Positive response to new eThekwini App

THE new eThekwini Municipality App has been positively received by residents. Since it was announced in June, the app has been downloaded over 18 000 times, highlighting its immediate popularity. This user-friendly application, spearheaded by the Sizakala Customer Service Centre, is designed to improve residents' lives by providing convenient access to essential services. The app offers a streamlined approach for residents to register complaints and make service requests. This feature promises increased efficiency, transparency, and promptness in addressing the needs of communities. Key to the app's functionality is the directory of all municipal Councillors, enabling residents to identify and contact their local representatives. 

This innovative function aims to foster improved communication between residents and their elected officials, thereby enhancing community engagement. Beyond this, the eThekwini Municipality App offers a diverse range of services, including access to Municipal information, bill viewing, and direct payment options. This streamlined process is anticipated to simplify administrative tasks for residents, contributing to the greater convenience in their daily lives. The app can be downloaded from the Android Play Store for Android users and the Apple Store for iOS users. The App is currently not compatible with Huawei devices. Users of Huawei devices are advised to continue utilising eServices until compatibility is established. 

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Rabies outbreak alert

THERE have been reports of a rabies outbreak in various parts of the Municipality. Recently, a child in the area of Umbumbulu died after being bitten by a rabid dog. The Municipality has since embarked on a vaccination campaign  and is urging all dog and cat owners to bring their pets to a vaccination site in the area. The vaccination drive kicked off in Umbumbulu area on 17 August where the unfortunate incident occurred. 

The primary objective will be to address the issue and prevent further spread of rabies. Spearheading the effort will be the municipality's health teams and state veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, who will administer rabies vaccinations to pets in the community. Following the operation in Mbumbulu, a municipal-wide campaign will be launched to raise awareness about rabies. This campaign is especially significant as September is recognised as Rabies Awareness Month. Pet owners of dogs and cats are strongly urged to bring their beloved animals for a free rabies vaccination. By taking this proactive step, they can play a crucial role in curbing the transmission of the disease. The main objective of the rabies campaign is to promote understanding and knowledge among residents. It is important for individuals to be aware of the signs of rabies in animals which include fearfulness, aggression, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling and seizures. By recognising these symptoms early on, residents can take appropriate measures to protect both themselves and their pets from the deadly disease. 

Communities can contact their local environmental health office through the city's health unit on 031 311 3555 or they can contact the state vet on 031 322 6192. 

Vaccination schedules will be communicated in the municipality's social media platforms. 

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INK based residents invited to apply for eThekwini / NCI contractor development programme 

TO ENSURE the development of emerging contractors, the National Construction Incubator (NCI), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, invites interested construction companies to participate in the Construction Incubator Programme. 

The programme aims to promote the sustainable development of small to medium-sized contractors with a view to upskill and improve their CIDB grading designations over a period of up to three years. 

To be eligible to participate in the programme you must: 

• Be residing within the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) areas
• CIDB grades 1-5 
• Historically disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to apply. 

The programme will be categorised as follows: one to two (pre-incubation programme) and three to five (mainstream) for Classes of Construction Works. The programme constitutes of mentorship, training, and skills development support. 

Applications are open until 25 August 2023 at 4pm. 

To download application forms, see the requirements, and to gain a better understanding of the scope of the programme, visit www.natci.org.za or www.durban.gov.za and click on the business tab, then SMME Development, and then the INK incubator page. 

Alternatively, follow this link to download the application form to apply: https://bit.ly/3OmyAT0 

The contractor development advert is also advertised in the latest Metro Ezasegagasini which is accessible at Sizakala Centres and Municipal and Councillors Offices. 

Application forms can also be collected from the INK Incubator Office at 76 Bungezi Road, M-Section, KwaMashu. 

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli encouraged residents, especially young people, to grab this opportunity. 

Councillor Ntuli said since the INK Incubator was established in 2014, they have worked with the NCI to provide technical support to emerging contractors as well as mentorship and other business management training to increase their competitiveness and compliance. This has assisted contractors when bidding for work and has helped to ensure their sustainability. ''As the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee, we invest millions annually to the programme to ensure the development of local emerging contractors. Our investment is reaping the rewards as 300 contractors that have gone through the programme have gone on to create over 600 jobs and generate a combined revenue of  R15 million per year,'' he said. 

''Currently another intake is completing their three-year Contractor Incubation Programme which is why we are making this call out for new participants. We are confident that the current class is ready for industry and will contribute to job creation and local economic growth,'' Councillor Ntuli added. 

For more information on the programme, contact Samkelo Mahlaba on 068 561 0127 or email smahlaba@natci.org.za.

Alternatively, contact Lungile Ngubane on 031 311 4500 or email Lungile.Ngubane@durban.gov.za. 

Uber Launches New Product and Safety Features

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 14, 2022

Uber recently announced the launch of new product and safety features which will be live across various locations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), these features will be available in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivorie and Nigeria.

Kagiso Khaole, GM for Uber SSA. | Photo: Uber

‘’As we gear ourselves to mark our 10^th year anniversary next year, we are excited about moving into more cities enabling people to go anywhere and can get anything. Our commitment to raising the bar on safety remains relentless and we continue to work hard to grow the over 3 million earnings opportunities we have created thus far,’’ said General Manager for Uber SSA, Kagiso Khaole.

Uber will now be operational in 8 new cities; these include Owerri and Akure in Nigeria, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya and Tamale and Sunyani in Ghana.

As a way to help reduce expenses for riders and increase the demand for drivers, Uber is launching UberX Share in Ghana and Nigeria and Uber ChapChap Share in Kenya. Shared rides allow riders to save up to 30% of the trip fare when matched with a co-rider heading in the same direction and where a match is not possible, they will still be able to save 5% from the ride.

Group travel will also be introduced and with the launch of UberXL in Nairobi, Kenya, riders can now travel as a group with up to six people which is ideal for airport and business trips. In South Africa, riders can now reserve their group travel 30 days in advance with UberXL Reserve and Uber Van Reserve.

Uber Connect allows you to deliver parcels. | Photo: Uber

Uber Comfort will now also be available in Ghana and Uber Connect will soon be available in two additional cities in Nigeria. Uber Connect allows you to deliver parcels and the feature comes built-in with a PIN verification providing users security knowing that their package will be delivered to the correct person.

Uber has also taken the needs of riders into account by releasing new safety features.

‘’Safety is at the core of how we do business and we are proud to announce three new safety features to help improve the experience of users,’’ said Khaole.

These features include Audio Recording which will be tested in South Africa. This will allow riders and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in the case of a safety incident. This feature is being piloted in Pretoria and Johannesburg and will be rolled out into the rest of South Africa in Q4 2022.

Another safety feature being rolled out is In-app emergency service in Nigeria. Uber has partnered with Sety to provide on-demand security and medical response for riders and drivers. This will also provide access to a private security response unit.

The other safety feature released is Safety Check Up which will be released across SSA. This feature encourages riders to complete their safety profile and use features such as Trusted Contacts, PIN verification and RideCheck.

There will also be other innovations to look out for from Uber.

These include delivery innovations for Uber Eats by creating a virtual mall experience that goes beyond just food.

Uber Eats expanding. | Photo: Uber

‘’Other categories we have ventured into include convenience stores, pharmacy outlets, alcohol and retail and this shows us that the possibilities are endless,’’ says Cikida Gcali-Mabusela, Head of New Verticals for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa.

Uber Eats has also adopted the growing trend of dark stores, which gives non-traditional merchants opportunities to tap into unchartered markets that they wouldn’t have easily accessed.

You can find Uber Eats in South Africa and Kenya currently. ‘’With a 67% year on year growth of subscriptions on Eats, we are humbled and encouraged by expansion that we have seen in the South Africa and Kenya markets,’’ said Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya.

‘’The future of logistics and technology in emerging markets looks promising,’’ noted Kui Mbugua.

Uber is also looking to expand into other African countries.

‘’Expansion into other African markets is on the cards,’’ said Kagiso Khaole, General Manager for Uber SSA.

Uber also released some interesting stats about their business.

This year Uber completed its 1 billionth trip in Africa.

The most popular drop-off destination in Africa is OR Tambo International Airport.

The number one grocery item on Uber Eats is Albany Bread.

The largest order placed on Uber Eats was for R16 000.

The most searched for item on Uber Eats is Pizza.

Review of the Nando's App

This week I was invited by Nando’s to try out their Nando’s App which now also features a kerbside experience. Now you can order your meal on the app and when you get to your nearest Nando’s look out for the kerbside signs and park in their parking bays. One of the friendly Nando’s staff will then come out with your order and you are good to go.

The Nando's App | Image: Nando's 

When you place your order on the App you also give them your car details so they can look out for you when you arrive for your next Nando’s fix.

The free app is pretty refreshing and does not take up much space on your device.

You can download it from your nearest App store.

The first step is to sign up and you can enter your cellphone number and a juicy password. Then you should be good to go to order your meal.

Nice options in the menu section include gift cards, your nearest store and more.

Easy order interface | Image: Nando's 

All the favourites are there and some great specials. It offers you some great options right down to how many pieces you want your chicken cut into, whether you want it well done and even if you want the skin on.

Tasty options | Image: Nando's 

You can even choose how hot you want your chicken. Tasty options include Tangy Tomato, Lemon & Herb, Mozam Paprika, Mild, Hot and of course Xtra Hot for those that like to live dangerously.

A nice touch is that you can also see the nutritional info for each meal.

The Nando's Menu for reference purposes of course | Image: Nando's 

If you are a fan of Boujee bowls you will be delighted to see that Nando’s now have some tantalising options for you.

If you are wanting something for Family & Friends try the Full chicken with 2 sharing sides which works out great value. You can choose sides that include spicy rice, salads, Nando’s rolls, Chips, Coleslaw and more.

Schedule your delivery time | Image: Nando's 

I like the fact that you can schedule when you want to collect your order so you can organise your lunch or supper early in the day and pick it up on the way home. What a concept!

I also like the fact that you can select which Nando’s store you want to collect at and the App search function works pretty well in picking up your nearest Nando’s.

Once you have ordered you should also get a SMS confirming your order.

Payment options include card or cash which comes in handy.

Another nice touch is that if you want to collect immediately the App will give you an ETA of when your order will be ready.

When I arrived at my nearest Nando’s I didn’t have to wait long at the kerbside parking. A friendly Nando’s staff member wearing PPE, mask and more came out and even sanitized my hands before she gave me my parcel. She even asked me to check that everything was correct in the order which was a nice touch.

Hungry? | Image: Nando's 

So now you have a handy option for weekend meals. You can either use the Kerbside functionality on the Nando’s App or Website or through their call centre.

Simply order, drive to Nando’s and collect…without leaving your car. They bring your order to your car window. No more waiting in long queues.

 The Nando’s Kerbside Experience easy user guide

 All you need to do is:

 

            1. Download the Nando’s app on the Android or iOS app store (it’s FREE)

            OR

            2. Call 087 997 1955 to place your order for Kerbside collection

            3. Give them your car deets (Car make, colour and registration) so they know                     how to find you when you pull up

            4. Drive to Nando’s and follow their Kerbside signs

            5. Park at the Kerbside parking or as close as possible to Nando’s so they                        know where to find you

            6. They will meet you in the parking lot and bring your food to your car window.

In the spirit of social distancing, you don’t even have to leave the safety of your car. All their employees continue to follow the strictest hygiene and social distancing precautions by wearing masks and regularly sanitising their hands.

If that doesn’t work for you but you’ve been missing them, use the Nando’s Drive-Thru and takeaway services. So get in the car (or mask up and take a walk), put foot and get your PERi-PERi on! If you’d like to stay home, you can continue to order your food for delivery using the Nando’s app or use their partners Mr D, and Uber Eats platforms.

Budget Friendly Meals | Image: Nando's 

For those of you wondering how good a Nando’s meal is, well let me put it to you this way. Somebody tried to phone me while I was eating my Nando’s and I didn’t bother to answer. So yeah, it’s that good.

The app is certainly worth the download when next you want to order lunch or supper.

Unless you are chicken?

 

Rating: Highly recommended.

 

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Coming to Africa's Travel Indaba? Download the App

It is one of the largest tourism marketing events in the world. Thousands of people visit it daily. You are certainly going to need something to navigate around and decide where to go, what to see, whom to meet. It all happens from 2 – 4 May 2019 at the ICC in Durban, South Africa.

Image: Africa's Travel Indaba

Luckily for you the folks from Africa’s Travel Indaba have an App just for you. It’s going to become your best friend along the way.

Some of the things you can find on the App include:

·         Programme of events

·         Sponsors/Exhibitors/Media partners

·         Images and Videos

·         Floor plan

There is so much more you will discover on the App.

It’s available for Android and Apple devices.

You can download it on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

For more info visit: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Free breakfast or burger meal at any Wimpy Engen 1 Stop via the FNB App

South African road trips have become synonymous with Wimpy.

Travel itineraries for many families undoubtably include a stop at a Wimpy store to refuel and refresh – and with almost 50 Engen 1Stop forecourts with Wimpy restaurants countrywide filling up, in more ways than one, is definitely a little easier and convenient.

To help South Africans to love the journey just a little more, Wimpy has partnered with FNB. The introduction of FNB On The Go, will enable customers on eBucks level 2 or higher to redeem a breakfast or burger meal at any Wimpy Engen 1Stop outlet across South Africa via the FNB APP.

“A partnership with FNB on this initiative is a strategic move for Wimpy. Our wide footprint, deliciously affordable food and friendly table service paired with FNB’s solid background and extensive reach means we’ll be able to bring more families together to share special moments while they travel across the country and we are always happy to welcome new families into our Wimpy family,” says Jacques Cronje.

FNB On The Go is live on the FNB banking APP since Monday, 15 October 2018 and all eBucks Rewards clients that are on reward level 2 and above will automatically receive their very first Wimpy voucher which they can redeem at any Wimpy based in an Engen 1Stop along the country’s major transit routes. These Wimpy vouchers that are exclusively available on the FNB banking APP are valid for three months only and will expire every time a new voucher is issued.

Wimpy is looking forward to a successful rollout of the FNB On The Go initiative, positive uptake of Wimpy vouchers and welcoming FNB customers’ families into the Wimpy family, and helping them to create moments that are worth sharing while they trek across the country.

*Wimpy vouchers issued on the FNB banking App only valid for sit-down orders.

You can download the FNB banking App on the App Store or Play Store.

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Review of ShowMax

The good folks at ShowMax asked me to try out their new video on demand (VOD) service which launched recently in South Africa.

So just what is VOD? Well it’s certainly not like the good old days when it took you around 1 hour to rewind a video.  I remember those days with so much love.

Now you can have well over 10 000 hours in your pocket so to speak.

ShowMax is similar to products like NetFlix and DStv BoxOffice.

The ability to watch what you want when you want.

It’s available on various devices with an internet connection.  These include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and even Samsung and LG smart TV’s.

At the moment you can get some big TV shows like Game of Thrones, Entourage, The Wire and many more.  They also have a huge movie catalogue and even local African content.

John Kotsaftis, General Manager of ShowMax South Africa said: ‘We’re unashamedly ambitious in what we’re aiming to achieve with ShowMax.’

So how does it work?

I tested it out on an iPad using their App. 

The App is pretty simple to use and you can select an option from Movies, Series or a Watchlist.  If you get stuck there is a handy Help section.

You can also go directly to movies or series and select from various categories such as action, horror, comedy etc.

So will it take off in South Africa?

I tested it out using a Wi-Fi connection.  Certainly at present the speeds in South Africa are not the best but as more and more areas get rolled out with high-speed internet these types of services are going to take off.

I’m sure that South African Filmmakers will be checking out ShowMax as this service offers filmmakers a new option for distribution deals.

It also offers a different option for people who can’t afford satellite television options.

ShowMax is offering this service at R99 a month which is not bad.  That’s about the price of one good DVD.  You can have the service on 5 different devices. You can also watch two different streams on different devices simultaneously.

However don’t take my word for it, try it out yourself, ShowMax is offering everyone a 7 day free trial so you can check out the service for yourself.

You can find out more on www.showmax.com

Find them on Twitter @showmaxonline

#showmax

Have you tried ShowMax? Let us know what you think of the service on Twitter using @UmhlangaLife and the hashtag #showmax

(Image courtesy ShowMax)

Review by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Uber is creating a new way of getting around cities

Last week I attended a media round table where we got to meet Alon Lits the Uber Durban and JHB General Manager.  He released to us some new developments from Uber and we also heard from Drivers and Partners.

Alon Lits - General Manager Durban and Johannesburg Uber RSA

Lits explained that Uber acts as lead generation software for the drivers.

He also went on to clarify that you can use debit cards to book a ride. 

He also asked people to please rate their drivers as this is very good for quality control and helps make the whole Uber experience that much better each time.

Uber started in 2010 in San Francisco and is now in over 300 cities and counting.

South Africa was the first country outside of the USA where Uber had 3 cities.

Mr Lits showed us that Durban has seen good growth for Uber.

So far 2000 jobs have been created by Uber in South Africa.

Uber has also pledged globally to create 1 million jobs for women by 2020.

Here is a sample of the arrival times for Uber from when you book a fare:

San Francisco - 2.5 min

New York - 2.7 min

Johannesburg - 4.2 min

Durban - 4.5 min

Mr Lits also shared with us some of the interesting driver experiences: 

 A man once booked an Uber because he wanted to get to hospital and he felt that Uber was faster than an ambulance

            A lawyer uses Uber to get around and at the same time he does business calls in the Uber and he bills clients for that.  So people are now using Uber as a mobile office

Mr Lits went on to inform us that at present in Durban there is a moratorium on the operating licence for Uber as the City does not exactly know what Uber is.  He went on to tell us that they continue talks with the City in the hope that some agreement can be reached.

Here are some of the latest developments from Uber and what you can expect in the future:   

You can split fares with people when you book a fare 

EasyPay Outlets are now offering a Virtual Credit Card System so people without credit cards or debit cards can now book an Uber. 

Deaf people can use an Uber and the driver will be aware of this before they are even picked up.  

Look out for UberPOOL – this is similar to a carpool whereby you join with others to go in an Uber.  Mr Lits explained that you will have the benefit of choosing from your friends for example on Facebook.  People you know, not strangers.  This is all in an effort to reduce pollution.  This will be tested in Sandton later this year. 

UberEATS – you can request and order a burger or meal on demand.  

UberHealth – this was a partnership with Discovery whereby the provided a nurse who administered Flu Vaccines to people who wanted them.  

UberRUSH  – this is a type of courier service that Uber offers.  This is found in New York at the moment.  No word if it will be rolled out elsewhere. 

The drivers explained to us that they really enjoy working with Uber. 

At the moment you can take advantage of a great special that Uber has countrywide in June.  If you book an UberX you can get quite the discount.  For example from Durban to Umhlanga it will cost you around R116 one way.

Uber has seven cities in Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Joburg, Pretoria, Cairo, Nairobi and Lagos)

To request a ride, users must download the free application for Android, iPhone, Blackberry 7, or register for Uber at www.uber.com/go.

For questions visit www.uber.com/capetown | www.uber.com/johannesburg | 

www.uber.com/durban

From today you can also take advantage of this offer from Uber and Umhlanga Life.

If you are a first time user and sign up for Uber you can get your first ride free.

All you have to do is click on the link below:

https://www.uber.com/invite/uberUMHLANGALIFE

Fred Felton 

Twitter @fredfelton 

Review - Vodacom Smart Kicka - A Smartphone At A Smart Price

Last week Vodacom sent me the Vodacom Smart Kicka to have a look at.

I must say this is quite a surprise.  For those of you not informed about this phone, this is a entry level model for all of those who would like a smartphone.

Tech Details:

• 3.5" Touchscreen
• 2 MP rear camera
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• Browsing
• Bluetooth
• Email
• WiFi
• Apps 

In the box you should find the phone hopefully, a battery, a charger, a headset and a quick start guide.

So how well does it run? 

Surprisingly well, This is a full touchscreen phone so don't expect any keyboard on it.

(Image courtesy Vodacom) 

On top of the phone is your on/off button.   

Volume control is on the side of the phone. 

It features 3 buttons on the bottom of the phone.

The button on the left takes you back to your home screen.

The centre button is to close an app.

The right hand button takes you to wallpapers, widgets and settings, have fun there. 

The main screen has your time, date and widgets.  A useful feature at the top is a Google Search bar with voice searching as well if you prefer to shout out your search functions in a coffee shop maybe.

It also features a useful Data usage App if you care about blowing the odd 1GB now and again. 

Storage: 4GB

Support for a 32 GB SD Card.

It also has a nice App to show you what is using your battery.

You can also schedule the phone to switch on or off.  You switch your phone off sometimes right?

Some of the useful Apps you can find on the phone:

• A suite of Google products which include Chrome, Gmail, Google+, Maps, Play Music, Play Books, Play Newsstand, Play Games, Drive, YouTube and Hangouts.
• Vodacom Apps and My Vodacom and Vlive and more.
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Camera and Video Player
• Clock
• Facebook
• Sound Recorder
• Radio
• Notes
• Twitter
• Voice Search 

Are you ready for this?  This smartphone should set you back around R549. Unheard of for a smartphone.  As you can see Vodacom have certainly changed the playing field in the smartphone category. 

Rating: 8/10 

The Vodacom Smart Kicka is available at your nearest Vodacom outlet.  

Review by +Fred Felton 

Need to get around Durban? Try Uber

What is Uber?

Well Uber is a great new fast and reliable transport option for you in Durban.
Available all over the world and now also in South Africa.

It all works with an app.  You download it for your device and request a driver.
You can also track where they are on a map while you wait.
Pick up time is very fast and they are striving to make it even faster.

They have a whole range of vehicles to choose from to fit your budget.

Check them out here - https://www.uber.com/
You can also find them on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Uber_Durban
Find their App in your App Store, just search for Uber


The good folk at Uber have given Umhlanga Life Readers a nice special.
All you have to do is use the promo code UMHLife and you get 
R150 off your first 2 trips if you are a new Uber user.

How cool is that!

So check them out.  A great option for you during this festive season with all the parties you will be going to.

Article by +Fred Felton
Images courtesy of Uber