City Unveils Easter Plans

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 17, 2025

The time over Easter is set to be a memorable experience for all in Durban with a mix of adventure and relaxation for everyone.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba unpacks the City's Easter and Holiday Season Campaign.  Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

A few days ago eThekwini Municipality revealed its Easter and Winter campaign themed ‘’Endless Fun Season’’. Tourism stakeholders were treated to a trip around Durban with stops at various tourist attractions including PheZulu Safari Park and the new Westown Square Shopping Mall.

Durban has a wide range of attractions from world-class shopping malls, vibrant markets, wonderful waterfalls and safari experiences.

It is estimated that around 1.3 million visitors will descend on the City over the Easter holiday while the hospitality industry is expected to see hotel occupancy rates at 63 percent, which is an increase from last year’s 50 percent.

There is also expected to be a boost for the local economy with direct spending estimated at around R2.5 billion and a GDP contribution of around R6.1 billion, with 11 000 employment opportunities created over this time.

Westown Square was a hive of activity as the City launched Easter Plans. | Photo: Fred Felton.

According to eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba this campaign is being done so that the City can highlight Durban’s rich tourism attractions, to make sure visitors explore more adventures, cuisine, attractions, and experiences.

‘’We want to assure our visitors both locally and internationally, that we are ready to deliver a safe and enjoyable holiday. Security measures have been put in place with a safety and security plan developed by the Metro Police and stakeholders to ensure visibility at all key tourism attractions,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Last week the City rolled out its programme of rejuvenating the inner city precinct to deliver a safer, cleaner, and greener Durban. This programme has a wide range of services including deployment of professional security teams, armed patrol units, and rapid response squads.

Mayor Xaba said this landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of life of residents, businesses and visitors while boosting the local economy.

Durban has also received nominations in the World Travel Awards for various categories including Africa’s Leading Festival and Events Destination. There are several signature events lined up for visitors including the Joyous Celebration Easter Mega Fest, One-Man Show Concert, eThekwini Surf Pro and the Durban International Marathon.

You can also expect activations in Amanzimtoti, Shongweni, uMhlanga, Inanda, and the Beachfront.

‘’As the ultimate holiday destination, Durban is offering an opportunity to unwind and explore the fun and diverse attractions as we usher in the Winter season,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

For ideas on what to do in Durban go to www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media.

 

Public urged to comment on 2025/26 Draft Budget

THE public is urged to participate in the Draft Budget and Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation meetings that will be taking place in the coming weeks. This comes as the City's 2025/26 Draft Budget of R71.3 billion was tabled at a Full Council meeting on 31 March and released for public consultation. 

Comprising of an Operating Budget of R64.2 billion and a Capital Budget of R7.1 billion, it is set against various challenges and tough economic conditions. 

Themed an 'Infrastructure Building and Service Delivery Budget', this budget is firmly focused on service delivery, rehabilitation, and replacement of infrastructure as well as economic development. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, in his tabling address of the Draft Budget, said: ''We strongly believe that investing in infrastructure is essential for achieving sustainable economic recovery and inclusive growth.'' 

Some of the major highlights of the 2025/26 Draft Budget are significant amounts being allocated to take care of essential services. About R859 million has been allocated for electricity which will fund the ongoing extension and reinforcement of existing electricity networks, as well as 17 new substations that are being commissioned. 

The capital budget for water is R1.15 billion and will be spent mainly on the water loss intervention programme and the replacement of water pipes. 

Proposed tariff increases for Electricity is 12.72%, Water 15% for domestic customers and 16% for business, Sanitation is 13% for domestic and 14% for business, Refuse Removal is 9.9% for domestic and 9% for business. For property rates, the proposed tariff increase is 6.5%.

The City is committed to assisting disadvantaged communities through its social welfare package. The benefits of this package include the first 6kl of water free to households with property values under R350 000, the first 50kwh of electricity free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in Eskom reticulated areas and the first 65kwh of electricity free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in eThekwini reticulated areas. 

With regards to refuse removal, residential properties valued up to R350 000 are exempt from the domestic refuse removal tariff and a free basic refuse removal service is also available to indigent consumer units living in rural areas, informal settlements, and non-curbside residents. 

The first 6kl of effluent disposal is exempt for all properties with values under R350 000. 

In addition, a free basic service is also available to indigent consumer units with VIP's, urine diversion toilets and in informal settlements serviced by means of a toilet/ablution block within 200 metres. 

Meanwhile, comments on the IDP can be made from 4 April to 9 May 2025. 

Copies of the said document are available on the website www.durban.gov.za or by scanning the QR Code below. 

Digital copies of the Draft IDP can also be obtained via Sizakala Centres and libraries for viewing and public comments from 4 April to 9 May 2025. The public are requested to drop their comments at Sizakala Centres or libraries or send their comments to comments2021@durban.gov.za or via Whatsapp Chat bot using the QR Code below. 

The IDP is a key strategy that guides development and service delivery in the City. It is a requirement of the Municipal Systems Act and drives the City's budget allocations and the Service Delivery Implementation Plan to ensure service delivery to communities. 

For this reason, community consultation and input are critical. 

____________________________________________________________________

Pinetown Men's Health Section 

Launched to boost healthcare

WITH the aim of addressing the primary healthcare needs of men, eThekwini Municipality officially launched a Men's Health section at the Pinetown Clinic. 

The launch was led by Chairperson of the Community Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase alongside eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni. 

The Pinetown Clinic provides health services such as blood pressure screenings, TB screening, counselling, HIV testing, and other medical assistance tailored specifically for men. 

This follows a successful pilot programme that began in July 2022 after an increasing demand for a men-only healthcare space was identified. 

Nursing Services Manager at Pinetown Clinic Zodwa Mthembu said they have seen an increase in male patients since the pilot began.

''We first designated one day a week for men's healthcare. Due to growing demand, we expanded to three days and eventually to daily services. 

Men from across the City now visit our clinic to access these free services provided by the Municipality. We are proud to offer them a safe and dedicated space for their healthcare needs,'' said Mthembu. 

Councillor Sokhabase praised men for prioritising their health. ''I am encouraged to see so many men using this facility. Your presence here today challenges the myth that men neglect their health. 

Please spread the word and encourage other men to visit for regular check-ups, screenings, and counselling,'' she urged. 

Duma Sibiya, a frequent visitor to the clinic commended the City for establishing the men's section: ''We now have access to important health information, including awareness about prostate cancer. This section of the clinic allows men to openly discuss health concerns and seek the necessary treatment,'' said Sibiya. 

Currently, the men's section at Pinetown Clinic serves over 11 000 individuals collecting treatment at the facility. 

Deputy Mayor Myeni emphasised the importance of early health interventions, especially given the higher prevalance of TB among men compared to women. 

___________________________________________________________________

Northern Durban Business 

Fair empowers business

THE City's signature Durban Business Fair exhibition continues to play a pivotal role in empowering small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This platform connects SMMEs with industry role-players, new clientele, investors, financial institutions, and likeminded entrepreneurs.

This follows the success of the North Regional Durban Business Fair which took place from 28 to 30 March at the Bridge City Shopping Centre. 

The event was well attended, with approximately 9 000 visitors eager to explore locally made products and support exhibitors. The fair's significance was amplified by its focus on empowering entrepreneurs, with a standout feature being a collaboration with New Bridge Graduate Training Institute. The partnership hosted a pitching session aimed at empowering unemployed youth aged between 18 and 35 to explore entrepreneurship. 

Participants showcased their business ideas, answering questions on their business plans and administration. 

The top 10 participants were awarded Business Administration NQF Level 5 bursaries worth R50 000 each. 

Thandeka Ntombela, one of the bursary winners from Ntuzuma, shared her excitement. 

''This is a life changing opportunity, and I am sure it will open many doors. I feel equipped to start my own business,'' she said.

Nathi Ndlovu, National Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Manager at New Bridge Graduate Training Institute, emphasised the importance of skills development among the youth. 

''This initiative is about equipping the youth with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Professional development plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship,'' he said. 

Ndlovu said the participants will begin their studies in June at either the Pinetown or Musgrave campuses. 

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said: 

''We are happy this initiative, aimed at SMME development, continues to attract private sector interest and public support.'' 

Westown Square Opens

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 3, 2025

Westown Square opened on 27 March launching a pathway for more investment, jobs and rates revenue.

There was an air of jubilation when eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba and CEO of Fundamentum Development Company Carlos Correia offically opened Westown Square. They were joined by various Provincial and Municipal leaders for the occassion. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

There was plenty of singing, dancing and even ululations when eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially opened Westown Square.

This new retail and lifestyle development situated in Shongweni, was described by all the stakeholders as a new dawn for more financial investment, employment and rates revenue.

Westown Square was officially opened on 27 March 2025. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini.

The R1.3 Billion development began construction in 2021. This is the first phase of a mega development which will see 2 000 hectares integrated into a mixed-use urban development situated along the N3 and Kassier Road Interchange.

The development will comprise of nine precincts, including retail, residential, commercial, logistics, industrial, and business park precincts.

‘’Once a green field with untapped potential, Shongweni has now transformed into an economically thriving community offering endless opportunities for individuals and businesses. It has become a hub of innovation, attracting investment, driving economic growth, and creating much needed employment for the people of eThekwini,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Westown is already being described as the ‘New City of the West’ and is set to generate around R15 billion in investment over the next 10 to 15 years, 15 000 construciton jobs and 8 500 permanent jobs.

The next phase includes the R2 billion Balwin Residential development, and the R600 million Westown Private Hospital.

‘’What makes this project even more significant is that it is strategically located between the N3 and the M13 and will catalyse development between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. In fact we are now building a Midrand equivalent in KwaZulu-Natal,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

According to Mayor Xaba this is going to be the first real Smart City in KwaZulu-Natal as the developers will manage Westown through technology while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The eThekwini Municipality has invested R600 million towards the bulk infrastructure required to support Westown.

So far 1 200 people have been hired for the construction of the bulk infrastructure and Westown Square. A total of 451 permanent jobs were advertised for Westown Square. Most of the workers come from Ntshongweni and the neighbouring communities.

Hundreds of young people have also received construction training through the Westown Training Centre, which was established by the Westown Foundation and the Stefanutti Stocks Academy.

Westown Square is expected to generate around R21 million per annum in rates income. The rates income will increase to more than R500 million per annum at the completion of the Shongweni Urban Development in 2037.

CEO of Fundamentum Development Company Carlos  Correia said the building of Westown is a vote of confidence in Durban and the province of KZN.

Win Tickets to Kings & Queens of Comedy

 

By Fred Felton | April 1, 2025

For over 10 years, Kings & Queens of Comedy has set the bar for South African stand-up, uniting audiences with good laughs and showing the best comedy talent in SA. This year as the brand celebrates 13 years, it returns with a stellar line-up for everyone.

Joey Rasdien | Photo: Supplied. 

Get your diary out for two nights of stand-up on 5 April at Durban ICC and at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on 12 April when Kings & Queens of Comedy marks a big milestone with show filled with nostalgia, legacy, and fresh, fearless humour.

Chris Forrest | Photo: Supplied.

The Durban line-up (in association with East Coast Radio) features Darren Maule, Alfred Adriaan, Darren Simpson, Trevor Gumbi, Annalakshmi, Angel Campey, Muthu Murugan, Khanyisa Bunu, Joey Rasdien, Conrad Koch & Chester Missing and Chris Forrest.

For Johannesburg expect Darren ’Wackhead’ Simpson, Alfred Adriaan, Annalakshmi, Angel Campey, Muthu Murugan, Khanyisa Bunu, Joey Rasdien, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Chris Forrest and Conrad Koch & Chester Missing.

Angel Campey | Photo: Supplied. 

‘’When we first started this brand 13 years ago, our vision was to create a platform that not only showcases South Africa’s best comedic talent but also brings together people together through the universal language of laughter,’’ said Blu Blood co-founders Osman Osman and Shaaista Khan Osman.

Get tickets for Kings & Queens of Comedy from Ticketpro and selected SPAR Payzone kiosks.

Win Tickets To The Show

The good folks at Blu Blood have given us 2 x double tickets for 2 lucky winners to go to the show in Durban.

All you have to do is answer this easy question:

Where is the show being performed in Durban?

Send your answer, name, contact number and email to umhlangalife@gmail.com

Ts and Cs. Apply.