Municipality condemns vandalism of Durban Transport buses

THE eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) warns the community against stone throwing of buses and the life-threatening consequences of riding on the rear bumper of a moving bus. Durban Transport has been faced with this unbecoming behavior conducted by young adults including school children. In the afternoon, the stoning and bumper riding of buses has become the norm, with uMlazi and Ntuzuma being the most affected areas. Head of the ETA Thami Manyathi warned that damage to any Municipal property is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution. ''Youngsters are also discouraged from the hazardous act of riding on the back of moving buses. This is a danger to other motorists and can be fatal. The municipality urges parents and the public to assist in stopping this unbecoming behavior that has serious consequences,'' he said. In the past six months, more than 80 buses had to be repaired because of broken windows. This affects the municipality's ability to provide an efficient public transport service while these buses are taken off the road for repairs. In addition, it results in unnecessary costs for Council and affects bus availability. The public should report any incidents they witness to the police, or to the uMlazi Depot on 031 906 2651, the Ntuzuma Depot on 031 504 3421, or eThekwini Transport Authority on 082 268 4185. 

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Exciting prizes up for grabs in the Verge competition

ETHEKWINI residents are reminded and encouraged to participate in this year's Verge Competition and stand a chance of winning great prizes. The competition is open to all residents who reside within the municipal area, but should not be employed by the municipality. The public can enter or nominate homes, businesses, schools, individuals, garden clubs, conservancies, or industrial companies that have the best verges in front of their properties. The competition which started on 1 July will close on 30 September 2022. The prizes include a jojo tank, watering cans, a wheelbarrow, gardening tools and much more. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Municipal website using the link: https://bit.ly/3nCIMdb 

Forms can also obtained from Sizakala Centres, libraries, or they can be requested via email. Completed forms must contain the details of the respective nominator and be submitted with pictures of the verge. They can be returned to Sizakala Centres or libraries. Alternatively, completed forms and pictures can be e-mailed to Nonhlanhla Gumede at nonhlanhla.gumede@durban.gov.za and Thami Mbhele on thami.mbhele@durban.gov.za. Submissions without pictures will not be considered. For more information contact Nonhlanhla Gumede on 031 322 7779 or Thami Mbhele on 031 322 4019. 

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More opportunities for local businesses at #DBF24

NOW in its 24th year, the Durban Business Fair (#DBF24) will yet again present more business opportunities from 20 to 25 September at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre. Themed ''Connecting Durban businesses to opportunities'', the #DBF24 will feature exhibitions, manufacturing pavilion and street market showcasing and trading local products. It will further feature business engagements, masterclasses, an innovation and technology hub and Flavours of Durban. The DBF will take place simultaneously with the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) showcase set to feature pop-up shops selling locally made clothing. SMME Excellence Awards and DFF Recognition Awards will also be hosted to honour and award businesses who have excelled and contributed to local economic growth as well as job creation. Deputy Head for SMME Development in the Municipality Nonku Mthembu, said they are proud of their 24 years of developing, empowering, and creating opportunities for local businesses. She said plans to host a successful exhibition are well underway, adding that additional exhibition spaces have been made available. ''Since inception, the municipality has invested millions in developing businesses through the DBF and over 38 000 businesses have participated in the platform. To date, over 18 500 sustainable jobs have been created through the DBF platform. Out of the participating businesses, many have been elevated to become established businesses,'' explained Mthembu. 

To be part of the DBF exhibition, click on this link to register: https://bit.ly/DBF2022 

To trade at the DBF Street Market as a food vendor, follow this link to apply: https://bit.ly/StreetMarketReg2022 

All DBF application forms are obtainable at your nearest Sizakala Centre, at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry offices, or by emailing zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za or calling 031 311 4500. Badumile Dlamini, founder of Badumile Beads from Umlazi, who makes beads, traditional attires and bags, says she is looking forward to meeting new clients and making more money when she participates in the 2022 DBF in September. She is one of hundreds of Durban businesses that are already registered for the DBF. Dlamini says she is a regular to this business exhibition simply because it is beneficial. ''The platform is a massive exposure for any business I use this to launch whatever new business venture I have. This year I decided to transfer my skill to others and opened a bead training school and I will use DBF to publicise it in order to get more trainees.''