Progress to restore water services in communities

SANE SHANDU AND

MLUNGISI DLAMINI

Arrangements to rebuild the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant that was submerged in water during the recent floods are at an advanced stage. This was revealed during a community engagement with oThongathi residents and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala and eThekwini Deputy Mayor Philani Mavundla on 7 May. The meeting was to discuss solutions to the ongoing interruption of water supply in the area. OThongathi is one of the areas in the municipality still without water after the recent flood damaged water infrastructure. It was among the hardest hit areas where major infrastructure was damaged. During the engagement, residents were assured that the area remains a priority in terms of water supply. Premier Zikalala and Councillor Mavundla conducted an oversight visit of affected areas in eThekwini which included the oThongathi Treatment Plant. They were happy that water services in most areas have been restored. In areas with an interrupted water supply, repairs were underway. Premier Zikalala said while progress to restore water in areas has been made, much more work needs to be done. ''Teams are relentlessly working to ensure water supply is restored. We appeal to communities to be patient and work with government while repairs are underway,'' he said. The municipality is fast-tracking the reconstruction of the oThongathi Water Treatment Works to ensure it is completed as soon as possible. ''The Municipality has given the green light to start work at the plant which will take five months. While we are working on this, we have intensified the provision of additional water tankers, 42 static tanks, and a package plant,'' said Councillor Mavundla. He appealed to the community to be understanding and not to burn tyres or block roads in protest. ''We understand their frustrations about water supply, but we are doing the best we can to provide water.'' Councillor Mavundla will have regular meetings with the oThongathi community to provide feedback on progress made. 

____________________________________________________________________

The municipality's Health Services ensures prevention of communicable diseases following floods

SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI 

THE municipality's Health Care Services continue to provide support to displaced residents currently housed in various community halls across eThekwini. Municipal nurses are doing health screenings for various illnesses and distributing chronic medication. Head of the Health Unit Rose Van Heerden said they are working hard to ensure the wellbeing of residents while they are currently displaced. ''As Health Services, we acted quickly in response to the crisis by treating and taking care of the health and wellbeing of displaced residents. Many people lost their chronic medication during the floods, others became unwell in the aftermath, and we had to provide a service where they were placed,'' said Van Heerden. The recent floods also resulted in an increased risk of a range of infections. Environmental Health Practitioners are working to prevent disease outbreaks at the community halls where displaced residents are housed. ''While providing shelter for displaced communities, the COVID-19 protocols were taken into consideration. This is imperative to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other communicable diseases. It is the role of Environmental Health Practitioners to monitor shelters to ensure proper handling and storage of food and to ensure that adequate waste management services are provided. Poor waste management attracts flies and rodents which can spread diseases,'' she said. The floods have also increased conditions of the infestation of insects (mosquitoes and flies) and rodents. In such a situation, the chance of disease transmission increases sharply. Environmental Health Practitioners have inspected shelters and provided necessary recommendations to the Health Unit's Vector Control. Environmental health monitoring and mitigation is not limited to the shelters only. Their role is the prevention and control of communicable diseases and exposure to health hazards in the municipality. ''Damage to environmental health infrastructure and services like water supply and sewage systems, also increased the risk of water and food-borne diseases. Our teams prioritised water sampling to ensure the quality of water used by communities is safe for human consumption,'' Van Heerden added. Communities were educated on hygiene measures to ensure they protect their health. Communities without water were also trained on water purification. 

___________________________________________________________________

EThekwini tourism attractions promoted during 2022 Africa Travel Indaba

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

DELIVERING on its theme of ''Rebuilding the local tourism sector'', the municipality promoted Durban to over 3 700 delegates attending the 2022 Africa Travel Indaba. The municipality highlighted the many attractions and tourism developments in the pipeline. The Indaba was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 2 to 5 May. The City's skyline is set to change with the construction of a multi-million-rand ferris wheel, the Durban Eye, to be built along the beachfront promenade. The expected launch date is February 2023, just in time for the Easter holidays. This development intrigued many Indaba delegates including international media. This will offer tourists a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the City. The 60-meter-high attraction will boast 30-36 eight-seater cabins. The full rotation of the wheel will take 20 minutes. Retail businesses will surround the structure. It will be situated at the southern end of the beachfront, bordering the harbour entrance channel. The site looks toward the Bluff headland and will welcome cargo and passenger cruise ships into the newly built passenger cruise terminal, the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal. There were 655 exhibitors, 126 African products were showcased, and 19 countries from the continent, including South Africa, were present. Other exciting developments in the pipeline for the municipality includes the opening of the 200-bedroom Radisson Blu Hotel at the Oceans project in uMhlanga ahead of the winter season in June this year. Furthermore, to ensure the sector's sustainable recovery, eThekwini continues to work with the region's route development committee to attract more international flights and to enhance intra-African trade. The plans include reactivating the Air Namibia flights and reigniting talks with Qatar and Emirates airlines to fly direct to Durban again. Royal Eswatini Air is due to start flying to King Shaka International Airport, Monday to Saturday starting from the first week of June. This follows the commencement of direct flights on the Air Link route from Harare to Durban operating three times a week as from March this year. EThekwini EXCO member, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala said: ''Durban's story is one of resilience against all odds. We hosted key target markets to explore the municipality's newest tourism products offerings in various regions. Many were impressed and want to come back and fully discover eThekwini.'' 

____________________________________________________________________

INDABA 2017 Golf Day CEO's Invitational

INDABA is just around the corner.  Join SA Tourism's CEO, Mr Sisa Ntshona for a golf day.

Venue: Durban Country Club

Date: 15 May 2017

Time: 8h30 am - Registration

For more info call Trish Humby on 021 461 4587 (office) or email trish@pmrhospitality.com


Article by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton

Tips from Darren Maule on how to prepare for the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk

We received some tips today from Darren Maule on how to prepare for the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk.

They sound legit.

1.  Don't enter the Big Walk if you don't know how to walk!  If you are not sure about this - get up off your chair, move one foot in front of the other and if your body follows - you are walking! Congratulations! NOW you can enter the Big Walk.

2.  If you are a relatively new Big Walker, perhaps consider putting on two pairs of socks.  They will rub on each other and not on your uninitiated footsies.

Um, I think we will rather share with you some expert advice:

• Talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness programme
• Plan and track your training programme
• Make sure you add stretching to your training routine
• Make sure you get the right gear!  Invest in quality footwear for training and the walk, make sure they fit well.  Wear them in before the big day to avoid blisters.  

More tips and advice on www.ecr.co.za and www.discovery.co.za 

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk is on 18 May 2014.

Enter online at www.ecr.co.za or at selected Totalsports outlets. 

Indaba Networking Golf Day

9 May 2014 at 9am

DCC Beachwood Golf Course 

For more info www.indabagolfday.co.za 

Email Melissa - melissa@indabagolfday.co.za

A Handful of Keys is sheer good fun

Keith Millar: WOW! Now that’s entertainment!

Ian von Memerty and Roelof Colyn are simply superb in A Handful of Keys currently on at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.              

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, with over 1,180 performances and having been seen by more than 375,000 people A Handful of Keys is one of the most popular, and enduring, South African musical productions of all time.

There are tributes to lady singer/pianists such as Norah Jones, Alicia Keys and Nina Simone, and men such as Fats Domino, Fats Waller and Billy Joel. South African music is not ignored with a wonderful parody performance of The Click Song, Pata Pata and Mama Tembu’s wedding. An extraordinary item in the programme is The History of Broadway Musical where no less than 143 segments of Broadway musical songs are played and sung in 12 minutes. A virtuoso piano performance.

A Handful of Keys runs until April 27 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre with shows from Tuesday to Saturday at 20h00 and with extra shows on Saturday and Sunday at 15h00. Tickets R150 booked through Computicket.

YOUNG PERFORMERS PROJECT

AUDITION NOTICE

Directed by Themi Venturas, the 13^th annual PANSA Rainbow Young Performers Production for 2014 is Footloose – which re-unites Daisy Spencer (Choreographer) and Des Govender (Vocal Coach) the team that brought us Hairspray and Legally Blonde.

Auditions will take place on 26 April 2014

at Durban High School from 09h00 – 17h00.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS ONLY

We are looking for 30 talented young performers from KZN -

Footloose has approximately 13 parts for males and 14 parts for females.

We will also be seeking musicians to make up the ‘live’ band.

Applicants must be in able to sing, dance and act

Applicants must be available for rehearsal every weekend from

16 May – 22 June 2014

Previews and Performances are from 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Applicants must be available for the whole audition to qualify

Applicants must wear comfortable clothing / gym gear and appropriate footwear

Applicants are to bring their own refreshments – water / juice and lunch

Applicants must be prepared to wait between calls

For further enquiries please call

PANSA KwaZulu Natal Regional Coordinator: Nelisa Mzimela

                                     PANSA office Telephone: 031 2014750 or email: kzn@pansa.org.za

This Edition by +Fred Felton  

News from Vida e caffe, Art News, Indaba is coming and so is Social net-walking

Something interesting from Vida e caffe

Which is your favourite drink?

With 23 different drinks on the menu, and at least nine different ways* in which you can order them, the options are as individual as our customers. We'd like to know how you like yours. Circle your favourite drink on our current cup sleeve and tweet a pic of it, or just tweet a pic of the drink itself.

Tweet a pic using #favouritevida and you could win two months of caffe.

(Source - Vida e caffe) 

A Wonderful Art Event For Umhlanga 

INDABA 2013 set to pay tribute to the strength of South Africa’s tourism trade

Just weeks away now, INDABA 2013 will be a celebration and showcase of South Africa’s professional, hard-working and vibrant tourism industry and the variety of world-class tourist offerings available to suit every budget.

South African Tourism is finalising preparations for a high-quality four-day show in Durban from 11 - 14 May 2013, purely aimed at stimulating hundreds of millions of rands of business between the tourism trade and buyers looking to invest in the destination.

“We are very excited to see that exhibitors and hosted buyers have again confirmed their attendance in considerable numbers for INDABA this year. Our industry is of course all about the bottom line of the revenue the tourism industry generates for the South African economy. It is about statistics, targets, rands and cents and projections. But it is also about so much more. Ours is a people-centred industry employing hundreds of thousands of dedicated individuals solely committed to ensuring the best possible holiday experience for millions of international tourists and locals eager to explore one of the most beautiful destinations on earth,” said South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Thulani Nzima.

“It is at INDABA every year that our tourism industry puts its best foot forward and showcases its collective strength. INDABA remains Africa’s top travel show and the platform where our industry proudly displays products and experiences of every possible kind - suiting every taste, every budget and every desired travel experience. And it does so with professionalism, with skill, and always with a smile. As South African Tourism, we take the responsibility of creating a conducive trade environment at INDABA very seriously. We are on target to meet our goal of hosting 250 top quality international buyers this year, all with a stated intention of doing serious business in a market showing considerable growth. But we know that while we create the environment, the demand and appetite for consumers to travel to South Africa, we are only as strong as our tourism industry, whose expertise we rely heavily on to package deals and close sales, bringing millions of tourists here. So INDABA is a collaborative effort between the public and private sector and a showcase we are really looking forward to,” Nzima added.

SA Tourism has noted recent industry concerns about the standard catering and beverage policy at INDABA. The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre holds full rights to catering at the venue, which it enforces as a standard condition of most venues, local and international, and similar to the situation at other international shows such as ITB and WTM.

“We understand some of the frustrations raised and know the importance in the hospitality industry of creating a welcoming business and networking environment. We likewise understand the importance for exhibitors and the trade to share a beer, or a glass of wine and some snacks after a hard day’s trade on the busy show floor. We are confident though, that while certainly abiding with the ICC rules, that the functions, beach parties, stand parties and trade events that are so integral to INDABA will continue to be synonymous with the success of the show. We are constantly taking exhibitor and buyer feedback on board, knowing that they are the most important stakeholders at INDABA, and we will continue to do so going forward,” said Nzima.

Everything at INDABA this year is designed to facilitate connections, networking and constructive business engagement between buyers and exhibitors. The speed marketing sessions focusing on ‘Heritage and Culture’, ‘Wine Routes of South Africa’ and ‘South Africa’s National Parks’ will expose a wide cross-section of South Africa’s tourism product to top quality buyers under one roof. Our ‘INDABA Connect’ system will allow for the easy and effective exchange of tourism information and contacts and for follow-up post INDABA engagement. Our Matchmaking Diary system too is aimed at facilitating constructive engagement and quality meetings between exhibitors and buyers.

INDABA 2013 continues to embrace the benefits of the digital destination marketing age, with a first-ever Travel Bloggers Conference on the eve of INDABA. Another first at INDABA is a Heritage and Culture Pavilion facilitated by the National Department of Tourism and SA Tourism, in partnership with the Moja Heritage Collection, which will put South Africa’s heritage and culture tourism offering in the mainstream of the destination’s tourism attractions and showcase our country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For more information on the show and for details on how to register to attend, visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.

(Source - South African Tourism) 

Social net-walking for little ones!

The Discovery East Coast Radio Mini Big Walk on Saturday 25 May is specially geared towards little ones under the age of seven, so make sure your child ‘tags along’. It isn’t just a healthy way to spend a morning with your child, but the exciting 1.5km walking route goes through the Wet ‘n Wild and Sea World sections of uShaka Marine World.

The uShaka mascots recently showed East Coast Radio presenter Jane Linley-Thomas and her children, Cooper, Rocco and Lula what the route will entail. (Please see photos attached). The walk also culminates in a wonderful dolphin show for the kids. As an added bonus you and your child can stay to enjoy fun activities after the walk, since entry into the Sea World is free for the rest of the day. 

The entry fee for the Discovery East Coast Radio Mini Big Walk is the same as last year, just R30. This includes one adult and R15 per additional person over the age of seven years old. Parents need to remember that entries have to close once we have reached the limit of 1500 Mini Big Walkers. So, to avoid disappointment enter your little walker today. You can enter online at www.ecr.co.za.

Jane Linley-Thomas and her children Cooper, Rocco and Lula join in with uShaka mascots to see Discovery East Coast Radio Mini Big Walk route

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

Indaba Networking Golf Day, News on Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk and catch Bad Romance

Indaba Networking Golf Day



(Source - Indaba)

Presenters 'tag along' sportstars



East Coast Radio’s Damon Beard and Zaba Simbine ‘tag’ Sunfoil Dolphins cricketers Khaya Zondo, Cameron Delport and Cody Chetty to join in the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk.

As families across KwaZulu-Natal step up to take part in this year’s Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk on 26 May, East Coast Radio’s Drive with Damon team has challenged local sportsmen to ‘tag along’.  After a morning of fun on Durban’s beachfront a number of Sunfoil Dolphin cricketers said they were eager to take part in the event, which caters for all ages and fitness levels.

Cricketer Cameron Delport says, “I think it's a great way for the whole family to get together and do some exercise on Durban’s awesome beachfront and have a great family day out.” His fellow team mate Cody Chetty says he’ll be joining in to set an example for the people of the province to lead a healthy lifestyle. He adds, “It’s a great initiative to get us players involved with the fans and to interact with them while walking.”

East Coast Radio Presenter Damon Beard says, “Life's too short to not try everything at least once. So we’re not just calling on athletes to ‘tag along’ and have fun with us, but listeners too!”

Participating in the walk is something you’ll want to share, so get your nearest and dearest to ‘tag along’ and then tag it on Facebook and Twitter. You can enter at selected Totalsports stores across KwaZulu-Natal or online at www.ecr.co.za. Listen to East Coast Radio and watch press for more details.

(Source - East Coast Radio)

You still have time to catch the show Bad Romance

BAD ROMANCE – music review + comedy

• Starring: vocalists: Kerry-lee McKibbin, Tasha Basson plus back up dancers
• Comedians: Glen Bo & Robby Collins
• Guitar: Chris Brink
• Dates: April 4th-14th :Thurs,Fri, Sat at 8pm and Sunday at 1pm.
• Tickets: R80-R100

Featuring music from:Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, The Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katy Perry, The Beatles, Nirvana, Adele, Rihanna, Franz Ferdinand, Ke$ha, Justin Beiber , The Cure, Coldplay andmuch more

Synopsis: Two brothers (comedians Glen Bo & Robby Collins) are searching for dates to the Matric Farewell, dealing with love, break-ups and their Mom. Set in Durban watch as their imagination and
story unfolds to party-music and sublime acoustic sets taking a trip through the 90’s and today with Pop & Rock Hits sung by (McKibbin – Heritage, Barnyard, Pumpkin Theatre, Sibaya shows) and Tasha
Basson (Alphalive and shows) Expect interactive fun, Live singers, dancers and comedic skits taking a fresh take on music-revue show format. Also featuring Chris Brink on guitar.

Produced by McKibbin Studios and DeathbyLIVE Productions in association with the DSOC( Durban Society of Comedy) & the Catalina Unlimited Theatre.

Tickets via www.computicket.com or call 0861 915 8000 to book
Catalina Theatre Box Office: 031 837 5999 (9am-4pm)
info@durbancomedy.co.za
R100 l R80 Student and Pensioners

More details on www.facebook.com/dsocevents and www.glenbo.co.za
http://www.catalinatheatre.co.za


(Source - Catalina Theatre)

Info on the Indaba Networking Golf Day

Indaba will be hosting a networking golf day in May.

Here are all the details

Date: 10 May 2013 
Venue: Durban Country Club
Cost: R 980
Time: 11:00 am (shotgun start)

For more info visit our website:
www.indabagolfday.co.za

Melissa
+27 83 452 8029
melissa@indabagolfday.co.za

Paul
+27 83 448 6150
itrgolf@mweb.co.za

(Source - Indaba) 

Have you booked your spot for Indaba 2013?

Indaba 2013 is coming this year.  If you are in Tourism this one is for you:

STATEMENT FROM SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THULANI NZIMA

Following constructive discussions with INDABA Bid Parties and the broader tourism industry in Kwazulu-Natal, South African Tourism has decided to revert back to a four-day INDABA taking place from 11-14 May 2013.

For all stakeholders, it made business sense to continue to have the show over four days at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, and we would like to thank them for their input. We are, however, continuously reviewing INDABA and will make fundamental changes to the show from 2014 onwards, which we hope to announce shortly. As for INDABA 2013, we are working on ensuring a positive INDABA experience for all delegates and on improving the strong product mix. We are confident the show will retain its important status in generating business for South Africa’s travel trade and providing considerable value for local and international buyers. The costs for the hire of the INDABA venue has gone up an average of 20% over the last three years and while we have tried to shield exhibitors from these increased costs, we regrettably will have to implement the 6% inflation increase for INDABA 2013. We have, however, provided a 10% discount to TOMSA levy collectors, who are the main stand holders at INDABA. We advise all tourism products to check that they are in good standing with TOMSA by the end of November, so as to be able to benefit from this discount.

In order to enhance the quality and business environment at INDABA, we have made the criteria for visitors to INDABA stricter and will allow local trade visitors access to the show on 12, 13 and 14 May and to students only on 14 May.

For more information on the show and for details on how to register to attend, visit the website.

(Source - South African Tourism)  

Rovos Rail Royal Luxury

At Indaba I managed to visit the Rovos Rail Stand.

They really did have one of the best stands at Indaba.

I had a a wonderful interview with Carole O'Connor from
their Marketing Department.

She told me all about Rovos Rail.

She told me some wonderful stats on Rovos Rail.

They have their own Private Station.  It operates out of Capital Park Station, Pretoria. SA.
The Company was started by Rohan Vos.  He started to fix old Caravans and old trains
and slowly it developed into a Tour Operator Business.  The first was the Jules Verne.
He filled it up.

Carole gave me some wonderful business tips for business owners out there.
The Company pays cash for everything.
They have their own workshop and do all the repairs onsite.

The owner still greets every guest before they travel.

They have different suites on the train and various trips.
The Cape Town - Dar Es Salam trip is 13 days.  It crosses 5 Countries.
The trips are full of wonderful expeditions and excursions.

They have guests from all over including Scandinavian Countries, Sweden, Russia
and Turkey.

You will sometimes find the owner under the train fixing it.
They have marketing agents worldwide.

They spend a lot on marketing and have a lovely website.
They do not advertise.

They find that more people from SA come for the trip and hotel packages.

Some useful links for Rovos Rail.

Visit their Website -  http://www.rovos.com/

Follow them on Twitter - @RovosRailTours

Find them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/rovosrail

Visit them on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/rovosrailtours/


(Article and Photo's by @fredfelton)