EThekwini All Set to Host the 2024 SALGA Games

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 25, 2024

The eagerly awaited 2024 SALGA Games are ready to be hosted by the City announced eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, at an event at the Oceans Mall in uMhlanga on 22 November 2024.

Mayor Xaba confirmed that the City is ready to host the 2024 SALGA Games. | Photo: Supplied. 

‘’The City is going all out to ensure we host a successful SALGA Games. As back-to-back winners of the tournament, Team eThekwini will go out guns blazing and do their best,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

The Mayor noted that the tourism sector will receive a boost through the hosting of the Games, as will the temporary jobs being created.

Two shining stars have been produced through the Games, namely Alwande Mngwengwe who is now with Sekhukhune United and Ronnel Donnelly of the Western Cape United Women’s Team.

Mayor Xaba emphasised that, ‘’R40 million has been invested to upgrade and maintain our beaches and sporting facilities. We are only getting stronger as we work towards being an events and sporting capital.’’

There will be ten district municipalities at this year’s Games, along with eThekwini Municipality as they battle it out across 13 sporting codes from 5 to 8 December.

‘’Thank you to eThekwini for hosting us. Various sectors will benefit from these Games – and we promise to put our best foot forward. Youth development continues to take centre stage,’’ said KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture Mtomuhle Khawula.

He noted that this collaborative effort from all the role players should be applauded and continues to show unity across KwaZulu-Natal.

Highlights from Africa Maritime Investment Indaba

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 18, 2024

The first Africa Maritime Investment Indaba was hosted by eThekwini Municipality and organised by the Africa Oceans Council in Durban recently over three days.

Mr Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa spoke at the event. | Photo: Fred Felton

The event from 6 – 8 November allowed delegates to share knowledge and showed the delegates Africa’s growing capabilities in maritime manufacturing, conserving the environment and education within the maritime sector.

The Indaba was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and various investment projects were discussed that could benefit from an estimated $3 trillion dollar economy with the potential for 800 000 jobs to be created at over 100 ports across Africa.

This event solidified the commitment of Durban to see itself as a smart port city region and a key player in Africa’s Blue Economy. National and global delegates gathered together to discuss investment in Africa’s booming maritime sector.

‘’We see this sector as pivotal for addressing the skills shortage, empowering coastal communities, and positioning Durban as a premier maritime hub,’’ said eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni.

Some of the key themes discussed at the Indaba included maritime trade finance, the development of energy offshore, aquaculture and conserving the ocean.

One of the eThekwini Municipality stands at Africa Maritime Investment Indaba. | Photo: Fred Felton

The discussions were in line with the eThekwini Inner City Regeneration Plan, which reinforced the vision of the Municipality to use the Blue Economy for creating jobs, building infrastructure and development.

A number of high-profile speakers guided the conversations during the themed conference sessions of the event.

The indaba also highlighted some key points to do with maritime trade in Africa. Around R780 billion bulk minerals are exported from South Africa.

‘’What are we doing to transport passengers? How long does it take us to get passengers to the battlefield sites? We’re investing in cruise terminals, we’re investing in infrastructure. Tourist attractions need to be near the ship terminals. We need to do more destination marketing. Africa is a place to come to,’’ noted Mr Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa.

The delegates were also informed of how marine trade is doing in SADC countries.

‘’Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are high-income countries. Trade makes countries richer. Efficient ports with good connectivity are essential,’’ said Mr Jannie Roux of Bidvest South Africa.

There are also huge opportunities in the tourism sector which includes Eco-Tourism, Diving-Tourism and Archaeological-Tourism.

At the end of the Indaba it was very clear that Durban remains confident in its commitment to creating a strong and sustainable Blue Economy.

 

Upgrade of Hazelmere Dam commissioned

The Department of Water and Sanitation has completed a project to raise the Hazelmere Dam wall by seven metres to increase capacity of storage to augment the water supply to areas in the North Coast.  Picture: THULI DLAMINI 

SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI

WATER and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, on 25 October commissioned the newly upgraded Hazelmere Dam. The commissioning of the dam comes after the Department of Water and Sanitation completed a project to raise the dam wall by seven metres to increase capacity of storage as well as augment water supply to areas such as Verulam, Groutville, Blythedale, and Ballito.

Minister Majodina said the North Coast has experienced rapid growth in recent years, especially in the housing sector which resulted in an increased demand for potable water. “The Department of Water and Sanitation upgraded the Hazelmere Dam wall to meet the needs of the increasing population in the North Coast as it is our role to ensure bulk water supply. The concerned municipalities should now roll up their sleeves to ensure that water is directed to households,” said Minister Majodina.

The project scope of the work entailed the raising of the dam wall from 86 metres to 93 meters. This included the construction of retrofitting a Piano Key Weir (PKW) onto an existing dam spillway structure, the installation of 83 rock anchors, as well as foundation grouting and other minor related works.

Minister Majodina expressed that the Hazelmere Dam forms part of the country’s state-of-the-art dams. “The Hazelmere Dam can now be measured against world-class standards due the type of spillway selection, technology, and innovation used in implementing the project,” she said.

The dam has an uncontrolled PKW spillway, this was done to ensure that the dam wall withstands extreme concentration of floods of between six and eight hours for the dam catchment area.

Some of the employed technologies undertaken to upgrade the dam wall included the world’s highest PKW, the world’s largest anchors were installed to improve stability of the concrete gravity dam wall structure, and the largest capacity post-tensioning stressing jacks were deployed during construction. Some of the technologies employed included the use of innovative data management software for real-time monitoring of anchor performance, and 3D digital crack meters.

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City commissions boreholes in areas struggling with stable water supply

There was ululation when officials from the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit and Ward Councillor Fakazi Mdletshe unveiled a new borehole in Ward 60, in the Mhlasini area. | Picture: THULI DLAMINI

SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI

The Municipality commissioned five boreholes recently in areas experiencing water supply challenges.

The boreholes were commissioned in Ward 60, Mhlasini area 2 in Verulam, Ward 100 in uMlazi V-Section and the Nwabi area, and Ward 98 in Nkwali Mahagana and Mgobhozini.

These communities will no longer rely on the tankers for their water supply as the boreholes are in the communities as part of interim relief.

Ward 60 Councillor Fakazi Mdletshe expressed gratitude and said the borehole will go a long way in mitigating the water supply challenge in the area.

“We appreciate having a borehole in the Mhlasini area because relying on water tankers is not sustainable as these trucks do not come to the area every day. The Mhlasini area has grown rapidly with many households and residents. This resulted to the water bulk line not having capacity to meet the growing demand. There is not enough pressure to push water to this area; however, this is being attended to through infrastructure upgrade,” said Councillor Fakazi.

The borehole produces 2 000 litres a day and can run up to 20 hours a day. Water produced from the borehole has been tested and complies with the South African National Standard 241 for drinking water requirements.  

Residents are discouraged from washing their cars, clothes, and connecting hosepipes to and from the borehole taps to their household static tanks.

“I urge residents to look after this borehole as it has been installed for their benefit. I hope I will not hear any reports of the theft of taps and other components as this will be a setback for residents who rely on this water. Also, the water must be shared equitably,” he said.

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MSC Euribia Visits Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 10, 2024

The MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises’ flagship made a technical stop in Durban at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on the 6^th November 2024. There was also a Crest Exchange Ceremony as this was the first time the ship visited Durban.

MSC Euribia | Photo: Supplied.

This ship is one of the largest to berth at a South African port and is also one of the most technologically advanced and iconic ships in the MSC Cruises’ fleet.

This is MSC Cruises’ fifth Meraviglia class ship and is powered by liquid natural gas (LNG). The ship came into service in 2023.

Crest Exchange Ceremony. | Photo: Fred Felton.

‘’We are delighted to welcome MSC Euribia for her first stop in South Africa. The R300 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban is only one of two ports in South Africa equipped to accommodate such a large vessel, making the terminal perfect for this,’’ said Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa.

The MSC Euribia is the 2nd ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to be powered by LNG, which is more environmentally friendly and reduces emissions of greenhouse gasses by 20%. The fuel offers immediate benefits to the local port community compared to conventional maritime fuels by reducing local air emissions (99% less sulphur oxides (SOx), 99% particulate emissions and up to 85% less nitrogen oxides (NOx).

This ship can accommodate 6 334 passengers and has 2 400 cabins, the ship has some amazing features which include an almost 100-metre LED screen running along the ceiling of the central indoor promenade – the longest and most spectacular LED dome at sea which has to be seen to be believed. It is literally jaw dropping.

That 100-metre LED screen. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

The MSC Euribia offers passengers a choice of 10 dining venues, 21 bars, five pools that accommodate over 1 000 guests, and one of the biggest waterparks at sea. The ship also has a theatre, gym and a Spa which features loads of new experiences.

Tiramisu. Sweet treats you can get on board. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

The vessel is also home to the MSC Yacht Club for the ultimate luxury experience which includes privacy and a 24-hour butler service.

MSC Cruises remains committed to the continued growth of the cruising industry in South Africa and the potential of the industry to making a positive impact to the local economy and the SA economy.

‘’This marks the official start of the local cruise season and as MSC Cruises we look forward to welcoming avid cruises and those new to cruising on board, throughout the summer. MSC Musica, the vessel that will service South Africa for the local season, will kick off her time on local waters on the 22^nd of November 2024,’’ noted Ross Volk.

Tour the MSC Euribia here:  

Take a Southern Sun Break in Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 5, 2024

Southern Sun has partnered with Durban Tourism as it once again cements a long-term investment in the City through a summer holiday activation aimed at bringing more tourists back to Durban and making the city South Africa’s top holiday attraction.

Southern Sun and Durban Tourism have partnered to promote Durban. | Photo: Supplied. 

Southern Sun and Durban Tourism are clearly dedicated to promoting South Africa’s beloved coastal hotspot, they are also aiming to rekindle excitement in this region which is full of diversity and must see destinations. There are convenient flights by South African Airways (SAA) from all the major cities in SA to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport which makes it very easy for tourists to reach the city’s well known attractions and beaches.

Durban has many beautiful beaches, a pulsing energy, plenty of historical sights, family-friendly things to do and a wide variety of accommodation within Durban. There is so much to offer in the City for local and international travellers.

The chandelier at the reception of The Edward. | Photo: Fred Felton

There are a wide variety of Southern Sun hotels in Durban so you have plenty of options. Along the Golden Mile some of their best hotels include The Edward which has that old world charm and is filled with pictures of Durban a long time ago. The hotel features a variety of room offerings and the presidential suite will certainly take your breath away. The hotel features sumptuous meal offerings from any type of Durban Curry to meat, fish and chicken dishes, desserts to die for and delicious drinks to cool you down after your beach swim.

A hotel room at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

Further down the Golden Mile you will find the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani where you have a wide variety of options of where you would like to stay. There are various options with beautiful sea views that show you all that Durban has to offer. This hotel also features many conference options for business travellers and for those that like to party the Sky Venue at the Maharani, features spectacular views.

The Grill Jichana serves Beef Fillet with pepper sauce along with shoestring fries, comes with onion rings and vegetables. | Photo: Fred Felton

For a tasty dinner try The Grill Jichana which is in the Elangeni. The Beef Fillet and the Lamb Shank are highly recommended. When you wake up in the morning, try out Vigour &Verve in the Maharani for a delicious breakfast. Their omelette is highly recommended. Here you can find any type of breakfast under the sun from fresh fruit to yogurts, eggs and bacon, sausages, muffins, pastries and so much more. There is of course plenty of fresh juices and most importantly coffee and cappuccino to get you ready for your big day out.

uShaka Marine World. | Photo: Fred Felton.

Dick King Statue. | Photo: Fred Felton

Segway Rides. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

If you prefer the finer things in life head further north to uMhlanga Rocks and there you will find the Beverly Hills where you can find fine dining, high teas, spectacular sea views and easy access to the uMhlanga Rocks promenade where you can walk each morning or afternoon. This hotel features the utmost luxury, hospitality and exceptional service. Here you can find complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, 24-hour in-room dining service, gym, a spa and more. The hotel is also the perfect spot for meetings and events. For dining try The Sugar Club and for cocktails head to Elements Café Bar. You can also pop by their Lounge & Vista Terrace for tea & coffee, the Vista Terrace is also perfect for dolphin spotting.

Beverly Hills Balcony Views. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

‘’Southern Sun’s legacy in the Durban region spans over five decades, and it’s a heritage we hold with pride. We remain fully committed to the growth and success of this beautiful region,’’ said Samantha Croft, Southern Sun’s Durban Region Operations Director.

Roasted Butternut and Feta Quiche at Beverly Hills. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

Start packing your bags for your next trip to Durban this summer, with Southern Sun’s SunBreaks Summer offer. You can enjoy relaxing on the beach, explore Durban and have some quality time with the family this December or January.

If you are looking for places to explore in Durban try out uShaka Marine World for a snorkelling experience that will take your breath away or why not try some Shark Cage Diving if you dare. They also have fun slides and an Aquarium. You can also book a Segway Ride at Moses Mabhida Stadium and enjoy scenic views of the beachfront.  Other options include the Rickshaw bus which takes you on an informative bus tour around Durban and you can even take a Rickshaw ride on the beachfront.  

‘’Our long-standing partnership with Southern Sun is built on a shared goal – promoting Durban as South Africa’s top holiday destination,’’ noted Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism.

Beverly Hills Cappuccino. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

This partnership between Southern Sun and Durban Tourism underscores not only the importance of collaboration in boosting local tourism but also the commitment to providing visitors, with unforgettable experiences in Durban. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Durban promises to deliver an enriching holiday experience.

For more information visit: https://www.southernsun.com and https://visitdurban.travel

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