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Saturday, March 22, 2025
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Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Apply for the 2025 Lions Den Business Plan Competition
By Fred Felton | Mar. 19, 2025
If you have a small, medium,
micro-enterprise (SMMEs) or cooperative and your business is within eThekwini
then eThekwini Municipality would like to invite you to enter the 2025 Lions
Den Business Plan Competition.
The closing date for entries is 18 April.
The aim of this competition is to build an
entrepreneurial culture and create jobs.
There is also the opportunity for
businesses to acquire essential development resources and have the chance to
win prizes to build their business.
There will be three categories for the
competition namely Emerging Business, Established Business, and Entrepreneurial
Excellence.
Competition categories are:
Emerging Business: SMMEs with viable
business ideas and an annual turnover of less than R100 000.
Established Business: SMMEs that are looking
to expand, with annual turnovers between R100 000 and R500 000.
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Businesses
with an annual turnover of more than R500 000 that have shown exceptional
business practices and leadership.
Those that enter will have the chance to
pitch their business ideas or expansion plans to a panel of adjudicators.
Prizes on offer for the winners include
business development prizes, funding, equipment, and raw materials to help
build their business.
You can get your application forms from
the Business Support, Tourism, Markets, and Agri-Business Unit located at the
Embassy Building, 7th floor, 199 Anton Lembede Street.
Forms are also available at any Sizakala
Centre or the SEDA eThekwini Office.
You can also get applications from www.durban.gov.za
or from this link: https://www.durban.gov.za/storage/Documents/Application%20Forms/Business%20Licensing/2025%20EThekwini%20Municipality%20Lions%20Den%20Business%20Plan%20Competition%20Application%20Form.pdf
Submit your applications to Yanga Nyakeni
at yanga.nyakeni@durban.gov.za
The Lions Den Programme has had a big
impact on local SMMEs over the years.
An example of a success story is
Samkelisiwe Sithole, founder of Luhnyenzi Farm, who won the Emerging Business
Category last year.
She received R20 000 worth of
packaging materials, including a wrapping machine, which she said helped her
operations.
‘’The material lasted three months and
helped us appear more professional. Winning this award opened many doors,
including recognition from various stakeholders with some approaching us for
collaborations. This also boosted faith in our brand as we also offer
training,’’ said Sithole.
For more information contact Yanga Nyakeni
on 031 309 8280.
Monday, March 17, 2025
Inauguration Ceremony for Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen of University of Pretoria
By Fred Felton | Mar. 17, 2025
The Inauguration Ceremony for Professor
Francis Petersen was held last week on Friday 14th March, 2025. He
was recently appointed as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal for the University
of Pretoria.
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The Inauguration Ceremony was filled with music. | Photo: Fred Felton |
The ceremony itself was a glamorous affair
as guests dressed up to attend this event. Professor Petersen is responsible
for the management and administration of the University. He has a distinguished
academic background and years of experience in higher education with a wide
background in engineering, finance, and academic management.
He is highly educated with a Bachelor of
Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and a Master of Engineering (Metallurgical
Engineering) from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a PhD. in
Engineering. He has also completed a course in Financial Skills for Executive
Management from IIR Training.
Professor Petersen has held many academic
positions at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of
Technology, University of Cape Town, and University of the Free State. His
leadership roles included Head of Department, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
He has also contributed to industry and science councils including strategic
leadership at Anglo American Platinum Limited, Mintek and the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Professor Petersen has years of extensive
leadership and academic experience that positions him perfectly to guide and
uphold the University of Pretoria’s tradition of academic distinction while
carving out new roads in research, teaching, and society engagement.
The theme for the Inauguration Ceremony
was The Power of Possibility and the
event was held at the Aula at the University of Pretoria. The ceremony began
with a performance by the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra of: Andante Festivo by Jean Sibelius.
The University of Pretoria Youth Choir
performed Hlonolofatsa: Traditional
followed by the Academic Procession and the University of Pretoria Symphony
Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
performing Gaudeamus igitur.
The Constitution of The Assembly and the
Welcome were done by Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe.
There was a moment of silence and then the
UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performed I
Will Rise by Chris Tomlin.
The Presentation of The Vice-Chancellor
and Principal Professor Francis Petersen was done by the Chairperson of Council
Mr Ben Kruger. Afterwards the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra
performed Coriolan Overture by Ludwig van
Beethoven.
The Investiture was done by Registrar
Professor Caroline Nicholson. The Inauguration of the Vice-Chancellor and
Principal was performed by Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe.
![]() |
Justice Khampepe presents the VC with sheet music of the original piece played at his inauguration. | Photo: University of Pretoria. |
The University of Pretoria Symphony
Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
performed The Power of Possibility by
Atlegang Milanzi.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor
Francis Petersen then gave an Inaugural Address filled with positivity.
![]() |
Prof Petersen delivering his inaugural address. | Photo: University of Pretoria. |
‘’I’m honoured to stand before you today
as the 14th Vice-Chancellor,’’ noted Professor Petersen.
He pledged to do his utmost to serve in
this role at the University of Pretoria. His aim was to serve with dedication
and passion.
‘’Our strength lies in working together to
transform the future,’’ said Professor Petersen.
He also went on to say that, ‘’The
University of Pretoria is its people.’’
‘’University of Pretoria is committed to
developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference both locally and
globally,’’ noted Professor Petersen.
He also acknowledged the various platforms
offered at The University of Pretoria such as Future Africa, Innovation Africa,
Engineering 4.0, The Javett-UP Art Centre and the recently announced The South
African Centre for Industry and Technology which will be hosted at the University
of Pretoria.
Professor Petersen also spoke of the
‘missing middle’ students whose families earn too much to qualify for financial
assistance but not enough to cover the tuition fees and living expenses. ‘’In
the light of this I was proud to announce the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s
Scholarship Fund last year. The goal of
this fund is to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity of studying at
the University of Pretoria because of financial constraints,’’ said Professor
Petersen.
‘’The aim is to position the University of
Pretoria as a global intellectual leader on African matters, for Africa and the
World,’’ emphasised Professor Petersen.
After his speech the UP Ovuwa Cultural
Ensemble performed Botho: Traditional.
There were congratulations from various
people including from the students. The Student Representative Council
President Vhutshilo Muambadzi wished Professor Petersen well. ‘’An engineer
never stops building,’’ noted Ms Muambadzi.
The National Anthem was performed by the
University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir
and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble.
The Dissolution of the Assembly was done
by the Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe and the Academic Procession left the
venue.
Thereafter University of Pretoria Symphony
Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
performed Gaudeamus igitur.
All donations towards The Vice-Chancellor
and Principal’s Scholarship Fund from South Africa, the USA and the UK are
tax-deductible.
If you would like to donate to the fund or
get more information on it email giving@up.ac.za
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Register for the North Regional Durban Business Fair
By Fred Felton | Mar. 11, 2025
You still have time to register for the
Regional Durban Business Fair. Registrations close on 14 March. The Fair takes
place from 28 to 30 March at the Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu.
This exhibition offers a platform for
businesses in the north and surrounding areas to showcase their products and
services.
Businesses can obtain application forms
and submit registrations by visiting:
Business Support Offices, Embassy
Building, 7th Floor, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban (forms are
also available at the security desk)
You can also get forms at any Sizakala
Centre.
Forms are also available at The Durban
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Stamford Hill,
Durban.
You can also email Zamani.Shezi@durban.gov.za
to get an application form.
Businesses can also register online at http://bit.ly/NReg
or download the registration form from eThekwini Municipality’s website: www.durban.gov.za
under the Government tab, followed by clicking on Documents and then Public
Notices.
The theme for this year’s fair is
‘Regional Fairs – Back to Promoting Township Businesses and Economies’.
Chairperson of the City’s Economic
Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said hosting the
fair in KwaMashu, an area still recovering from previous unrest, provides a key
opportunity to highlight local businesses and support economic recovery.
‘’This fair provides a vital platform for
entrepreneurs to gain exposure, form partnerships, boost sales, and attract
potential clients,’’ noted Councillor Ntuli.
Business development prizes will be on
offer at the fair. At the end of the event, three businesses with standout
stands will receive prizes to help support their growth.
For more information, call 031 311 4500 or email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za
Monday, February 24, 2025
My Fair Lady at The Playhouse in March
By Fred Felton | Feb. 24, 2025
For those of you that love a good musical
be sure not to miss out on the show My Fair Lady
which will be opening in March at The Playhouse from 8 March 2025.
![]() |
My Fair Lady on stage at The Playhouse in March. | Photo: Supplied. |
The Playhouse in association with Pieter
Toerien and Cape Town Opera by arrangement with DALRO (Pty) Limited presents
this dazzling musical, with an extraordinary cast, stunning costumes, and
jaw-dropping staging is set to wow audiences. This must-see show will take
audiences back to the time of elegancy and vibrancy in Edwardian London.
This show is adapted from George Bernard
Shaw’s Pygmalion! Discover how Eliza
Doolittle transforms from a feisty Cockney flower girl into a sophisticated
lady under the mentorship of the pompous linguist Professor Henry Higgins.
There are some amazing songs in this show
like ‘Wouldn’t It Be Lovely, I Could Have Danced All Night, and On the Street
Where You Live,’ this production is full of wit, charm and heart that has made
this musical a timeless classic.
‘’We are pleased to share that several
performances of My Fair Lady are already sold out! If you haven’t purchased
your tickets yet, now is the time,’’ said Lynda Bukhosini, The Playhouse
Company’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director.
This production is directed by Steven
Stead, who brings fresh energy to this show. The musical direction is by Kevin
Kraak, the iconic score by Lerner and Loewe comes to life through rich
orchestrations and powerful vocals. The set and costumes designed by Greg King
transport the audience to early 20th-century London. Duane
Alexander’s choreography adds a dynamic flow to the show. This musical features
some of the top actors in South Africa including Leah Mari’s amazing portrayal
of Eliza Doolittle.
Now is your chance to immerse yourself in
Broadway’s longest-running musical. This show has captivated audiences through
2, 717 performances and has won six Tony Awards including Best Musical! The
show has just finished a sold-out run in Cape Town and is now amazing audiences
in Gauteng.
Due to high demand and sold-out shows, an
extra performance has been added on Sunday, 9 March 2025, at 18h00 for My Fair Lady.
Don’t miss your chance to see this classic
running from 8 to 16 March 2025.
Get your tickets now for just R150 – R250
on Webtickets before they are all sold out.
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The 'Best Ever' Africa Travel Indaba Planned
By Fred Felton | Feb. 20, 2025
The plans for the 2025 Africa Travel
Indaba have been unveiled by Durban Tourism with a bold vision for the success
of Africa’s largest trade and tourism event.
![]() |
Africa's Travel Indaba happens from 12 to 15 May this year. | Photo: Fred Felton |
The proposed programme for the event was
presented by Durban Tourism Regional Marketing Manager Melusi Khumalo to the
City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee for their recommendation.
During the presentation she highlighted
that preparations are already in full swing for this flagship event. Africa’s
Travel Indaba happens from 12 to 15 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli
International Convention Centre.
At the committee meeting which was held on
13 February, Khumalo noted that 2025 marks the City’s final contractual year
hosting the Indaba, taking note of the importance of this event to secure
future bids.
‘’We aim to pull out all the stops to host
the best-ever Indaba to ensure Durban becomes the permanent home of this
prestigious event,’’ said Khumalo.
The Africa Travel Indaba is a crucial
platform for showcasing Africa’s tourism offerings and engaging with the global
trade, while also boosting local tourism.
Khumalo also shared last year’s impressive
statistics which included 1 200 exhibitors, 9 217 delegates,
1 737 buyers and participants from 75 countries.
Exhibitor registrations are now open for
exhibitors who would like to showcase their products and network with those in
the tourism industry.
For registration and more info, please
visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Public-Private Partnerships Help With Service Delivery
By Fred Felton | Feb. 19, 2025
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has
welcomed the donation of static tanks from the mobile communications giant,
Vodacom.
Vodacom describes this donation of the
static tanks as their contribution to help communities in which they operate.
These tanks will be deployed to areas that have a limited water supply network
in the City.
This programme was started by Vodacom
shortly after the 2022 floods which saw huge damage to water infrastructure in
the City. The static tanks were part of an effort of ensuring that communities
that were affected by the floods had access to water.
Mayor Xaba has commended Vodacom for being
a good corporate citizen and encouraged other private sector companies to
follow suit.
‘’We are grateful of this donation from
Vodacom as it demonstrates that if we work together as social partners, we can
address many developmental challenges plaguing communities. We will continue to
engage Vodacom to engage to share ideas to improve service delivery in the
City, considering its technological capability,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.