R54.6BN GEARED TOWARDS ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND ACCELERATING SERVICE DELIVERY

Review of the Nando's App

This week I was invited by Nando’s to try out their Nando’s App which now also features a kerbside experience. Now you can order your meal on the app and when you get to your nearest Nando’s look out for the kerbside signs and park in their parking bays. One of the friendly Nando’s staff will then come out with your order and you are good to go.

The Nando's App | Image: Nando's 

When you place your order on the App you also give them your car details so they can look out for you when you arrive for your next Nando’s fix.

The free app is pretty refreshing and does not take up much space on your device.

You can download it from your nearest App store.

The first step is to sign up and you can enter your cellphone number and a juicy password. Then you should be good to go to order your meal.

Nice options in the menu section include gift cards, your nearest store and more.

Easy order interface | Image: Nando's 

All the favourites are there and some great specials. It offers you some great options right down to how many pieces you want your chicken cut into, whether you want it well done and even if you want the skin on.

Tasty options | Image: Nando's 

You can even choose how hot you want your chicken. Tasty options include Tangy Tomato, Lemon & Herb, Mozam Paprika, Mild, Hot and of course Xtra Hot for those that like to live dangerously.

A nice touch is that you can also see the nutritional info for each meal.

The Nando's Menu for reference purposes of course | Image: Nando's 

If you are a fan of Boujee bowls you will be delighted to see that Nando’s now have some tantalising options for you.

If you are wanting something for Family & Friends try the Full chicken with 2 sharing sides which works out great value. You can choose sides that include spicy rice, salads, Nando’s rolls, Chips, Coleslaw and more.

Schedule your delivery time | Image: Nando's 

I like the fact that you can schedule when you want to collect your order so you can organise your lunch or supper early in the day and pick it up on the way home. What a concept!

I also like the fact that you can select which Nando’s store you want to collect at and the App search function works pretty well in picking up your nearest Nando’s.

Once you have ordered you should also get a SMS confirming your order.

Payment options include card or cash which comes in handy.

Another nice touch is that if you want to collect immediately the App will give you an ETA of when your order will be ready.

When I arrived at my nearest Nando’s I didn’t have to wait long at the kerbside parking. A friendly Nando’s staff member wearing PPE, mask and more came out and even sanitized my hands before she gave me my parcel. She even asked me to check that everything was correct in the order which was a nice touch.

Hungry? | Image: Nando's 

So now you have a handy option for weekend meals. You can either use the Kerbside functionality on the Nando’s App or Website or through their call centre.

Simply order, drive to Nando’s and collect…without leaving your car. They bring your order to your car window. No more waiting in long queues.

 The Nando’s Kerbside Experience easy user guide

 All you need to do is:

 

            1. Download the Nando’s app on the Android or iOS app store (it’s FREE)

            OR

            2. Call 087 997 1955 to place your order for Kerbside collection

            3. Give them your car deets (Car make, colour and registration) so they know                     how to find you when you pull up

            4. Drive to Nando’s and follow their Kerbside signs

            5. Park at the Kerbside parking or as close as possible to Nando’s so they                        know where to find you

            6. They will meet you in the parking lot and bring your food to your car window.

In the spirit of social distancing, you don’t even have to leave the safety of your car. All their employees continue to follow the strictest hygiene and social distancing precautions by wearing masks and regularly sanitising their hands.

If that doesn’t work for you but you’ve been missing them, use the Nando’s Drive-Thru and takeaway services. So get in the car (or mask up and take a walk), put foot and get your PERi-PERi on! If you’d like to stay home, you can continue to order your food for delivery using the Nando’s app or use their partners Mr D, and Uber Eats platforms.

Budget Friendly Meals | Image: Nando's 

For those of you wondering how good a Nando’s meal is, well let me put it to you this way. Somebody tried to phone me while I was eating my Nando’s and I didn’t bother to answer. So yeah, it’s that good.

The app is certainly worth the download when next you want to order lunch or supper.

Unless you are chicken?

 

Rating: Highly recommended.

 

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Virtual Tour of Mandela Monuments in KZN

In July we celebrate Mandela Month. There are many landmarks around Durban and KwaZulu-Natal that feature this icon. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown many of them are closed until after the lockdown has been lifted.

Take a virtual tour with us as we show you the many places where Nelson Mandela has featured in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal:

The Mandela Capture Site

The Nelson Mandela Sculpture at the Capture Site. | Image: SA Tourism

On 5 August 1962, on a road along the R103 near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, armed apartheid police flagged down a car in which Nelson Mandela was pretending to be the chauffeur.

It was at this spot that he was arrested and disappeared from public view for 27 years.

At this spot is an iconic sculpture which was unveiled in 2012 by the then President Jacob Zuma.

The location was made possible thanks to the Department of Co-Operative Government and Traditional Affairs which worked with uMgeni Municipality, the Apartheid Museum and the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Council in association with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.

The sculpture was designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli and is made up of 50 steel column constructions – each between 6.5 and 9.5 metres tall – set in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands landscape.

The site was designed by architect Jeremy Rose.

‘’The 50 columns represent the 50 years since his capture, but they also suggest the idea of many making the whole; of solidarity,’’ says Cianfanelli of the sculpture.

When the lockdown has been lifted you can visit it here:

Address: Mandela Capture Site, R103, Howick, 3290

Telephone: 072-351-0967

You can take a virtual tour here: https://www.thecapturesite.co.za/virtual-tour

Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine

The entrance to the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. | Image: Google

The school of medicine is in Umbilo in Durban and is part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been around for over 60 years and provides a high quality of training for medical students.

The medical school has a strong focus on rural health including a partnership with the local Department of Health which offers the students opportunities in rural health care.

The school has also produced internationally renowned scientists and research output.

Address: 719 Umbilo Road, Umbilo, Durban, 4001

Phone: 031-260-1111 | Website: https://www.ukzn.ac.za

The Nelson Mandela Postcards

The Nelson Mandela Postcards on display at Tourism Indaba 2018. | Image: Fred Felton

These postcards were shown to the public at the Tourism Indaba 2018 held at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. Delegates from the travel industry could see them on display and even take some home with them. They feature images of Nelson Mandela and highlights from his life. If you happen to have one hold on to them as they are quite the collector’s item.

The Struggle Icons

These statues were shown to the public at Africa's Travel Indaba in 2019 at the Durban International Convention Centre. They feature Nelson Mandela and Albert Luthuli. | Image: Fred Felton

Nelson Mandela officially opened the Durban International Convention Centre in 1997. It was later renamed to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex. It has held some of the biggest conferences and events in South Africa, Africa and the World. At the time when it was made it was one of the single largest investments made by the City of Durban.

During the lockdown the Durban Exhibition Centre which is part of the centre was used as a reception and screening centre for eThekwini Municipality as a response to sheltering the homeless during the lockdown.  The eThekwini Task Team on Homelessness identified varies sites for looking after the homeless of the City.

Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer, Lindiwe Rakharebe noted, ‘’The Durban ICC is committed to playing its part in and offering as much support as we can. Initially one-thousand people were expected to be screened at the centre; however we were able to help 1,600 people over the course of the first 3 days.’’

For more info visit: www.icc.co.za

The Ohlange Institute

The grave of John L. Dube at the Ohlange Institute. | Image: Fred Felton

This site is steeped in history and is certainly worth a visit when the lockdown is over. Here you will find the first school started by a black person, John Langalibalele Dube. He went on to become the first president of the African National Congress.

Nelson Mandela chose to cast his vote in the first democratic election of South Africa at the Ohlange Institute on April 27, 1994.

Address:  Off M25 Inanda Highway, Behind Ohlange Library, Inanda, 4310

For more information contact Durban Tourism on 031-322-4164

Email: info@visitdurban.travel

Date for your diary: The Anniversary of the Birthday of Nelson Mandela – 18 July 1918

We leave you with this quote from the great man:

‘’It always seems impossible until it’s done’’ – Nelson Mandela

This virtual tour of Nelson Mandela landmarks in Durban and KZN was brought to you courtesy of eThekwini Municipality.

For more info on how they look after your city visit: www.durban.gov.za

How eThekwini Municipality is looking after the environment during the COVID-19 lockdown

While all of us stay at home and stay safe the eThekwini Municipality continues to help communities throughout the area.

This month we look at some of the ways the Municipality is looking after the environment during the lockdown:

The eThekwini Municipality is helping Green Corridors with community-driven economic and environmental solutions.

Jabulani Ngwenya and Sfiso Luvuno - Green Team community members from Johanna Road clear the waste from a litter boom on an Umgeni River tributary. | Image: Val Adamson

When the COVID-19 pandemic is finished there will still be many unemployed people. There will be many challenges for the government, NGO’s and the private sector. New ways to earn income are going to be essential if South Africans want to make a living.

It is for this reason that eThekwini Municipality funds and supports initiatives like Green Corridors, the NPO which has developed ‘green’ spaces around the Municipalities communities. The aim is to help them thrive in balance with the habitats around them. Hopefully these programmes will pave the way for communities to access economic opportunities that work hand-in-hand with environmental solutions.

Green Corridors has been working on innovations that deal with urban challenges such as waste and litter collection and the removal and repurposing of them. At the same time they are developing a model for the process to be community managed for the creation of small localized economies.

The KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre is one of the NPO’s pilot programmes.

Here a small team work with technical consultant project manager Jonathan Welch to find solutions to how waste can be repurposed and monetized. This process means the waste is removed and economic opportunities are provided for the community.  This helps the ecosystem and the community to improve and thrive.

Project Manager of the Green Corridor Beneficiation Centre in KwaMashu Jonathan Walsh (left) and Centre Manager Muzi Masuku (right) show Ward 44 Councillor Lindiwe Ncayiyana how the ''ocean pavers'' are made. | Image: Val Adamson

‘’Much of our waste is not recyclable in traditional ways,’’ said Welch. However thanks to help from Duncan Doo of Pyrolysis Group, Green Corridors is ready to begin manufacturing the ‘’Ocean Paver’’. This uses unrecyclable plastic waste that is collected from litter booms in the tributaries of the Umgeni River, which is mixed with crushed glass bottles collected within the communities and made into square pavers for walkways similar to concrete pavers used in landscaping and driveways. 

Durban North residents will be well aware of the litter that gathers in the Umgeni River. This litter boom might just be a solution for the litter problem in that river. | Image: Val Adamson

These litter booms are rubber booms that are slung across rivers to gather plastic and floating waste, stopping tons of plastic and waste from being washed into our ocean. The collection of this waste provides economic opportunities for communities to work.  The waste is used at the Beneficiation Centre.

The Centre works much like a ‘’laboratory’’ to see how resources can be used. ‘’We are now piloting a programme to see how these waste removal  and repurposing processes can be funnelled into creating employment for communities and provide revenue streams,’’ said Welch.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is also providing waste grass and cuttings to the Centre to create Bokashi (anaerobic i.e. non CO2 releasing decomposition) compost which can then be used in community vegetable gardens / schools / by the City for use in parks and green spaces.

The Centre is also using fibre harvested from invasive alien plants and combining it with concrete to make green pavers. They have also successfully used builders’ rubble encased in welded wire cages to make a gabion retaining wall. This can be used to stop erosion or create stability for slopes. This simple skill might just be able to help unemployed people create some sort of income by using very little finance.

‘’The programme has been funded and supported by eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Unit and the Roads and Stormwater Department as one of the endeavours to remove plastic waste from the City’s rivers and to create a circular economy by turning the plastic and glass waste into a product with value,’’ explains Garry Cullen, Project Manager in the Economic Development Unit. The Municipality has done tests on the Ocean Paver and found that they are twice the strength, resistant to chipping and slightly lighter than an equivalent concrete slab.

These products could just be a sustainable solution to take out waste from our environment, reducing the size of landfills and creating new sustainable small businesses that create much needed economic activity and jobs for unemployed people post-COVID-19.

For more info visit: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/

Keeping the City clean

During the lockdown period the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (DSW) has been hard at work doing high pressure cleaning in high density areas such as taxi ranks and the central business district. This can only be achieved when the public adheres to the lockdown rules and helps to contribute to a cleaner city.

Tips on what to do with your domestic and recyclable waste

The Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (DSW) provides you with these useful tips on what to do with your waste:

·         Residents are encouraged to start home composting in order to reduce waste that is landfilled.

·         Please only place your refuse outside your property on the normal collection day.

·         All waste coming out of a property where someone has been diagnosed with, or is showing symptoms of the Covid-19 virus, is to be double bagged in black bags.

Orange Bag Recycling Programme to open in June

Orange Bags are back from 1 June 2020 | Image: eThekwini Municipality

The Kerbside Orange Bag Recycling Programme will begin again on 1 June 2020.

Residents are encouraged to limit the amount of recyclables generated and to rather reuse or up-cycle or store recyclables on their properties.

The City would like to thank residents for using this programme and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For refuse removal enquiries, residents can contact the DSW Helpline on 031 311 8804

For more info visit: www.durban.gov.za

Sizakala Is Here To Help You

In March we celebrate Human Rights Month. The human rights of all South Africans are protected by the Bill of Rights. Some of our human rights include: Equality, Human Dignity, Labour relations, Access to information, Freedom of expression and Education just to name a few.

Access to information and Education are just some of the issues that Sizakala centres can assist you with. In case you are not familiar with them. The Sizakala centres are education and information venues set up by eThekwini Municipality to assist you with a variety of issues and matters.

Sizakala is an isiZulu word, which means, ‘Get Help’. This program has at its core customer care and satisfaction. These are core of the Batho Pele Principles. The eThekwini Municipality is committed to upholding the principles of developmental Local Government and providing equitable access to Government services to all its citizens, tourists and those that work in eThekwini.

Below are just some of the matters that the Sizakala Centre in Umhlanga can help you with:

Services Offered

1. Submission and approval of new house plans

2. General signage advertising of structure

3. Enforcement and prosecution

4. Rezoning of land

5. Sub division of land

6. Consolidation of land

7. General advertising and signage

8. Submission and approval of plans

9. Assessment of plans

10. Collection of plans

11. Buildings approvals

12. All enquiries related to planning

13. Cemetery servicers and Bookings for Red hill Cemetery

14. Vacancy application forms, new application for rates rebates, grant-in-aid forms

15. Commissioner of Oaths Servicers

16. Renewals of licenses disc

17. Changing of car ownership

18. Re-printing of approved existing plans

19. Issues proof of address

20. Any enquires related to ward 35community

21. Paying of all municipality bills

22. Muvo service

23. Printing of housing evaluation

24. E-careers servicers

25. General enquires of water, electricity, DSW, Rates

Address: 327 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga.

Contact details: Thobile Duma on 031-311-6084 or email: Thobile.Duma@durban.gov.za

At a recent media briefing we heard from Palesa Pitso, the Marketing Officer of Sizakala Centres. She informed us that they manage 35 Sizakala Centres and they intend to increase them as well.

‘’Now you can pay your water and electricity accounts in various places around eThekwini, you don’t need to come into town you can go to your nearest centre,’’ said Ms Pitso.

Below is a diagram courtesy of eThekwini Municipality showing you where the nearest one to you is: 

You can also find a Sizakala centre in KwaMashu.

Below are the services they offer:

Services Offered

1. Municipal Service Complaints Handling

2. Cash Receipts

3. Traffic Fines

4. Independent Electoral Commission

5. Business Licensing

6. Housing

7. Rates Enquiries

8. Municipal Service Account Enquiries

9. Value Assist

10. Business Support

11. E-Careers

12. Councillors Support

13. Expanded Public Works Programme

14. Commissioner Of Oaths

15. Environment Health

16. INK Area Based Management

17. Community Participation

18. Cemeteries

Address: Malandela & E1139, Ntombela Road, KwaMashu

Contact Person: Dumisani Ntetha on 031-309-3957 or email: Dumisani.Ntetha@durban.gov.za

Part of the Sizakala Centres are other smaller centres such as the Thusong Centres, First Stop Shops and One Stop Shops.

Thusong Centres deal with services such as Government services, Home Affairs, GCIS etc.

First Stop Shops are for information or complaints.

One Stop Shops are for a variety of services.

They also have Mobile Vans which services 6 wards.

They offer the following services:

1. General enquiries

2. Traffic fines queries

3. Storm water queries

4. Accounts balance enquires

5. Water/Electricity Faults reporting

6. Info on hall bookings

7. Ezasegagasini newspaper and application forms. 

Umhlanga Life asked various eThekwini residents if they had ever heard of Sizakala centres and this is what some them had to say:

‘’Yes I have,’’ said Unathi Msinga from eThekwini

‘’I don’t know anything about Sizakala centres,’’ was the answer from Linhle Mthembu.

It is for this reason that the Sizakala centres regularly have roadshows around eThekwini. They have some planned for later this year so look out for them.

Ms Pitso from Sizakala Centres is also committed to drastically overhauling the communications systems of not only Sizakala but also eThekwini Municipality so that there will be one line of communication in future and quick response times for customers.

‘’Sometimes complaints don’t go where they should. We would like to have a hub where we manage all complaints. We are also training our customer service staff and call centre staff. We need to improve our service standards,’’ noted Ms Pitso.

Contact details for Sizakala Customer Service Unit:

For complaints and queries:

Email: sizakala@durban.gov.za

Contact Number: 080 033 1011

For services and fault queries: 080 311 1111

For more information on the Sizakala centres visit: www.durban.gov.za

Durban watch Design Indaba 2020 at KZNSA Gallery

Durban rides Design Indaba 2020 wave at KZNSA Gallery

KZNSA | Image: NiamhWalsh-Vorster

Durbanites need not have FOMO! The renowned Design Indaba is coming to the KZNSA in the form of a stimulating three-day live simulcast, with a direct feed from the main event in Cape Town that will give residents of surf city a new kind of rush. Taking place from 26-28 February 2020 at KZNSA, Durban's popular gallery and courtyard cafe, the simulcast will share the best of international thought leadership in the creative industries.

Design Indaba has become one of the world's leading design events and in an effort to increase accessibility to the annual conference, the simulcast offers the Design Indaba experience to those unable to travel to Cape Town. Catering to emerging designers, students and young professionals from all walks of life who are curious about the future, this live broadcast is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to celebrate the Design Indaba's 25th anniversary as well as gain inspiration from world-class speakers.

Design Indaba Durban Simulcast attendees will get to grips with close to 40 of the globe's top design minds who are bending the future for the better through their progressive work. With an exciting line-up of speakers (https://www.designindaba.com/profiles/speakers) covering themes on architecture, technology, fashion, food, visual and performing arts, graphic, product and textile design, attendees can expect insights into the fourth industrial revolution and the future of living. Luminaries such as Ghanian artist Ibrahim Mahama, Asian ''starchitects'' Neri & Hu, theatre maverick Nhlanhla Mahlangu, performance artists Honey and Bunny, Design Matters' Debbie Millman and a host of other incredible speakers will share their projects!

As a cultural destination, KZNSA is KwaZulu-Natal's foremost contemporary gallery, hosting artists of national and international stature, and reflecting the vibrant creative heart of the province. It is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation that is committed to the promotion of contemporary arts and linked to an extensive network of national institutions that also promote and catalyse cultural change. It is thus perfectly aligned with Design Indaba's own mission, which is a better world through creativity.

Cognisant of issues plaguing previous Durban simulcasts, KZNSA has contracted a professional AV service provider to ensure excellent picture and sound, and technical support for seamless streaming. Attendees will be accommodated in the breezy Main gallery and airconditioned Media gallery. There is ample safe parking and on-site security.

The KZNSA Arts Cafe serves excellent coffee and has a delicious menu for a la carte tea and lunch break meals.

Book a special meal package at the event | Image: NiamhWalsh-Vorster 

There is also the option of booking a special meal package for R150/day. These attendees will be accommodated in the airconditioned Park gallery with a tea and coffee station, snacks served in the two tea breaks and a meal at lunch. Please mail mkurvers@kznsagallery.co.za to prebook.

Book now for the Design Indaba Durban Simulcast via
Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/EventCategories.aspx?itemid=1495141719

KZNSA is a registered Public Benefit Organisation and with 18A approval and may issue a section 18A receipt for cash donations.

For more information:
www.designindaba.com | Facebook - @designindaba | Twitter @designindaba |
Instagram - @designindaba

Win a Springboks games hamper

The Springboks brought the Webb Ellis Cup home and toured South Africa after being crowned Rugby World Cup Champions... but who will win the Monopoly Cup in your home? Will you ask the captain of the Springboks Siya Kolisi to help you out? With the exciting Springbok game range, the World Cup spirit can live on...just try not to start a Monopoly family feud!

Which game will you play first?

To WIN these official Springbok games including Springbok Monopoly, Top Trumps & playing cards all you have to do is:

1) Follow us @umhlangalife

2) Follow @epicgamesza

3) Tag your Springbok loving friends and use the #springbokmonopoly

4) Share this post on your story for an additional entry

5) Answer this easy question: Who is the captain of the Springboks?

Email your name, instagram handle, contact details, address and the answer to umhlangalife@gmail.com and put Springboks competition in the subject line.

Competition can end any time before 16th December 2019. Winner will be contacted via Instagram DM or email. Please allow delivery to be 2-4 weeks. Goodluck! #sponsored                        

 Ts and Cs apply.