City's Special Debt Relief Programme

 

If you are a residential or business customer of eThekwini Municipality you can take advantage of the City’s Special Debt Relief Programme.

If you have accumulated debt up to January 2025 you can take advantage of this programme until 30 June 2025. For residential and business customers with outstanding debt as at 31 January 2025 you may qualify for a 50 percent write-off of the total arrears amount owed provided the remaining balance of the arrears amount as at 31 January 2025 is paid up in full.

Any charges that are accrued from January 2025 onward must be settled in full. If you are unable to make immediate payment you will be eligible for a 6 month payment plan, without any upfront deposit if you cannot pay it.

For those customers whose accounts were affected by major water leaks, subject to certain conditions, they may also benefit from this programme.

Customers that have already concluded payment arrangements may apply for the Special Debt Relief Programme, if they are eligible.

Visit you nearest Sizakala Centre to find out if you qualify or if you need assistance with the City’s Special Debt Relief Programme.

The eThekwini Municipality will also be at the Coast of Dreams, Durban Exhibition Centre on 14^th and 15^th June to assist customers with the Special Debt Relief Programme.

For more info visit: https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/accounts_payments

 

Overload trips burden eThekwini Municipality's electrical infrastructure

THE MUNICIPALITY has had a challenging start to the year as numerous overload trips after load shedding have left several areas in eThekwini plunged in darkness. Overload trips are a result of in rush currents when power is switched back on. The unit's Medium Voltage / Low Voltage Operations Deputy Head Veer Ramnarain said the network was not designed to handle frequent switching on and off as load shedding demands. ''Under normal circumstances, our network would only get switched off and back on once every three years but lately this happens more than once a day depending on the schedule. This puts additional strain on the reliable operation of the network. The current heatwave has also not made it easy as it contributes to a higher occurrence of faults.'' Prolonged outages caused by overload trips do not just inconvenience customers, but further regress progress made on repairing electrical infrastructure previously damaged during the floods in April last year. Despite being inundated by such challenges, the Municipality's engineers and technicians continue to work hard to restore power and ease the pressure on the network. Customers are urged to switch off high load appliances such as geysers, stoves, and kettles during power outages and switch them on in a staggered or random manner when power returns. Cable theft is another challenge that is crippling the infrastructure. Multiple electricity breakdowns are mainly due to the theft of cable and connecting to the grid illegally. It has a negative impact on the municipality's communication network, electricity supply, and traffic services. The Head of Electricity Maxwell Mthembu said the theft of cables does not only deprive residents the supply of power, but it also interrupts the supply of water to the residents due to malfunctioning of water pumps. It is for this reason that some areas are constantly experiencing water outages, resulting in the malfunction of water pumps. Sewerage pump stations also use electricity to pump raw sewerage to our treatment works. In the event of cable theft in these stations, operations ground to a halt resulting in sewerage ending up to clean water resources. The public is urged to report any suspicions of cable theft to the nearest police station. Loadshedding schedule is available on the municipal website www.durban.gov.za 

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Umlazi rabies drive

THE Rabie Vaccination campaign headed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ended on a positive note in Umlazi last week. Pet owners were called to vaccinate their pets for free. The vaccination teams visited all sections in Umlazi to ensure that pets are prevented from the virus. In the past two years, the Municipality has seen a spike in positive animals. Human rabies tends to correlate with rabies amongst animals. Mop-up animal vaccination campaigns continue to be implemented to control the disease. Communities are advised to keep an eye on the city's social media pages to get dates and venues of the next Rabie campaign drive. 

Alert Level 3 Lockdown Regulations

 

As the City of Durban deals with the Covid-19 virus the President of South Africa has released the new rules which we all have to comply with during Alert Level 3 of the lockdown.

The eThekwini Municipality has released a handy guide to help you comply with these regulations. 

Please keep the following in mind:

1. All beaches are closed. However you can still walk or jog on the promenade.

2. Do not have parties at home and discourage visitors.

3. Wear your mask. It is now a criminal offence if you do not wear your mask.

4. Funerals can only be attended by up to 50 people. 

5. If you have a public transport business you can only allow passengers in if they are wearing a mask.

6. Sale of alcohol is not allowed and you are not allowed to transport it. 

7. Report to the police anyone disregarding the lockdown regulations. 

These rules have been put in place to help stop the spread of the virus. 

How The Durban Film Office is Empowering Women

This month is Women’s month and we celebrate all of the wonderful women in the community.

It’s almost time for the Durban FilmMart.  The Durban FilmMart has been a programme of the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry unit, the Durban Film Office in partnership with the Durban International Film Festival since 2009.

The Durban Film Office has played a key role in advancing women in the film industry. This includes appointing Toni Monty as the Head of the Durban Film Office and Durban FilmMart. They have also made sure there are many more women bringing Durban FilmMart to the film industry in Durban and Umhlanga.

One example is the inspiring woman and Durban resident Jacintha de Nobrega. She was recently appointed as the Deputy Chair of the Inaugural Board of the Durban FilmMart Institute.  

She represents SWIFT (Sisters Working in Film and Television) an NPO that advocates and lobbies for women’s equality in the television and film industry. 

Jacintha de Nobrega is the Deputy Chair of the inaugural Board of the Durban FilmMart Institute. | Image: Supplied

We managed to interview her ahead of Durban FilmMart:

What can people expect from Durban FilmMart this year?

This year's theme for the Durban FilmMart, presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute, is Brave New Cinema, as leading and emerging African film professionals gather in an online space, to benchmark themselves, learn from peers, pitch their ideas and projects and network, and collectively demonstrate their courage to tell their own stories. 

The DFM features a series of webinars with presentation conversations, panel discussions, case studies and pitching with many opportunities for networking and engaging. 

How is eThekwini Municipality helping Durban FilmMart out this year?

The 2020 Durban FilmMart is being managed by the Durban Film Office (DFO) on behalf of the Durban FilmMart Institute; The DFO is the film industry arm of the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development unit.

What do you do to personally uplift the film community in Durban?

I have been a film and television producer in Durban for the past 5 years and my focus has always been to empower and create opportunities for Durban based film professionals. My productions have always included skills transfer and mentorship and it's been rewarding to see these young people go on to have a career and grow in the industry.

Who are your role models?

Women who are breaking the ceiling in their respective industries, we have a unique ability to have compassion and tolerance and this is needed in business. Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand is someone I have much respect for today as she has proven that women are good leaders.

What advice do you have for young female filmmakers?

Study your craft and those of your colleagues and then find a mentor. Believe in yourself and trust your intuition, it's one of the most powerful qualities women possess.

What is it like to sit on the board of the Durban FilmMart Institute?

It is indeed a privilege and honour for me to serve on the inaugural Board of the Durban FilmMart Institute. The autonomy that has been afforded will lend itself to the unleashing of even more creativity and opportunities for African filmmakers and for the city of Durban to claim its rightful place as a leader in the industry and elevate it internationally as well. I am looking forward to working in earnest with my colleagues to achieve this objective during my term.

How has COVID-19 impacted on your life and the film industry in Durban?

Covid-19 has literally put a stop to my business but not my life. Filming is way too uncertain right now and the risks and financial implications are too high. Life has to go on and this time has been well spent working on developing projects and realigning my business.

How can men help to stop gender-based violence in South Africa?

In calling for consciousness I urge men to take stock of their actions in every way possible. By speaking up when they see any kind of sexual harassment and by teaching young boys to respect women. It starts at home and parents have the power to reframe how young boys treat women.

It’s Women’s Month this month. What words of wisdom do you have for Durban women?

This Women’s month comes at a crisis point for women in South Africa with the sharp escalation in gender-based violence. I urge women to support and build one another. Alone we are strong but together we are stronger. Be strong and be fierce! 

Inspiring words from this female filmmaker based in Durban.

 

The Durban FilmMart recently announced that it will be established as an independent institute functioning as a Non-Profit Organisation ahead of its 11^th edition in 2020.

 

“This had always been part of the business plan of Durban FilmMart since its establishment in 2009,” explains Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office and the DFM. “With the continued growth and expansion of the initiative, as well as the continuous increase in numbers of delegates, and submissions of projects in development, which have this year, surpassed any other in our 11-year history, the current structure has been outgrown, and sustainable long term strategies now need to be implemented.”

 

“Going forward the Durban Film Office will continue to support the DFM, and the Institute structure will allow possibilities for new partnerships and fundraising, that will ensure the growth and continued stability of the annual initiative,” says Monty.

 

The Durban Film Office and Durban FilmMart work to empower women and another example is by appointing South African arts administrator and project manager, Magdalene Reddy of Creative WorkZone, who has extensive experience in the film festival and market sector. She has been appointed as the project manager who will oversee the setting up of the institute ahead of the 2020 edition.

 

“Ms Reddy joins our team with a wealth of experience in governance and management in the Arts,” says Monty. “As a former senior administrator at the Durban International Film Festival, not to mention a string of other major international and national arts projects to her name, we believe that she is best placed to take this process forward with passion and integrity.”

The 11th Durban FilmMart (DFM) Virtual Edition takes place from 4 to 13 September this year.

The Durban Film Office continues to create awareness around gender-based violence. One such way is by featuring prominent filmmakers that deal with gender-based violence at Durban FilmMart. One example is Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahui (Rafiki) who will feature in DFM Conversations at DFM 2020 | Image: Supplied

“Going online has enabled us to extend our reach and include more filmmakers than ever before,” says Mandisa Zitha, Chairperson of the Durban FilmMart Institute Board. “The disruption of our world by the COVID-19 virus has led to innovation, as well as demonstrated the ever-increasing need for the creation of content. The DFM virtual space now offers filmmakers extensive opportunities to network, make connections with other filmmakers and industry professionals with whom they can collaborate, or build relationships and get down to the business of film. This we believe will provide a positive stimulus for the industry’s economy on the continent.” 

Ms Zitha is another shining example of how the Durban Film Office is empowering women to take their rightful place in high profile positions.

To register as a delegate visit: http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/Brave-New-Cinema-2020 

DFM is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute in partnership with the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality and other partners.

For more info on how eThekwini Municipality is helping your city out visit: www.durban.gov.za

How eThekwini Municipality is looking after the environment during the COVID-19 lockdown

While all of us stay at home and stay safe the eThekwini Municipality continues to help communities throughout the area.

This month we look at some of the ways the Municipality is looking after the environment during the lockdown:

The eThekwini Municipality is helping Green Corridors with community-driven economic and environmental solutions.

Jabulani Ngwenya and Sfiso Luvuno - Green Team community members from Johanna Road clear the waste from a litter boom on an Umgeni River tributary. | Image: Val Adamson

When the COVID-19 pandemic is finished there will still be many unemployed people. There will be many challenges for the government, NGO’s and the private sector. New ways to earn income are going to be essential if South Africans want to make a living.

It is for this reason that eThekwini Municipality funds and supports initiatives like Green Corridors, the NPO which has developed ‘green’ spaces around the Municipalities communities. The aim is to help them thrive in balance with the habitats around them. Hopefully these programmes will pave the way for communities to access economic opportunities that work hand-in-hand with environmental solutions.

Green Corridors has been working on innovations that deal with urban challenges such as waste and litter collection and the removal and repurposing of them. At the same time they are developing a model for the process to be community managed for the creation of small localized economies.

The KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre is one of the NPO’s pilot programmes.

Here a small team work with technical consultant project manager Jonathan Welch to find solutions to how waste can be repurposed and monetized. This process means the waste is removed and economic opportunities are provided for the community.  This helps the ecosystem and the community to improve and thrive.

Project Manager of the Green Corridor Beneficiation Centre in KwaMashu Jonathan Walsh (left) and Centre Manager Muzi Masuku (right) show Ward 44 Councillor Lindiwe Ncayiyana how the ''ocean pavers'' are made. | Image: Val Adamson

‘’Much of our waste is not recyclable in traditional ways,’’ said Welch. However thanks to help from Duncan Doo of Pyrolysis Group, Green Corridors is ready to begin manufacturing the ‘’Ocean Paver’’. This uses unrecyclable plastic waste that is collected from litter booms in the tributaries of the Umgeni River, which is mixed with crushed glass bottles collected within the communities and made into square pavers for walkways similar to concrete pavers used in landscaping and driveways. 

Durban North residents will be well aware of the litter that gathers in the Umgeni River. This litter boom might just be a solution for the litter problem in that river. | Image: Val Adamson

These litter booms are rubber booms that are slung across rivers to gather plastic and floating waste, stopping tons of plastic and waste from being washed into our ocean. The collection of this waste provides economic opportunities for communities to work.  The waste is used at the Beneficiation Centre.

The Centre works much like a ‘’laboratory’’ to see how resources can be used. ‘’We are now piloting a programme to see how these waste removal  and repurposing processes can be funnelled into creating employment for communities and provide revenue streams,’’ said Welch.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is also providing waste grass and cuttings to the Centre to create Bokashi (anaerobic i.e. non CO2 releasing decomposition) compost which can then be used in community vegetable gardens / schools / by the City for use in parks and green spaces.

The Centre is also using fibre harvested from invasive alien plants and combining it with concrete to make green pavers. They have also successfully used builders’ rubble encased in welded wire cages to make a gabion retaining wall. This can be used to stop erosion or create stability for slopes. This simple skill might just be able to help unemployed people create some sort of income by using very little finance.

‘’The programme has been funded and supported by eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Unit and the Roads and Stormwater Department as one of the endeavours to remove plastic waste from the City’s rivers and to create a circular economy by turning the plastic and glass waste into a product with value,’’ explains Garry Cullen, Project Manager in the Economic Development Unit. The Municipality has done tests on the Ocean Paver and found that they are twice the strength, resistant to chipping and slightly lighter than an equivalent concrete slab.

These products could just be a sustainable solution to take out waste from our environment, reducing the size of landfills and creating new sustainable small businesses that create much needed economic activity and jobs for unemployed people post-COVID-19.

For more info visit: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/

Keeping the City clean

During the lockdown period the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (DSW) has been hard at work doing high pressure cleaning in high density areas such as taxi ranks and the central business district. This can only be achieved when the public adheres to the lockdown rules and helps to contribute to a cleaner city.

Tips on what to do with your domestic and recyclable waste

The Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (DSW) provides you with these useful tips on what to do with your waste:

·         Residents are encouraged to start home composting in order to reduce waste that is landfilled.

·         Please only place your refuse outside your property on the normal collection day.

·         All waste coming out of a property where someone has been diagnosed with, or is showing symptoms of the Covid-19 virus, is to be double bagged in black bags.

Orange Bag Recycling Programme to open in June

Orange Bags are back from 1 June 2020 | Image: eThekwini Municipality

The Kerbside Orange Bag Recycling Programme will begin again on 1 June 2020.

Residents are encouraged to limit the amount of recyclables generated and to rather reuse or up-cycle or store recyclables on their properties.

The City would like to thank residents for using this programme and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For refuse removal enquiries, residents can contact the DSW Helpline on 031 311 8804

For more info visit: www.durban.gov.za

How to get funding for your business during the COVID-19 lock down

Has your business suffered during the COVID-19 lock down? Here are some places where you can access funding for your company or small business.

By Fred Felton

Apr. 10, 2020

Image: https://pixabay.com/users/FirmBee-663163

With the President of South Africa having extended the lock down to the end of April you might need to access some much needed funding for your business. Thanks to the government and various organisations there are various options for you whether it be a grant, a loan or a different selling outlet for your business.

Here are some of the options to look at:

COVID-19 SMME EMERGENCY FUNDING PACKAGE

This funding is provided by the Department of Small Buisiness Development, SEDA and SEFA. This funding is split between a Business Growth Facility, SMME Relief Finance and a restructuring of sefa-funded SMME’s. To access this fund you first have to register on the national SMME database. There   are a number of qualifying criteria which you need to be aware of when you apply.

For more info visit: www.smmesa.gov.za  or email info@dsbd.gov.za

You can also call the hotline on 0860-663-7867

IDC COVID-19 ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES INTERVENTION

The IDC is providing financing for a variety of companies involved in essential services especially emergency services. If you provide any of these products you can apply: Disinfectants, sanitizers, masks, test-kits, medical gloves, packaging, toilet paper, wipes, tissues, sanitary pads, cleaning materials, chemicals, approved drugs, ventilators and filters, nebulisers, hospital beds, oxygen, aprons, safety visors, various raw materials. There is a great deal of qualifying documents you will need to have.

For more info visit: https://www.idc.co.za/2020/03/24/idc-interventions-in-response-to-covid-19/

Email: callcentre@idc.co.za  or Call: 0860-693-888

NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT FUND MANAGING A R200M COVID-19 INTERVENTION FUND ON BEHALF OF DTI

This fund will assist manufacturers that deal in the following: health care related products. You need to provide valid or verifiable orders. The funds can be used for working capital or acquiring equipment. This fund is for majority BEE owned companies.

For more info visit:  Application Form

TOURISM RELIEF FUND FOR SMME’S

This fund provides a once-off grant for small micro and medium sized enterprises in the tourism sector. The fund is capped at R50 000. There are various criteria which you will need to qualify for. It is aimed at Hotels, Lodges, B&B’s, Guest Houses, Backpackers, Restaurants (not attached to hotels); Conference Venues (not attached to hotels); professional catering, attractions, Tour operators, Travel agents, Tourist guiding, Car rental companies and Coach operators.

For more info visit: https://www.tourism.gov.za/Pages/COVID19TOURISMRELIEFFUND.aspx

Email: covidrelief@tourism.gov.za

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE

Proudly SA is helping companies with supply chain problems at the moment and will be referring qualifying companies to the DTI for help.

For more info visit: www.proudlysa.co.za or email:  deryn@proudlysa.co.za

You can also join Proudly South African and load your products onto www.rsamade.co.za where clients can buy them. This gives you a platform for online shopping and ecommerce.

#ImStaying And Zapper Join Forces To Help Small Business

The #ImStaying Movement are working together to help out small business with vouchers and donations.

Jarette Petzer, CEO of #ImStaying says, ''The service is 100% zero rated, which means there is no cost to small business and no risk.''

Brett White, CEO of Zapper mentioned, ''We are extremely excited to be partnering with #ImStaying to spread the word and grow support for small business. They need all the help they can get.''

The way it works is that customers select a local business they would like to support in their area through the Zapper app. Donations and or vouchers go directly to the business.

For more info visit www.zapper.co.za 


#ImStaying Vouchers Food Vouchers Campaign

The #ImStaying movement have also launched a food vouchers campaign with BackaBuddy. All funds will be donated to members in need. The vouchers will be converted into shopping vouchers.

If you would like to donate visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/ivouchforyou

If you need a food voucher visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashtagimstaying 


ARTISTS RELIEF GRANTS 

BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) have a artists relief grant for creatives infected or affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It can help with income due to cancelled events or for medication or prescriptions. 

For more info visit: https://www.basa.co.za/home-page/growth/supporting-grants-2/artist-relief-grant/

VULNERABLE ARTISTS FUND

This fund is for visual artists that deal in the following mediums: Drawing, Printmaking, Painting and Sculpture.

To apply visit: https://artistproofstudio.co.za/pages/vulnerable-artist-fund?fbclid=IwAR2XN2QYazzUxwLiQlG-F--olsMEMZIKutQ4XU132Ck193BMjMnMLPPidNA


AGRICULTURAL DISASTER SUPPORT FUND FOR SMALLHOLDER AND COMMUNAL FARMERS

This fund is available via the Department of Agriculture for farmers.

For more info visit: www.daff.gov.za


SPAZA SHOPS AND GENERAL DEALERS SUPPORT SCHEME

The Department of Small Business Development has finalised an agreement to support Spaza Shops and General Dealers via a Khula Credit Guarantee Scheme of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).

Various support models are available.

For more info call 0860 663 7867 or email: Spazasupport@dsbd.gov.za


SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANT

This is for people who are unemployed during this time to help them through the lock down.
You must be over 18, unemployed, not receiving any income, not receiving a social grant, not receiving any unemployment benefit, not receiving a National Student Finacial Aid Scheme stipend and not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

To apply send a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 or email: SRD@sassa.gov.za.

You will need your ID number, name and surname as it is in your ID (and initials). Gender and Disability, Banking Details, Contact Details and Proof of residential address.

Sizakala Is Here To Help You

In March we celebrate Human Rights Month. The human rights of all South Africans are protected by the Bill of Rights. Some of our human rights include: Equality, Human Dignity, Labour relations, Access to information, Freedom of expression and Education just to name a few.

Access to information and Education are just some of the issues that Sizakala centres can assist you with. In case you are not familiar with them. The Sizakala centres are education and information venues set up by eThekwini Municipality to assist you with a variety of issues and matters.

Sizakala is an isiZulu word, which means, ‘Get Help’. This program has at its core customer care and satisfaction. These are core of the Batho Pele Principles. The eThekwini Municipality is committed to upholding the principles of developmental Local Government and providing equitable access to Government services to all its citizens, tourists and those that work in eThekwini.

Below are just some of the matters that the Sizakala Centre in Umhlanga can help you with:

Services Offered

1. Submission and approval of new house plans

2. General signage advertising of structure

3. Enforcement and prosecution

4. Rezoning of land

5. Sub division of land

6. Consolidation of land

7. General advertising and signage

8. Submission and approval of plans

9. Assessment of plans

10. Collection of plans

11. Buildings approvals

12. All enquiries related to planning

13. Cemetery servicers and Bookings for Red hill Cemetery

14. Vacancy application forms, new application for rates rebates, grant-in-aid forms

15. Commissioner of Oaths Servicers

16. Renewals of licenses disc

17. Changing of car ownership

18. Re-printing of approved existing plans

19. Issues proof of address

20. Any enquires related to ward 35community

21. Paying of all municipality bills

22. Muvo service

23. Printing of housing evaluation

24. E-careers servicers

25. General enquires of water, electricity, DSW, Rates

Address: 327 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga.

Contact details: Thobile Duma on 031-311-6084 or email: Thobile.Duma@durban.gov.za

At a recent media briefing we heard from Palesa Pitso, the Marketing Officer of Sizakala Centres. She informed us that they manage 35 Sizakala Centres and they intend to increase them as well.

‘’Now you can pay your water and electricity accounts in various places around eThekwini, you don’t need to come into town you can go to your nearest centre,’’ said Ms Pitso.

Below is a diagram courtesy of eThekwini Municipality showing you where the nearest one to you is: 

You can also find a Sizakala centre in KwaMashu.

Below are the services they offer:

Services Offered

1. Municipal Service Complaints Handling

2. Cash Receipts

3. Traffic Fines

4. Independent Electoral Commission

5. Business Licensing

6. Housing

7. Rates Enquiries

8. Municipal Service Account Enquiries

9. Value Assist

10. Business Support

11. E-Careers

12. Councillors Support

13. Expanded Public Works Programme

14. Commissioner Of Oaths

15. Environment Health

16. INK Area Based Management

17. Community Participation

18. Cemeteries

Address: Malandela & E1139, Ntombela Road, KwaMashu

Contact Person: Dumisani Ntetha on 031-309-3957 or email: Dumisani.Ntetha@durban.gov.za

Part of the Sizakala Centres are other smaller centres such as the Thusong Centres, First Stop Shops and One Stop Shops.

Thusong Centres deal with services such as Government services, Home Affairs, GCIS etc.

First Stop Shops are for information or complaints.

One Stop Shops are for a variety of services.

They also have Mobile Vans which services 6 wards.

They offer the following services:

1. General enquiries

2. Traffic fines queries

3. Storm water queries

4. Accounts balance enquires

5. Water/Electricity Faults reporting

6. Info on hall bookings

7. Ezasegagasini newspaper and application forms. 

Umhlanga Life asked various eThekwini residents if they had ever heard of Sizakala centres and this is what some them had to say:

‘’Yes I have,’’ said Unathi Msinga from eThekwini

‘’I don’t know anything about Sizakala centres,’’ was the answer from Linhle Mthembu.

It is for this reason that the Sizakala centres regularly have roadshows around eThekwini. They have some planned for later this year so look out for them.

Ms Pitso from Sizakala Centres is also committed to drastically overhauling the communications systems of not only Sizakala but also eThekwini Municipality so that there will be one line of communication in future and quick response times for customers.

‘’Sometimes complaints don’t go where they should. We would like to have a hub where we manage all complaints. We are also training our customer service staff and call centre staff. We need to improve our service standards,’’ noted Ms Pitso.

Contact details for Sizakala Customer Service Unit:

For complaints and queries:

Email: sizakala@durban.gov.za

Contact Number: 080 033 1011

For services and fault queries: 080 311 1111

For more information on the Sizakala centres visit: www.durban.gov.za

What to do in Durban

If you are staying in Umhlanga for the holidays at one of the many hotels or B&B’s you will find that there is plenty to do in Durban. There are warm beaches to explore, Ushaka, Suncoast Entertainment Centre and the Point Waterfront to name but a few. You might even find yourself learning how to surf or going for a stroll on the Durban Promenade.

While you are there you will find a wonderful transport system which can get you around the Durban Beachfront.

It’s called the People Mover Bus System in Durban and it will save you a great deal of money while you are here on holiday.

The People Mover Bus | Image courtesy: Go Durban

Here is some useful information about the People Mover Bus System. There are 23 Buses operating on 3 routes. They travel on a 15 minute frequency. They operate from 5am to 10pm daily and travel on a 20 to 30min frequency on weekends. There are approximately 30 000 passengers that use it each month.

Some of the People Mover buses have free Wi-Fi on board for you to use. The city is also looking at new routes in the future including possibly to Musgrave and also the Pavilion.

We chatted to some people around the city and asked them about the People Mover and this is what they had to say:

Addington Beach resident Cindy Polydorou had this to say:

What do you think about the People Mover?

‘’I like the bus as it’s comfortable, regular and easy to get around.’’

Did you know that the People Mover has free Wi-Fi on it?

‘’Yes I know about the Wi-Fi.’’

What do you use the Wi-Fi for?

‘’I use it for WhatsApp, Facebook and to check my emails.’’

Does anyone else in your family use the People Mover?

‘’My daughter uses it every day for school there and back.’’

Where do you go on the People Mover?

‘’I use it to get to the shops like Spar, Pick n Pay and also to places like Suncoast, Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and Grey Street.’’

Stephanie Rail from South Beach, Durban had this to say:

Do you use the People Mover?

‘’Yes, it gets me where I need to be along the beach.’’

Do you use the Wi-Fi on it?

‘’I don’t use the Wi-Fi. I don’t sit on my phone in the bus. I sit and read my book.’’

Where do you go on the People Mover?

‘’I go to North Beach for the shopping and restaurants, occasionally the casino complex.’’

A trip will cost you R5-50 which allows for one free change over at the transfer point.

You can also get a MUVO Card which is used on the buses. It’s like a smart card and you can load multiple trips on it. You can buy it all over the city.

For more info visit: www.muvo.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton