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.