Enter the Durban Tourism Awards

 

By Fred Felton | Jan 22, 2021

Those in the tourism industry are encouraged to enter the Durban Tourism Awards. The deadline for entries has been extended to 25 February 2022. This is to make sure that all of those involved in tourism within the Durban area can enter on time.

Those involved in tourism are encouraged to enter the Durban Tourism Awards. | Image: Fred Felton

‘’It is important for tourism businesses to enter for the awards as it will raise the profile and awareness of their tourism products,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Awards are planned to be announced in May 2022. They will give recognition to those valued people and places in the tourism industry. Those involved in the tourism industry wishing to enter should have products that give tourists trust by showing off the high standards of the City and they should also have the highest standards in their industry.

The aim of these awards is to give recognition to those tourism attractions that attract travellers to Durban and help towards creating jobs and helping assist the economy.

There are a variety of categories for those involved in tourism. These include those that provide excellent service, tourism operators, entrepreneurs involved in tourism, those involved with exhibitions and meetings, development in a sustainable way, guides involved in tourism, emerging filmmakers, awards for tourism experiences, awards for a wide variety of accommodation establishments, Rickshaw awards and there will also be a special award by the Mayor.

For each category there will be five nominations. There will be four runners-up and one winner. Winners will receive a wide variety of prizes which include R30 000 in cash, a laptop, iPad or tablet, website creation and support for six months and six months of free data.

These awards aim to help small, medium and micro business, especially those in rural and township areas. The winners will also be assisted with new tools to help them formalise their companies and show them how to continue during tough times. The awards also aim to help these tourism companies build their business and stand out in the tourism industry.

The Durban Tourism Awards also aim to raise awareness of tourism and show how it helps the economy not only locally but also in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. The public also have a chance to give their views on which are the best of the best in the tourism sector.

To enter visit www.durbantourismawards.com

Entry forms are also available at Durban Tourism offices. They have offices at 90 Florida Road in Windermere, Durban, Village Walk at uShaka Marine World, 1 King Shaka Avenue at the Point Waterfront, Gateway Information Office, 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge.

For more information visit the Durban Tourism website www.visitdurban.travel or you can also call 031 322 4164 to find your nearest Durban Tourism office.

EThekwini is ready to host you safely

 

EThekwini is ready 

to host you safely

The municipality has implemented plans to keep holidaymakers safe during the festive season. Visitors and residents are urged to work with law enforcement to ensure a safe and incident-free holiday. To prepare for the high numbers of visitors to eThekwini's beaches, 200 000 wristbands have been procured. All children between the ages of 0 and 12 years on the beachfront will be required to wear a wristband which contains the details of their guardians. If a child is separated from their guardian, 38 child-minders have been employed to look after them until they are reunited with their families. There have been situations where some guardians have abused this service. They leave the children at the care centre and go out and have fun. The minders are aware of this and will report to authorities anyone caught abandoning children. Tags for children can be obtained as follows: For central beaches they are obtained at Addington beach; South beach; Wedge beach between North and Bay Beaches lawns; Battery beach and Laguna beach. In the South the tags are obtainable at Toti Beach in places where tents for separated children will be erected. The overnight facility for lost children that have not been united with their guardians is at Ellis Brown school. Around 65 beach guides will be stationed across the various beaches to help with information and safety and security. An additional 160 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed at the various beaches. All bathing beaches will be operational between 6am and 6.30pm. There will be road closures especially in roads leading to the beaches. Previously permits were issued for people to access the beach even where there are road closures. This  year that facility is not available in order to limit congestion on the beach parking lots. Measures to close roads have already been implemented as of 12 December with the placement of bollards. The bollards will be manned by Metro Police from Blue Lagoon down to the Point Waterfront. There will also be access control at beaches in the North and the South. Law enforcement officers will also be out in full force to enforce by-laws with about 168 contract security employed. By-laws to be paid more attention to include the no sleeping in cars, buses or beaches, no braaing or open fires on the beach and most importantly no alcohol allowed. To control traffic on the beachfront, certain roads leading to the beachfront will be boom gate controlled. The park and ride facility is available at no cost and will be operational from 7am to 10am and 10pm to 12am on non-peak days. The service will be available on peak days from 10am to 10pm. This service will operate from the Drive-In site. Road safety campaigns to enforce municipal by-laws will also be visible to ensure that unroadworthy vehicles, drunken driving and irresponsible conduct on the road is curbed. Public amenities on the beachfront will be open from Monday to Thursday from 6am to 8pm and on Friday to Sunday and public holidays from 6am to 10pm. On holiday peak days a 24-hour service will be provided at the Point, Addington, South, New Beach, Country Club, eThekwini and Bay of Plenty beaches. ''The public is encouraged to enjoy their holidays and make memories with their loved ones in a considerate and responsible manner. Remember that COVID-19 is still a reality and we must take care of ourselves and those close to us and observe all COVID-19 protocols.'' said Mayor, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda. 

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Calls for Africa to invest in AIDS research

The global community inclusive of scientists, policy makers, activists, and government leaders from Africa gathered in Durban to review global AIDS strategies and to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV/AIDS. South African Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SA National Aids Council on 6 December opened the 21st International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA). The conference was held virtually from 6 to 11 December to amplify national, continental, and global integration to reach epidemic control in Africa. 

The conference was held under the theme 'Africa's AIDS response: The race to 2030 - Evidence. Scale up. Accelerate.' Deputy President Mabuza called on Africa to invest in research and innovation to build resilient capabilities for the development and manufacture of critical vaccines, drugs, and ancillary medical supplies that will support the roll-out of health programmes on the continent. ''This is the time to move beyond rhetoric and forge collaborative platforms for research and innovation to promote intra-Africa cooperation in the development and provision of health solutions that the continent needs,'' he said. 

''The lesson the COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme has taught us is that as a continent, we need to invest in our own capabilities to overcome the hogging of vaccines by wealthier nations thereby effectively responding to current and future epidemics and pandemics.'' He said Africa was more than capable using the recent example of South African scientists detecting the genome of the Omicron variant and its mutations with precision. Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima said to end AIDS and COVID-19 and to prevent future pandemics, the continent needs to protect human rights and build trust in health system. ''We must deepen the push to eliminate the disproportionate vulnerability of girls to HIV. We must get girls into school and keep them there. While they are in school, they need comprehensive sexual education to provide them with lifesaving information. Across this continent, comprehensive sexual education is opposed by traditional conservative forces. But we must build a movement to make it part of school curriculum and tackle violence against women and children through legislation and the courts,'' said Byanyima. 

So Much to See at Durban Business Fair

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 10, 2021

This December the eThekwini Municipality Business Support Tourism and Markets Unit present the Durban Business Fair (DBF) at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

There is much to see and do at the Durban Business Fair which is on till 12 December 2021.

This event is always a huge tourism attraction at this time of the year for the City of Durban.

‘’Durban has the best tourism products that visitors always want to explore,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Not only can you view the many stalls which feature locally made products by companies based in the Durban area but you can also sample a wide variety of foods and drinks, take part in interesting talks, discussions and go on an authentic Durban culinary experience which features a wide range of foodies and chefs.

Ntando Hlongwane of NYM Group. Image: Fred Felton

‘’I’m excited about the Durban Business Fair, it gives me great exposure,’’ said Ntando Hlongwane of NYM Group. She is based in Isipingo and makes a wide variety of bags featuring African designs. You can find her at the Durban Business Fair at stand 88.

Lungelo Wax Museum Display. Image: Fred Felton 

You might even see the many wax statues that are on display courtesy of the Durban-based Lungelo Wax Museum. There are some celebrities amongst them.

Thobilo Kumalo (left) of Sakhito Investments. Image: Fred Felton

‘’It’s my first time at the Durban Business Fair. I just started this business during the Covid-19 lockdown and I’m grateful for this opportunity,’’ said Thobilo Kumalo, Owner of Sakhitho Investments. She makes a wide range of products from her crochet work. Products include beanies, bags, belts, throws, scarfs, headbands and more. Her business is based in Amanzimtoti. You can find her at the Durban Business Fair at stand 42.

There will also be a Youth Business Connect event for young people. In this seminar, young people will be able to learn how to use innovation and how to move from isolation to disruption. This event happens on 11 December 2021.

Some of the speakers at the Youth Event include author, Dudu Busani-Dube, Lungelo Xaba who owns a company Desired Trendz, that deals in interior design.

You can also meet Captain Londy Ngcobo, Africa’s first female Dredge Master and mingle with Siyanda Calvin Ntenga, the founder of KZN Youth Business Awards.

If you would like to attend the Youth Business Connect event RSVP by email to rsvp@ikhono.co.za

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. 

Dolphins by Starlight

 

By Fred Felton | Nov 18, 2021

The annual festive season show presented by uShaka Marine World is something for you to look forward to and this year the theme is ‘’A Schrinchmas Musical.’’

Look out for dazzling Dolphins at 'Dolphins by Starlight' | Image: uShaka Marine World

The show will be on 4 nights so book early. You can look forward to plenty of music and dance as the show highlights the importance of unity, togetherness and acceptance.

You can also look forward to aquatic aerobatics from their world-famous uShaka Sea World Dolphins. It is guaranteed to warm your heart at this time of the year.

The theme of this year’s show drew inspiration from the social dynamics that South Africa has faced over the year, while we journey towards overcoming the spirit of togetherness.

‘’Dolphins by Starlight is a Christmas show like no other. It is the only show in Africa where families from all over the continent can gather and spread the Christmas spirit and enjoy our dazzling dolphins under the warm African Sky. It’s a magical show that keeps the entire family entertained from beginning to end,’’ said Ndumiso Miya, Event Coordinator, uShaka Marine World.

An all-star cast awaits you. | Image: uShaka Marine World

You can expect an all-star cast in this show which includes Rowan Bartlett, Tory Du Plessis, Lasandra Majola, Sindi Mabika, Rory Booth and you can also look out for some new talent who will be gracing the stage for the first time, including some of uShaka Marine World’s own staff.  There will be some memorable performances, celebrating what Christmas is all about and welcoming in the 2021 festive season in a lovingly and entertaining way.

Limited seats will be available and those lucky few will be able to experience the live shows from 9 - 12 December 2021 for only R199pp. So bring your blankets and jackets as the Dolphin Stadium is an open-air venue and the Durban weather as we all know, has been unpredictable at times.

 

Come enjoy this spectacle with uShaka Marine World.

 

Why not make a day of it and explore the many attractions at uShaka Marine World including Sea World, Wet n’ Wild, uShaka Kids World, Sea Animal Encounter Island, Dangerous Creatures and the Village Walk. Be sure to explore The Phantom Ship along the way.

 

Dates: 9 - 12 December 

 

Venue: Dolphin Stadium 

 

Gates open: 18:00

 

Show Starts: 19:00

 

Show Ends: 20:00

 

There are a limited number of seats available for this event, so book now at uShaka Ticketing or www.computicket.com to experience the Dolphins by Starlight Musical live.

For more information visit: www.ushakamarineworld.co.za or call 031 328 8000

Address: 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point, Durban. 

Starbucks opens at The Pearls in Umhlanga

 

An exciting new Starbucks South Africa experience has launched at the Pearls in Umhlanga. Widely considered the most prestigious address in KZN, The Pearls luxury boutique mall is a flawlessly iconic slice of the world-famous Golden Coast — a perfect new home for the iconic Starbucks experience.

The new Starbucks at The Pearls in Umhlanga | Image: Starbucks

 

This pristine new Starbucks boasts a beautifully appointed private patio space with Instagrammable views of the Durban coastal skyline. This exclusively exotic spot is perfumed by Starbucks quality coffee roasts and the refreshing salty scents of the sea for a uniquely memorable world-class social experience with friends and family.

 

Warm and friendly service | Image: Starbucks

The brand’s wide range of premium coffees, warm and friendly service, the speciality iced Frappuccinos and other iced beverages promise to be a big hit with local and international visitors to this award-winning tourist spot.

The stunning new Starbucks, run by the UK-Starbucks-trained but proudly local Durbanite, Varny Govender, features the full range of Starbucks hot and cold beverages and a selection of delicious treats, including brownies, macaroons and the famous Chocolate Brownie.

Varny and her team invite customers to visit and enjoy their handcrafted seasonal beverages, including the super-popular Pumpkin Spiced Latte, the indulgently delicious Salted Caramel Latte, crafted from salted caramel-infused milk and espresso shots, or the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, a decadent blend of salted caramel-infused milk and Mocha sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Coffee with a view | Image: Starbucks

 

This latest super-stylish Starbucks store is a world-class opportunity to kick back and relax or pull in and work in splendid surroundings brimming with Wi-Fi and plug points. And while you’re there, ask Varny to brew up her personal fav’, “I go for our traditionally brewed filter coffee, simply because of the taste. The superior quality of our coffee is unmatched!”

 

Did you know?

Starbucks coffee is 99% ethically sourced and accredited by Conservation International under the C.A.F.E. Practices programme. Starbucks is committed to ethically sourcing coffee worldwide and including exceptional coffee from nine countries in Africa – Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Zambia, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

For more information, visit www.starbucks.co.za

 

Win a Starbucks Hamper

 

The good folks at Starbucks are giving away a Starbucks hamper just for you filled with goodies to make you smile.

To win this hamper just answer this simple question:

Name one of the countries in Africa where Starbucks sources coffee from?

Send your answer along with your name, email address and cellphone number to

umhlangalife@gmail.com

Remember to put ‘Starbucks competition’ in the subject line of the email.

Competition ends 19 November 2021

 

Ts and Cs apply.

Asimile Siyaqhuba