be supported by more than 500 CCTV cameras.

The newly established Coastal Tourism Policing Unit will patrol 100 kilometres of coastline from Umkhomazi in the south to Westbrook in the north.

The City has also recruited more beach staff including recruiting 650 seasonal staff, 78 Lifeguards, 135 Litter Pickers, 67 Beach Guides, 70 Pool Supervisors, 113 Pool Attendants, 43 Childminders and 135 Additional Security Guards.

Seven tents have also been procured for separated children and an overnight facility has been procured at Ellis Brown Primary School in South Beach. The City also procured 200,000 armbands to help identify children.

‘’Let us step into this period with pride, passion, and purpose. Durban is ready. The real question is: Are you ready to experience it?’’ concluded Mayor Xaba.

Durban's Tourism Economy Set for Boost with Bumper Cruise Season

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 2, 2025

The global spotlight turns to Durban for the 2025/26 cruise season, further cementing its position as Africa’s premier cruise destination.

Durban is preparing for the bustling cruise season which commenced in November. Thousands of international visitors will experience the City's rich cultural and historical offerings. | Photo: Supplied. 

Cruise season runs from November 2025 to June 2026 with the season expecting to draw international visitors, showcasing Durban’s rich culture, world-class port facilities, and its position as the gateway to the Indian Ocean.

The season officially set sail with the arrival of vessels like the MSC Opera and Rennies Europa, marking Durban’s return as a top-tier port of call.

For this season the City will welcome a big line-up of cruise ships, including Queen Mary 2, Silver Dawn, Azamara Onward, and Seven Seas Navigator, each one offer travellers wonderful experiences filled with Durban’s hospitality and heritage.

The City is preparing to host thousands of visitors from all over the world who will explore Durban’s shores for leisure and adventure.

The 2025/26 season is expected to attract around 255 000 cruise visitors, contributing about R762 million to the economy of the City. The total economic influence could rise to around R1.12 billion.

The combined direct, indirect, and induced contributions to Durban’s GDP are estimated at almost R1.88 billion.

These figures are mostly from onshore spending by cruise visitors and look set to support around 3 401 jobs while making R140.5 million in taxes for the City.

Visitors can expect to see mini pop-up fashion shows, authentic cuisine, craft displays, and storytelling that shows the City’s vibrant identity.

Durban is a gateway to some of South Africa’s most renowned attractions, offering adventure, tranquillity, food, edutainment, and new discoveries that add to its status as a global gem.

Visitors can also go on safari game drives just a few hours from the City, where they can see the big five in natural reserves.

Vessel Dockings and Key Activations

§  5 December 2025: MSC Oh Ship Cruise – Welcome with entertainment and giveaways

§  22 December 2025: Christmas carnival on MSC Opera

§  7 January 2026: New Year celebration with World Voyager and Inchcape

§  13 February 2026: Valentine’s Day welcome on MSC Opera

§  14 and 20 March 2026: Costa Delizosa and MSC Opera visits

§  9 and 27 April 2026: Queen Mary 2 and Silver Dawn calls

§  7 May 2026: Azamara Onward welcome

§  6 June 2026: Season close-out with Seven Seas Navigator

 

This cruise season shows the fruitful collaboration between MSC Cruises and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, showing Durban’s status as a pivotal port for cruise tourism in Africa.

‘’Durban is once again proud to stand at the forefront of global cruise tourism. This season exemplifies our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and authentic cultural experiences. We are confident that Durban will solidify its position as Africa’s premier cruise destination, driving economic growth and showcasing the unparalleled beauty and spirit of our City to the world,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

This cruise season promises economic growth and an enduring legacy of hospitality and real experiences that will sustain Durban’s leadership in global cruise tourism.

Digital Future Accelerates With Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 27, 2025

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal recently announced an investment of over R1.1 billion in network infrastructure for this financial year (FY26), showing its commitment to connecting communities and working towards digital inclusion across South Africa’s provinces with huge populations.

Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Region (L) with the team at Vodacom. Photo: Supplied. 

‘’Our investment in KwaZulu-Natal reflects our commitment to building a digitally inclusive province where everyone can access the opportunities of the digital economy,’’ said Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Region.

Vodacom’s R1.142 billion investment in KZN’s network infrastructure during the financial year shows the company’s commitment to connectivity in the province. The investment can be broken down into R796 million for radio projects, R289 million for transmission, R36 million to energy and R20 million towards core data networks.

This investment builds on Vodacom KZN’s strong network foundation. The province now enjoys 99.91% 2G population coverage, 99.9% 3G coverage, 99.12% 4G coverage, and 39.54% 5G population coverage. Vodacom will continue with rolling out advanced 4G and 5G technologies to improve connectivity for both urban centres like Durban and underserved rural communities across KZN.

Vodacom is also investing infrastructure in deep rural areas with over R100 million dedicated to extending coverage in previously underserved communities. This has brought reliable mobile coverage to villages including KwaMaphumulo, Nongoma, Vryheid, Empangeni, Nottingham, and the Kamberg valley region, as well as communities across uMkhanyakude which is primed for agro-processing, eco-tourism and renewable energy development.

These investments align with KZN’s strategy to strengthen secondary cities and rural economic hubs. Newcastle is emerging as a centre of manufacturing excellence; Richard’s Bay continues its role as a powerhouse in logistics and industrial gateway, while the South Coast and Midlands champion agriculture and tourism.

Vodacom Business KZN is positioning itself as the most trusted enterprise telecommunications provider in the region, supporting business transformation through its digital core strategy. The division offers integrated solutions like cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, mobile and unified communications, hosting, managed services, and digital applications platforms.

‘’We’re transitioning from a traditional telco to a future-ready TechCo,’’ added Khan. ‘’Businesses today face emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and quantum computing, alongside competition from hyperscalers and digital natives. Our role is to help enterprises adapt to the pace of digitalisation through systems of advantage via our digital core and customer-360 approach,’’ noted Khan.

Vodacom Business supports businesses no matter how big or small.

Vodacom KZN would also like to make digital access affordable for everyone. They also have affordable programmes to meet customers where they are located.

With Just4You and Just4YourTown, customers get personalised data and voice offerings to suit their behaviour and location, ensuring lower costs. More KZN customers are using them to save money.

Easy2Own is a finance option which allows customers to access smartphones affordably. This programme is critical for people to upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G devices, unlocking a world of opportunities.

Vodacom KZN is also looking to combat theft and vandalism, which threatens network availability for communities. Residents in the Nottingham and Kamberg valley area are also helping with this and they have partnered with Vodacom to install electric fencing around base stations which reduces vandalism.

‘’We recognise that network investment alone is not enough. Our focus on deep rural connectivity, business solutions, affordability, device access, and community partnerships ensures that the benefits of our infrastructure reach every resident and business in KwaZulu-Natal. With over R1.1 billion in network investment, including R100 million dedicated to deep rural areas, we are building a connected province where no one is left behind,’’ concluded Khan.

EThekwini informal trade facilities hailed for addressing unemployment

 

EThekwini informal trade facilities hailed for addressing unemployment

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

MANDISA Gwexa, 26, from Mariannhill is proof that opportunity and determination can transform lives. Once an unemployed Environmental Management graduate, she turned her circumstances into motivation and today, she is an award-winning entrepreneur and employer.

After her internship in the private sector ended with no job prospects on the horizon, Gwexa decided to create her own opportunity after seeing informal trading spaces advertised by eThekwini Municipality. ‘’I realised that my lack of employment wasn’t the end, it was the beginning of something new,’’ she said.

In 2021, she started Mandisa Nailed It, a beauty salon specialising in nails, hair, and eyelashes, in KwaNdengezi. Her journey truly transformed when she was allocated formal trading space by eThekwini Municipality through its Informal Economy Support Programme. She applied for a trading stall.

‘’Securing that space was a game changer for my business. It gave me dignity, stability, and confidence to grow.’’

Gwexa praised the Municipality for its continuous training for small businesses, access to funding, and mentorship opportunities. ‘’The Municipality didn’t just give us space, they equip us to succeed,’’ she added.

From humble beginnings, Mandisa Nailed It has become a community hub, Gwexa now employs eight people, six full-time and two part-time and has trained more than 40 aspiring nail technicians, many of whom have gone on to start their own businesses.

She was recently awarded the Youth-Owned Informal Business Award at the 2025 eThekwini Municipality Informal Trade Awards.

‘’Winning this award has further elevated my business and has shown me that hard work pays off. I encourage other young people to apply for the opportunities government provides. I am excited to continue growing my business,’’ she said.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said stories like that of Gwexa’s show the value of investing in the informal economy and small business. ‘’When small businesses thrive, communities thrive hence the Municipality will continue with its support of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises,’’ he said.