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The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tourism indaba probes youth job opportunities
Tourism in all its elements was firmly on the table at a two-day Municipal Development Tourism Conference hosted in Richards Bay last week by the City of uMhlathuze. Delegates from municipalities as far afield as Nelson Mandela Bay, Cape Town, Newcastle, Utrecht, Dundee and Phalaborwa were enlightened and empowered by guest speakers, networking and workshops, covering a wide variety of tourism industry topics. These included: • Community empowerment through digital pathways • Local tourism economies • Opportunities for stokvels to develop local tourism • Marketing and brand development strategies • Sustainability of State-owned tourism assets • Reservation systems for local accommodation establishments • Tourism development infrastructure projects • Support for SMEs in the hospitality industry • Grading Council accreditation support • Marine tourism opportunities. The pressing challenge of unemployment was the concern of speaker Jaya Naidoo, senior lecturer at the Durban University of Technology and GM of FEDHASA East Coast. He emphasised the urgent need to equip the youth and unemployed graduates of uMhlathuze and surrounding communities with practical, future-focused skills. 'With soaring unemployment and limited pathways to opportunity, many young people are left without the tools needed to succeed in an evolving economy,' said Naidoo. His presentation explored strategic interventions to unlock this potential – through targeted skills development programmes, meaningful partnerships with local industry and educational institutions, and inclusive, community-driven youth initiatives. Key areas of focus included vocational training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills – critical components in bridging the gap between education and employment. 'Empowering youth with the right skills is not just an investment in individuals – it's a commitment to the long-term economic and social growth of our region,' Naidoo stated. 'We must prepare young people not just to find jobs, but to create them.' Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Bergville principals learn about risk management
Principals from the Bergville CMC concluded a risk management workshop at the Bergville Sports Centre yesterday (July 30). The workshop was led by Dr Sikhuthali Nyangintsimbi, chief risk officer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The session highlighted the importance of identifying risks and opportunities, and developing risk registers for schools. Also read: R12 million for road projects in Driefontein and Acaciavale The principals who attended left with a renewed commitment to prioritise compliance, integrity and open communication; and to foster a culture of transparency and inclusivity. Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
IOL News
25-07-2025
- IOL News
Durban pensioner shoved outside Addington Hospital after refusing to show ID to anti-foreigner group
Crispin Hemson, 77, alleges he was unlawfully assaulted at the gates of Addington Hospital by members of the March and March Movement after he declined to produce his ID. Image: Supplied Durban resident Crispin Hemson, 77, a former director of the Centre for Non-violence at the Durban University of Technology, alleges he was violently assaulted by members of the March and March Movement at Addington Hospital after he refused to provide his ID at the hospital's gate. The incident took place on Thursday outside the hospital's gates, where the group has been stationed for weeks, demanding IDs from individuals they suspect are not South Africans. Hemson posted a video on his Facebook account showing him being aggressively denied entry by a man and a woman. In the video, two people, believed to be part of the March and March Movement - can be seen pulling Hemson by force at the hospital gate. A woman is also seen pointing at Hemson and saying, 'Ngizokushaya,' which translates to 'I will beat you.' 'I had to go to Addington Hospital twice recently,' Hemson told IOL News. 'I was trying to get a surgical appliance form, which I eventually received with the help of the wonderful staff in physiotherapy. But when I first went, people at the gate insisted I show my ID, which I refused.' Hemson said the people claimed they recognised him from a previous visit where he had also refused to produce identification. 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 'They have no legal right to ask for ID,' he said. 'They were swearing at me, making false claims about the Constitution, and threatening me.' For six weeks, March and March members have camped outside Addington Hospital, demanding IDs and blocking those they suspect are not South Africans. In Gauteng, the anti-foreigner group Operation Dudula has been doing the same in the past weeks. He eventually called Point SAPS for help. 'I only got in because the police sent a van to tell these people I could enter,' he said. 'That's ridiculous. It's a basic right to access health care.' Hemson said one woman from the March and March group followed him into the hospital, falsely accusing him of trying to collect medication for foreign nationals. 'She followed me all the way to physiotherapy. Only when I sat with the other patients did she give up,' he said. Inside the hospital, Hemson said he spoke with other elderly patients who shared similar experiences of being denied entry due to not having or refusing to show IDs. 'I later went to hospital management to report it,' he said. 'They told me they couldn't control what happens outside their fence.' Hemson said that the South African Constitution guarantees the right to access health services without discrimination. 'When I went back, I met a group of documented foreign nationals who were also being blocked. These people are enforcing their own discriminatory rules,' he said. After the incident, Hemson said he went to the Point Police Station to open an assault case but the police refused to assist him. 'They obstructed me completely,' Hemson said. 'When I tried to explain, they said, 'No, no, no, we're not going to listen.' A detective told me they only act when instructed by the Minister of Police. 'I asked, 'So when there's a housebreaking, do you wait for ministerial approval to respond?' It's nonsense.' He described the situation as 'sinister,' saying, 'It's authoritarian and anti-democratic. Nobody has the right to act as if they're in charge of our public spaces.' Hemson said he will write to Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi and incoming Police Minister Professor Fizon Cachalia, urging them to intervene in what he called a blatant violation of constitutional rights. 'There are South Africans being denied access to health care simply because they forgot their ID or refused to show it,' he said. 'This affects not only foreigners. It's a threat to everyone's rights.' IOL News reached out to March and March Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, but multiple calls went unanswered. Her response will be added when available. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda denied Hemson's allegations. 'We don't respond to allegations,' Netshiunda told IOL News. 'As for the claim that detectives at Point SAPS refused to assist him… that's not true. There are no detectives stationed at the charge office.' KZN Department of Health spokesperson Agiza Hlongwane promised to provide a statement clarifying the department's position. IOL News
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Actor bags historic role
Gcilima's Xolani Khowa Xolo recently bagged a role on Season 2 of Shaka Ilembe. Xolo portrays the character of Ndlela kaSompisi, who died in February 1840. Ndlela was a key general to Zulu Kings, Shaka and Dingane. He rose to prominence as a highly effective warrior under Shaka. Dingane appointed him as his chief advisor. He was also the principal commander of Dingane's armies. Xolo said this was his first acting role on screen. He described Ndlela as a person who believed in what he wanted and fought for it. 'He was a hero who was loyal to the Zulu monarch,' he said. The actor explained that he learned a great deal through this character. 'I have always known about the Ndlela surname, but I was not aware of the extent to which Ndlela played a role in unifying the Zulu kingdom. I have learned that our surnames carry a lot of history because of the people who did a lot to represent their lineage well,' he said. Xolo studied Drama and Production Studies at the Durban University of Technology. He said that is where his love for acting started. 'It was in 2015, in my first year in university that my love for acting started. I have been doing theatre for years in Joburg and the PlayHouse in Durban,' he said. Xolo added he was in negotiations with other production companies for other acting roles. Another South Coaster who was on Season 1 of Shaka Ilembe is Mtwalume's Hope Mbhele. Shaka Ilembe airs on Mzansi Magic every Sunday at 20:00. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Fever's Facebook page At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Young Aleah shows off linguistic talent
AT just eight years old, Virginia resident Aleah Ramouthar has shown off a natural aptitude for learning and speaking Mandarin. The Grade Three learner at Glenashley Junior Primary recently placed second in the country at the fifth 'Chinese Bridge' Chinese Show for Primary School Students competition in Cape Town. Incredibly, she only started learning Mandarin in February this year. Also read: Durban North resident shapes bodyboarding journey She was recommended by the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology and the competition saw Aleah recite a poem, as well as share her journey and love for the Mandarin language and culture. Besides showcasing her linguistic talents, Aleah was also the youngest contestant at the competition. 'I'm very happy with my results. I had a three-minute speech which I memorised and learnt with my teacher. I gave a self-introduction, spoke about how I started learning Mandarin and I told the judges how much I love Chinese culture, especially the outfits. My goal is to enter next year and hopefully go all the way,' she said. Aleah was inspired by her teacher Vivian Zeng, who works for the Confucius Institute based at DUT. 'Last year my niece, Mahi Roopchund, placed first in this very same competition. I taught her privately and also gave a demo at her school, Glenashley Junior Primary. Because of that they asked if I would consider extra-murals. That's how it started and Aleah's mother signed her up for the classes. She has shown how talented she is, especially as she only started learning Mandarin recently,' Zeng said. Also read: Glen Hills church stitches for charitable causes Aleah's mother Diana said this experience has transformed her daughter. 'Aleah is one of three and she is a very shy young girl. We were just amazed when we heard her speaking on stage and reciting a poem on stage so confidently. She is certainly the first in the family to learn another language other than Afrikaans and English. I think Vivian's demo really inspired Aleah because she came home with a registration form. She was so persistent that she wanted to learn Mandarin and I actually signed her up on the day the first lesson was taught. We are so proud of her and we are grateful to Vivian who also inspired her and encouraged her to take part,' she said. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
