Vodacom KZN invests over R1 billion to improve network connectivity

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 2, 2023

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal is investing over R1 billion in this financial year to help with the regional network to increase capacity and resilience and speed up access to connectivity throughout KZN, especially in the rural parts of the province.

Imran Khan, Managing Executive, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal. | Photo: Vodacom

‘’In pursuing our aim of creating an inclusive digital society, we are making a significant investment into the region’s network. By expanding access to reliable, quality connectivity through our deployment of more sites and network upgrades, we aim to provide an exceptional network experience to our customers. With this effort, we hope to bring the benefits of digitalisation to all communities we serve,’’ said Imran Khan, Managing Executive, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal.

With the R1 billion investment, R700 million will be going towards projects for radio access network, network capacity and upgrades, with R173 million going towards improving core network infrastructure. The region is planning to modernise 429 base station sites and expand LTE capacity to 774 sites in the current financial year.

‘’Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal’s 4G population coverage is standing at 95.8%. We are rolling out 23 new urban sites and 129 deep rural sites across the region this financial year to expand this reach and drive digital inclusion, especially in underserved areas of the province. In addition, we now have circa 200 sites on 5G, with plans to switch on another 122 within this financial year,’’ said Khan.

Loadshedding continues to be a problem for the network in this region. As a result Vodacom is investing R235 million into energy projects, including the procurement of 68 generators to add to an existing fleet of over 196 and increasing base station site power standby time to a minimum of four hours. These upgrades will improve network capacity and availability, especially during stage 4-6 loadshedding.

Data traffic in the region has grown by 40% in the province over the past year. This is mostly due to Vodacom introducing personalised discounted voice and data offers such as Just4You, Just4You Town bundles for residents in certain towns and bigger prepaid data bundles with Prepaid LTE to make connections more affordable.

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal is also fully behind inclusion for all. With their initiative, Code Like a Girl, they are providing coding skills to help young women get a start in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The region recently hosted an instalment of the programme, which trains girls between 14 and 18 years old in coding and other IT skills in October this year.

 

Debt Relief Programme reinstated

THE municipality has 

re-instated the Debt Relief Programme, effective from 01 October 2023. The programme benefits residential and business customers and also includes non-profit organisations. It, however, excludes government institutions and parastatals. The programme will conclude on 31 December 2023. 

The above categories of customers' debt must be 90 days or older. A down payment of 5% for residential and 10% for business customers must be made. 

An agreement will be signed, and the accumulated interest will be written off. Customers have up to 36 months to settle all outstanding debt. 

Head of the Revenue Management Unit, Lihle Ndzelu said that the Municipality recognises 

the severe financial strain that some residents are facing. ''The programme was previously approved and implemented from December 2022 to February 2023, and we have decided to reinstate it as customers have asked for it. As a caring city, we must do all we can to alleviate the financial burden on the Municipality's valued residents.''

Ndzelu stated that once the arrangement is made customers have to honour it. ''If a customer defaults on payment or pays less than the required instalment, all written off interest will be reinstated.''

In a commendable move to support NPO's within the community, this programme extends a significant helping hand. NPO's, including Old Age and Disabled Homes, Mental Hopsitals, Early Childhood Development Centres, and others, will be granted a substantial 50% capital debt write-off once they enter into a payment arrangement. This benefit is conditional on these organisations not falling into arrears within a period of 12 months after settling their debts. 

Customers may approach their nearest Sizakala Centre for more information and are encouraged to provide all supporting documentation when applying for the programme. 

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MOU signing to assist residents applying for IDs 

STANDING in long queues 

will be a thing of the past 

thanks to the renewal 

of a memorandum of 

understanding between 

eThekwini Municipality 

and Department of Home

Affairs (DHA). The primary objective of the MOU is to cut down on waiting times and maximise accessibility to the department's services. The cooperation between the two parties aims to ensure the ease of applying for an identity document and other important documents from the DHA. The MOU will see volunteers assisting departmental officials by accepting applications for IDs, distributing lists of uncollected IDs, completion of relevant forms, and to assist to complete late registration of birth application forms. 

Community Participation and Action Support Unit Senior Manager Mumsy Ntombela said the volunteers are being paid a stipend for out-of-pocket expenses. 

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Learn more about the Masakhane Outreach Programme 

AS PART of stakeholder engagements and keeping communities informed, the Municipality has implemented the Masakhane Outreach Programme. This allows the City to fulfill its obligation to meet with residents to provide updates regarding service delivery, while allowing residents to voice their suggestions and input. The programme aims to accelerate the implementation of the Community Participation Policy by increasing direct community engagement and participation. 

The Masakhane Programme is designed to effectuate section 152 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 32 of 2000 as a building block in contributing to ensuring a responsive local government system. 

Through the Masakhane Outreach Programme, the effective communications between elected councillors, officials, stakeholders, and community members is implemented by improving the way the Municipality delivers basic services to communities. 

It also improves community participation in delivering services. 

This platform also aims to better inform residents about policies, procedures, processes, and services provided by each unit/department thereby improving service delivery. 

Ideally, Masakhane should be held in all 111 wards of eThekwini with follow up meetings held to provide feedback on previously discussed issues. Where issues are not resolved, they are carried over by the department to resolve them and ensure feedback is provided to communities. 

Now that you know what Masakhane is about, make sure that you attend the next meeting held in your ward. 

Applications Open for Hosting Festive Season Events

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 25, 2023

The eThekwini Municipality is now accepting applications from event organisers, companies and individuals who would like to host events in the City during the festive season.

Applications are now open to host events in the City during the festive season. | Photo: Fred Felton

The deadline for sending in applications is Friday, 10 November 2023 at 4pm to apply for permission to host events.

The festive season runs from 3 December 2023 to 31 January 2024 and applications have to be for events hosted during that time period. There will be no stage performances allowed  along coastal areas on these dates: 16, 25, 26 and 31 December 2023, as well as 1 to 3 January 2024.  

‘’Inviting organisers to apply for permission to host events will enable the City to monitor and ensure the process is compliant with eThekwini Municipality’s event management system to prevent unnecessary incidents,’’ said Chairperson of the Community Service Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase.

Event organisers can obtain application forms and return them to the Events Management Office, The Platform, Lion Match Complex, Entrance No 1, 892 uMgeni Road, Durban, 4001 or emailed to Archel.Somaroo@durban.gov.za

Applicants will be notified whether the application has been successful or not.

The eThekwini Municipality also reserves the right to cancel an event should it deem the event to be non-compliant.

‘’With health and safety plans in place, we want to ensure that residents and visitors enjoy their festive season in a safe and well-coordinated manner,’’ added Councillor Sokhabase.

Event planners that need more information can call 031 311 4720.

 

Municipality awards title deeds to 1 000 beneficiaries

 

Municipality awards title 

deeds to 1 000 beneficiaries 

THE lives of around 

1 000 families were changed for the better on 1 September when the Municipality awarded them title deeds to their homes. 

The title deed handover took place at the Cornubia Sports Field. 

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Sipho Nkosi together with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Themba Mvubu officiated the title deeds handover ceremony. Having a title deed gives housing beneficiaries the right to ownership of their properties.

The title deed handover comes as MEC Nkosi is accelerating the Title Deed Restoration Programme as a priority in his office. 

Through the programme, the Department hopes to speed up the opening of the formal property market in areas like Cornubia and other townships in eThekwini. 

Some of the pre-1994 housing stock title deeds were handed over to beneficiaries from several areas including Austerville, Shallcross, Chatsworth, Bonela, Mayville, and Chesterville. 

Post-1994 title deeds for Kingsburgh West, Parkgate, Cornubia, Tshelimnyama, St Wendolins, KwaMashu C-Section, Sithundu Hills, KwaDabeka, and Ntuzuma D-Section were also handed over. 

Among the recipients was 91-year old Regina Mthalane from Chesterville who said she was relieved to have the title deed to her home. 

MEC Nkosi encouraged beneficiaries to no sell their houses. 

''We are aware that some people after applying for housing and receiving it, go on to sell it. We discourage the public from doing so,'' he said. 

He added that it was pleasing to see title deeds being awards to residents from several different areas. 

Mayor Kaunda said it was a special occasion to give people rightful ownership. 

''We are restoring the dignity of people today through the title deed handover. The Cornubia Housing Project is continuing this year to meet the demand for housing. 

I encourage you to treat Municipal infrastructure with respect. We congratulate all the title deeds beneficiaries today,'' he said. 

He said they aimed to build 13 000 houses in Cornubia to bring people closer to work and other opportunities. 

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Durban Business Fair 25th jubilee presents 

jam-packed empowerment programme 

THE 25th jubilee celebration of the Durban Business Fair (DBF) has plenty in store. South Africa's premier business exhibition platform will showcase a range of locally manufactured goods of over 550 businesses to thousands of local and international buyers. The DBF takes place from 22 to 24 September and has grown to become a key tool to accelerate the development of SMMEs through numerous empowerment seminars. The business exhibition offers a comprehensive experience with several features to empower businesses including the following: 

• Agri-Business Hub- The Municipality's Agri-Business and Agro-Ecology will provide access to markets opportunities to farmers and valuable different commodity business lessons to aspiring farmers.
• The International Pavilion- will continue facilitating export opportunities and feature African and international delegates. For the 2023 programme, several countries are expected to participate in the fair including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Creative Industry (Fashion) Learning Mission Programme from Freetown to name a few. 
• Empowerment Stage- This will feature esteemed life coaches and motivational speakers who will offer advice. 
• Furniture Manufacturing Pavilion- This section will provide a platform for high quality furniture manufactured by recently trained graduates from the Municipality's Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre. 
• Tech and Media Zone- This will provide visitors with virtual reality demonstrations which include robotics and coding equipment. 
• Fashion Pavilion- This will help to boost the sales of local designers who will be showcasing at the Durban Fashion Fair. 
• Kiddiepreneur Garden was introduced to plant an entrepreneurial seed at a young age for children aged 5 to 13 years. 
• Institutions of Higher Learning such as Durban University of Technology and Boston Media House among others will be onsite to share their offerings. 
• Durban Film Office Activation- The Durban Film Office will continue with its mandate of creating an inclusive and competitive City film industry that is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. This will be done through presenting the financial and capacity building support they provide to emerging filmmakers and other activations to be hosted. 
• Government Departments and Entities- This aims to bring services closer to the people. The South African Social Security Agency, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Electoral Commission of South Africa, Municipal services departments, and entities that provide business support will be onsite. 
• Durban Souvenir Shop- The shop is funded by eThekwini Municipality and offers free access to markets opportunities for SMMEs. The shop will be selling products produced by local SMMEs that promotes destination Durban and the City's heritage. 

For more information on other DBF activities or to RSVP, contact Mnqobi Mthethwa on 031 266 9937/082 659 4937 or email admin@lomes.co.za. 

EThekwini's Engineering Unit Wins 2023 SAICE Award

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 19, 2023

The eThekwini Municipality’s Engineering Unit has received national recognition by winning an award at the 2023 National South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Awards on 7 September at Monte Casino in Johannesburg.

Hard work and perseverance has paid off for eThekwini Municipality's Engineering Unit after winning the most prestigious 2023 National SAICE Award in a Community Based Project. From L-R Mr Zibuse Kweyama (Director Natia Construction), Mr Xolile Mkati (eThekwini Municipality Engineer) and Mr Mthembeni Khumalo (eThekwini Municipality Project Executive). | Photo: ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

The Engineering Unit’s Roads Provision Department team won the Community Based Project Award for the Emansomini Pedestrian Bridge which is located in the Philani Valley of uMlazi.

This bridge was officially handed over by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda on 9 September 2023.

The building of the Emansomini arched soffit pedestrian bridge over the Ezimbokodweni River features a four-span semi-integral reinforced concrete bridge with a total length of 100 metres.

The construction project began in January 2023 and was concluded in June 2023. The reconstruction project created 22 jobs for locals and had a budget of around R9.3 million.

‘’The bridge aims to improve the safety and connectivity of residents from Wards 86 and 94 by providing safe passage across the river. In terms of community-based efforts including job creation, contract participation goals, and the inclusion of emerging contractors, the project exceeded the contract targets in all areas,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Local residents have also benefited from this project.

For those involved in the project it has been very rewarding. ‘’I was working as a Civil engineering Technician for the Emansomini Bridge project,’’ noted Sbulele Dlamini, a Civil Engineering Trainee from Mangosuthu University of Technology.

 

Positive response to new eThekwini App

THE new eThekwini Municipality App has been positively received by residents. Since it was announced in June, the app has been downloaded over 18 000 times, highlighting its immediate popularity. This user-friendly application, spearheaded by the Sizakala Customer Service Centre, is designed to improve residents' lives by providing convenient access to essential services. The app offers a streamlined approach for residents to register complaints and make service requests. This feature promises increased efficiency, transparency, and promptness in addressing the needs of communities. Key to the app's functionality is the directory of all municipal Councillors, enabling residents to identify and contact their local representatives. 

This innovative function aims to foster improved communication between residents and their elected officials, thereby enhancing community engagement. Beyond this, the eThekwini Municipality App offers a diverse range of services, including access to Municipal information, bill viewing, and direct payment options. This streamlined process is anticipated to simplify administrative tasks for residents, contributing to the greater convenience in their daily lives. The app can be downloaded from the Android Play Store for Android users and the Apple Store for iOS users. The App is currently not compatible with Huawei devices. Users of Huawei devices are advised to continue utilising eServices until compatibility is established. 

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Rabies outbreak alert

THERE have been reports of a rabies outbreak in various parts of the Municipality. Recently, a child in the area of Umbumbulu died after being bitten by a rabid dog. The Municipality has since embarked on a vaccination campaign  and is urging all dog and cat owners to bring their pets to a vaccination site in the area. The vaccination drive kicked off in Umbumbulu area on 17 August where the unfortunate incident occurred. 

The primary objective will be to address the issue and prevent further spread of rabies. Spearheading the effort will be the municipality's health teams and state veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, who will administer rabies vaccinations to pets in the community. Following the operation in Mbumbulu, a municipal-wide campaign will be launched to raise awareness about rabies. This campaign is especially significant as September is recognised as Rabies Awareness Month. Pet owners of dogs and cats are strongly urged to bring their beloved animals for a free rabies vaccination. By taking this proactive step, they can play a crucial role in curbing the transmission of the disease. The main objective of the rabies campaign is to promote understanding and knowledge among residents. It is important for individuals to be aware of the signs of rabies in animals which include fearfulness, aggression, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling and seizures. By recognising these symptoms early on, residents can take appropriate measures to protect both themselves and their pets from the deadly disease. 

Communities can contact their local environmental health office through the city's health unit on 031 311 3555 or they can contact the state vet on 031 322 6192. 

Vaccination schedules will be communicated in the municipality's social media platforms. 

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INK based residents invited to apply for eThekwini / NCI contractor development programme 

TO ENSURE the development of emerging contractors, the National Construction Incubator (NCI), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, invites interested construction companies to participate in the Construction Incubator Programme. 

The programme aims to promote the sustainable development of small to medium-sized contractors with a view to upskill and improve their CIDB grading designations over a period of up to three years. 

To be eligible to participate in the programme you must: 

• Be residing within the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) areas
• CIDB grades 1-5 
• Historically disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to apply. 

The programme will be categorised as follows: one to two (pre-incubation programme) and three to five (mainstream) for Classes of Construction Works. The programme constitutes of mentorship, training, and skills development support. 

Applications are open until 25 August 2023 at 4pm. 

To download application forms, see the requirements, and to gain a better understanding of the scope of the programme, visit www.natci.org.za or www.durban.gov.za and click on the business tab, then SMME Development, and then the INK incubator page. 

Alternatively, follow this link to download the application form to apply: https://bit.ly/3OmyAT0 

The contractor development advert is also advertised in the latest Metro Ezasegagasini which is accessible at Sizakala Centres and Municipal and Councillors Offices. 

Application forms can also be collected from the INK Incubator Office at 76 Bungezi Road, M-Section, KwaMashu. 

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli encouraged residents, especially young people, to grab this opportunity. 

Councillor Ntuli said since the INK Incubator was established in 2014, they have worked with the NCI to provide technical support to emerging contractors as well as mentorship and other business management training to increase their competitiveness and compliance. This has assisted contractors when bidding for work and has helped to ensure their sustainability. ''As the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee, we invest millions annually to the programme to ensure the development of local emerging contractors. Our investment is reaping the rewards as 300 contractors that have gone through the programme have gone on to create over 600 jobs and generate a combined revenue of  R15 million per year,'' he said. 

''Currently another intake is completing their three-year Contractor Incubation Programme which is why we are making this call out for new participants. We are confident that the current class is ready for industry and will contribute to job creation and local economic growth,'' Councillor Ntuli added. 

For more information on the programme, contact Samkelo Mahlaba on 068 561 0127 or email smahlaba@natci.org.za.

Alternatively, contact Lungile Ngubane on 031 311 4500 or email Lungile.Ngubane@durban.gov.za. 

Durban Business Fair Has Been Empowering SMMEs for 25 Years

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 25, 2023

The Durban Business Fair (DBF) has helped out small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Durban over the last 25 years and this was highlighted during a celebration on 24 August. 

The launch of the 2023 DBF was held at Nto's Boutique Hotel in La Lucia where the 25 year milestones were highlighted. 

A panel of Durban Business Fair success stories shared their jouney of how the platform and other support provided by the eThekwini Municipality elevated their businesses. These business owners included (from left) Nkazimulo Ngidi of Amabheshu Innovators, the co-founder of Afromed Medical Services, Sthembiso Ngubo, Agnes Mhlongo of Switched On Trade CC and House of St Luke founder, Mxo Mkhize. | Photo: ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

The theme for the 2023 DBF will be '25 Years of building sustainable businesses.' The DBF will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 22 to 24 September. This year previous beneficiaries attended the launch and they shared moving testimonials on how the DBF, and other Municipality support, helped their businesses. 

''What started in 1998 as an arts and craft exhibition with less than 100 exhibitors outside Durban City Hall has grown to become South Africa's premiere business exhibition platform,'' noted Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Phili Ndlovu. 

Councillor Ndlovu said, ''The event is now a key tool to accelerate the development of SMMEs and showcase a range of locally manufactured goods of over 550 businesses to a wider audience of buyers.''

According to Councillor Ndlovu more than 100 000 people have participated in the DBF over the years with over 20 000 sustainable jobs created. 

Key features to look out for at DBF 2023 include an International Pavilion which facilitates export opportunities, there will also be a Furniture Manufacturing Pavilion, Creative Hub, Fashion Hub, Agri-Hub, Tech Zone, Digital Marketing Masterclass, Wholesale  and Retail Masterclass, Durban Business Fair Street Market, Kiddiepreneur Garden, Durban Business Fair Excellence Awards, the Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards and the Lion's Den Business Plan Competition Awards. 

The DBF will also feature the successful Durban Fashion Fair which will take place simultaneously with the DBF. 

At the launch of the 2023 DBF business owners shared success stories. The business owners included Nkazimulo Ngidi, founder of Amabheshu Innovators, Sthembiso Ngubo of Afromed Medical Services, Agnes Mhlongo of Switched On Trade CC and Mxo Mkhize the owner of House of St Luke. 

''The platform has been great as we have gained exposure and established partnerships and clients which helped our business grow. We won the Lion's Den Business Plan competition in 2012 which offered both financial and technical skills as well as mentorship support to kick start our business idea. To date, we have 11 ambulances and employ more than 40 permanent staff and around 80 part-time staff. The company has expanded its base to different areas, and we recently built the Afromed Medical School which will educate the youth about lifesaving skills while creating employment. We remain grateful to eThekwini for the opportunity to develop our business,'' said Sthembiso Ngubo of Afromed Medical Services. 

Nkazimulo Ngidi, of Amabheshu Innovators which manufactures traditional attire, said the DBF allowed her to extend her client base outside South Africa. 

For updates and more information on #DBF25 follow @Durban Business Fair on Facebook.