EThekwini Municipality Invests in Bulk Infrastructure for Westown

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 24, 2024.

There is just under a year to go before the official opening of Westown Square, a clear sign that the new 100ha ‘City of the West’ is going ahead as planned.

JSE listed Balwin Properties signed lease agreement with Fundamentum Property Group to develop a R2bn eco estate as part of the Shongweni Development. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda was on-site at the development along with development partners, Fundamentum Property Group (FPG) and Balwin Properties (BP) on 18 April 2024 to see the progress of Westown Square. This comes after the City had invested R600 million in bulk infrastructure in the region.

Mayor Kaunda was also witness to the signing of a R2 billion agreement between FPG and BP for an eco-estate residential development. ‘’This investment will yield huge returns for the City,’’ said Mayor Kaunda.

This 15-year strategic catalytic Shongweni Urban Development consists of nine mixed-use precincts. ‘’We are excited that this is going to be the first real Smart City in the province and will make eThekwini a world-class City,’’ noted Mayor Kaunda.

Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group explains how far the development has come to the city delegation. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

There have been 1 000 people, mainly from the area and surrounds, that have been hired for the construction and bulk infrastructure and Westown Square.

According to Steve Brookes, CEO of Balwin Properties approximately 8 000 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of the Shongweni Eco Park with around 500 permanent jobs to be created on completion. 

Construction on the Westown Square retail experience is on course for completion in March 2025. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

There will also be infrastructure upgrades which include two new bridges and a total make-over of the existing two-lane Kassier Road across the M13 and N3 into four lanes with a centre median. The M13 bridge will be rebuilt and a new pedestrian bridge is being added over the N3 along with a new loop ramp and bridge over Kassier Road providing direct access into Westown.

There has also been a R1.4 billion investment that has been triggered through the investment by Fundamentum with Absa Commercial and Investment Bank’s backing the 50 000m² Westown retail experience. ‘’This investment was cemented as Balwin signed a formal agreement with Fundamentum for their 1 260-apartment lifestyle estate, that will comprise of 20 phases, to be built over the next few years and is due to launch later this year,’’ said Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum.

MSC Virtuosa Visits Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 17, 2024

This month I was invited to a very special visit by the MSC Virtuosa which visited Durban briefly for a crest exchange ceremony with The Master of the ship and local government authorities. The ceremony was done in the presence of MSC Cruises Top Management.

MSC Virtuosa visited Durban recently. | Photo: Fred Felton

‘’The MSC Virtuosa is the largest passenger cruise ship to arrive in Durban,’’ said said Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruises.

He also mentioned that the ship has far less emissions. Volk also noted that MSC is planning to put 5000 South Africans on their ships as part of the workforce.

Crest Exchange on board the MSC Virtuosa with Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruises, MSC Crew and local authorities. | Photo: Fred Felton 

This cruise ship has a wide variety of features which will keep many passengers entertained for days on end. The ship features the Galleria Virtuosa which is like an indoor shopping mall with an interactive ceiling display.

Galleria Virtuosa. | Photo: Fred Felton

You can also enjoy live entertainment, shows, and the children can get hours of entertainment at the kids club which features LEGO activities.

The MSC Virtuosa has 5 unique pools for guests and even a waterpark at sea. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, a casino and of course MSC Yacht Club.

One of the cabins on board MSC Virtuosa | Photo: Fred Felton 

Cabins include luxury suites, a duplex and balcony options for those that enjoy a view. You can also find a Robot Bar on the ship which features a robot that makes your drinks for you. 

Dazzling staircase. | Photo: Fred Felton 

I sat down with Ross Volk to hear about what is coming up for MSC Cruises in South Africa this year:

What is a crest exchange ceremony?

‘’In years gone by from a maritime perspective people didn’t know if you were friend or foe coming in on a sail ship. So the crest exchange is a symbolism of arriving in a port as a gesture of goodwill and welcoming, the port hands over a crest to the ship and the ship hands over a crest to the port to show that the vessel has called and they come in peace and it’s all about camaraderie and the maritime tradition.’’

Can you tell us what MSC Cruise Ships are expected this year?

‘’MSC Musica will be our permanent vessel for the season, starting Mid-November through to Mid-April again Cape Town, Durban but the majority Durban. So about 80% of the calls are out of Durban and 20% out of Cape Town, from an MSC perspective it’s a little early to tell but hopefully we will have one or two other vessels calling in 2025.’’

What is the capacity of MSC Musica?

‘’MSC Musica  has a maximum capacity of 3200.’’

For more information on the MSC Virtuosa visit www.msccruises.co.za

Easter Weekend Looking Positive for Durban's Tourism Industry

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 28, 2024.

Many tourists are expected to descend on Durban this Easter holiday, with hotel occupancy rates set to peak at 69 percent over the long weekend of 29 March to 1 April 2024.

The City is expecting a bumper Easter Weekend. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

This will see the local economy receive a much needed boost with direct spending estimated at approximately R2.7 billion and a GDP contribution of around R6.6 billion with 11 904 job opportunities created over this time period.

Projections show that there will be a steady flow of visitors to Durban over this long weekend.

‘’Significant progress has been made to restore key services that were negatively affected by the illegal strike. Our teams are working hard to address the backlog of services such as refuse collection as well as the restoration of water and electricity supply,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.

There are a wide variety of family friendly activities available including a beach horse riding experience, gondola rides along the Point Waterfront, outdoor adventures, dining at restaurants around the City, and a township experience. The popular uShaka Marine World is open for a fun-filled water experience for the whole family.

Durban was recently named Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for three consecutive years by the World Travel Awards.

There are several events on offer during the long weekend:

Joyous Celebration Megafest from 29-30 March at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

One Man Concert – on 30 March at the Durban Exhibition Centre

Durban Summer Break - on 6 April at uShaka Beach

This is also the time that the cruise season kicks off with several vessels expected to dock at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal. This includes the MSC Virtuosa, who will be coming to Durban for the first time as part of her journey as she returns to Europe. Passengers will disembark for a tour of local attractions.

Other vessels that are expected to dock in the last week of March and during April include Queen Mary 2, Fantasia-class, Ambience, Silver Cloud and Renaissance.

Durban Tourism will also provide entertainment and outdoor activations from 29 March to 1 April at various venues including: Florida Road, uShaka Main Beach, uMhlanga Beach, Amanzimtoti Beach and Shongweni Farmers Market.

‘’We remain open for business and ready to welcome visitors. We hope the momentum from this Easter weekend will continue as we move towards the winter period,’’ noted Mayor Kaunda.

For more ideas to explore Durban go to www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media platforms.

 

Water supply improvement in KwaXimba

SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI 

RESIDENTS of KwaXimba, in the west of Durban, welcomed the City's interventions to address prolonged water outages in the area. 

The KwaXimba area is supplied from the Cato Ridge Reservoir as part of the Midmar Dam supply through the Western Aqueduct scheme. 

Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda recently held an imbizo yamanzi in the area. This was after community members raised concerns over continuous interrupted water supply to their area through a series of protests in recent weeks. 

To respond to the water supply challenge in the area, short to long-term plans have been instituted.

These plans include the urgent installation and commissioning of a two mega litre per day Package Plant in the Mvini area. 

This is expected to be operational by May. 

This plant will be replaced with bigger infrastructure, a five mega litre per day Package Plant when the City has finalised the procurement process. 

The construction of two boreholes is also at an advanced stage and the replacement of pipelines that have leaks. 

Mayor Kaunda explained that historically the KwaXimba area used to have sufficient water to meet demand. However, due to population growth in the area, the demand for water has now exceeded available supply.

''The population growth means that the City can only supply 50 percent of KwaXimba with piped water while other areas are supplied through water tankers. Most recently, the City has not been able to supply piped water at all to the KwaXimba community due to challenges from Midmar which affected the entire Western Aqueduct supplied areas,'' said Mayor Kaunda. 

Other interventions include pressurising the Western Aqueduct and forcing more water into the Cato Ridge Reservoir. These interventions have already seen an improvement on the system. 

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Home sweet home 

MLUNGISI DLAMINI

NGIZWILE Dladla and Nomusa Sithole were all smiles when they received their new homes from Ward 103 Committee member Mbongeni Gwala together with the other KwaNyuswa leadership. 

The two houses were built under the Qiniselani Manyuswa Housing Project. 

Gwala congratulated the beneficiaries who had been patient while waiting for their houses. 

''The Qiniselani Manyuswa Housing Project has been ongoing for some time, with more units to be built. The project aims to provide housing for destitute families. We understand there is a dire need for housing, but we urge the public to be patient,'' said Gwala. 

Dladla thanked eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda and Ward Councillor Linda Mchunu for her new home. ''As a pensioner, I would not have been able to build this house on my own. I was on the waiting list for a long time, but never lost hope or confidence that I would receive a house. I thank God because all things are possible with Him,'' she said, with a huge smile on her face. 

The other beneficiary Sithole said she was at a loss for words. 

''I would also like to thank Councillor Mchunu for her assistance. I am glad that today I have a place called home, the house is very beautiful and I am so grateful,'' said Sithole. 

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Construction of Burbreeze Pedestrian Bridge underway

MLUNGISI DLAMINI 

THE reconstruction of the Burbreeze Pedestrian Bridge in oThongathi has commenced. This comes after the previous bridge was washed away during the floods in 2022. This left residents without a bridge unable to safely cross the river. The repair project started in January and is anticipated to be completed in October this year. 

Residents will also benefit from job creation as the project has a 30 percent Community Participation Goal implementation plan. Local suppliers and emerging contractors will be utilised for hiring of construction equipment, procurement of materials, gabion protection works, and as local security guards. 

The reinforced concrete three span pedestrian bridge will be constructed on piles and connect to the walkways on each approach, allowing for safe access over the river. 

Previously, there was a reinforced concrete pedestrian bridge that was washed away in the 2022 floods. 

The contractor is required to ensure that a minimum of 50 percent of the labour force is comprised of locals. 

The skills transferred to locals through this employment are set in place. 

The bridge will help stabilise socio-economic activities and allow easy access to facilities such as schools, clinics, shops and public transport. 

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Enter the 2024 Lions Den Business Plan Competition

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 22, 2024.

EThekwini Municipality invites local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as well as co-operatives to apply for the 2024 Lions Den Business Plan Competition.

From left uMhlanga branch Mercedes-Benz Sales Executive Kitto Msomi handing over a R20 000 cheque to last year's emerging category winner Andile Madondo of Guru's Eatery (centre) with eThekwini Municipality's Head of Business Support, Tourism, Markets, and Agri-Business Unit Thulani Nzama. | Photo: ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY. 

The closing date for this competition is 5 April 2024.

This competition aims to stimulate good business ideas and encourage sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, and competitiveness among entrepreneurs.

Those who enter have the chance to benefit from exciting business development prizes.

The competition will run in three categories as follows:

Emerging business with a viable business idea – will accept businesses with a turnover of less than R100 000 per annum.

Established business that need venture expansion – requires businesses with turnover of more than R100 000 and below R500 000 per annum.

Businesses that have demonstrated entrepreneurship excellence – this category is for businesses with a turnover of more than R500 000 per annum who has demonstrated exceptional business practice.

‘’This programme is yielding great results. We now invite more SMMEs to partake in this year’s programme,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

You can download the application on the following link: https://rb.gy/53nwb7

Application forms are also available here:

At the following address: Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit, 7^th Floor Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban (or at Security Desk on the ground floor entrance)

At all Sizakala Centres.

SEDA, eThekwini branch, 127 Johannes Nkosi Street.

You can also access a form at www.durban.gov.za by clicking on the Government tab followed by Document and browse on Public Notices.

Requests can also be made to yanga.nyakeni@durban.gov.za or nondumiso.mhlongo@durban.gov.za

Those who have won this competition before have seen a positive impact on their businesses.

‘’The business is growing from strength to strength and I would encourage other businesses to enter the competition,’’ said Lungani Nene, founder of Spot-on Fire Controls.

Nene won under the entrepreneurship excellence category last year. He won equipment worth R40 000 which he said was a game changer for his business.

Guru’s Eatery co-founder, Andile Madondo won the Emerging category and received kitchen equipment worth R20 000. Madondo said efficiency of his business operations has improved since receiving the equipment.

Sungrow Introduces Advanced Energy Solutions in SA

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 18, 2024.

Last week I was invited to a media launch to see the new Sungrow range of advanced three-phase inverters for the South African market.

Sungrow inverters can cater for large homes. | Photo: Sungrow

The inverters provide an alternative power source for consumers during an interruption of electricity supply.

Sungrow, a leading global PV inverter and energy storage system supplier, announced the launch of these new inverters at the Houghton Hotel, The Venue. These inverters can be used for both the residential and commercial market in SA.

‘’South Africa has long grappled with electricity challenges, from load shedding to infrastructure limitations,’’ said Ezzat Sankari, Channels Business Director for Sungrow Middle East and Africa at Sungrow.

These 3-phase products offered by Sungrow provide a range of benefits for the South African market:

More Powerful

The SH15-25T with SBR is the solution if you are looking for power. It can start and run appliances like Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning units, pool pumps and more during a power outage, it caters to big homes.

More Independence

You can enjoy year-round reliability with stand-alone supply capability, regardless of your external network conditions; this offers independence from grid challenges.

More Efficiency

Three MPPTs for different orientations operate between 150-950V optimizing roof space and extending working hours. All panel compatibility ensures maximum energy utilization.

More Confident On Safety

With reliable safety measures, leading AFCI 200ms shutdown on system errors with a maximum 200 meters for system safety. NRS and IEC certifications certified by TUV and SGS ensure compliance and reliability.

More Smart Home

The iSolar cloud app optimizes solar energy usage and increases consumption transparency, providing 10 sec data refresh rates on power consumption.

More Flexibility

The system allows for flexible combination of battery and inverters and easy system expansion at any time.

Sungrow’s three-phase inverters are also designed to thrive in South Africa’s diverse weather conditions. They provide optimal performance which ensures reliable power generation.

The iSolar Cloud App lets you monitor energy usage. | Photo: Sungrow. 

The company also provides exceptional after-sales service with a 10-year warranty on the battery and a standalone 5-year warranty on the inverter which you can extend for an additional 5 years.

For the past year Sungrow have delivered tailor-made solutions to Pretoria shopping malls.

These three-phase inverters offer power solutions to residences, estates, company offices, restaurants, factories, warehouses and even shopping malls.

‘’With our latest three-phase hybrid inverter, we seize the opportunity to contribute to the solution, offering households and enterprises more confidence in power usage,’’ noted Ezzat Sankari.

For more information and pricing visit: https://sa.sungrowpower.com

 

Reducing non-revenue water in the city 

THE CITY is rolling out a non-revenue water educational and awareness campaign, in collaboration with Umngeni-uThukela, to encourage the public to conserve water. 

The campaign kicked off at the Workshop Shopping Centre and in the Warwick Market on 14 February where the public was educated about the negative impact of non-revenue water as well as being encouraged to conserve water. 

Non-revenue water is produced, clean water which is lost somewhere in the water distribution system and never reaches its final destination. This means water that is not used or paid for. This affects the City's revenue and available resources. 

EThekwini Municipality is facing the global challenge of water scarcity and is grappling with dwindling available water resources that are unable to meet the current demands. 

Currently, the Municipality faces the high non-revenue water with a ratio of 56.7 percent. This is attributed to ageing and vandalism of infrastructure and illegal water connections. This results in water supply not being shared equitably among residents. 

The City urges the public to save water and to use it sparingly to avoid a drought in the future. The public is encouraged to report leaks timeously and to report any vandalism and illegal connections. 

The Municipality has assembled a team to formulate a plan and implement strategic interventions to reduce non-revenue water to acceptable levels. Remedial action includes pipe replacement, installation of pressure reducing valves, reservoir inlet and outlet metering, investigation of properties with zero consumption, and the installation of meters in informal settlements. Some of these interventions are already underway and are starting to bear tangible results. 

  siphelele.buthelezi@durban.gov.za 

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Hope restored for Stonebridge residents 

As part of water restoration efforts in Phoenix, Ward 39, a team from the City's Water and Sanitation Construction Branch is hard at work upgrading the 

existing asbestos pipes to MPVC pipes. 

This aims to improve water quality and pressure and as well as reduce frequent burst pipes. 

The project started in 2021 and is expected to be completed by December. The project covers 20 783km. The size of the pipelines being laid range from 200 diameters to 75mm MPVC, and 50mm to 25mm high density polyethylene pipes feeding from the Phoenix Reservoir 1.

The allocated budget for this project is R20 million, funded by the Urban Settlement Development Grant. 

This project consists of an internal team of 50, and 13 people from the community employed as general workers. 

Project Manager Thokozani Madonsela said the project is being solely run by the Water and Sanitation Unit. 

The Unit is working with the Roads and Stormwater Department to rehabilitate excavated roads and sidewalks during the pipe laying process. 

     lethiwe.ngcobo@durban.gov.za