GO! Durban Cycle Academy                      develops young people 

The GO! Durban 

Cycle Academy 

has significantly 

impacted the lives

of young people

through its dynamic youth development programmes since it was started. The Academy was launched in

2016 as a joint initiative between eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA)

and Green Corridors, which promotes a clean environment. It provides free  cycling training, academic support, and life skills opportunities to youth at four sites in the heart of communities in Inanda, Chesterville, KwaDabeka, and KwaMashu. The Go!Durban Cycle Academy began as a pro-active way to encourage a culture of active mobility within communities that don't usually have access to cycle training and equipment, as well as promoting the care of the environment. Now the largest cycling development programme in South Africa, the Academy has 400 beneficiaries between the ages of six and 18 years. Talented riders are recognised and selected to participate in provincial and national events based on technical ability as well as their school academic results according to the 'no pass, no race' rule. One of the young cyclists, Sfundo Dlamini said being part of the Academy has changed his life for the better. ''I have made friends here. My confidence and performance on the track and at school has improved because there are extra lessons offered,'' he said. Although the academy was introduced under the non-motorised transport strategy to promote cycling and caring for the environment in communities, it has since evolved into a well-rounded youth development programme that now incorporates musical theatre academy where youth are enrolled in singing, dancing and acting classes. Recently 10 students from the GO! Durban Academy in Inanda received their national colours at the South African Championships of the Performing Arts (SACOP) held in Rustendburg, in the North West. They returned home with a tally of 20 medals (15 gold, four silver and one bronze). They also won the highest award of the competition, the Grand Champion Group Award. Futhermore, they have all qualified to be part of Team South Africa to represent the country at the World Championships in Los Angeles in July 2022.

For more information: 

cycle@godurban.co.za  

TO MITIGATE the effects of climate change, the Municipality's Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) Unit in partnership with Bright Future Special School participated in a tree planting campaign recently. The campaign was held under the theme 'Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being' and aimed to create awareness on the importance of planting indigenous trees. The initiative of planting helps to address climate change. The Municipality has several tree planting activities being implemented to educate the public on the role trees play to protect the environment. The Municipality partnered with the school to equip children to become environmental ambassadors. Bright Future School Principal Sipho Nkosi said the partnership is a way to involve learners with special needs in community projects. ''Being part of community projects helps them to feel accepted while gaining skills. The school has also partnered with waste management companies for learners to understand proper waste management,'' he said. 

One Home, One Garden for food security

TO IMPROVE food security in communities, the Municipality's Agri-Ecology Unit recently distributed garden starter kits to 10 families in ward 82 in uMlazi. The handover was done under the banner of One Home, One Garden. The donated kits included a garden fork, hand hoe, wheelbarrow, steel rake and a watering can. Families also received compost as well as beetroot, spinach, beans, carrot, tomato, and butternut seeds. The programme aims to provide vulnerable families with a livelihood intervention by providing household garden essentials to start their own gardens.'' Agro-Ecology has strategies such as the One Home, One Garden programme to eliminate food insecurity and can be a means to provide an income. The  programme promotes food security and sufficient and sustainable food production by enhancing the development, implementation and adoption of sustainable ecosystem-based systems coupled with improved food systems and climate resilient farming methods. The Agro-Ecology Unit will also provide permaculture training to the families. They will also be taught to grow crops on various mediums such as trench beds, vertical gardens, tower gardens and tyre gardens depending on the capacity of the yard and/or the location. A beneficiary, Andiswa Zulu, 40, applauded the initiative. She has started her tyre garden and is growing three types of vegetables. 

Celebrating the inroads made by eThekwini women

 

Celebrating the inroads made by eThekwini women

 THE month of August is celebrated nationwide as Women's Month. It is born out of the historical and monumental events of 1956 when over 20 000 women marched against unjust pass laws. This year's commemoration of the fateful day come at a time when eThekwini is reeling from the aftermath of the recent civil unrest. 

As efforts to rebuild communities, families, businesses, and the City get underway, it is evident that the women of 1956 have multiplied. EThekwini women from all walks of life have shown similar resolve to those of yesteryear, to get eThekwini back on track. They have initiated or joined initiatives to clean-up, feed the hungry and continue to play a pivotal role in rebuilding the City.

GRANT-IN-AID

Women in eThekwini have been in the forefront of building communities for a long time. When the Municipality launched Grant-In-Aid (GIA) in 2002-an initiative that provides support to organisations that improve the standard of living and quality of life in local communities-women dominated the number of community building initiatives that applied for funding.

In the past financial year (2019/2020), the Municipality, through its GIA programme funded non-profit organisations (NPOs) to the tune of R5.6 million. Interestingly, out of the 111 wards up for consideration, 60 of the beneficiaries were organisations run by women. 

The sectors that are supported are: early childhood development, social welfare, economic development, skills development, sports, arts and culture as well as faith-based organisations.  

Measures put in place for organisations to qualify ensure accountability, fairness and that communities really benefit.

Applications are advertised in newspapers, radio stations and social media platforms in March. The partnership between eThekwini and NPOs is crucial as these organisations are considered the ears and eyes of the Municipality.

AGRI-BUSINESS 

The difficulties presented to communities by the  Covid-19 pandemic and the unrest have given some women an opportunity to start businesses to fill in gaps presented by the lockdown and closure of most shops. We have witnessed emerging farmers, some supported by the Municipality through its Agri-business Unit, step up in the quest for food security.

The Municipality’s Agri-business initiative seeks to grow the economy by improving the productivity of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the agriculture business value chain. It has over seven percent of female farmers registered with it. The sector plays a huge part in food security, especially in the aftermath of the July unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, Council approved and adopted the eThekwini Agribusiness Master Plan which proposed five key commodities which the Municipality will focus on for the next 10 years. These are vegetables, sheep, broilers, cannabis and piggery.

The agri-business sector provides key services to emerging farmers such as business advice, advice on mentorship and extension, technical advice on business planning and financial management, support for access to markets and incubation. These services ensure the development and sustainability of farmers operating in the agricultural value chain, especially with the five commodities mentioned above. 

Soup kitchens are another intervention by the Municipality to fight poverty and create jobs. Once again, women of eThekwini have raised their hands to offer their services. Out of the 81 operating soup kitchens, about 75 of them are supervised and run by women. Besides the co-ordinators, there is also employment for 715 women who cook, serve meals and drive to deliver the food to feed people who are poverty-stricken. This is another level of women nurturing and building their communities. Soup kitchens are operated daily. There are many other Municipal interventions to uplift and empower women to have a stake in the in the economy. 

EMPOWERING WOMEN

As per the amended Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) of 2017, women have been classified as one component of the targeted groups in terms of the Contract Participation Goals (CPG) implementation on projects. This means that any tender worth more than R30 million, 30 percent of it will be subcontracted to targeted groups which includes women. Municipal line depatments are also encouraged to set aside a budget for contracts which will be advertised specifically to target group-owned entities, through the Municipality's Supply Chain Management. Targeted groups are entities which are 51% or more black owned and its ownership is composed of women, youth, military veterans and people living with disabilities. In the last financial year, the Municipality awarded work to the tune of over R1.1m to these groups. 

Internally eThekwini Municipality has also risen to the challenge of ensuring that women are in the forefront of empowerment and leadership through its many endeavours and programmes. These interventions include, amongst others, the Employment Equity Policy.

The Municipality started to prioritise gender equity soon after the promulgation of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. The Municipality has many success stories to tell about women empowerment. There has been an increase of female representation in clusters that were previously dominated by men. 

It is projected that by 30 June 2022, there will be a 45.43% female representation at the top three management levels and a total female representation of all occupational levels of 43.12%.

It is through such endeavours that the Municipality earned the Standard Bank Top Women Award in 2020 and more recently the Top Empowerment Award at the prestigious Oliver Top Empowerment Awards. This award recognised the Municipality for its unfailing vision and innovative leadership which positively impacted women in the country especially during the pandemic. 

Ethekwini's 2019/20 Financial Year Budget Adopted

The call made by President Cyril Ramaphosa of “Thuma Mina” together with an emphasis to action local government’s mandate, resonated throughout the final Budget speech 2019/20 delivered by Mayor Zandile Gumede. The City’s R50.6billion consolidated budget was presented at a sitting of full council, on, 29 May 2019 at City Hall.

“A lot has been done and we are proud of the progress we have made. The most important thing is that we are transforming lives and impacting communities. Our democracy

is growing.”

Gumede outlined the plans for the City going forward including the catalytic projects that will transform the Durban’s landscape and promote future growth and development.

“The catalytic projects planned for the City will have a huge economic and social impact. This will be measured in terms of the number of jobs created and how it supports mixed-use development by integrating commercial and housing needs, which will generate additional income through rates,” said Mayor Gumede.

The budget is a direct response to the call from communities who participated in the two-month long draft budget consultation process.

“They came out in their numbers during our budget hearings. We must not disappoint them by asking them to contribute and later ignore their requests. Our people are not asking for much, they want simple things like speed humps, fixing of potholes, streetlights, passages and cleaning of their areas.

If we want our people to trust us on bigger things, let us deliver on these small things. We want less workshops and talk shops but actual delivery. We have spoken and strategised for far too long, now it’s time for action. We have a lot of theories and documents on our table, but less action” added Gumede.

The budget speech also highlighted the progress made through the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) framework through execution and monitoring of RET projects.

The Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET) programme was another success brought to light that is now integrated in the structure of the organisation, with the approval of the RASET Agribusiness Department organogram.

In terms of the City’s economic development, Gumede outlined the Shape Durban initiative which is the new inclusive economic growth plan that the municipality has developed. It is a five year partnership that aims to build a stronger and more inclusive economy through concrete interventions.

The municipality has also appointed “Team Durban” that will provide strategic foreign direct investment advice and support to the city and act as a sounding board for council leadership and the new Invest Durban Unit on business and investment promotion matters.

Further, the Municipality's Investment Promotion Strategy and Implementation Plan is an integrated approach that will allow for the majority of our local citizens to access public transport, goods and services in a cost-effective and efficient manner and to also to respond to growing the City’s rates base. This will enable the City to meet the local socio-economic obligations.

In her address Gumede welcomed the announcement made by newly appointed Premier, Sihle Zikalala on the continuation of the provision of houses and ensuring a sustainable livelihood to all.

Over the next few years, the Province has promised to deliver no less than 125 000 units. One of the major focus of the Premier’s administration will be to develop and implement a clear plan to provide houses to all people who reside in transit camps.

BUDGET FOR 2019/20

The budget aims to facilitate and ensure the provision of infrastructure, services and support. The budget is expected to create an enabling environment for all residents to utilise their full potential and access opportunities. “This is action budget, it an implementation season, an age of Thuma Mina! We want action that is our emphasis,” said Gumede.

“The budget supports the City’s commitment to broadening service delivery, attracting investors and expanding investment in infrastructure, within the current constrained economic environment we are currently experiencing.”

The Municipality has identified priority areas to be addressed during the 2019/20 financial year to ensure immediate measures to reignite development and structural reforms over the medium term in line with the strategic vision outlined in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

The Capital expenditure is budgeted to rise to R 7.9 billion in 2019/20 and is allocated to meeting infrastructure and household services needs and backlogs over the medium term. About R 3.7 billion of this is directed to new housing developments and interim servicing of informal settlements.

SOCIAL PACKAGE

As a caring City, provision has been made for residents who are unable to pay for basic services. The City’s social package of R 3.9 billion for 2019/20 is partially funded by the Municipality’s equitable share allocation of R 3.2 billion from national government. The basic social package aims to help more vulnerable residents by supporting them with basic services and also by providing them with rates relief in the form of rebates or discounts. This is an affirmation of the Municipality’s commitment to push back the frontiers of poverty by providing support to residents who cannot afford to pay, because of adverse social and economic realities said Gumede.

The social package is outlines as follows:

Assessment Rates

Residential Properties valued up to R 230 000 will be exempt from paying rates. All other properties valued above R 230 000, the first R 120 000 no rates charged.

Pensioners, child-headed households, disability grantees and the medically boarded are exempt from paying rates, with the maximum rebate not exceeding R 4 373.

No rates levied on the first R 30 000 value of vacant land and Outside the Urban Development Line

Water

The first 6kl of water is free to households with property values under R 250 000.

Electricity

The first 50kwh of electricity is free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in Eskom reticulated areas.

The first 65kwh of electricity is free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in eThekwini reticulated areas

Refuse Removal

Residential property valued up to R 250 000 exempt from domestic refuse removal tariff. In addition, a free basic refuse removal service is also available to indigent consumer units living in rural, informal settlements and non-kerbside residents.

Sewerage/Sanitation

The first 6kl of effluent disposal is exempt for all properties with values under R 250 000. In addition, a free basic service is also available to indigent consumer units with VIP’s, urine diversion toilets and in informal settlements serviced by means of a toilet/ablution block within 200m.

TARIFF INCREASES

As a caring city, every effort has been made to cushion the ratepayers and customers under the current state of the economy. The rates increase of 6.9% is about the lowest in the country, especially when compared to Johannesburg (11.7%) and Cape Town (averaging about 9% revaluing of properties)

The electricity tariff increases of 13.07% are an indicative increase due to the 15.69% increase expected from Eskom. However, should NERSA further review the Eskom increase, the City will also review the tariffs.

Water tariff increase of 15% for domestic consumers and 15.5% for business are based on the Umgeni Water Board increase of 9.6% and takes into account the additional capital expenditure on Water in terms of the rollout of the Western Aqueduct, huge urbanization increase trends, provision of ablution facilities, as well as free basic water. The sewer tariff has been contained to 9.9% despite similar challenges to water in terms of increased service delivery demands, capital expenditure, ablution blocks and additional servicing of pit latrines.

The 9.9% refuse tariff increase is due to additional areas being serviced, additional cleaning of the beachfront, CBD, and townships, and hence the increase above CPI could not be avoided.

JOB CREATION, SKILLS, POVERTY ALLEVIATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Through township renewal projects, the City has succeeded in bringing economic opportunities and job creation closer to the people.

The 2019/20 budget makes provision for the continuation of following projects:

- A capital budget provision of R9m, and an operating budget of R6.8m has been made for the Agri-park in the 2019/20 year. To create 19,925 jobs over 5 years.

- The Zibambele Programme (R 101 m) benefits over 6 500 of the City’s most destitute citizens

- Sihlanvimvelo stream cleaning (R 39.7m) – over 500 jobs created.

- 1 500 caretakers employed at ablution facilities with a further 70 to be employed as further ablution facilities are completed

- 1 600 people employed by DSW utilizing the EPWP grant. Target to create 25 855 work opportunities.

- Use of 1 483 plumbing contractors on a rotational basis to undertake water related services

- 17 major contractors employing about 1 800 people for refuse removal services

- 140 community based contractors utilized in the roll out of rural water and sanitation projects

- A provision of R 87.7 m has been made to increase the number of soup kitchens from 74 currently to 92. The main aim is to have 1 soup kitchen per ward. About 450 beneficiaries are served in each soup kitchen site.

- 426 Agro Ecology community gardens. Total Agricultural Operational Budget of R 31.3m. Total Agricultural Capital Budget of R 19,8m

- Youth Development initiatives for the 2019/20 year amount to R 6.2 m trainee and graduate trainee bursary/loan student programs. In addition there is provision of R 19.5 m in respect of other youth development initiatives.

- 10 graduate engineers employed under the Water mentorship program

The following have been achieved through the eThekwini Municipal Academy (EMA) and has benefitted a number of young people:

- Work experience training to 1 118 students

- Apprenticeships – 801

- Skills Programmes – about 1 077 learners have benefited

- Learnerships – about 371 learners

- Bursaries awarded to 120 students

- Financial relief to 138 students towards their university fees

- We have rolled out 31 Career Expos and 30 Life Orientation educators trained

- Our Career Expo and Youth Employability indaba attracts more exhibitors and visitors from schools, communities, corporate and government entities.

- Successful Girls Leadership Camp in Ntshongweni Dam last year.

CLIMATE CHANGE

In response to climate change and in light of the recent devastating floods the City will implement tangible initiatives to protect its citizens as well as its economic investments.

The City’s Disaster Management and Emergency Control operates on a 24/7 basis to provide services in terms of Disaster Management Operations, Emergency call taking,

Dispatching of all Emergency Services, CCTV monitoring and programs such as risk assessment and risk reduction interventions.

A provision of R10m has been made in the operating budget for additional staff and general expenses and a further provision has been made in the Operating budget for

R9,3m for additional Fire and Emergency staff.

Gumede concluded her address by reaffirming her commitment to work together with all stakeholders and make eThekwini the best city to live in.

The Municipality's budget for the 2019/20 financial year was approved by Council.

Advertorial

Emirates' First Class Suite Lands in Durban

Last week I was invited by Emirates to experience their new First-Class cabin in Durban. It was quite the experience. We were whisked around King Shaka International Airport to an Emirates plane that had the latest First-Class cabins. This is something that Durban travellers can now experience.

Emirates has introduced its First-Class cabin in Durban in conjunction with the airline’s seasonal frequency increase of four additional flights a week, bringing the airline’s award-winning, luxury travel experience to the coastal city.

During the seasonal increase from 14 June to 04 August 2019, travellers to and from Durban can enjoy the Emirates’ First Class cabins on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER.

Staff from King Shaka International Airport and from Emirates welcome the flight | Image: Emirates

The aircraft will operate the additional flights in a three-class cabin configuration, offering eight seats in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Fouad Caunhye, Regional Manager of Emirates Southern Africa, said, “As we approach 10 years of operations to Durban, introducing our award-winning First Class experience is a milestone in our history of operations to the city. Travellers will have an opportunity to experience the luxury product offering the Emirates is so well-known for, whether they are heading to Dubai or as they connecting to popular destinations across our network including India, UK and the Far East.

Over the years we have seen Durban grow into the thriving metropolis it’s become, from its busy port facilitating global trade, to developing a vibrant culture and distinctive landscape, the city has become a hub for both trade and tourism. The seasonal frequency increase is a result of the growing demand for travel in and out of Durban,” Mr Caunhye continued.

Emirates has also launched a new menu for Durban. Travellers can now enjoy Durban’s famous Bunny Chow on flights. I also had a sample of the Peri Peri chicken dish on offer and it is worth enjoying. I also like the fact that they have paired meals with local South African wines.

Here is what you can expect:

New menu for Durban

From June, Emirates has also launched a new menu on this route; the revamped menu will consist of some local specialities in all classes to showcase the diverse culture and strong Indian influence from the city of Durban. Some of the food on offer include: Peri Peri chicken with sweet potato carpaccio, Tandoori Prawns with spiced pineapple salad and curry mayonnaise, and Durban classic Lamb Bunny Chow with traditional garnishes just to mention a few. Additionally, Emirates’ long-standing relationship with wine producers from all over the globe has allowed the airline to have access to exclusive wines - adding to their impressive wine collection. Some of the South African wineries served onboard include Ken Forrester, Porseleinberg, Klein Constantia, Waterkloof and Boekenhoutskloof.

Your own bed | Image: Fred Felton 

Emirates First Class is exactly that. First Class luxury. From comfortable suites to your own bed when you sleep. That’s right you read that correctly. Your own bed when you have to sleep. Between all the in-flight entertainment, mini-bar and so much more you might not have time to sleep.

Here are some of the features in First Class:

Emirates First Class

The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER offers First Class passengers a private suite with seats that recline to a full-flat bed and a personal electrically-controlled mini-bar. Features also include touch screen Wireless Integrated Passenger Seat Controllers for Emirates’ in-flight entertainment (ice) and seat functions, as well as a 32” HD LCD screen. With electrically-operated privacy dividers, First Class suites offer passengers maximum exclusivity – even from an adjoining suite.

Passengers flying in First Class can indulge in luxuries like Voya skincare products, exclusive to Emirates, as well as the world’s first moisturising sleepwear. The new pyjamas for First Class travellers use Hydra Active Microcapsule Technology to keep skin soft while flying. Passengers on long-haul flights also receive amenity kit bags designed exclusively by Bulgari.

All flights have on board Wi-Fi as well.

USB input for all the tech lovers | Image: Fred Felton

Passengers in every cabin class can access more than 4 000 channels of visual and audio entertainment on the airline’s award-winning ice system that features the latest movies, music, audiobooks and games. There are also family-friendly products and services for children on board, including complimentary toys, kids’ meals and movies, priority boarding for families and the use of free strollers at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Travellers can also enjoy a variety of proudly South African wines and other South African foods such as tasty ostrich meat, Rooibos tea and local cheeses on board Emirates flights.

First Class Features | Image: Fred Felton

Travellers from Durban here is a special offer just for you courtesy of Emirates:

Durban First Class offer

Travellers out of Durban can now enjoy the award-winning Emirates First Class experience at Business Class fares for the duration of the four additional weekly flights between 14 June and 04 August 2019. Passengers can experience true luxury in their private suite on board TripAdvisor’s Best First Class experience in the world.

In South Africa, two of the four daily Emirates flights to Johannesburg are served by the iconic Airbus A380 to cater to the growing demand for the airline’s successful, customer-orientated experience. Emirates also operates two daily flights to Cape Town and a daily flight to Durban using Boeing 777s.

To book, or for more information and terms and conditions, please visit https://www.emirates.com/za/english/ or visit the local Emirates office or your travel agent.

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Review of BON Hotel 64 On Gordon

This month I was invited to review the BON Hotel 64 on Gordon in Durban.

This hotel is part of the BON Hotels group. As the name states 64 on Gordon is situated at number 64 Gordon Road in Durban. This is quite centrally situated close to Florida Road and also Windermere Centre. If you like walking you should easily be able to do the walk to Moses Mabhida Stadium, Suncoast Casino and of course Durban Beachfront. From there you can grab a People Mover to get to Ushaka Marine World.

If you need to get to the ICC or Musgrave Centre you can grab a Uber or get a Mynah bus which you can catch near Windermere Centre or in Florida Road.

If you like the night life then head on over to Florida Road which has a variety of restaurants, clubs and entertainment. For coffee lovers Starbucks is also in Florida Road. Just saying.

Now that you know what is nearby I’m sure you want to know about the hotel.

The hotel features that old world charm and you will quickly fall in love with it. Featuring bright red steps and red doors you cannot miss it.  The staff are friendly and happy to assist with any queries.

The hotel room we stayed in was clean and fresh. It features a comfortable double bed with enough room for 5 people. Soft pillows, air conditioning, tea and coffee station, bathroom with all that is needed. A refreshing shower when you need it. The hotel room also has a work station which is great for those business travellers. If you need a break you can always step out on to the balcony and sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Due to the huge amount of trees around the hotel you can be assured of a rich supply of oxygen.

The room also features a TV with DSTV and for tech lovers you will be happy to know that the hotel features complementary WIFI. Just ask the receptionist for your pin.

PL8 is the hotel restaurant and this is the place to go for some tasty food. Breakfast is served from 6h30 – 10h30. Lunch is served from 12h00 – 16h00. Dinner is served from 18h00 – 21h00.

The night we stayed there I had the Sirloin Steak with chips and salad for dinner. It really was well cooked and tasted delicious.

My partner had the hake fillet with chips and salad. I had a bite and it melts in your mouth. A feast for your tastebuds.

For breakfast the next day we had a selection of their fruit salads, yoghurts, cereal and their omelette which features a variety of fillings. We had onion, cheese, bacon, mushroom which tasted amazing together. Compliments to the Chef on the mushrooms they tasted great. Various fruit juices are on offer and of course bottomless coffee. 

The hotel also features a conference room which can have up to 30 people for a small conference or meeting. They have some great specials at the moment for conferences. 

The hotel also has a loyalty programme called BONami. You get 20% off of nominal rates and 5% off at special rates as well as up to 50% dining discounts at most of their hotels. You also get a voucher booklet worth R16000 in free accommodation and meal vouchers and more for a once-off payment of R600. Now that is what I call value for money. You can sign up at reception.

Useful Info:

Address: 64 Gordon Road, Morningside, Durban.

Telephone: +27(0)313128907 or Central Reservations: 0861 266 222

Email: reception@hotel64ongordon.co.za

Website: www.bonhotels.com/64ongordon

Look out for their specials at: https://www.bonhotels.com/64ongordon/specials

For those of you that can’t get to Durban the Bon Hotel Group also has hotels countrywide and even in Africa.

Rating: Highly recommended

Review and Photography by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton