Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda rounds up festive season highlights

DURBAN and surrounding areas were abuzz with visitors and residents alike during the festive season. The Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, in a media statement, acknowledged and thanked visitors who made Durban their home during this festive season. He went on to thank residents and tourism product owners for the warm reception they provided to holiday makers. As a result of heightened police visibility on the roads and in our communities, few incidents of crime and road crashes were reported during this festive season. The municipality's systematic preparation and planning for the festive season, yielded positive results for safety and security especially at the beach as only 47 children were reported separated from their minders and were quickly reunited with their families within 24 hours. The planning for the festive season included an integrated approach to law enforcement between the Province, SAPS and the municipality. It was able to achieve the following results from 15 December 2022 to 11 January 2023:

• 15617 traffic fines issued;
• 1503 vehicles stopped and searched;
• 70 Compliance inspections to businesses. 

''As eThekwini municipality, we are encouraged that despite the challenges we experienced with some of our beaches, thousands of visitors still descended on Durban. This holiday season provided us with an opportunity to showcase other hidden gems in Durban and surrounding areas. The success we have achieved during this festive season has laid a solid foundation for us to prepare for the Easter holidays'', said the Mayor. 

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Interruption of water supply 

THE Municipality is faced with a challenge of water supply in most areas partly due to infrastructure damaged during the floods and load shedding. The municipality acknowledges and apologises to communities in the affected areas and assures residents that it is working tirelessly to address the challenges. The water supply challenges are mostly in the areas that are supplied by the Phoenix, Verulam and Ntuzuma reservoirs. The interruption was due to inadequate supply of Water from Durban Heights Water Treatment Works to these areas. 

''We are confident that the commissioning of Reservoir 3 of this treatment plant will eradicate the challenge of water supply in Ntuzuma, Verulam and Phoenix'', said the Mayor. 

Other areas that have been experiencing water supply challenges include Umlazi and Folweni. These challenges were caused by several pipe bursts from the trunk main supplying water to these areas from Chatsworth. The municipality is working with Umgeni Water, to finalise plans to replace this bulk pipe at an estimated cost of R900 million. 

''We call upon residents to work with us to address other challenges which lead to the disruption of basic services such as theft and vandalism of our infrastructure'', said the Mayor. 

Call for Projects for DFM 2023

 

By Fred Felton | 27 Jan. 2023

The Durban FilmMart (DFMI) has opened the call for a variety of projects in development for the 14^th annual Durban FilmMart.

Durban FilmMart now accepting projects from filmmakers. | Photo: DFM

The Durban FilmMart is a pan-African finance and co-production market which aims to create partnerships and help with the development and production of African cinema. UNESCO’s 2021 Film Trends in Africa Report recently named DFM as ‘’the continent’s best film market’. The Durban FilmMart will return as an in person event in Durban, South Africa in July 2023.

The following DFM programmes are still open for application:

Pitch and Finance Forum – Deadline 10 February

This is for fiction, documentary and series film projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors, and producers) seeking co-producers, financiers, sales agents, and funders are invited to submit their projects that are in development.

A director and producer must be attached to the project. The DFMI independent adjudication committees will select 10 documentaries and 10 fiction film projects from the submissions. These projects will undergo a 6-8 week packaging and mentorship programme prior to the DFM, followed by a pitching session to a panel of global decision makers at the DFM event with one-on-one meetings afterwards.

For more information and to submit a project visit:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

Talents Durban - Deadline 17 March

The DFMI in cooperation with Berlinale Talents, an initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival, invites participants to apply for the 16^th edition of Talents Durban. Talents Durban is open to African screenwriters and directors with fiction, animation, documentary and hybrid projects in development – this includes all media formats such as film, television series, web series and content for mobile platforms. Those selected by a panel of industry experts will participate in mentorship labs, workshops, discussions, and specialised programmes for specific disciplines including scriptwriting and directing.

The Talents Press section invites emerging film critics and journalists from digital and traditional media to apply for mentorship and hands-on training. Prospective Talents must have a portfolio of their previous work and a current project which is in progress.

For more information and to apply visit:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/talents-durban-application/

Jumpstart – Deadline 31 March

Jumpstart is an incubator programme for scriptwriting presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute in partnership with Produire au Sud, Nantes, CNC and Institute Francais, South Africa. The programme will focus on project packaging for the international market; filmmakers are introduced to key techniques and tools for scriptwriting and storytelling processes.

For more information and to apply visit:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/jumpstart-appliction/

‘’We are committed to providing filmmakers with a platform which gives access and creates opportunity for growth,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, General Manager for the Durban FilmMart Institute.

The Durban FilmMart 2023 is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute with principal funding from eThekwini Municipality and the Durban Film Office.

 

EThekwini all geared up for festive season

ALL plans are in place for a safe and festive celebration and around eThekwini these holidays. 

The Municipality assures residents that beaches that are open have been tested over a period of time and are safe for swimming. 

Residents are requested to swim only in the beaches that are open. There are information boards at all the beaches which indicate to bathers whether it is open or not. So before you jump into the water, check the board out. 

Recently, the Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, joined the public and took a swim at South Beach. The intention was to showcase to visitors that Durban is open for business and that indeed it remains Africa's playground. This was after he revealed the state of readiness of the Municipality and its relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe and fun-filled festive season.

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR

PRIORITY

''Our law enforcement officers will maintain high visibility in all areas to ensure safety during the festive season,'' said the Mayor. He further disclosed that the Municipality has partnered with Etron Electric Motor Bikes who donated motorbikes to Metro Police to be used for patrolling during the festive season. 

To ensure that the beaches and surrounding areas are safe and clean, the municipality has implemented the following:

• Employment of additional seasonal staff to complement the Municipality's workforce includes 60 lifeguards, 135 litter pickers, 20 small plant operators, 67 beach buddies, 48 childminders to care for children who have been separated from their parents/guardians and 60 pool attendants as well as 120 fieldworkers for the beach cleaning programme in the coastal area. 
• Parents/guardians are advised to put armbands with their contact details on, for children under the age of 12. 

TRAFFIC CONTROL AND 

PARKING ARRANGEMENTS

The Municipality has a park and ride system at the Old Drive-In Site on the M4 (corner of Sandile Thusi and Sylvester Ntuli Road). Free shuttles will ferry passengers from this site to central beaches every 30 minutes throughout the festive season. Roads leading to the beachfront will be boom-gate controlled. When necessary, these boom gates will be closed for the safety of all patrons. 

OPEN BEACHES AND

SWIMMING POOLS

''Most of the City's beaches are open and safe for swimming following improved water quality results. To guarantee this, the Municipality has partnered with one of the most reputable and independent laboratories, Talbot, to ensure that the quality of our water is constantly tested. We have agreed to compare and share our results publicly,'' said Mayor Kaunda. 

The beaches that are opened and safe include Point, uShaka, Wedge, North, Bay of Plenty, Battery, Pipeline, Toti Main, Warner, Umgababa, Anstey's and Country Club. The municipality will continue to monitor the water quality. 

The following swimming pools are open: Rainham, Durban North, Pipeline addlind, Tiger Rocks, Anstey's, Westville, Kings Park indoor and outdoor, Stanmore, UMlazi D, L.T. King, Bayview, Arena Park, Alex Bulley, Lamontville, Lahee Park, Ntuzuma, Sutton Park, South Beach Paddling, Tesoriere, Marrianridge, Tills Crescent, Croftdene, Bellair and Umgababa. 

Enter the Durban Tourism Business Awards

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 13, 2022

The Durban Tourism Business Awards are now open for entry and those in the tourism and hospitality industry are encouraged to enter.

The Durban Tourism Business Awards are now open for entry. | Photo: Fred Felton 

The awards are presented by Durban Tourism and they have proved a huge success in promoting excellence and innovation within the tourism industry. The awards also market the various tourism gems throughout the City.

The 2^nd edition of these awards will be held on 15 June 2023. Awards on offer include cash and development options for winners and runners-up.

You can enter the 2^nd annual Durban Tourism Business Awards online at https://www.durbantourismawards.com/

There are various categories for the awards and they include:

Upcoming Filmmakers Award

This award is aimed at rewarding those upcoming and outstanding people and organisations that have produced, written a script, or directed films in the past five years that have showcased Durban in their film or documentary, or advert.

Service Excellence Award

This includes awards in various sectors including:

The Accommodation Award for bed and breakfasts, country houses and guest houses, hotels, lodges and self-catering units.

MESE Award (this is for Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events venues).

Visitor Experiences Award which will include scenic beauty, adventure and activities, wildlife, lifestyle, beach experience, luxury and restaurants.

Tourist Guides Award which will include adventure, nature and culture guides.

Tour Operators Award

Rickshaw Pullers Award

Crafters Award

Event Organisers and Promoters Award that brings international events to Durban and package their events with other tourism products.

Sustainable Development Award

This award is aimed at green tourism-based products that have adhered to the impact of climate change and have placed emphasis on the environmental impact and green sustainable solutions in their businesses.

Entrepreneurship Award

This award will recognise black-owned small, medium and micro enterprises that have achieved success since beginning their tourism establishments.

Special Achievement Award (Mayor’s Choice)

This award will recognise tourism products that have proven to be long-lasting.

The Durban Tourism Business Awards close for entries on 14 January 2023.

For more information, visit www.durbantourismawards.com or follow Durban Tourism on social media @DBNTourism you can also email: info@durbantourismawards.com or call 031 322 4164.

 

 

Homes for April flood victims

THE Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda recently gave an update of what the municipality has done since the advent of the April and May floods to relocate flood victims who were housed in mass care centres in the aftermath of the floods. 

The Mayor acknowledged that the relocation process has taken longer than anticipated. He also took the opportunity to apologise to people who still remain in community halls and reiterated the municipality's commitment to finalise this challenge with speed. 

The Mayor, said the municipality is working tirelessly to ensure that at least by the 15th of December all mass care centres must have been closed and people moved to more family-friendly accommodation. 

''It is our mission to create a safe and healthy environment for all our residents - ensuring they regain their dignity'', said the Mayor. He went on to say that from the original 120 mass care centers occupied by the April and May 2022 flood victims, 62 of these have been closed through various interventions. The remaining 58 mass care centres which are accommodating 3448 will be cleared by 15 December  2022. 

The municipality was able to close the 62 mass care centres through the following initiatives:

• Material supply
• Leasing private buildings
• Existing government buildings
• Building of Temporary Residential Units

In September, the municipality set a target of closing one mass care centre per week and through this intervention, the municipality been able to close mass care centres in Bester, Amaoti, Kloof, Ngoqokazi, Tongaat, Tehuis, Palmiet, Dassenhoek, La Mercy, Cutshwayo; Savvanha Park and Clermont Hall. 

Eight land parcels have also been identified to build permanent structures for flood victims and earthworks have begun with construction expected to be completed in 2024. In the meantime, flood victims will be accommodated in the buildings the Municipality has leased for 24 months. 

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R60 Million set aside for informal traders 

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has announced the the Municipality has approved a R60 million budget to build infrastructure for informal traders. 

The announcement was made during the second Informal Economy Indaba which took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) recently. The Indaba outlined the Municipality's plans to support and recognise the important role the informal sector plays in growing eThekwini's economy and job creation. 

Mayor Kaunda also revealed that through a consultative process the Municipality has been able to complete the review of the Informal Economy Policy which was adopted by Council in September. The Policy will serve as a guide and support structure to the informal economy sector until 2028. 

Furthermore as part of the Municipality's continuous efforts to support informal businesses adversely affected by the floods earlier this year, Mayor Kaunda distributed vouchers ranging from R2 000 to R3 000 to around 150 informal businesses to purchase stock as part of the rebuilding process. 

''The handover is the first phase of the eThekwini Flood Relief Programme to benefit approximately 2 000 informal businesses ranging from fruits and vegetables, clothing and textile, as well as the automotive sector. This was made possible through our collaboration with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA),'' added Mayor Kaunda. 

More Beaches Open across the City

 

By Fred Felton, Nov. 25, 2022

The City of Durban has opened more beaches as the quality of water has improved across the coastline of eThekwini.

More beaches in Durban now open. | Photo: Fred Felton

The water quality standards have improved across the coastline in Durban. There have been recent water tests by experts which have shown that the beach water is now at an acceptable level for various beach activities. This is good news for tourists.

The latest beaches that are now open include Point, uShaka, Addington, South, Wedge, North, Bay of Plenty, Battery, Country Club, Brighton, Reunion, Pipeline, Toti Main, and Warner beaches.

Addington Beach resident Chloe Mohammed was very happy to hear that the beach near her is now open.

‘’I love going for walks on the promenade, sun tanning and swimming in the sea,’’ said Chloe Mohammed.

Beaches that are still closed are Westbrook, Bronze, Laguna Beach, Thekwini Beach, uMhlanga, uMdloti and uMgababa beaches. The eThekwini Municipality is checking water standards constantly to ensure the safety of visitors and residents.

‘’We are continuously monitoring the water on a weekly basis, we regularly monitor our beaches,’’ said Sibongile Maqubela, Deputy Head, Scientific Services, eThekwini Water Services (EWS).

 Photo: eThekwini Municipality

With thousands of tourists headed to the City during the December holidays, the City is ready to host them and to ensure the safety of tourists and residents.

‘’The Municipality provides various platforms to advise beachgoers on water quality and which beaches to use,’’ continued Sibongile Maqubela, Deputy Head, Scientific Services, EWS.

There will also be activations to promote Durban’s tourist attractions and these will be held across South Africa.

Gateway Helps Out Santa Shoebox Project

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 3, 2022

The Santa Shoebox Project helps out thousands of vulnerable children each year. This year Gateway Shopping Centre is helping them out and you can too.

Pictured with the first Santa's Shoeboxes to be handed in at Gateway Theatre of Shopping are Michelle Shelley and Ayesha Sewbaran. Photo: Supplied. 

‘’Sharing the festive spirit is close to our hearts,’’ said Michelle Shelley, Gateway Marketing Manager.

Gateway is once again a proud venue sponsor for the Santa Shoebox Project and visitors can drop off their boxes at the collection zones during November.

Dates for your diary

Thursday 10^th November to Saturday 12^th November.

This is when a mass collection point for packed, personalised boxes will be accessible at Gateway on Palm Boulevard (Near Tashas and the Valet Parking on Palm Boulevard) in Umhlanga.

Time: 8am to 5pm each day.

The project is now in its seventeenth year. The NGO has asked for the following items to be included in each box: a toothbrush, toothpaste, an outfit of clothing, a facecloth, soap, school supplies, a toy and sweets. All of the items should be new and age-appropriate.

To help out, visit www.gatewayworld.co.za/santa-shoebox-project/

#GatewayShoppingCentre

#Santa-Shoebox