The 'Best Ever' Africa Travel Indaba Planned

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 20, 2025

The plans for the 2025 Africa Travel Indaba have been unveiled by Durban Tourism with a bold vision for the success of Africa’s largest trade and tourism event.

Africa's Travel Indaba happens from 12 to 15 May this year. | Photo: Fred Felton

The proposed programme for the event was presented by Durban Tourism Regional Marketing Manager Melusi Khumalo to the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee for their recommendation.

During the presentation she highlighted that preparations are already in full swing for this flagship event. Africa’s Travel Indaba happens from 12 to 15 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

At the committee meeting which was held on 13 February, Khumalo noted that 2025 marks the City’s final contractual year hosting the Indaba, taking note of the importance of this event to secure future bids.

‘’We aim to pull out all the stops to host the best-ever Indaba to ensure Durban becomes the permanent home of this prestigious event,’’ said Khumalo.

The Africa Travel Indaba is a crucial platform for showcasing Africa’s tourism offerings and engaging with the global trade, while also boosting local tourism.

Khumalo also shared last year’s impressive statistics which included 1 200 exhibitors, 9 217 delegates, 1 737 buyers and participants from 75 countries.

Exhibitor registrations are now open for exhibitors who would like to showcase their products and network with those in the tourism industry.

For registration and more info, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

Public-Private Partnerships Help With Service Delivery

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 19, 2025

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has welcomed the donation of static tanks from the mobile communications giant, Vodacom.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba welcomed the donation of static tanks from the mobile communications giant, Vodacom. He said working with the private sector, more can be done to improve the City. | Photo: Supplied. 

Vodacom describes this donation of the static tanks as their contribution to help communities in which they operate. These tanks will be deployed to areas that have a limited water supply network in the City.

This programme was started by Vodacom shortly after the 2022 floods which saw huge damage to water infrastructure in the City. The static tanks were part of an effort of ensuring that communities that were affected by the floods had access to water.

Mayor Xaba has commended Vodacom for being a good corporate citizen and encouraged other private sector companies to follow suit.

‘’We are grateful of this donation from Vodacom as it demonstrates that if we work together as social partners, we can address many developmental challenges plaguing communities. We will continue to engage Vodacom to engage to share ideas to improve service delivery in the City, considering its technological capability,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

Elation as 12 KwaXimba families receive new homes

 

Emotions ran high during a house handover that saw 12 homes handed over to deserving families. Ten of the recipients are part of the final phase of the KwaXimba Housing Project, bringing the total number of completed homes in Phase One to 2 000. Two additional families, who were displaced by natural disasters, also received homes on the day. 

The Mkhize family, comprising of a grandmother, her daughter, and three grandchildren, were overcome with emotion when they received the keys to their new home. The family previously lived in a mud house, which had been severely damaged during natural disasters. Ngenzeni Mkhize, 42, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed their gratitude. 

''We are over the moon and will never forget this day. We've received more than we could have imagined. Even the retaining will ensure our safety during natural disasters. This moment has changed our lives. Thank you to a government that cares about its people,'' she said. In another heartwarming moment, 73 year-old Dudu Ndlovu also became emotional when she saw her home. She also received a Boxer store voucher. ''This moment does feel real, I asked several times if it is a prank because it is a dream come true. Thank you everyone, may God bless you all!'' said an emotional Ndlovu. Officiating the handover was Ward 1 Councillor Thembo Ntuli, who is also the Chair of the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee. He facilitated the handover alongside representatives from the Municipality's Human Settlements Unit and the Economic Development and Planning Committee. In a gesture of further support, all beneficiaries received grocery packages, with some also given vouchers to Boxer stores. Each of the newly constructed houses have two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sitting area. They are also equipped with electricity, and some homes also had retaining walls built after the property was assessed. This will prevent damage in the future from natural disasters. 

Councillor Ntuli said the handover supports eThekwini Municipality's vision of becoming Africa's most caring and liveable city by 2030. ''The completion of the final 10 homes in Phase One of the KwaXimba Housing Project is a significant milestone,'' said Councillor Ntuli. 

''Now, our focus will shift to Phase Two, which will see the construction of 4 000 more homes. We remain committed to improving the lives of residents and ensuring sustainable growth in communities.''

The success of this project demonstrates eThekwini Municipality's dedication to not only addressing housing needs but also building stronger, more resilient communities for future generations. 

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Simplified Customer bill

THE City's Revenue Management Unit has made some changes to the face of the standard Municipal bill to ensure the document is simplified. Head of the Unit Lihle Ndzelu said the change was necessary and will assist customers. ''After taking into consideration customers difficulties understanding their monthly charges, the Municipality has worked to improve its statements.'' 

The consolidated total will remain as the opening balance; however, the major change is that all charges are listed on Page 1. Property, rates, water, electricity, sewerage, refuse and others, appears on the first page so the customer does not have to flip through pages 2 and 3 to check the total charge. Pages 2 and 3 will still provide the customer with a detailed analysis for each service charge. With the Debt Relief Programme concluding in December 2024, customers that have made payment arrangements will be reminded of this on the first page as well. It will reflect as ''Credit Authority Agreement'' and will stipulate the instalment as well. 

Customers are to note that if they have registered for the Debt Relief Programme or made a payment arrangement, the full required instalment must be paid to prevent the account falling back into arrears.

Account holders are also encouraged to register on the e-Services platform so they may receive their bills online. they can make payment from the portal. 

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Kings Park Pool gets facelift 

THE City's prominent Kings Park Pool is undergoing a much-needed revamp. This is after the Municipality allocated R42 million to rehabilitate the facility to provide it with a more aesthetically pleasing look.

The revamp is already underway and is part of the City's maintenance programme for all its swimming venues. 

The Pool consists of both indoor and outdoor facilities. 

The indoor facility has a 50 metre swimming pool while the outdoor pool has a diving pool that is 25m length and 6.5m deep. 

Acting Head of the Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Unit Dr Zakhi Mkhize said the facility is the only swimming facility in South Africa that has a FINA (International Swimming Federation) status recognised by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competition in water. 

She said it was important for the City to upgrade the Pool as it is the home of international and local championships. She said the financial allocation will make substantial improvements to the facility.

''The current rehabilitation focuses on restoring the damaged infrastructure caused by winds last year. 

The City then decided to add an element of an upgrade to meet the standard of the facility,'' said Mkhize.

The rehabilitation will include the replacement of lighting and glass windows, non-slip coating of stairs and paving, revamping of the walkway structure including handrails, a total revamp of the canteen area, the plastering and painting of the structure, and the installation of new signage, a scoreboard and diving boards. 

Kings Park Pool has hosted local, national and international events such as the FINA World Championships in 2006, FINA Paralympics in 2014, the World Olympic Qualifiers 2011 and 2016, Common World Games in 2022, BRICS Games 2023 and the World Short Course Qualifiers 2024 among others. It has also produced competitive athletes that have accomplished international records such as Penny Heyns, Chad Ho, Terence Parkin, Roland Schoeman, and Natalie Du Toit. 

Swimmers will soon enjoy the rehabilitated Kings Park Pool which was closed in November to allow for the renovations. Repairs will take about four months; weather permitting and are expected to complete by the end of April. 

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Umhlanga Accommodation Workshop Coming Soon

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 10, 2025

Umhlanga Tourism is proud to announce a Hospitality Workshop which will be held on 19 February 2025, at the KZN Sharks Board. The workshop will run from 9am to 12pm on the day.

Umhlanga Accommodation Workshop will be held on 19 February 2025. | Photo: Fred Felton

This workshop is aimed at Hospitality Hosts in the Tourism industry. Those that are in the hotel, B&B and guest house industry are encouraged to attend.

There will also be some key municipal departments in attendance including:

Revenue Management, Town Planning, Business Licensing and Durban Tourism.

There will also be a variety of tourism stakeholders in attendance and these include FEDHASA East Coast, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environment Affairs.

There will also be a number of suppliers in the tourism industry in attendance.

Bring your business cards with as there will be a lucky draw with some amazing prizes for the winners.

To RSVP email info@umhlangatourism.co.za

City Ready to Host DP World Tour Investec South African Open Championship

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 29, 2025

The eThekwini Municipality is all set to host the DP World Tour Investec South African Open Golf and Business Event Series which is one of only five DP World Tour-sanctioned golf tournaments and it will be happening in Durban.

The DP World Tour Investec South African Open Championship will be held at the Durban Country Club. | Photo: Supplied. 

This golf tournament is the second oldest National Open in the world after the Open Championship and there will be 156 professional golfers competing over four days from 27 February to 2 March at the Durban Country Club.

The Executive Committee recently approved the sponsorship of the highly anticipated golf tournament. The business sector has also contributed over R4 million to the improvement and readiness of the Durban Country Club to host this highly anticipated event.

The total sponsorship rights package is R5 million which will secure sustained coverage of Durban over a five-month period and reach more than 1.25 billion viewers.

This golfing event is intended to significantly boost the City’s economy and create jobs. According to Golf RSA, a combined entity comprising of the South African Golf Association and the Women’s Golf South Africa Association, the golf sector provides R49 billion to the economy of South Africa, or around 4% of the GDP, providing jobs to over 40 000 people each year.

The National Department of Tourism has been extensively consulted by the Presidential eThekwini Workstream 4 on Tourism and is committed to supporting activities in collaboration with the City and leaders in business.

Durban Film Office Opportunity for Film Festivals, Markets and Development Programmes

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 28, 2025

EThekwini Municipality’s Durban Film Office has opened the call for partnership opportunities for organizations and individuals that are interested in contributing to the development and expansion of the city’s film industry.

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is a Department of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Unit and was established in 2003 and is responsible for the promotion and development of the Film and Television Industry in the City of Durban.

‘’The city’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and talented artists make it a prime destination for international filmmakers,’’ noted City Manager Musa Mbhele at a recent film event.

The Municipality is looking for proposals from interested parties to partner on film festivals, film markets and development programmes aimed at strengthening the creative economy.

These partnerships are designed to foster growth in the film industry, promote local talent, and position Durban as a leading destination for global film initiatives. The partnership opportunities are open to event organizers, filmmakers, cultural organizations, and creative industries professionals.

Key Areas for Proposals include:

Film Festivals, Film Markets and Film Development Programmes

Proposals should demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting Durban’s film industry and contributing to its long-term growth and sustainability.

Closing date for all partnership proposals is 10 February 2025.

Application Process

Applications from film industry specific business organisations which are formerly registered as a Non-Profit Company will be considered.

Applications must have a detailed proposal on how the organisation will assist the city in growing the local film industry. A Business plan that illustrates how the initiative will drive the culture of local content appreciation, the plan should clearly outline the target audience.

Proposals should outline the organisation’s expertise in running and hosting film festivals/markets and film industry development programmes. A proven marketing and distribution track record of the applicant.

A detailed Project Implementation Plan including proposed screening programme needs to be included.

The proposal should include a detailed Audience Development budget that shows funds already raised for the project.

The applicant should also provide a detailed financial implication for a 36-month period relating to film programmes aimed at transformation, industry and audience development.

Proof of copyright ownership should also be included.

Tiers

Tier 1: This is for established international festivals and events (international – refers to festivals that attract audience from several continents) that have been operating for more than 10 years and can show they attract funding from multiple sources. This tier qualifies for funding of R300 000 – R1.5 Million.  

Tier 2: Intermediate Local Film Festivals and events that have been operating for more than 5 years and less than 10 years. This tier will only qualify for up to R300 000.

Tier 3: Emerging regional Film Festival and events that have been operating for fewer than 5 years. This tier will only qualify for up to R200 000.

Tier 4: Emerging Film Festivals and event that have been operating for fewer than 2 years. This tier will only qualify for no more than R100 000.

All applications must be delivered to the Economic Development Unit Offices: 11^th Floor, Rennie House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban, 4001 between 9am and 3pm. Only physical applications will be accepted.

Terms and Conditions apply.

For more information visit: https://film.durban.gov.za/news/EThekwini+Municipality%E2%80%99s+Durban+Film+Office+Invites+Partnership+Proposals+for+Film+Festivals%2C+Markets%2C+and+Development+Programmes?fbclid=IwY2xjawHzNPZleHRu%E2%80%A6

The Splendid Bumper Festive Season That Was

 

THE SPLENDID BUMPER 

FESTIVE SEASON THAT WAS 

THE festive season brought the City to life with vibrant events that took place during the holiday season. Thousands of visitors descended to Durban's shores for a 

memorable, world-class

holiday. 

The City welcomed visitors to relax, enjoy outdoor restaurants, the vibrant nightlife, and friendly establishments which provided everything an out-of-towner could wish for while on holiday. 

Signature events such as Fact Durban Rocks; Woz' eDurban Picnic; the uMhlanga Beach Festival, the All White Elegant Party and many others brought people from across the continent to eThekwini for the diverse entertainment. 

Clean beaches and pools, enhanced security, and prioritised child safety were some of the highlights mentioned by holiday makers. All children visiting the City's beaches were given armbands which had their guardians contact details to ensure reunification if they were separated. Child minders assisted separated children who were reunited with their families within 24 hours. The City pulled out all the stops to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. 

Of the City's 25 beaches, 21 were open for bathing throughout the festive season. Around one million people were recorded to have visited Durban beaches during the festive season. Lifeguards worked tirelessly to ensure safe swimming and adherence to beach rules. No drownings were recorded during permitted hours on the City's beaches.