Municipality condemns vandalism of Durban Transport buses

THE eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) warns the community against stone throwing of buses and the life-threatening consequences of riding on the rear bumper of a moving bus. Durban Transport has been faced with this unbecoming behavior conducted by young adults including school children. In the afternoon, the stoning and bumper riding of buses has become the norm, with uMlazi and Ntuzuma being the most affected areas. Head of the ETA Thami Manyathi warned that damage to any Municipal property is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution. ''Youngsters are also discouraged from the hazardous act of riding on the back of moving buses. This is a danger to other motorists and can be fatal. The municipality urges parents and the public to assist in stopping this unbecoming behavior that has serious consequences,'' he said. In the past six months, more than 80 buses had to be repaired because of broken windows. This affects the municipality's ability to provide an efficient public transport service while these buses are taken off the road for repairs. In addition, it results in unnecessary costs for Council and affects bus availability. The public should report any incidents they witness to the police, or to the uMlazi Depot on 031 906 2651, the Ntuzuma Depot on 031 504 3421, or eThekwini Transport Authority on 082 268 4185. 

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Exciting prizes up for grabs in the Verge competition

ETHEKWINI residents are reminded and encouraged to participate in this year's Verge Competition and stand a chance of winning great prizes. The competition is open to all residents who reside within the municipal area, but should not be employed by the municipality. The public can enter or nominate homes, businesses, schools, individuals, garden clubs, conservancies, or industrial companies that have the best verges in front of their properties. The competition which started on 1 July will close on 30 September 2022. The prizes include a jojo tank, watering cans, a wheelbarrow, gardening tools and much more. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Municipal website using the link: https://bit.ly/3nCIMdb 

Forms can also obtained from Sizakala Centres, libraries, or they can be requested via email. Completed forms must contain the details of the respective nominator and be submitted with pictures of the verge. They can be returned to Sizakala Centres or libraries. Alternatively, completed forms and pictures can be e-mailed to Nonhlanhla Gumede at nonhlanhla.gumede@durban.gov.za and Thami Mbhele on thami.mbhele@durban.gov.za. Submissions without pictures will not be considered. For more information contact Nonhlanhla Gumede on 031 322 7779 or Thami Mbhele on 031 322 4019. 

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More opportunities for local businesses at #DBF24

NOW in its 24th year, the Durban Business Fair (#DBF24) will yet again present more business opportunities from 20 to 25 September at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre. Themed ''Connecting Durban businesses to opportunities'', the #DBF24 will feature exhibitions, manufacturing pavilion and street market showcasing and trading local products. It will further feature business engagements, masterclasses, an innovation and technology hub and Flavours of Durban. The DBF will take place simultaneously with the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) showcase set to feature pop-up shops selling locally made clothing. SMME Excellence Awards and DFF Recognition Awards will also be hosted to honour and award businesses who have excelled and contributed to local economic growth as well as job creation. Deputy Head for SMME Development in the Municipality Nonku Mthembu, said they are proud of their 24 years of developing, empowering, and creating opportunities for local businesses. She said plans to host a successful exhibition are well underway, adding that additional exhibition spaces have been made available. ''Since inception, the municipality has invested millions in developing businesses through the DBF and over 38 000 businesses have participated in the platform. To date, over 18 500 sustainable jobs have been created through the DBF platform. Out of the participating businesses, many have been elevated to become established businesses,'' explained Mthembu. 

To be part of the DBF exhibition, click on this link to register: https://bit.ly/DBF2022 

To trade at the DBF Street Market as a food vendor, follow this link to apply: https://bit.ly/StreetMarketReg2022 

All DBF application forms are obtainable at your nearest Sizakala Centre, at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry offices, or by emailing zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za or calling 031 311 4500. Badumile Dlamini, founder of Badumile Beads from Umlazi, who makes beads, traditional attires and bags, says she is looking forward to meeting new clients and making more money when she participates in the 2022 DBF in September. She is one of hundreds of Durban businesses that are already registered for the DBF. Dlamini says she is a regular to this business exhibition simply because it is beneficial. ''The platform is a massive exposure for any business I use this to launch whatever new business venture I have. This year I decided to transfer my skill to others and opened a bead training school and I will use DBF to publicise it in order to get more trainees.'' 

The Durban Fashion Fair and the Hollywood Foundation Celebrate Rising Stars

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 21, 2022

The eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Development Programme joined forces with the Hollywood Foundation to congratulate the Rising Stars at a glittering event held in Umhlanga on August 4^th 2022.  

Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars together with the City's BSTMU Deputy Head: Nonkululeko Mthembu (2nd left) and the eThekwini Municipality's Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo (2nd right) | Photo: Supplied

These emerging fashion designers were grateful to receive assistance after showcasing their fashion at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The Hollywood Foundation recently announced their pledge of R250 000 towards the DFF’s Rising Stars, during the semi-finals of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, that was held at Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

These nine rising stars were chosen at the Hollywood Foundation as part of the Enterprise and Supplier Development programme. This followed an extensive vetting process using interviews conducted by Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Foundation.

The funding was awarded in the form of equipment and any other tools that the designers would require to conduct their business. Some of the fashion houses that received help are owned by emerging designers and included Glamisa Exquisite (Pty) Ltd, Suzie Dlamini Apparel, Paul Kotini, Indoni Fashion House, Libo Creation, Zaviar Trading and House of Saint Luke.

The event in Umhlanga took place at the Hollywoodbets Head Office. The event celebrated the Rising Stars that received support, and the nine designers were in attendance, also in attendance were representatives from the Hollywood Foundation and the Durban Fashion Fair as well Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson.

‘’We congratulate our rising stars for flying the eThekwini flag high. I’m quite confident that they are going to reach an international stage. Remember that buying local stimulates job creation,’’ said Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, the eThekwini Municpality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson.

Guests at the event in Umhlanga included (left to right) Steve Marshall, Head of Marketing, Gold Circle, Nonkululeko Mthembu, the City's BSTMU Deputy Head, Tiffany Prior, owner of Ice Model Management and Nonhlanhla Khumalo from the City's BSTMU. | Photo: Supplied

Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Foundation noted that it was an honour for the Hollywood Foundation to make this contribution towards the DFF’s Rising Stars. Mkhize emphasised that they continue to strive to make a difference in the lives of up-and-coming business people. Mkhize also became award during the vetting process that these fashion designers had a great future ahead of them and the assistance provided will help to build their businesses and in turn help to stimulate the economy.

‘’Overall we are humbled and appreciative and we want to encourage future designers to apply for these programmes,’’ said Mxolisi Mkhize, speaking on behalf of the nine DFF Rising Stars. He also thanked all the parties involved. 

Sister Chefs Are 'Bringing it Home'

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 10, 2022

Zainab and Faatimah Paruk, who are both qualified Chefs, have been making a name for themselves through their catering company, Chilli Chocolate Chefs (CCC) based in Durban. Now they are releasing a 240-page recipe book ‘Bringing it Home’.

Zainab and Faatimah Paruk at their book launch. | Photo: Supplied

Last week I was invited to the launch of this book and it was a lavish affair. There were many tastings to be had and the food on offer, which was all made from recipes in the book, was quite the spectacle. There was something for everyone from sweet to savoury offerings. The sweet treats at the end were certainly worth the wait.

Delicious recipes await you in the book. | Photo: Supplied

Their lovingly curated recipes are included in this their fourth recipe book which is aimed to inspire you and also delight you. Each recipe has a contemporary twist.

These chefs select only the freshest and tastiest ingredients. So you can be sure that the resulting dishes taste as good as they look. The Chilli Chocolate Chefs make sure each dish is prepared with skill; they also make sure that the dishes are transported safely and the food is delivered perfectly. Their recipe book reflects this.

‘’For us ‘Bringing it Home’ encapsulates the simple joys of creating food that tastes as good as it looks – if not better – with even the most basic skills and in a short amount of time,’’ said Zainab and Faatimah Paruk.

You can expect to find easy-to-follow recipes in ‘Bringing it Home’ which are ideal for any chef or food blogger, from the novices to the experts. Each of the ingredients is easy to find so you will not have a struggle in sourcing them. There are more than 85 recipes in this book and each recipe has a photograph to help you with your plating.

Sweet treats await you in the book. | Photo: Supplied

The recipes that feature in this book can also be found on the daily menu at their Musgrave Road kitchen in Durban. There is something for everyone in this book, whether you are looking to cook for yourself or entertain for friends or family.

‘Bringing it Home’ – published by That Food Guy Publishing, a division of That Food Guy Group – will retail at R500. The book can be purchased online at ccchefs.co.za or at the Chilli Chocolate Chefs store located at 5 Tinsley House, 225 Musgrave Road, Entrance on St Thomas Road, Musgrave, Durban.

Follow the Chilli Chocolate Chefs on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube.

Be sure to use the hashtag #CCCBringingItHome when you share your unforgettable ‘Bringing it Home’ experiences.