Latest news with #KwaZulu-Natal
The Herald
14 hours ago
- The Herald
Pupil dies, several injured after 'drunk' KZN scholar transport driver crashes
KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC Siboniso Duma has ordered an investigation into a minibus taxi crash in which one pupil died and 10 others were injured amid allegations of the driver being drunk. Duma said he was alerted to the crash via WhatsApp messages from community members in Ndwedwe about an alleged drunk driver of a scholar transport vehicle. The taxi full of pupils rolled down an embankment. 'I also received a disturbing video of the [allegedly] drunk driver and other photos. I immediately assigned a team to urgently visit the scene of a crash caused by the same driver. The team also proceeded to Montobella District Hospital to monitor the condition of 10 learners who were injured,' he said. Duma said he received news in the early hours of Thursday of the death of one of the pupils. Six other pupils were treated and discharged, while four were admitted with severe head and body injuries. 'The extent of the injuries suggests extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. I have mandated the team to launch an investigation and assess the management of this scholar transport service and many others. 'Drastic action will be taken not only against the driver but also against the owner of this service provider. In addition, I have mandated the Road Traffic Inspectorate and other law enforcement agencies in the province to be on full alert and do spot checks of scholar transport.' On Tuesday Duma presented a report on scholar transport to the KwaZulu-Natal legislature transport portfolio committee. 'We reported over the past 400 days we have ensured scholar transport for more than 77,369 learners in 434 schools in all parts of the province. The department is administering the learner transport services programme on behalf of the education department with a budget of R341.154m this financial year,' he said. There are 85 contracts spread across 12 districts, he added. 'Despite the coverage outlined above, the programme still has a backlog of 1,571 schools on the waiting list, as well as 234,907 learners requiring the service. We need more than R2bn for this purpose.' TimesLIVE
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Durban's uMhlanga booms with $79mln oceans North Tower launch and $73mln leisure development plan
In a major boost to KwaZulu-Natal's economic transformation and Durban's rising status as a premier investment destination, the Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development will unveil the R1.4 billion North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower on Friday, 25 July. This milestone project cements uMhlanga's role as a key property and lifestyle hub in South Africa. Part of the R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga project, the North Tower launch builds on the success of the Oceans Mall—an internationally awarded retail destination—and the five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. Since its inception, the development has helped redefine urban investment in KwaZulu-Natal, drawing global attention and delivering significant job creation and retail transformation. 'This is not just a property launch; it's a celebration of how far Durban has come, and a reflection of the developers' (Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander) tenacity and unwavering perseverance,' said Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development. 'The Oceans Umhlanga development has brought global attention to the potential of this province. We're proud to now open the doors to a residential offering that reflects both international luxury standards and local ownership in a way South Africa has never seen before.' Oceans North Tower: Luxury Living Meets Local Impact The Oceans North Tower introduces 258 high-end luxury apartments, ranging from studio to four-bedroom units and penthouses, all with panoramic ocean views of the iconic East Coast. Every unit includes premium finishes, direct access to Oceans Mall, and cutting-edge features designed for long-term property investment in Durban. But the project is more than architecture—it's a blueprint for inclusive economic development. Around 50% of the current construction workforce are young, Black South Africans, including a notable number of young Black women—setting a new benchmark for equity in the built environment. Oceans Mall itself embodies the development's inclusive retail strategy: 50% of the retail space is Black-owned 12 out of 14 restaurants are operated by Black entrepreneurs Over 25,000 jobs created during construction—many filled by residents of Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn These figures highlight how the project is reshaping communities previously overlooked by large-scale investment. Employment opportunities in retail, hospitality, construction, security, logistics, and cleaning are now accessible to residents from surrounding areas. 'We are witnessing lives change in real time,' continued Mpono. 'Young people are securing jobs in flagship luxury boutiques. Women are running thriving restaurants. Fathers who once struggled to find stable employment are now part of reliable teams in logistics and security. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represent families with renewed hope, dignity, and a real opportunity to participate in the economy.' A Landmark Investment for uMhlanga Strategically located on Lagoon Drive in the heart of uMhlanga, the North Tower features: Resort-style pools Concierge services Children's play areas Yoga zones Ducted air-conditioning Inverter readiness Direct beachfront and mall access The development is expected to play a central role in Durban's post-pandemic economic recovery and fuel national real estate investment interest in the province. 'The completion of the Oceans Umhlanga Residential Towers is a vote of confidence from the developers—confidence in Durban, in our people, and in the kind of future we can build when world-class investment meets authentic transformation.' — Brian Mpono R1.3 Billion South Tower Leisure Investment Teased At the same time, Mpono previewed an upcoming R1.3 billion leisure development in the Oceans South Tower, which will further enhance uMhlanga's status as a top-tier lifestyle destination and magnet for international and domestic investors. Exclusive Launch Event on July 25 The North Tower launch event on Friday, 25 July will gather investors, civic leaders, government officials, and media for an exclusive preview of the residential units, with live entertainment, gourmet refreshments, and keynote addresses from Vivian Reddy, the Mayor, the Premier of KZN, and economic analysts.
The Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald
Nkabane removed as higher education minister, replaced by Buti Manamela
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Buti Manamela as minister of higher education and training. Manamela will replace Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who issued a statement thanking Ramaphosa for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as a minister. Manamela had served as deputy minister of higher education and training, a role he held from the seventh administration. 'Consequently, President Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, deputy minister of higher education and training,' the presidency said in a statement. The presidency said Dube's long government leadership experience included serving as MEC for co-operative government and traditional affairs and premier of KwaZulu-Natal. 'Section 93 (b) (of the constitution) empowers the president to appoint no more than two deputy ministers from outside the [National] Assembly.' The Sunday Times reported that Nkabane was facing the chop after being accused of lying to parliament about the appointment of the controversial panel to appoint sector education and training authorities (Seta) boards. The Sunday Times has previously reported Ramaphosa and the ANC's top officials had resolved she had compromised the party and her position in the cabinet. After her removal on Monday, Nkabane said: 'It has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio and I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity.' TimesLIVE
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi finance minister calls for urgent reform of global trade system at G20 summit
CAPE TOWN — Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized the urgent need to accelerate reform of the global trade system in response to shifting economic realities, during the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held under South Africa's presidency on July 17–18. 'The fiscal space is shrinking at a time when financing needs are growing, leading to higher borrowing costs and mounting pressure on both governments and the private sector,' Al-Jadaan said during his address. He welcomed the G20 note on lessons learned from the Common Framework cases and the accompanying debt treatment steps document, noting their importance in strengthening transparency and predictability. He also stressed the need to continue supporting countries facing financial stress or short-term liquidity challenges. On the sidelines of the G20 meetings, Al-Jadaan held bilateral talks with several finance ministers to discuss global economic developments and topics of mutual interest. The meeting, hosted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, brought together G20 finance ministers, central bank governors, invited country representatives, and heads of international and regional financial institutions. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Japan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
G20 communique delivers rare show of unity amid Trump trade war
Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs committed to international policy cooperation in a communique adopted Friday, finding rare consensus amid escalating tensions over the U.S. trade war. "The global economy is facing heightened uncertainty and complex challenges, including ongoing wars and conflicts, geopolitical and trade tension,' the communique said. "We emphasize the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy.' The agreement, forged during the G20 summit in South Africa's eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, was reached despite simmering tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war, which is set to intensify when higher tariffs take effect on Aug. 1. They have strained the G20's multilateral foundations and complicated South Africa's efforts — as this year's rotating president — to keep the group's agenda on course. "The fact that all members consented to language covering debt relief, climate finance, tax cooperation, and financial stability during such a period demonstrates the success of the approach that we have adopted,' said South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. It was the first G20 communique this year. Tariffs were not explicitly mentioned in the five-page document. But Godongwana played that down, noting it was a relatively recent issue "and in any case I feel that our discussion on the broad number issues affecting global growth have included the range of risk to economic growth, without singling out tariffs.' The G20 communique did note the importance of the World Trade Organization to advance trade issues, while adding that it recognized "the WTO has challenges and needs meaningful, necessary, and comprehensive reform to improve all its functions.' Officials also sided with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who Trump has excoriated for opposing him by not lowering interest rates, out of concern the levies could spur inflation. "Central banks are strongly committed to ensuring price stability, consistent with their respective mandates, and will continue to adjust their policies in a data-dependent manner,' the communique said. "Central bank independence is crucial to achieving this goal.' South African Reserve Bank Gov. Lesetja Kganyago told reporters at a closing news conference that the issue of independence "came out strongly in the conversation.' Powell did not attend this G20, with the Fed being represented by Vice Chair Philip Jefferson. The communique also included a prominent reference to "frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters which impact economic growth, financial and price stability.' Climate-change language has been a sticking point with the Trump administration in the past. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipped the event in favor of a trip to Japan, but Washington still sent a delegation to represent its interests. By imposing trade levies, scorning South Africa's G20 motto of "solidarity, equality and sustainability' and pulling billions of dollars in funding for climate finance and international aid, the U.S. is testing a world order that has dominated since the end of World War II. That makes achieving a communique all the more impressive, said German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil prior to its adoption. "This is a major achievement for the G20 presidency, which has conducted these negotiations with prudence and skill,' he told reporters at the gathering, at a lush resort on the Indian Ocean near the port city of Durban. Issuing the communique sends "a strong signal in favor of multilateralism,' he said. Still, tariff uncertainty has dented global economic growth. The International Monetary Fund in April cut its projection for 2025 to 2.8% from a January forecast of 3.3% and IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath, who attended the G20, said that while financial conditions have improved, vigilance was important. "While we will update our global forecast at the end of July, downside risks continue to dominate the outlook and uncertainty remains high,' she said in a statement as the gathering concluded.
