ETHEKWINIWEEKLY BULLETIN

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6 October 2017 [issue 97]By 2030 eThekwini will be Africa’s most caring and liveable City

“keePinG YOU in The knOw”

to the total investment in the oceans economy was from infrastructure development, mainly in our ports, manufacturing, boat building, aquaculture and scientifi c surveys in the oil and gas sector, having been facilitated through government incentives,” he said. President Zuma said

achievements made thus far are a collaboration between government and the private sector. “This demonstrates that if we work together, we can achieve much more.”he revealed that the ocean

sector contributes about 4.4 percent to south Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, with the largest contribution coming from the value chain.During President Zuma’s visit

to the Port of Durban, he was impressed with the building of specialised super tugboats at southern African shipyards

worth R1.4 billion. “seven of the nine tugboats

have already been built as part of this project and around 500 jobs were created. The south African navy seeks to build their R 1.8 billion complex and specialised hydrographic survey vessel to map the sea fl oor,” he added. As part of this maritime

vessel industrial complex at the port of Durban, President Zuma said they intend to establish the kwaZulu-natal Boatbuilding Park. This will stimulate new investment, exports and job creation.The park, which will be the

largest boat building facility in southern Africa, is expected to accommodate emerging and black-owned boatbuilding companies and key suppliers. it will have a marine skills development centre to provide training for unemployed people and youth.

kwaZulu-natal (kZn) Premier willlies Mchunu said: “As the kwaZulu-natal government we are acutely aware that our coastline does more than just providing transportation for exports and imports through our two world class harbours in Durban and Richards Bay.”Premier Mchunu said big

business and government have been working closely to ensure that the maritime industry is developed in the region. Mayor Zandile Gumede

welcomed the impressive progress, adding that the City is actively working with institutions of higher learning to expand the scope for skills development programmes to prepare young people to be able to seize opportunities offered by the oceans economy. she added that partnerships with the Durban Maritime Cluster are beginning to produce the desired results.

oPeration PHaKisa Boosts Country’s eConomy

(From left to right) KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Sihle Zikalala, eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown, President Jacob Zuma and uMhlathuze Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo during a tour of the Southern Africa Shipyard at the Port of Durban ahead of President Zuma’s progress report back on Operation Phakisa at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre today, 6 October.

ThROUGh a successful government and public sector partnership, a staggering R24.6

billion investment has been ploughed into the landmark Operation Phakisa programme which is set to unlock the oceans economy.Government has injected R15

billion into the programme, with the rest of the funding coming from the private sector. This was revealed by President

Jacob Zuma during his progress report back of the programme at Durban’s inkosi Albert Luthuli international Convention Centre today, 6 October. President Zuma said the

programme aims to promote the oceans economy by unlocking opportunities and has created over 6 500 jobs since its implementation in 2014. “The largest contribution

2 eThekwini weekly BulleTin issue 97

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As eThekwini Municipality continues to intensify its efforts to collaborate with its business stakeholders, City leadership on 2 October met with the Passenger Rail Agency of south Africa (PRAsA) executives to discuss working relations to fast-track development in the City. speaking at the meeting, which focused on a wide range of developmental issues, City Manager sipho nzuza said PRAsA is one of the City’s strategic clients, thus ongoing engagements between the two institutions are necessary to identify opportunities for future collaborations. “Our engagement with PRAsA provides us a platform to work

stream were awarded cash prizes with access to mentorship programme and technical incubation from sponsors as well as access to legal services from Adams & Adams Attorneys and other non-financial support. Chairperson of the economic

Development and Planning Committee Councillor sipho kaunda said innovation has

huge potential of driving a competitive economy. This particular programme, he said, aims to unlock and motivate innovation among youth which will allow them to prepare for the future. “empowering the youth with

skills was one of the world Bank recommendations to drive innovation. This youth challenge is a response to

innovation essential for City’s eConomiC GroWtH

City and Passenger rail agenCy of south afriCa to fast-traCk develoPment

CAsh prizes worth over R200 000 were awarded to winners of the 2017 Youth innovation Challenge. The cash prize will enable recipients to sustain their creative business ideas.The awards ceremony was

hosted by the Municipality’s innovate Durban and its partners on 5 October as part of the three day innovation Festival which was held at the Moses Mabhida stadium. keynote speaker, Jamie

Abbas, Director of innovation and Transformation at Aurecon in Africa congratulated the winners and the Municipality for spearheading the festival. “innovation can improve the

lives of millions, especially poor people by improving goods and services,” added Abbas.The youth challenge, which is

part of the festival was held in May under two streams; namely the enterPRiZe challenge which was an individual effort and Africa design challenge that was team work. Three winners from each

that,” added Councillor kaunda.Prior to the awards ceremony,

Jonathan Ayache, General Manager from Uber sA inspired attendees when he shared his company’s journey of coming up with a unique business. he said Uber sA has created 10 000 economic opportunities within southern Africa. Ayache said innovation starts

in communities when people identify gaps to be filled. “Our latest venture is the

UberPool; it is carpooling at the press of a button. This is a quick and easy

technology for people heading in the same direction at the same time to share their journey. This will allow people going

in the same direction the opportunity to share the ride, as well as the cost, which can get more people into fewer cars. This will address the issue of road congestion and pollution,” said Ayache.

Feather Design group rejoicing after being crowned overall winners for the Africa Design Challenge.

together on identifying projects and initiatives for integration.” The meeting was part of

the Municipality’s ongoing high powered stakeholder engagement roadshow where City executives meet with various business stakeholders to inform them about

development programmes and partnership opportunities. nzuza said one of his

strategies is to enhance relations with the City’s key clients through a robust Customer Relations Management process.PRAsA CeO for Corporate

Real estate solutions Tara ngubane said: “we look forward to working with the City in making our train services more accessible and create economic opportunities.” Two task teams to deal with strategic and operational issues were formed.

EThekwini Municipality and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa will work together to fast-track development and ensure that commuters enjoy an improved public transport system in the City.

issue 97 eThekwini weekly BulleTin 3

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CUsTOMeRs trying to contact the City’s Contact Centres are urged to be patient as the centres have been experiencing extremely high call volumes. The increase started on 16 september 2017 when the City experienced gale force winds resulting in numerous power outages. This has been exacerbated by inclement weather including storms and

heavy rains which have caused repeated power failures in a few areas. This in turn has resulted in extreme high call volumes with calls taking longer than expected as agents are tied up with callers, causing slower connections to the Contact Centre numbers. The call volumes and durations fluctuate in a pattern that is unpredictable and

unanticipated. The public is urged to note

that we have begun putting comprehensive plans in place to provide a better and more efficient service in times like these. Customers with specific

concerns regarding the service they receive in any of our Contact Centres are encouraged to contact

eThekwini Municipality sizakala Centre on 0800 331 011or email sizakala@durban.gov.zaYour cooperation is

appreciated and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. eThekwini remains committed to providing high quality service and strives to respond to reported cases timeously.

ELECTRICITY CALL CENTRE EXPERIENCING HIGH CALL VOLUMES

metro PoliCe reCover stolen muniCiPal veHiCleThe commendable swift action of the City’s Metro Police Unit have led to the quick recovery of a Municipal vehicle only an hour after it was stolen at gun-point from a City official.The white Toyota Quantum,

belonging to the City’s Fleet Unit was being driven by a female Electricity Unit official past Adams Mission on the south coast when it was stolen. According to the official, a group of men hijacked her when she stopped at a robot.Metro Police superintendent

kasey naicker said the incident occurred at 5pm yesterday, 5 October. “The matter was reported to

us immediately and we sent a team out to look for it,” he said.within an hour of searching

the vehicle was found.“we received word that the

vehicle fitting the description was seen speeding into the south. Our team searched both kwaMakhutha and Folweni, before the vehicle was located in nsimbini, in the Folweni area,” he said.naicker said the hijackers

abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot when they saw Metro Police vehicles.Despite Metro Police giving

chase, the hijackers escaped.naicker said law enforcement

was monitoring the area and searching for the suspects.Acting Metro Police head

steve Middleton commended his members for the stellar work and rapid response.“Metro Police is more

determined than ever to stop crime in the City. no disregard for by-laws, traffic law or criminal law will be tolerated.

Anyone found breaking the law will be brought to book,” he said sternly. Meanwhile, Metro Police City-

wide roadblocks are on-going.Middleton said between

29 september to 1 October, 99 drunk drivers were arrested.“Drunken driving remains a

huge problem on our roads. we are a taking a zero tolerance

stance against this disgusting practice. Those found drinking and driving will face the full might of the law,” he said.Middleton urged residents

and visitors to familiarise themselves with the by-laws which are available on the City’s website www.durban.gov.za and to obey the law at all times.

The swift action of Metro Police led to the recovery of a Municipal vehicle an hour after it was stolen.

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if you would like to submit feedback or contribute to eThekwini weekly Bulletin

EDITORIAL TEAMEDITOR: Tozi Mthethwa • CONTENT EDITOR: Gugu Sisilana • SUB-EDITOR: nondumiso

Mbuyazi • WRITERS: Charmel Payet, Princess nkabane, nonduduzo ngcongo, silindile

Maluleka, Vuyani Dimba and Jessie Singh • DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Zakhe ntshingila

fast-traCKinG serviCe Delivery of HousinGin A bid to fast-track and improve service delivery in housing provision, eThekwini Municipality this week hosted the 2017 national human settlements Conference which promotes innovation, research and capacitating practitioners in the housing sector.During the conference which

began yesterday, 5 October and ends today, 6 October, human settlements and infrastructure Committee whip Councillor Mpume sithole said eThekwini is faced with a rapid urbanisation challenge which causes an increase in housing backlog.“we need to build human

capacity and boost research in collaboration with universities so that we can be competitive. This is the reason why we need

to work with all sectors to deal with service delivery issues,” she said.During the conference,

themed: “human settlements Development and Technological innovations”, the national Department of human Settlements reaffi rmed its commitment to strengthen ties with the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in their quest to produce qualifi ed and competent professionals for the human settlements profession.Yesterday, MUT Research

Chairperson in human settlement for service Delivery improvement Professor Babatunde Agbola was introduced.MUT Acting Vice Chancellor

Professor Marcus Ramogale said the mandate of the new

Chairperson was crafted by the university and the national department.“The directive is to design

and develop courses in human settlements at the postgraduate diploma and master’s degree level, conduct research and supervise postgraduate students to enhance and support the professionalisation of the human settlement sector and of the research undertaken by staff members, conceptualise and implement multi and trans-disciplinary research agenda relevant to human settlement development and management,” he said.A Memorandum of Agreement

between the university and the national department was signed in 2016. The partnership will also

provide consultation and advise to the national department in support of its capacity of knowledge of reciprocity, mutual benefi t and frequent interactions between the partners in the professionalisation of the human settlement sector.“The Chairperson will ensure

that MUT is the university of choice in human settlements research which will be impactful in solving the most pressing challenges in human settlements in the country, especially in kwaZulu-natal,” added Ramogale.During the conference, there

were breakaway sessions and panel discussions with subthemes that focused on the development and improvement of human settlements.

eThekwini Municipality, through its Energy Offi ce and other related line departments is assessing Municipal buildings throughout the City that have been earmarked for energy effi ciency initiatives. This comes after the

Municipality was awarded a R15 million grant through the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) under the energy Effi ciency Demand Site Management (eeDsM) Programme for the 2017/18 fi nancial year. A team from the national

Department of energy conducted site visits on 5 and 6 October to various

energy effiCienCy Plans for more muniCiPal Buildings

Municipal facilities that have been identifi ed for energy effi ciency initiatives. The aim of the project is to reduce and

save energy consumption. The initiative will also reduce the fi nancial cost of electricity bills which will result in operational

effi ciency. The sub-projects are all based on relatively low investment costs and quick pay-back periods. head of the City’s

Development Planning, environment and Management Unit Musa Mbhele said such interventions are essential to mitigate climate change. “energy saving needs to be intensifi ed by the City. By identifying energy effi ciency opportunities in Municipal infrastructure, the City reduces the consumption of energy and the carbon footprint, while demonstrating an energy conscious commitment to the public,” said Mbhele.

Senior Technician from the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) Darryl Waugh, speaks to offi cials from the Department of Energy about the energy effi ciency pumps installed at uShaka Marine World.