Highlights from Durban FilmMart 2022

 

By Fred Felton | Jul. 24, 2022

The 13^th Durban FilmMart (DFM) is currently happening from 22^nd to 31^st July 2022 in Durban, South Africa. It is one of Africa’s biggest film events for the industry.

Durban FilmMart 2022 is currently happening in Durban, South Africa. | Photo: DFM

This year the event will be a hybrid event. The DFM will have a three-day event from 22^nd to 24^th July where people can attend in person. The event will also host a virtual programme that people can attend online for the full length of the DFM event.

The DFM receives most of its funding from the City’s Durban Film Office. The DFM 2022 event is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Afreximbank and Wesgro.

The theme for DFM 2022 is ‘Revolution/Evolution – Changing the Narrative’ and it will focus on the ever-shifting evolution within the industry, the game changers working to bring inclusivity and access to all levels of filmmakers, and the new areas driving content creation.

‘’DFM 2022 is taking the next step in delivering an in-depth and dynamic programme to the widest possible film community by hosting both an online and physical event,’’ said Magdalene Reddy, DFM Institute General Manager.

Magdalene Reddy said returning part of the DFM industry programme to the physical space will give filmmakers the opportunity for tangible networking and direct engagements.

The virtual DFM programme includes many projects in development participating in the Pitch and Finance Forum this year. This will provide filmmakers with the necessary platform to engage with national and global broadcasters, financiers, sales agents and producers for the necessary support and partnership to help their projects succeed.

DFM 2022 includes many interesting talks and an industry expo where delegates can view the many opportunities available to those in the film industry.

Tendeka Matatu, Director of Film in Africa for Netflix, one of the speakers at DFM 2022. | Photo: DFM

One of these talks included a conversation with Tendeka Matatu from Netflix where he shared advice on how to work with Netflix and the best way to pitch. 

‘’If you want to pitch it’s about building relationships,’’ advised Tendaka Matatu, Director of Film in Africa, Netflix.

He advised filmmakers to attach a producer that has already worked with Netflix to the project before you begin the process.

A new addition to the online programme will be ‘’New Voices’’ which will focus on filmmakers, collectives and platforms that operate in the margins outside of mainstream industries.

This year will also see the 15^th Talents Durban happen virtually as an important partner programme of the DFM Institute. This training and development platform offers the selected Talent participants a six-week mentorship by experienced film professionals and an opportunity to present their film projects to a global market.

Visit https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/dfm-event-2022/ to see the various options to participate, and to see the full programme and opportunities available. 

 

EThekwini adopts R55.5 billion budget for the next financial year

THE Municipality approved a R55.5 billion annual budget for the 2022/23 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework, at a full sitting of Council on 31 May 2022. EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda took the opportunity to thank all political parties for their valuable inputs to this final budget. ''The cooperation and constructive engagements that our colleagues have shown throughout this process, demonstrated clearly that we are all committed to taking this Municipality forward. It also underscores the importance of putting aside our political differences when dealing with issues that impacts on peoples lives,'' he said. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET

There are no changes that have been made to the total budget of R55.4 billion for the 2022/2023 financial year. The only changes made are between departments to meet the urgent priorities the Municipality is currently facing. This comprises an operating budget of R49.8 billion and a capital budget of 5.6 billion. There have also been no further changes to the proposed tariff increases. It should be noted that tariff and rates increases are the lowest for years as the Municipality sincerely appreciates the plight of residents.

The increases are as follows:

• There is no increase for residential property rates. Instead, the Municipality is happy to announce that the rate randage for residential has been decreased by 10% due to the implementation of the new valuation rolls.
• The water tariff increase for residential is 5.9% and 9% for business. This is to secure the water supply of the Municipality and ensure that infrastructure is maintained to reduce water losses. 
• The electricity tariff increase is 7.47%. This is against an Eskom increase of 9.61%.
• The sewerage tariff increase for residential is 5.9% and 9% for business.
• The refuse tariff increase is 4.5% for residential customers and 7.9% for business.

''As a caring and responsive City, we want to assure residents and businesses of eThekwini that we have worked very hard to keep the tariffs and rates increases as low as possible'' said the Mayor. He said Municipalities are currently facing a difficult fiscal environment. These tariff increases represent an appropriate balance between the interest of poor households and other customers while ensuring the financial sustainability of the Municipality. 

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Scooter empowerment initiative to address youth unemployment

HOMELESS people are among youth who have been given a new lease on life courtesy of the eThekwini's Scooter Empowerment Initiative programme. The 27 young people who are housed at the Safer Cities shelters have joined the programme which aims to create job opportunities for the youth. The programme also seeks to ensure local youth benefit from delivery opportunities in the fast-growing e-commerce sector. Martin Malindi, who used to live at a shelter, applauded the Municipality for being inclusive of homeless people. ''All we ever wanted was a second chance in life and I got it through the Scooter Empowerment Initiative programme. Since joining the programme, I haven't looked back,'' he said. The initiative, which is a partnership between the Municipality and private sector partners, was launched by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda in June. The initiative trains youth, at no cost, to drive scooters and facilitates access to market for them. Scooters are also provided at a subsidised rate. During his keynote address Mayor Kaunda said: ''We are delighted to launch this important initiative during Youth Month. So far, the programme has trained and facilitated access to market for 200 young people who are currently working. In the next six months, the initiative anticipates increasing the number of beneficiaries to 500. We want to thank our partners Lularides, Uber Eats, Catalyx and Vodacom for contributing to youth empowerment and development.'' Mayor Kaunda said the initiative is a unique model as it also offers opportunities to homeless people. During the launch, the top eight achievers of the programme were awarded smartphones courtesy of Vodacom. The phones have an app that enables them to sell airtime, electricity etc. The overall winner took home a laptop. The day ended with a parade of the programme's participants on their scooters. 

Winter Special at uShaka Wet 'n Wild

 

There are thrilling rides for you to experience at uShaka Wet ‘n Wild this winter.

By Fred Felton | Jun. 13, 2022

Ushaka Marine World has launched a great special all-day promo from 10 June 2022 to 31 August 2022. Guests only pay R167 and get to enjoy unlimited access to Wet ‘n Wild for the whole day and they also get exclusive access to the Duzi river. It’s ideal for family fun.

Enjoy those warmer days as you try out the wacky and exciting slides before ending up in the splash pools.  No matter what you are looking for on your next holiday enjoy the uShaka attractions with your whole family. This is the ideal getaway for your family and friends. Experience a fun-filled day at uShaka in Durban, it’s guaranteed to be filled with fun.

‘’Wet ‘n Wild caters to all age groups with slides and pools for adults, children, and toddlers.  A day in the waterpark will easily see you rack up over 5000 steps on your fitness watch by climbing all the stairs, running around the park, and splashing in the water,’’ said Ndabo Khoza, CEO uShaka Marine World.

When you visit the park be sure to also check out Sea World, uShaka Kids World, Sea Animal Encounter Island, Dangerous Creatures and the Village Walk. This means that you will have plenty to see and do on your visit. Be sure to also visit The Phantom Ship which is an icon of the park.

The Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World. | Photo: Fred Felton 

‘’There is lots to do there. The Lazy River is my favourite ride,’’ said Addington Beach resident, Cindy Polydorou.

When you visit the theme park make sure to capture and share the fun moments as you chase the sun #ushaka #wwwpromo #unlimitedfun #ushakalove

For more information visit: www.ushakamarineworld.com

 

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. 

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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. 

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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.'' 

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5 Reasons to Visit Africa's Travel Indaba

 

By Fred Felton | 2 May 2022

This year Africa’s Travel Indaba returns to Durban after a long absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are many reasons to attend this travel and trade show in 2022.

BONDay held on 2 May 2022 was full of insightful talks. | Photo: Fred Felton

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the signature travel trade show plays a major role in boosting the City's tourism economy. 

Here are 5 reasons why you should attend Africa’s Travel Indaba:

Networking

There are many events and workshops held during Africa’s Travel Indaba. These include Speed Networking events, talks and workshops about travel and tourism. At these events you might just find yourself bumping into someone who can help you with your tourism business. With around 3 700 delegates attending the travel and trade show you might even get a big booking for your accommodation venue.

Exhibition Stands

Africa’s Travel Indaba is the perfect location to set up a stand for your tourism business. It is also the premier place for buyers to visit and find out about the many tourism experiences on offer. Some accommodation stands have received huge bookings through this route.

Business Talks

There will be a variety of talks on offer at Africa’s Travel Indaba. The show will be on from 2 to 5 May 2022 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. Talks include ‘Bleisure Travel’ which will unpack what is important for tourism stakeholders and business owners in a Covid-19 environment. There will also be an insightful talk on ‘Reimagining localism and regionalism in tourism, it will look at the business case for Intra Africa Travel.

Fun Run

There will also be a fun run for Indaba delegates on the 4^th of May early in the morning. Delegates can walk or run along the Durban promenade and enjoy the beauty of Durban and the sea as they enjoy the early morning air and all that Africa has to offer.

Tourism Opportunities

With so many tourists descending on Durban there will be plenty of opportunities for tourism operators to showcase all that Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have to offer. These include the Florida Road experience, Umhlanga, the Durban promenade and so much more.

‘’The show will contribute immensely to the KZN’s tourism recovery. This translates to a much needed economic boost for the province,’’ said Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Phindile Makwakwa.

For more information on Africa’s Travel Indaba visit: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

#TravelIndaba2022

 

R54.6BN GEARED TOWARDS ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND ACCELERATING SERVICE DELIVERY

The eThekwini Municipality Helps to Save a Clothing Brand

 By Fred Felton | Apr. 23, 2022

Dudu Ngubane a fashion entrepreneur lost stock and equipment amounting to nearly R300 000. Thanks to the eThekwini Municipality her plans of turning her clothing label into a bigger South African brand are back on track. 

Dudu Ngubane was helped with exposure for her brand at the Durban Business Fair. Photo: Fred Felton

DU Confidence Designs is owned by Ngubane. The company has modern print wear, is proudly African and provides clothing for the fuller figured woman. Thanks to the City's Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre the company is now back in full operation. The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) assisted Ngubane with applying for financing. Ngubane was also helped with exposure for her brand at the Durban Business Fair 2021. 

She is excited to be back in operation thanks to the eThekwini Municipality helping with assistance to facilitate funding for affected businesses at the Umkhumbane Centre by providing access to finance at SEFA. 

''I am grateful to have benefitted from the assistance, which is a 60 percent grant funding and 40 percent loan,'' said Dudu Ngubane. 

Thanks to the grant Ngubane bought fabric, branding material and 12 sewing machines. Thanks to this assistance she has managed to keep on 8 staff and employed six more staff which amounts to 14 staff members. 

''The exposure I received at the Durban Business Fair also assisted my business,'' said Ngubane. 

Ngubane was further assisted by the eThekwini Municipality through the Municipality's Business Support Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit by helping her to get profiled on the Business Day TV show, Hustlers Corner South Africa. The host of this show is entrepreneur DJ Sbu Leope. Ngubane feels this additional business exposure helped her business grow. 

''We are also encouraging people to buy locally produced goods and services to support local business and save jobs,'' said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda. 

DU Confidence Designs now supplies clothing to The Space shops located in Gateway Shopping Mall in Umhlanga, Cavendish Square in Cape Town, Mall of Africa and Rosebank Mall in Gauteng.