Mayor Xaba rolls up his sleeves and seeks answers to address Inanda water challenges

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba on 14 July visited ward 56 in Inanda Newtown A and Ngoqokazi areas to receive a first-hand report on inherent water challenges confronting the community. | Photo: Supplied. 

Just a few days after being sworn in as EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba has hit the ground running. 

Today, Mayor Xaba visited ward 56 in Inanda Newtown A and Ngoqokazi areas to receive a first-hand report on inherent water challenges confronting the community.

The Mayor has vowed to seek answers from the administration as to why water challenges still persist in some areas of the municipality. In Inanda Newtown A, communities complained about the shortage of water since the 2022 floods. Other households raised complaints about their municipal bills which are too high. While some households in Ngoqokazi and Amatikwe have been experiencing intermittent water supply, others have been without water for five to 10 years and they continue to rely on water tankers.

“I have come to this area after receiving a phone call from the local councillor complaining about persisting water challenges. Having seen first-hand the challenges on the ground, I am now in a better position to understand the plight of the community and will be able seek appropriate answers from the administration as to why are we having these challenges and when are they planning to resolve them," said Mayor Xaba.

The community welcomed the Mayor’s visit and committed to working with the city to find long lasting solutions to the water challenges and other service delivery issues.

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Inanda road and bridge upgrade nears completion

Mlungisi Dlamini 

The reconstruction of road A3822 and bridge is expected to be completed soon. | Photo: Supplied. 

The repairs of road A3822, Ward 108 in Inanda are nearing completion. EThekwini Municipality teams are still on the ground working to restore the situation to normality after the devastating floods.

The Project Engineer Okuhle Luthuli said the repairs are extected to be completed by the end of July.  “The project is progressing well.  Monitoring and evaluations are conducted frequently to ensure that everything is still on track. The wing walls have been put on both sides of the culvert and gabions have been done on the sides of the road to ensure a strong balance on both sides. We have also employed residents to ensure that we create job opportunities for locals. We are currently backfilling and compacting the top structure of the road,” said Luthuli.

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City's Mobile App Gains Popularity With Residents

Zimbili Mazibuko

The City’s mobile app is proving to be a popular choice for residents to report service delivery issues, particularly relating to electricity and water, impressively resolving matters within the stipulated 48-hour turnaround time.

The app, which has over 86 000 downloads since its launch in 2023, is becoming the preferred tool to receive timely responses. Head of the Sizakala Unit, Mavuso Tshabalala said the app has made it easy for residents to report faults.

“We are pleased to see residents using the app as intended. This app was designed to empower residents to report issues promptly, and we are encouraged by the positive feedback we have received. Many of the reported issues, including loss of electricity, water supply disruptions, burst pipes and potholes, are being addressed within 48 hours, which speaks to the app’s effectiveness,” said Tshabalala. 

The City has intensified its efforts to promote the app as the primary channel for reporting service delivery concerns. As part of this campaign, 50 municipal buses will be branded with the mobile app to raise awareness among residents about its functionalities and benefits. The buses will be operating in places like uMlazi, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and the City centre.

“We are excited about the buses that are already on the streets with our app. The more people see the buses, the more they will know about the app, and will subsequently download and use it. The app is an important tool for our residents. While we encourage the public to visit our Sizakala Centres for additional services, the app serves as an alternative for addressing common issues efficiently” said Tshabalala.

Residents can use the app to access emergency contact numbers, pay their Municipal bill via Masterpass, upload their meter readings, report faults, view and query their Municipal bill, link to tender platform and also link to the City’s digital media platforms. Residents can download the app on Google Play store, Apple App store and Huawei App gallery.

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DFM Packed Full of Events for Filmmakers

 

By Fred Felton | 20 Jul. 2024

This year the Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) presents the 15^th edition of Durban FilmMart (DFM), and the theme for this year is ‘’African Visions Unleased: From Disruption to Accountablility.’’

Headline speakers at DFM. | Photo: DFM. 

DFM takes place in Durban, South Africa from 19 – 22 July 2024. This year South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy and the Durban FilmMart 2024 edition embraces three decades of transformation and legacy. The DFM has been instrumental in shaping the discussions about the South African film industry, and it has fostered a symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and the industry over its 15-year existence.

The DFM 2024 programme promotes 30 years of democracy and it will feature a series of ‘’SA in Focus’’ sessions as well as the DFM Access Programme, exploring the film industry development in SA, aspirations and challenges.

‘’Celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa at DFM means reflecting on the multiplicity of opportunities our democracy has created for local filmmakers. As we look back on the progress made – from creativity and resilience to strategic thinking – our democracy has not only provided access to platforms but has also opened doors to diverse storytelling, enabling filmmakers to tackle bold and disruptive narratives,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute.

Some of the highlights of DFM so far have included a NFVF Masterclass: Marketing Your Project with Nicola Ofoego.

In this Masterclass Nicola Ofoego showed the audience how to market a film and included some key marketing basics for filmmakers.

‘’Who is the audience of your film or series?’’ asked Nicola Ofoego. 

In a packed Netflix workshop Neil Brandt led a panel of Dorothy Ghettuba from Netflix and filmmakers Jayan Moodley and Katleho Ramaphakela.

Dorothy Ghettuba advised that at present Netflix is looking at Non-fiction works, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Crime Thrillers and even Mystery.

‘’You are going to get a film on Netflix by making your own films,’’ advised Neil Brandt.

On Day 2 of DFM key highlights included a Producer’s Lounge hosted by Dragon Productions where producers networked over a cup of coffee.

Later in the day Katie Irwin shared tips on sales and distribution for filmmakers.

Actors listened intently to a masterclass on the business of acting with Steven Adams. He shared tips and advice for thespians.

‘’Treat yourself like a business,’’ said Steven Adams.

The Actors in the audience were also encouraged to have a business plan.

‘’Connect with Producers you want to work with,’’ advised Adams.

There are still many more useful events to look forward to on Sunday and Monday.

On Sunday look out for Speed Meetings where you can meet the French Film Professionals and later in the day look forward to a workshop with the Industrial Development Corporation.

For Monday you can look forward to a Netflix Masterclass with Chris Mack and later on look forward to opportunities for the audio visual industry courtesy of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.

The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.

To register for DFM visit https://durbanfilmart.co.za/

For more information visit: info@durbanfilmmart.com