April 2022 Floods - A year later

The month of April will forever be etched on the minds and hearts of many people in KwaZulu-Natal, especially eThekwini residents. A year later, we remember all those who perished in the devastating floods, lost homes and livelihoods. 

THE MUNICIPALITY has made significant progress to restore sewer pipes in areas where sanitation infrastructure was severely damaged during the April 2022 floods. Major repairs to wastewater pumpstations that were impacting the beaches were completed in December last year. However, some of the pump stations have since had new faults. The causes of these new faults include mechanical failure and vandalism. Repairs on five affected coastal wastewater pumpstations are currently being completed. 

The Municipality is also prioritising routine maintenance and refurbishment of all wastewater pumpstations. 

Repairs to the affected Wastewater Treatment Works is underway and many of the treatment works are back online, though some are not operating at 100 percent capacity. 

Africa's Travel Indaba Opens Soon

 

By Fred Felton | Apr 20, 2023

The travel and trade show for those in the tourism industry returns to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) from 8 to 11 May.

The launch of Africa's Travel Indaba held at Durban ICC recently. | Photo: Fred Felton

With just a few weeks to go there is not much time left to register if you would like to attend the show. Recently the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille together with provincial and City leaders launched the trade show on 28 March at the Durban ICC.

‘’We are excited to be back in Durban,’’ said Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille. The eThekwini Municipality is also excited for the return of the event. ‘’We anticipate a hotel occupancy rate of 90 percent which will be a major boost for the hospitality sector,’’ noted eThekwini Deputy Chairperson for the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Phili Mbatha-Ndlovu.

There are expected to be around 120 SMME’s at the Hidden Gems Pavilion at Indaba this year. Indaba will also have plenty of networking events for delegates to attend including the popular speed networking events which will happen throughout Indaba.

Durban is expected to be packed to capacity as the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) will be hosting their conference in Durban just before Indaba.

Buyers from around the world have been invited to Africa’s Travel Indaba this year and the event promises to be the biggest one yet for South Africa.

‘’KwaZulu-Natal has more than 20 years’ experience in hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba,’’ said Acting CEO of Tourism KZN Nhlanhla Khumalo.

The trade show in the tourism and travel sector has always proved popular through the years. ‘’Every time we have hosted Indaba it has been successful,’’ noted Acting CEO of Tourism KZN Nhlanhla Khumalo.

To register for Africa’s Travel Indaba visit http://www.indaba-southafrica.co.za