Latest news with #Dlamini
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
City urges residents to log detailed reports when reporting chemical odour
Following ongoing complaints from residents about a recurring chemical odour in parts of Alberton, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has responded by confirming its awareness of the issue and its intention to investigate further. Zweli Dlamini, CoE spokesperson, said: 'The city has taken note of the media enquiry from Alberton Record regarding ongoing concerns from residents about a persistent chemical odour in parts of Alberton over the past two years. We acknowledge and appreciate the community's vigilance in reporting environmental concerns that may affect public health and well-being.' Dlamini explained, chemical odours can come from various sources, such as manufacturing or processing industries, sewer system spillages, industrial or household effluents entering wetlands or water bodies, and improper storage or disposal of chemicals. 'Because of the undefined nature of the reported odour and the broad range of possible sources, it is difficult to conclusively identify the origin of the smell without more specific information,' Dlamini added. The city is urging residents to assist by logging complaints with as much detail as possible. Complaints should include: • A description of the odour (sulfur-like, sweet, burning plastic) • The exact date, time, and location of detection • How long the smell lasts and how frequently it occurs • Weather conditions at the time (hot, windy, rainy) • Any visible or unusual activity (spills, smoke, drainage) Complaints can be logged through the city's call centre at 08 605 43000 or the MyEkurhuleni app, where each report receives a unique reference number and is directed to the relevant departments for follow-up and inspection. 'We also encourage industries operating in the area to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and implement appropriate odour management systems,' said Dlamini. 'The city takes all environmental complaints seriously and remains committed to protecting the health of our residents.' To support transparency and ensure proper tracking, residents are asked to forward their complaint reference numbers to the Alberton Record at [email protected] after logging a report with the city. The Alberton Record will monitor developments and engage with city officials to track investigation outcomes and patterns related to the ongoing odour complaints. ALSO READ: Stench in Alberton suburbs sparks health concerns, residents demand action At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Dlamini's heroics and Jane's leadership propel Banyana into WAFCON semis
Andile Dlamini celebrates after saving two penalties in Banyana Banyana's quarter-final shoot-out win over Senegal at WAFCON 2025. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Andile Dlamini, the acclaimed Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, has once again captured the spotlight, receiving praise for her exceptional performance in the recent WAFCON quarter-final against Senegal. Amid the high stakes of the knockout stage, it was not just Dlamini's prowess between the sticks that stood out, but also the remarkable leadership displayed by captain Refiloe Jane, whose encouragement and spirit of ubuntu galvanised the team during the intense match held in Morocco. Dlamini, reflecting on a crucial moment in the game, revealed how Jane's support helped lift the team's spirits. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I remember an instance where it was a build-up, and the ball went out for a corner. 'Fifi' (Jane's nickname) came and tapped me on the back and said, 'Let's go.' That's beautiful because we are a team. That shows that she is a leader more than anything,' she said in an interview with on Sunday. This moment encapsulated the essence of teamwork and camaraderie, as Banyana Banyana continue their push toward glory. The match against Senegal culminated in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out, and Dlamini's skills as a goalkeeper were tested. Showing commendable poise under pressure, she made two pivotal saves that ultimately secured victory. Jane, who has been steadfast in her confidence in Dlamini's abilities, praised her performance after the match. 'It was an exceptional team performance. When we went to penalties, we knew the capabilities that Andile has,' she said, reflecting the pride felt by her teammates. With three clean sheets achieved in the tournament so far, Dlamini stands tall as one of the competition's standout players. Having claimed the title of WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022, she continues to affirm her reputation at the 2025 championship. Her sterling performance, particularly in the face of a relentless Senegalese side, emphasises her role as a key player in the team's defensive strategy. 'The three clean sheets come down to the defence of the team. Defence starts with the forwards and their work at the front,' Dlamini explained, highlighting the importance of collective effort. 'It is a matter of understanding your role on a specific day, communication, positive messages to each other, even when it is so difficult.' Her insightful words reflect a maturity and understanding that anchor the team's resolve as they aim for another WAFCON title. As they move into the semi-finals, the confidence and mutual support among the Banyana Banyana players will be vital. Dlamini's journey is a testament to her dedication, consistently reminding fans and critics alike of her ability to rise to the occasion. With each game, she cements her legacy in women's football and inspires her teammates to pursue their shared dream of championship glory.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Andile Dlamini: How to Turn Pressure into Legacy
Some people are born with it. Confidence. The way they walk. The way they talk. The way they approach high pressure situations. The way they approach adversity. The way they standout when their backs are against the wall. Andile Dlamini is one of them. She belongs up there. Three clean sheets in the three games that she has played at the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco Have Dlamini standing tall in cloud nine. South Africa's finest and the reigning WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Year from the 2022 edition is stacking up exceptionally good performances like a pack of cards. Standing tall whenever her team needs her, Dlamini is back at it – reminding any doubters if they even exist that she will always own moments whenever given the opportunity. Against a relentless Senegal side on Saturday in the last quarterfinal, she stood between the sticks and delivered an extraordinary display of excellence. The three-time African champion with Mamelodi Sundowns - 2021 and 2023 at club level as well as 2022 with South Africa at national team level, had kept her fifth clean sheet in nine appearances at the WAFCON before being the deciding factor in the shootout to deny Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé. Sticks, Safe Hands and Leadership Nicknamed Sticks, Dlamini continues writing her name amongst global stars. In a WAFCON edition defined by narrow margins and big moments, the 32-year-old custodian continues to be the heartbeat of the defending champions who are desperate to defend their title. A combined 13 saves in three games means that Dlamini has made two more saves than she made in the six games South Africa played at the WAFCON 2022 edition in their lead up to winning their first ever title. 'It was exceptional team performance. When we went to penalties, we know the capabilities that Andile has. It was really important to get those saves that she made. We are proud of her performance and the team,' says the content Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane. When Jane and Senegal's captain Korka Fall were done with the pre-penalty proceedings regarding the choice of the field the penalties would be taken and which team would go first, Dlamini received immense support from her teammates both on the field and those standing with the technical bench on the sidelines. After she conceded the first one netted by the eventual Woman of the Match Mama Diop, Dlamini turned to the bench and said she felt some pain but being the fighter that she is, she says, 'I got the encouragement. Ramalepe [Lebohang] said 'sharp' and that is what a team is about. I am just grateful that my mind just channeled into, 'I'm okay'. I need to do this for the team. I think at that moment, it was a moment of 'I have to do this for my team.' I just did what I could.' 'The three clean sheets come down to the defense of the team. Defense starts with the forwards, the way that they defend at the front and then in the middle then that line and then me. It is a matter of understanding your role on a specific day, communication. Positive messages to each other even when it is so difficult,' she adds with her signature wide smile. 'I remember there was an instance where it was a buildup, and the ball went out for a corner. Fifi (Refiloe Jane) came and tapped me at the back and said, 'Let's go'. That's beautiful because we are a team. That is the spirit of Ubuntu. That is captaincy. That shows that she is a leader more than anything. What is beautiful about Banyana Banyana is that you have all of that surrounding us. But it is not over. We still have to go to the semifinals and make sure that we do our best and hopefully see ourselves in the final.' Nemesis, Omnipresent Nigeria To be the best, one must beat the best. The Super Falcons are featuring in their 13th semifinal in 13 editions. Everpresent. Chasing their 10th WAFCON title, Nigeria are waiting for South Africa who themselves want to defend their title – one they won in 2022. Their first WAFCON trophy. Dlamini together with her teammates want to feel the same way they felt three years ago when they lifted the continental title in Rabat after beating the hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final. South Africa have defeated Nigeria twice in the last two editions including a 1-0 victory thanks to Thembi Kgatlana at the 2018 edition as well as a 2-1 win in 2022 courtesy of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia's goals just after the hour mark. Tuesday's semifinal will see Dlamini come up against a ruthless Nigerian side that put five goals past Zambia in a one-sided encounter and an opposite number in Chiamaka Nnadozie who has kept a remarkable four clean sheets explaining why she is the current African Goalkeeper of the Year. But for Sticks, this is another opportunity to represent South Africa and make her nation pride. In one word, she calls it, 'Sbahle'. Sbahle which means beautiful in isiZulu. Grateful to be playing at this WAFCON, Dlamini is making the most of every opportunity given to her. After every game, she is always the last one to leave the field, greeting their fans – South Africans and Moroccans. For those that are kids and ask for her gloves, she blows kisses to them and leaves them with encouraging words about football and life in general. Sbahle .
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Concerns grow over eThekwini's wastewater treatment facilities amid water crisis
Residents collecting bottles to store water during water cuts. Image: Leon Lestrade AMID ongoing water issues in KwaZulu-Natal, the Democratic Alliance has raised concerns over the operational status of eThekwini's wastewater treatment works, revealing alarming statistics and community frustrations regarding environmental degradation and public health risks. In a parliamentary question, Hannah Lidgett, the DA spokesperson on environmental affairs for KZN questioned the state of infrastructure at the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs). In its reply, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) confirmed that only three of eThekwini's six WWTWs - in Kwandengezi, Glenwood, Umdloti, Northern, Umbilo, and Umhlanga - were operating at full capacity and repairs were needed. Lidgett also questioned how many environmental rehabilitation projects had been initiated since 2022 to address the contamination of rivers, wetlands and coastal areas. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Dr Bonginkosi Dlamini, chief director of environmental management for EDTEA responded that the repairs were undertaken by eThekwini Municipality in response to the S28 of NEMA Directive (remediation of environmental damage) which was issued by this department to the city to address the contamination following the 2022 flooding. Lidgett also asked what percentage of the repair projects were fully operational. Dlamini responded that all the pump stations (100%) were operational post repairs but not fully functional. 'However, these facilities do experience overflows which is in most cases due to high rainfall and occasionally when there is blockage in the system due to foreign objects. 'All the repaired sewer networks (100%) are operational. All WWTWs are functional and have improved in terms of compliance on the outflow water quality results. It must be noted, however, that not all facilities are fully functional,' said Dlamini. While Kwandengezi, Glenwood, and Umdloti WWTWs are working at 100%, the remaining facilities including Umbilo, and Umhlanga were compromised at 50 to 70% capacity and were only projected to be fully operational until 2026/2027. In her questions, Lidgett asked what punitive actions had been taken against corporations found guilty of environmental violations. Dlamini responded that the department has opened five cases against the eThekwini Municipality for sewer related pollution in Phoenix, Isipingo, Winklespruit, Verulam and Umlazi. 'There have been ongoing campaigns to educate communities and bi-monthly environmental compliance meetings with the affected line departments within the municipality to provide updated progress reports so that the Department can track progress, understand the challenges and provide strategic guidance,' said Dlamini. Lidgett said they had submitted follow-up parliamentary questions to establish the impact of diminished operationality and lack of capacity. 'The ongoing dysfunction of eThekwini's WWTWs, amid a litany of environmental crimes committed on the municipality's watch, is deeply alarming. 'The state of the facilities reveals a systemic collapse of basic infrastructure with terrible consequences for river systems, coastal waters, and public health across our province. Despite a Section 28 NEMA directive, issued to compel action after the 2022 floods, the municipality has clearly failed to comply meaningfully. 'Of grave concern is that five criminal cases have been opened against the eThekwini Municipality for environmental violations across Phoenix, Isipingo, Winklespruit, Verulam, and Umlazi. That KZN's Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has now confirmed these cases proves not only gross negligence, but an active breach of the law. 'Regrettably, the department's response is nothing short of complacent. Residents of KZN cannot be expected to accept environmental degradation and collapsing water infrastructure as the new normal,' said Lidgett. Reaction from residents: Renusha Singh from Umhlanga said she was frustrated at the lack of urgency regarding the water crisis. 'I feel like our complaints have fallen on deaf ears. When we have water, the pressure is low. But then there are days that we go without a drop of water with no concern for our wellbeing or human rights. Sadly, we do not have an alternate source of water. So when our taps run dry, we panic. 'The days of just waking up and going to work without the added pressure of the water woes, are gone. I always have to find different ways to get water just so we can leave the house. It's tiring and frustrating. Now it seems like the issue will only be solved by 2027. That is ridiculous. How are we to survive two more years? We need help, the eThekwini Municipality needs to take our plight seriously,' said Singh. Jacky Barrington, the secretary of the Umhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association said they were frustrated at the timeframe for repairs. 'The eThekwini Municipality committed to have the reticulation and provision of water to greater Durban secured by early 2026. It is of great concern that this time line has been increased, especially for the northern reaches of the municipality. Umhlanga is considered the business and tourism core of the city. "Interruptions and water shedding have already had a massive negative impact on commerce, with poor tourism outcomes for Umhlanga and an inability to sustain the job growth we so desperately need. Pipe bursts, potholes and sinkholes are harming our property values. Meanwhile Rates and Utility bills keep going up,' said Barrington. Roshan Lil-Ruthan, the communications spokesperson for the Verulam Water Crisis Committee (VWCC), condemned the eThekwini's wastewater failures as environmental sabotage and economic vandalism. 'The VWCC expressed urgent condemnation of the complete dysfunction plaguing eThekwini Municipality's WWTWs, which now represent not only a collapse in basic infrastructure but a direct threat to the environment, public health, and KwaZulu-Natal's economic future. 'Recent parliamentary replies confirm that only three of six municipal WWTWs are currently operating at full capacity. The Northern, Umbilo, and Umhlanga facilities are running at 50 to 70% efficiency, with projected completion delays stretching into 2027 - an unthinkable timeline given the damage already inflicted. We demand an immediate shift of this time line to much sooner than 2027. 'This dereliction of duty has triggered systemic pollution across our rivers, coastal waters, and soil. Raw sewage continues to flood natural ecosystems, violating environmental directives and posing extreme risks to biodiversity and residents. Despite a Section 28 NEMA directive issued after the 2022 floods, eThekwini has failed to comply meaningfully. Look at the recent catastrophic result of algae blooms in the Midmar basin that is a direct result of sewage contamination. It affected the preparation of potable water to millions. Now just think about what's happening in our rivers and ocean,' said Lil-Ruthan. He said toxic pollutants, including dangerously high levels of had contaminated local waterways and beaches. 'Communities from Verulam to Umlazi face microbial threats and diminished access to clean water, with vulnerable residents at acute risk. The municipality's failure to act is no longer administrative - it is criminal. Not so long ago we had a truck load of faecal waste dumped in the Mount Moreland conservancy area. The denial from the municipality in the face of eye witnesses and a video proved yet again that this was done deliberately. 'KZN's EDTEA confirmed five criminal cases against the municipality for environmental violations, including one in Verulam. Yet not a single official has been prosecuted, nor has any consequence management been undertaken. This culture of impunity must end. The City Manager or his appointed representatives, by virtue of their role, cannot be absolved of this crisis and must be held directly accountable. Is the SAPS and NPA lacking the will to act according to the law? 'Verulam has many sewage spills, some right in the CBD. This has impacted businesses and especially food establishments and medical practices and other service providers in our community. Raw sewerage flowed like a river until I reported this to the Mayor. A truck was then sent to unblock some of these blockages. The shock of this was when the staff arrived on scene, they pumped the raw sewage into the storm water reticulation system that feeds the Umdloti river. Umdloti has a marine protected area. Just imagine the repercussions,' said Lil-Ruthan. He said they were currently preparing formal submissions to the South African Human Rights Commission. Ish Prahladh, the president of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) said he had faith that the Mayor Cyril Xaba was making strides to improve service delivery. 'Many areas do not have water issues and also some areas are having water issues. But it's not as bad as previously because there is definitely an improvement. Remember the city is putting clamps on water mafias and incompetent service delivery contractors and now municipal tankers will be improving water deliveries to affected areas. Our ERRA affiliates are keeping an eye on the water situation and also helping out whenever a bad situation arises in their specific areas,' said Prahladh. The eThekwini Municipality did not respond to questions at the time of publication. THE POST
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga education department targets 90% matric pass rate for 2025
The Mpumalanga Department of Education's (DoE) Winter Vacation Classes for Grade 12 learners are currently under way. These sessions began on Monday, July 7 and will run until Friday, July 18. A total of 23034 learners are attending the programme, all from schools that achieved below an 80% pass rate in the 2024 National Senior Certificate examinations. According to former MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, the Winter Classes form a key part of the department's intervention strategy. 'We aim to provide targeted academic support, close learning gaps, and help learners prepare for improved performance in their final exams,' said Dlamini. The department has appointed experienced, high-performing teachers with proven track records to facilitate the sessions. Their expertise is expected to accelerate academic recovery and expose learners to effective teaching strategies. ALSO READ: Business seminar uplifts youth in Pienaar To support attendance, the DoE is providing daily meals and scholar transport to qualifying learners for the duration of the programme. Officials from the department visited Lekazi Central Secondary School on the opening day to monitor the start of the programme. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga education department ready for 2025 winter classes 'Our goal is clear – to raise the provincial matric pass rate to 90%. To achieve this, we urge parents, guardians and the broader school community to support and encourage the learners to attend these classes consistently,' said Dlamini. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
