ETHEKWINIWEEKLY BULLETIN

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22 July 2019 [Issue 175]By 2030 eThekwini will be Africa’s most caring and liveable City

“KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW”

CITY ACTS AGAINST POVERTY FOR NELSON MANDELA

AS ETHEKWINI Municipality joined the rest of the world to commemorate the late Nelson Mandela,

Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer reaffirmed the City’s commitment to delivering effective and efficient services and creating employment opportunities for residents.

Speaking at a Mandela Day celebration held at uMlazi Mega City on 18 July, Acting Mayor Peer said the City will continue to move with speed to achieve higher rates of economic growth, create more jobs and reduce unemployment.

“This year we are observing this day under the theme Action Against Poverty. The collaboration that we are witnessing between the Municipality and various stakeholders to fight and alleviate poverty is commendable. We must continue with the journey that Madiba started.

This includes building houses, roads, schools, clinics and ensuring access to electricity and water,” she said.

Acting Mayor Peer said Madiba was a perfect embodiment of what public service should be. “Informed by the desire to continue improving our services to the people, as eThekwini Municipality we will continue to prioritise service delivery. We have called on all Municipal workers and our councillors to go beyond the call of duty in discharging services to the people,” she said.

It was Madiba’s dream that all South African get quality education, more particularly children.

In honouring this dream, Municipal officials visited the St Vincent Children’s Home in

Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer handed out blankets to one of the beneficiaries at uMlazi Mega City on 18 July as part of Mandela Day celebrations.

Marianhill.Understanding the dynamics

faced by the Home, the Libraries and Heritage Department launched a library project at the institution as part of their 67 minutes of charity work. Senior Librarian, Siyabonga Mtshali said one of the rooms would be converted into a library while eThekwini libraries would donate books.

“The local history museum, through Maypher Mngomezulu, an Educational Officer is already involved with the home, hosting different educational programmes. EThekwini Libraries will develop a library for the home, establish a book club, issue block loans of material that the home needs,” said Mtshali.

It has been a wish of the institution to build a library for the children.

Meanwhile, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) Environmental, Social and Governance Committee left their Mandela Day footprint after cleaning, painting and refurbishing the Rejoice Daycare and Egugulethu Pre-Primary School in Inanda on 17 and 18 July.

The school is a non-profit organisation that relies on funding and donations.

Staff from the Durban ICC committed two days of cleaning and painting classrooms and the jungle gym. Waterproof mattresses, food, and gardening tools were donated.

Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe said: “Refurbishing the Rejoice Daycare and Egugulethu Pre-Primary School does not only show our commitment to community upliftment, but it allows us to help create a conducive learning environment for children.”

Continuing the fight against global warming and climate change, City officials also cleaned up an illegal dumping in Newlands.

Meanwhile, in another programme, the giggling sounds and beams of delight filled the corridors of the Ramakrishna Mzamo Home in ward 59 in Verulam where children living with varying disabilities received gifts from City officials.

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PLANNING COMMISSION TO ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERYTO ADVANCE the City’s Long Term Growth and Development Strategy, eThekwini Municipality has established the City Planning Commission (CPC) that will act as an advisory panel to the Executive Committee, Council and the administration of the City.

The commission was introduced to members of the Executive Committee on 16 July.

It consist of various industry experts from all around the City. They will guide City leadership on strategies to address infrastructure backlogs in relation to human settlements, water, sanitation, electricity, roads and storm water, information communication and technology, public transport and social services.

Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer thanked the previous CPC for their hard work and added that the establishment of this external body is evidence that eThekwini is truly an inclusive

CITY SIGNS HISTORIC CHARTER TO BOOST FOOTWEAR AND LEATHER INDUSTRYTHE South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) in collaboration with eThekwini Municipality signed a historic charter that aims to support stakeholders in the footwear and leather industry. The signing of the EThekwini Export Programme (EEP) in collaboration with the SAFLEC was held at Coastlands Hotel, uMhlanga, on 17 July.

The City’s Economic Development Unit Head Shunnon Tulsiram said the EEP will boost the economic and industrial development of the industry. Executive Director of the SAFLEC Nerisha Jairaj said the signing brings together

Stakeholders in the footwear and leather industry signed a historic charter with eThekwini Municipality that will see key role-players working together to boost the industry’s economy.

The City’s Executive Committee members with the newly appointed City Planning Commission that will act as an advisory think-tank to the City leadership and administration when carrying out development plans.

common goals within the footwear and leather industry that will work towards bigger and better output.

He added that the charter is aimed at celebrating the successes of the industry and moving towards more

and transparent government. “The Municipality decided

to appoint its own planning commission to guide planning processes to ensure the alignment to the national and provincial development plans. They will be of great assistance in addressing numerous problems such as poverty, rapid urbanisation, unemployment and provision

of basic services,” said Acting Mayor Peer.

The commission will also play a significant role in the achievement of high economic growth that is linked with the creation of decent and sustainable jobs, reduction of poverty and inequities based on spatial, gender, income and racial differentiations.

CPC member Methembe

Mdlalose expressed his commitment to the commission. “I would like to acknowledge the Council for believing in us and encouraging an intergenerational and gender mixed commission. We are committed to working tirelessly in ensuring that Durban is the most caring and liveable City,” he said.

collaborations where key role-players agreed to join forces and their resources.

Anasuyah Pather, Programme Manager from the City’s Economic Development Department said the partnership is already yielding positive results after local shoe designers and manufacturers took part in a one-week training workshop in May.

The workshop, which was facilitated by leading Italian industry experts, including those who worked with the Versace brand, was co-hosted by the City, SAFLEC and the Southern African Footwear and Leather Industries Association.

ISSUE 175 ETHEKWINI WEEKLY BULLETIN 3

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DURBAN YOUTH TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

IN A first for the City, hundreds of Durban youth came together on Mandela Day to pledge their support to help make eThekwini Municipality a greener region.A special event was held

on 18 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International

Convention Centre to recognise the young leaders who will form part of the City’s first Durban Youth Climate Council (DYCC). The group of young people are determined to play their part in creating an environmentally-friendly City, with a special focus on

TO ADDRESS the alarming rate of unemployed young people, eThekwini Municipality will host a youth indaba to empower them with entrepreneurial skills and include them in the agri-transformation process.

This follows the tabling of a report at an Executive Committee meeting held on 16 July.

The eThekwini Youth Indaba will be held on 25 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre at 8am.

The report states that the indaba will be held under the theme “Bringing government youth initiatives closer to the youth”.

The event is being hosted by the City’s Youth Office in an effort to address high rate of youth unemployment.

The indaba will provide youth with a platform for information sharing, skills training as well as the life skills.

The report acknowledges that youth are the most affected by the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer welcomed the initiative saying youth from all regions must attend the event. “We hope to curb unemployment by promoting an entrepreneurial spirit in the youth as well as including them in agri-transformation.

There is much for them to learn and engage with the Municipal and provincial governments,” said Acting Mayor Peer.

Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee Councillor Barbara Fortein said it was important to look at the strategic objectives the indaba aimed to achieve.

“There is an outcry regarding unemployment among the youth, which is a specific reason this programme is being held,” she said.

CITY TO HOST YOUTH INDABA

Durban’s first Youth Climate Council was launched at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. Pictured are members of the Council and Municipal officials.

values and beliefs supported by Sukyo Mahikari are in line with the ethos shared by the late former President Nelson Mandela, which was fitting as the world recently commemorated Mandela Day.

“Its values seek to promote consciousness in people. We must take stock as society so we can all contribute towards creating a better world,” she said.

Sukyo Mahikari Regional Director for Europe and Africa Francoise Hadife praised what has been accomplished in Durban.

“From this day on, each one of us must reflect on ways to collaborate with each other for the spiritual benefit of South Africa and the greater region. Through the Art of the True Light we are able to bring salvation to others,” she said.

the oceans.Chumisa Thengwa,

Acting Deputy Head of the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, said the project was aimed at educating young people and capacitating them in tackling climate change.“We cannot leave anyone

behind in this fight against climate change, we need to work together,” she said.The DYCC is part of the

Ocean Champs Movement that consists of 110 members, between the ages of 13 and 25 years old. Siyabonga Nontlanga,

spokesperson for the DYCC said: “The council is a good idea because Durban youth can be consulted on how to tackle possible climate disasters. We’ve already started experiencing such and the City went through turmoil.”

IT WAS a triple celebration for hundreds of Sukyo Mahikari practitioners of all races who filled the Durban City Hall on 21 July. They were celebrating 60 years of the spiritual movement’s existence as well as 35 years of Sukyo Mahikari in South Africa and 10 years of the Durban centre being elevated to Sho Dojo status.

Sukyo Mahikari is the Art of True Light and Divine Principles and was started in 1959 by founder Kotama Okada who received the calling to proclaim the dawn of spiritual civilisation.

Speaking on behalf of Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer, Councillor Nompumelelo Sithole said: “It is very encouraging being here today to celebrate with you. This movement encourages one to be more spiritual.”

Councillor Sithole said the

SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT 60 YEAR CELEBRATION IN ETHEKWINI

Councillor Nompumelelo Sithole attended the 60 year anniversary of the Sukyo Mahikari spiritual movement at the Durban City Hall on 21 July.

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EDITORIAL TEAMACTING EDITOR: Mandla Nsele • CONTENT EDITOR: Nondumiso Mathomane • SUB-EDITOR: Mbuso Mfeka • WRITERS: Themba Khumalo, Charmel Payet, Siphelele Buthelezi, Siphesihle Soni, Jessie Singh, Carly Abdul-Rasheed, Lihlithemba Ngonyama and Arthi Gopi • PHOTOGRAPHERS: Pumla Khwela, Zigcwele Khumalo and Carly Abdul-Rasheed • DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Siyabonga Dube

GLITTERING OPENING NIGHT FOR DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALDURBAN pulled out all the stops to welcome delegates at the 40th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).

A star-studded event was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, officially kicking off one of the longest running festivals on the African continent.

Guests at the glitzy affair were treated to the opening night film “Knuckle City” by Jahmil X. T. Qubeka.

Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer said: “I would like to applaud all stakeholders who have been involved in the growth of both these programmes as they are indeed a great vehicle to facilitate opportunities for local filmmakers to network with global film role-players. The platforms provided have built an indispensable bridge between continental filmmakers and contributes immensely to exposing the local industry’s hidden talent.”

She further urged filmmakers

Pictured at the opening of the Durban International Film Festival, were from left, United States of America Consul-General in Durban Sherry Zalika Sykes, Acting eThekwini Mayor Fawzia Peer and Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize.

to be part of all efforts aimed at marketing Durban to the global community.

Toni Monty, Senior Manager at the Durban Film Office said DIFF provides a great opportunity for local talent.

“About ten years ago we started having conversations about how to create a platform for African filmmakers to connect with the global market. We spoke to African filmmakers who said they were

Local TV show wins big at Simon Sabela AwardsTHE CITY rolled out the red carpet on 20 July at the Durban Playhouse for the seventh annual Simon Sabela Film and Television Awards.The awards, named after the late film and television veteran, Simon Sabela, seek to celebrate accomplishments in the local film and television industry.The awards are an initiative of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and are implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission.Welcoming guests at the event, which was attended by the crème de la crème of the film

and television industry, Head of the City’s Governance and International Relations Unit Eric Apelgren said the City wants to nurture the industry working in partnership with the province and the film commission. “You are the best that our province has to offer and we want to continue supporting you in your journey,” he said. Apelgren congratulated the winners saying they had made the City and province proud. EHostela, a TV show set in the heart of KwaMashu’s Community Residential Units, was a big winner at the awards. The show’s lead actor Thobani

Head of the City’s Governance and International Relations Unit Eric Apelgren with actor Tony Kgoroge at the Simon Sabela Award.

finding it very difficult to get a foothold in the international market. We set about a journey to create the Durban Filmmart, which is held at DIFF. This is a springboard for filmmakers,” she said.

Monty said they are now reaping the rewards of the initiative as there is a growing list of successful movies produced locally that have been showcased to other markets around the world.

“We’ve certainly seen a great success and it is really amazing to see this over the last ten years. It’s been quite phenomenal. This is the place where the international market can come and find African talent and we have to continue growing,” she said.

This year the festival will screen 212 documentaries, feature films and short films at 15 venues across the City.

For more information on films and ticket information, go to ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Nzunza, who portrays the character of Mndeni, won best newcomer, while Bheki Sibiya who plays Mancinza won best supporting actor. Wiseman Mncube, who plays

the role of Jama in the same show won best actor, while his colleagues Zimiphi Biyela and Noxolo Mathula walked away with best actress and best supporting actress respectively.