City gears up for bumper festive season

THE CITY is ready to host a safe and memorable festive season for the anticipated 792 410 visitors expected to flock to Durban. 

To ensure residents and visitors enjoy a safe and memorable experience this festive season, the City has beefed up its staff complement and well as increased police visibility at tourism precincts and along the beachfront. 

Further bolstering these efforts, is that all Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the inner city are operational. The project of repairing and upgrading CCTV cameras started in September and was completed in November, just in time for the festive season. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda conducted an oversight inspection of the City's Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera control room recently. 

During his visit, Mayor Kaunda received a detailed demonstration of how the cameras will assist to tackle crime in the Durban central business district and other crime hotspots. 

Mayor Kaunda said he was happy to report that 34 swimming pools are open in the City. This includes the Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool which was reopened recently after it was closed due to infrastructural challenges. He said repairs at the popular Children Amusement Centre swimming pool, which is along the beachfront, are at an advanced stage. 

Repairs are expected to be completed before the peak season days of the holiday. 

Mayor Kaunda said the hotel occupancy rate this year is expected to be 75 percent, compared to the 57 percent achieved last year. He said 65 beach guides will be stationed across the various City beaches to aid visitors. An additional 160 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed to beaches to prevent drownings. 

Law enforcement will also be out in full force with about 168 contract security personnel employed for the duration of the festive season. Metro Police officers, South African Police Service, security personnel, and Beach Law Enforcement officers will conduct regular patrols around the City, including on beaches. 

''The 62 new Metro Police vehicles will be used to patrol the streets during the festive season and beyond to keep our communities safe,'' Mayor Kaunda added. 

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Visit the Durban Botanic Gardens Trail Of Lights for a magical experience 

The Trail of Light returns this year for a spectacular event as the gardens sparkle from the thousands of lights and interesting displays that are sure to bring enchantment and joy to visitors of all ages. 

Themed 'Garden Glow', the highly anticipated event is currently underway at the Durban Botanic Gardens until 3 January 2024 from 6pm to 10pm every evening.

The Trail of Light will be closed on 25 and 31 December. 

The event also offers other entertainment including live music, food gardens, charity fundraising activities and more. Children will also be able to share their holiday wishes with Santa's Grotto. 

And to ensure the whole family, including pets, are part of the festivities, the gardens will host Paws and Claus (dogs only) for three nights on 10, 13 and 14 December. Tickets are R50 per pet when booked with  a full-paying adult ticket. 

Senior Manager in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit Bonga Mthembu said the Municipality is thrilled that he popular event has returned this year.

He said the Trail of Lights is an opportunity to showcase the Botanic Gardens being transformed into a remarkable and extraordinary place after dark. 

Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za or Pick 'n Pay outlets. Ticket prices vary as follows: 6pm entry is R90 per person; 7pm entry is R80 per person; and the 8pm entry is R70 per person. Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability at R120 per person (card payments only). Early booking is advised to secure your preferred date. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda Reopens uMhlanga Whalebone Pier

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 17, 2023

The uMhlanga Whalebone Pier situated in uMhlanga Rocks was officially reopened by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda on 14 December 2023.

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda officially re-opened the iconic Umhlanga Rocks Whalebone Pier to much fanfare and public applause in time for the bumper festive season in Durban.  Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

The award-winning Whalebone Pier was officially reopened after it was closed for three months for renovations. The R3.2 million renovation project was done to extend the longevity of the concrete.

‘’The pier is a tourist drawcard and remains one of the most photographed places in Durban,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda was joined by distinguished guests and tourism stakeholders at the reopening.

The reopening of this pier further demonstrates that Durban is ready to deliver a joyous and memorable festive season.

The eThekwini Mayor also updated the media on a variety of council matters after the reopening of the pier.

Water Supply

‘’Let me also inform the community of uMlazi that the Minister of Water Affairs Senzo Mchunu will be hosting an Imbizo to resolve water challenges in uMlazi next week (20 December) at the King Zwelithini Stadium at 10am. This will also be an opportunity for community members to engage with government,’’ noted eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Strategic Partnership with The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Council has also approved for the City Manager to enter a transformative partnership with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). This marks a crucial step towards revitalising the local economy and streamlining business processes.

The aim of this partnership is to create a conducive environment for the ease of doing business with the City, focusing on vital infrastructure restoration such as bridges, roads, canals, water, sanitation, and energy.

This is all being done to provide a seamless process for investors and signifies a concerted effort by all relevant stakeholders to build investor confidence in the City.

Financial Support for Community Tourism Organisations

There was also a positive step towards bolstering community-led tourism efforts, Council approved the funding of nine Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs).

Each CTO will be allocated R350 000 each and they will be required to submit comprehensive business plans, enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipality, and provide accountability reports along with audited financial reports to ensure transparent and effective fund utilisation.

These nine existing CTOs within eThekwini Municipality have been integral stakeholders over the past seven years, promoting tourism routes in underdeveloped areas and encouraging community participation in tourism activities.

Christmas Food Vouchers for Senior Citizens

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda also announced that Christmas food vouchers will be issued to senior citizens around the City as part of the social relief initiative.

‘’The food vouchers will be available for collection by ward councillors from Monday, 18 December,’’ said the eThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose.

The ward councillors will issue these vouchers to senior citizens as per their respective wards. There will be 500 food vouchers allocated for each ward.

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda also wished all the residents of eThekwini and holidaymakers a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.