City welcomes R23 billion expansion at Sibaya

SOHANA SINGH

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has welcomed the R23 billion expansion of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, as property developers Devmco, officially broke ground on its expansive infrastructure rollout across the precinct.

This marked a significant achievement as the development moves towards interconnected nodes within the precinct. The next phase of the mixed-use development will include 400 residential units, 100 000 square meters of retail and office space, a medical node, and flagship hospitality developments spanning over 1000 hectares among others. This will make it integrated, and sustainable, with lifestyle and convenience at the centre.

The event on 19 June was attended by the KwaZuluNatal Premier Thami Ntuli, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Reverend Musa Zondi, i Mayor Xaba, and other key business stakeholders.

Mayor Xaba said: “The Sibaya Coastal Precinct marks a defining chapter in the growth and transformation of our City. It is the strong partnership between Devmco and eThekwini Municipality that has ensured that this development progresses to what we see today,” he said, highlighting the developers confidence in the City. With a projected investment value of R23 billion and an estimated R3.8 billion in revenue from property rates over an eight-year period, this development promises to be an economic game-changer.

“We are confident that there will be transformation benefits for the people of Wards 58 and 102, and the broader eThekwini community,” he added. Since its inception, Sibaya has been a symbol of success. In 2018, it achieved the highest value in property transfers in the country.

Just in the past 18 months alone, over R1.5 billion in property transfers were recorded, a clear signal of investor confidence and sustained demand in the precinct. Mayor Xaba highlighted that as government, at all levels, they are playing their role in enabling critical road infrastructure upgrades in the precinct.

The socio-economic returns of the development include an expected growth from R219 million to R770 million annually in rates revenue for the Municipality from 2025 to 2032.

Another benefit is that 20 000 permanent jobs and 50 000 temporary jobs will be created during and after construction. The empowerment of local communities through targeted procurement, training, and employment is already in motion through the Inkanyiso Programme. This includes opportunities for small and emerging businesses, especially youthowned enterprises.

Brad Winstanley, Commercial Director at Devmco Group, said the event marks the beginning of a new era in integrated coastal living, signalling the start of the precinct’s infrastructure phase.

Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health

 

By Fred Felton | July 17, 2025

John Craig, in partnership with Polo South Africa, has launched the Mind Matters video series, featuring iconic footballer Lucas Radebe, Leon de Beer (Director of the South African Federation for Mental Health), and designer David Tshabalala.

The Mind Matters Video Series 

The campaign shines a light on some sobering stats:

South Africa records around 13,774 suicides per year, about 80% of which are men.

Worldwide 75% of suicides are men, many of whom never seek help due to stigma and traditional gender norms.

According to a review in the SA Journal of Psychology men across occupations experience high levels of depression, anxiety and burnout, often quietly.

‘’Mental and emotional resilience is key to unlocking one’s true potential. With this initiative, John Craig and Polo South Africa are shining a light on the mental health struggles men face worldwide, especially as issues like depression, anxiety and suicide continue to rise among men,’’ said John Craig Senior Brand Manager, Kaboomo Mgibi Marshoff.

Leon de Beer called for workplaces and communities to create safe spaces where men can freely express emotional struggles without fear of judgement.

‘’My wife was diagnosed with cancer when I was still playing. I still had to focus. I still had to go and train every day and give 100%, which is challenging because you can’t share with friends. There are no excuses,’’ noted Lucas Radebe.

For David Tshabalala maintaining a healthy work life balance is key to nurturing good mental health.

Marshoff invited men everywhere to watch the full series on the @JohnCraig YouTube channel and to join the conversation using #JohnCraigMindMatters.

The good folks at John Craig are also giving away 2 x R500 John Craig Vouchers for you dear reader.

To enter the lucky draw, send your full name, cell number and email to umhlangalife@gmail.com  with John Craig Giveaway in the subject line.

Ts and Cs apply.

Questions people ask about Saving

 

July is Savings Month! Improve your financial well-being and #PayYourselfFirst.

The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA) Foundation talks to people about money matters throughout the year, in workshops and on our digital platforms. Below are some of the questions people often ask us about saving. We hope the answers will help you too. Please note: the names in the letters are not the real names of the people.

Dear Lumka,

 I want to save, but I just find it hard to save without feeling like I’m going without. I work hard and deserve to treat myself to things I enjoy! Is there a way to save but also enjoy my hard-earned cash? Thanks in advance, Arish!

Dear Arish,

Thanks for getting in touch. I understand how hard it is — you work so hard, but most of your money goes to things like food and school fees. There’s not much left, and you want to enjoy that little bit! The good news is, with some planning, you can do both. Start by looking at your spending: what do you need, and what do you just enjoy? Needs like electricity transport  and groceries should always come first. Then find one or two things to cut back on — maybe bring lunch from home instead of buying takeaways. Use that extra money to start saving. Put it into a savings account where it’s safe and can grow with interest. Saving is just like paying for any other need — it should happen every month. When you save, you’re choosing to #PayYourselfFirst and work towards something you really want.

I hope this helps and you start #PayingYourselfFirst!

All the best,
Lumka

_______________________________________

Dear Lumka

I always hear people saying you need to save. I always mean to save, but by the time the month ends, there’s nothing left. How do I actually make saving a priority when I don’t have anything to save? Can you help? Colin.

Dear Colin

Thanks for your question. This is a common problem that lots of people face. The cost of living is rising every day, and to cover our basic needs like groceries and taxi fare takes up almost all our money. But I do have some tips to get you started. The first thing to remember is that saving should be considered a monthly expense. Just like you need to pay your rent, you need to #PayYourselfFirst by saving! In fact, it should be at the top of your monthly budget, rather than the bottom. It’s not a nice-to-have like takeaways, it’s an essential!

But we need to be realistic, so start with a small amount, even R25 a week is a good start. Next, you need to put your savings somewhere safe, like a separate savings account. This way, you won’t spend it, and it can grow by earning interest on your interest. Most banks offer a savings account that is linked to your current account. This makes it simple and easy to transfer money into your savings account each month.  

Good luck and well done for being committed to #PayYourselfFirst!

All the best,
Lumka

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Dear Lumka,
I need your help! I’m good at saving… for other people! I’m saving for my kids’ education and for emergencies, but I’ve never saved for my future. I know it’s important, but how do I start?
Thanks,
Thato

Dear Thato,
Thank you for your letter, and well done for taking the first step! Since it’s Savings Month and the theme is #PayYourselfFirst, this is the perfect time to start.

It sounds like your goal is a comfortable retirement, where you don’t have to depend on your children. That’s a powerful motivation. Start by setting a clear goal and opening a separate savings account for your future. Most banks offer free savings accounts that earn interest, which means your money grows slowly over time.

Next, set up a regular payment to transfer a small amount into that account each month, before you pay your bills. This way, you’re paying yourself first and building a saving habit.

If you want to take it further, consider speaking to a financial adviser. They can help you explore retirement savings or investment options that match your income and needs.

You’re already doing so well saving for others — now it’s time to do the same for yourself.

All the best,
Lumka

Durban FilmMart Champions South African Cinema This Year

 

By Fred Felton | July 12, 2025

The 2025 Durban FilmMart (DFM) edition is reaffirming its position as a leading platform for African and global film collaboration by shining the spotlight on South African cinema through its ‘SA in Focus’ programme.

The South African cinema will take centre stage at this year's Durban FilmMart edition, with industry leaders unpacking the state of the country's current audio visual sector. 

DFM takes place from 18 to 21 July at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel; the programme will bring together industry leaders, guilds and creatives to examine the current state and future of South Africa’s audio-visual sector.

‘’The SA in Focus programme aims to build a strong local foundation that is essential for the broader growth of Africa’s film industry,’’ said DFM Institute Director Magdalene Reddy.

Highlights in the programme include the flagship State of the South African Audio-Visual Industry session, featuring key stakeholders such as the National Film and Video Foundation, SABC, and various provincial commissions. The programme will also explore topics such as artificial intelligence’s creative influence, copyright in the digital age, and strategies for international co-productions.

There will also be panel discussions hosted by major guilds, including the South African Guild of Actors, the Writers’ Guild of South Africa, the Directors Guild of South Africa, and the Editors Guild, will address critical issues such as storytelling, sustainability, and creative ownership.

Other sessions to look out for include The African Aesthetic, Directors as Cultural Architects, and Independent Producers Organisation to Intellectual Property on global market access.

DFM 2025 will focus on collaboration and professional development underscoring its continued role in shaping a thriving and future-ready SA film industry.

Register now for DFM 2025 at: www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

For enquiries: info@durbanfilmmart.com

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

Why it is best to 'pay yourself first'

 

Every July, we are reminded of the importance of saving during Savings Month. Yet few of us manage to fix our lack of savings. That’s why Smart About Money, an initiative by the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA), is campaigning for you to #PayYourselfFirst.

Pay yourself first is a budgeting technique that ensures you allocate a fixed amount to savings each payday before you spend on anything else. Establishing this habit will help you be disciplined and achieve your financial goals.

Start by working out what you spend on essentials, such as accommodation, transport, electricity and groceries. Then set a realistic amount within what is left of your income that you can save every month.

If you leave saving until the end of the month, you will be tempted to spend on non-essentials, such as clothing, entertainment or eating out. You will then convince yourself that you have no money left to save.

If you pay yourself first, your savings are transferred from your account as soon as you are paid. Soon, your contribution will feel like your other deductions or debit orders, and you will learn to live without this money.

Pay yourself first

The key to paying yourself first is to set up a separate savings account or investment, such as a unit trust or exchange-traded fund (ETF), and automate a transfer or payment to that account on the day you are paid.

For emergency savings or short-term goals like a holiday or renovations, choose a savings account with a fixed term aligned to your saving horizon.

For medium- to long-term savings, consider a unit trust or ETF with potentially higher returns.

Giving your savings goal a name, targeting an amount and working out how long you need to reach it, will discourage you from raiding your savings.  Use tools like the Smart About Money Savings Goal Calculator to determine how much you need to save each month.

Even if your initial savings are small, being aware of your goal should prevent impulse spending and motivate you to increase your savings amount when your earnings improve or your expenses reduce.

Setting goals

You can start small with just one goal, but over time, you could set up several savings and investment accounts tailored to different goals' timelines.

·         An emergency fund

Start with an emergency fund. An emergency fund helps you to stick to your budget and not raid your savings when financial emergencies, such as injury or illness, home or car repairs, arise.

·         A short-term goal

A short-term goal takes between a year and three years to reach and provides for expenses such as an appliance, a mini-holiday, a wedding or December expenses.

·         A medium-term goal

Save for bigger things, such as an overseas holiday, a wedding, a deposit on a house or a car over three to ten years.

·         A long-term goal

Save for more than 10 years for bigger goals, such as your retirement or your children’s tertiary education. Use the Smart About Money Retirement Savings calculator to work out how much you need to save, and consider a retirement annuity if your employer does not have a fund or you need to supplement your savings.

·         If you are in debt

If you have costly short-term debt, start to pay yourself first by paying down your debts and reducing the interest that is compounding against you. Paying more than the minimum repayment and using the avalanche or snowball method will pay off your debt faster. Avoid new debt by providing for financial emergencies.

Start small

Start small if you need to and build your savings habit. Even modest savings compound over time, and the more you avoid debt, the more you will be able to save.  

Remember:

Saving for a goal helps you in two ways:

·         You spend less on your goal than you would if you used credit that costs you interest.

·         Your savings earn interest that reduces the amount you need to save.

Saving in a retirement fund can also save you tax, which can be used to boost your savings.

If you want to know more about these, or any other personal finance topics, please visit Smart About Money. This free-to-use consumer financial education website is an Association of Savings and Investments South Africa (ASISA) initiative. It can guide you to better money management at any stage of life, from starting your first job, through family life, retirement and beyond.

EThekwini Municipality Unveils Plans Ahead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July

 

By Fred Felton | July 2, 2025

The City is getting ready to host Africa’s largest horseracing event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July taking place on 5 July at the Greyville Racecourse.

Mayor Xaba was joined by City officials, representatives from Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle along with models at the media launch for the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Westown Square. Photo: Fred Felton

The City’s tourism and hospitality industry is all set to welcome scores of visitors in Durban for the event, while safety and security have also been finalised.

The theme for the event is ‘Marvels of Mzansi’, this prestigious horseracing event and fashion extravaganza is expected to attract around 50 000 visitors for Durban with a hotel occupancy of 80 percent. This year’s theme encourages the celebration of cultural heritage, diversity, and landscapes.

Mayor Xaba unpacked the City's state of readiness. Photo: Fred Felton

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba today, 2 July unpacked the City’s state of readiness and unveiled planned events during the Durban July Grand Experience media launch which was held at Westown Square.

‘’Our law enforcement agencies have developed an integrated safety plan, supported by the private security industry. Visitors are guaranteed a safe stay in the City with high police visibility, particularly around the Greyville precinct and other strategic sites across the Municipality,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

According to Mayor Xaba, the economic impact on eThekwini from the Durban July weekend is far reaching. This is due to several events taking place.

‘’The direct spend is estimated at R278 million with a total of R700 million contribution to the eThekwini GDP and a total number of 4 000 jobs to be created,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Partners for the event, Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle representatives said they are excited for the event, with plans in place to ensure a successful day.

You can expect plenty of fashion at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Photo: Fred Felton

The Hollywoodbets Durban July also provides a platform for both upcoming and established fashion designers to showcase their creative talent. There will be 25 designers showcasing their ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ collections on the main stage, as part of the Durban July Fashion Experience – a collaboration between eThekwini Municipality and the Hollywood Foundation.

The fashion programme has the following three categories:

The Young Designers Awards which features 10 student finalists competing for top honours. The top three winners will receive bursaries and a fashion travel package.

The Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars category presents nine emerging designers, supported by eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme. Winners will share a R250 000 cheque for business development.

The Invited Designer Showcase includes six established designers, four of whom are graduates of the same Fashion Development Programme and are now successful industry names. Through this event, designers will get exposure to thousands of attendees and potential buyers.

Expect Durban to come alive this weekend. Photo: Supplied

There will also be major events all around Durban and the townships over the weekend. These events include Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, Anywhere in the City, and Mojo’s July Weekend.

‘’It is time to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Durban as the City transforms into a hub of glamour, excitement, and world-class entertainment,’’ noted Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

For more info go to www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media.