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.