Latest news with #MECSibonisoDuma
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KZN government takes action against underperforming contractors to combat corruption
MEC Siboniso Duma inspecting the unfinished roadworks in the Cowie's Hill and New Germany area Image: Supplied The ongoing struggle against corruption and inefficiency in South Africa's public sector is taking a notable turn as the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) department of Transport of Human Settlements moves to terminate contracts with underperforming contractors. Recently, KZN's Public Works Department, led by MEC Martin Meyer, took a similar stance in d to tackling the persistent issues of poor performance among contractors by enforcing stricter measures against negligent contractors. Public Works had six contractors blacklisted and warned others that if they saw the department as a means to make a quick buck, they must be prepared for their fate to be cemented with accountability. The initiatives garnered the support of Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), a prominent civil society organisation, which deems it a crucial step in enhancing accountability and transparency within government operations. OUTA's CEO, Wayne Duvenage, said the moves had the potential to drastically reduce instances of corruption and maladministration. "Yes, we do support this. In fact, we call for it to become more formalised and a requirement of government to use this as a way of tackling maladministration and the waste or corrupt use of national and municipal funds," Duvenage stated. He called upon the National Treasury to engage with civil society to discuss improvements in effectiveness, highlighting the need for greater accountability in public service delivery. Duvenage's comments came following the latest announcement from Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, regarding the termination of a road construction contract with a contractor due to prolonged delays and failure to meet contractual obligations. The contract, valued at approximately R87.8 million, was intended for the rehabilitation of the main road P577-02, which connects Cowie's Hill to New Germany and served as a vital link to major highways. 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 ✕ "This road was handed over to the contractor on 09 June 2023, with construction starting on 02 August 2023, and an initial completion date set for 24 May 2024," explained Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the MEC's spokesperson. However, despite repeated extensions and ongoing oversight, the contractor failed to make substantial progress, prompting Duma and his department to take decisive action. According to Sibiya, the MEC was inundated with complaints from the public regarding the construction delays spanning over 400 days since he took office. After conducting regular inspections and weekly progress meetings with the contractor, the department concluded that termination was the only viable option. "After inspecting the construction site, holding weekly progress meetings, and supporting the contractor, we have made the decision to terminate the contract," Sibiya stated. The department was now in the process of re-measuring incomplete work and drafting a tender for a new contractor to take over. As the KZN government takes this firm stance, MEC Duma reaffirmed his commitment to accountability, stating, "As an elected public representative, I need to be accountable to the people. A lot of blame, at times rightly so, has been placed at the feet of the department as the custodian of public transportation. "However, the reality is that we have contractors who are failing to honour their contracts." Duma further announced that punitive measures would be implemented to recover funds from contractors who abandon projects or fail to meet deadlines. Such measures, he believed, were essential to ensure the integrity of public service delivery and restore public faith in government operations. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
28-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Transforming KwaZulu-Natal: MEC Sibuniso Duma's achievements in housing and transport
MEC Siboniso Duma looks back on his 400 days in office, heading the Human settlements and Transport portfolio in KZN Image: Supplied Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma characterised his first 400 days in office as a significant leap forward, which aligned with the key implementation of the Freedom Charter's principles. Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, Duma reflected on the collaborative efforts with traditional leadership, successful housing initiatives, and ongoing challenges within his departments. One of the crowning achievements Duma noted was the strengthened relationships with traditional leaders across KwaZulu-Natal, which came about through frequent engagements that ensured local support for government projects aimed at disaster responses. 'The Amakhosi have agreed to make land available for our responses to disasters,' Duma stated, which pointed to an important collaboration for future endeavours. Duma revealed that the Human Settlements department fully subsidised 7,976 homes, which positively impacted communities and ensured that over 900 building sites were established for public use. 'We built 5,030 houses for rural residents and provided homes for 464 vulnerable individuals, while also registering 1,638 title deeds for community members,' he added proudly. 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 Among the department's highlights, Duma lauded the acquisition of Montclair Lodge from Transnet for R33 million. This facility, which was set to be repurposed into government-owned transitional emergency accommodation for flood victims, featuring 268 rooms and a capacity for 600 individuals. The lodge was anticipated to house flood victims, from December 2025 or January 2026, which would provide a strategic response to seasonal flooding threats. 'This historic milestone will greatly reduce reliance on private facilities for emergency accommodations,' Duma explained, expressing optimism for the future. On the transport front, Duma announced a landmark investment of over R13 billion for developing the province's infrastructure, enhancing public transportation, and enforcing road safety in the upcoming financial year. This investment was not about roads only; but was a crucial portion of the government's broader plan to tackle poverty and inequality. However, Duma mentioned that a harsh reality was the department's budget constraints. Despite a monthly requirement of R1.1 billion to pay service providers, the department recently received only R800 million and, in the previous month, R560 million. 'This means our vision for a 30-day payment turnaround will be compromised,' he lamented, promising to engage with Provincial Treasury for a resolution. Seeking to stimulate local economies while addressing the needs of residents, Duma expressed his commitment to tackling delays in housing construction. 'We've reduced blocked housing projects from 68 to 15,' he said, while also addressing persistent local opposition to new development initiatives. 'There is a need for community understanding; the Not in My Backyard syndrome continues to hinder progress.' Despite these challenges, Duma emphasised the importance of partnership with religious and traditional leaders to create inclusive conversations around government programmes. Through prayer days and various forums, he aimed to empower communities to monitor the effectiveness of resources directed to them. 'We have noted the need to join hands; while we invest heavily in infrastructure and service delivery, engagement with the community is vital to ensure these resources reach those in need,' he concluded. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
27-07-2025
- IOL News
KZN MEC orders attempted murder probe after drunk taxi driver causes crash on R34
A drunk taxi driver collided with a Ford Ranger on the R34, forcing both vehicles off the road. MEC Siboniso Duma mandates attempted murder charges and zero tolerance on reckless driving. A drunk taxi driver collided with a Ford Ranger on the R34, forcing both vehicles off the road. MEC Siboniso Duma mandates attempted murder charges and zero tolerance on reckless driving. Image: Supplied/ KZN Dept of Transport KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has ordered that a drunk taxi driver involved in a major accident on the R34 near Empangeni be charged with attempted murder, vowing to maintain a 'Zero Tolerance posture' on reckless driving. Duma confirmed that Road Safety Directorate teams, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and district chaplain Fata Sipho Mbatha were on the scene after the taxi, travelling from Empangeni to eMasangweni with passengers from the same family, collided with a Ford Ranger and veered off the road 'According to the passengers, the taxi driver was heavily intoxicated and was driving recklessly. 'He attempted to overtake the Ford Ranger and hit the rear end causing the two cars to veer off the road down the embankment. The driver of the Ford Ranger corroborated this,' Duma alleged. Duma said he has instructed the RTI to work with SAPS to ensure the driver is held accountable. 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 have mandated our highly efficient and dedicated team from RTI to work with SAPS and press for attempted murder charges,' he said. He added that the driver must undergo a breathalyzer and blood tests, and if found over the legal limit they must arrest him . 'He must remain in custody until he is sober' and appear in court within 48 hours, said Duma . Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Montclair Lodge to serve as transitional housing for flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal
Montclair Lodge has been acquired by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements for R33 million. This purchase is intended to convert the property into government-owned transitional emergency housing for individuals affected by floods. Image: Supplied The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements has bought the Montclair Lodge from Transnet for R33 million and will use the property as government-owned transitional emergency accommodation. MEC Siboniso Duma made the announcement at the lodge's doorstep on Sunday morning. Duma said the transfer from Transnet to the department occurred on May 31. 'In other words, we will no longer use private facilities as part of the Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA),' Duma said. 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 The lodge has 268 rooms with a 600-bed capacity. Duma said the Housing Development Agency will manage it for the department. eThekwini Municipality councillor Bheki Mngwengwe, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements Head of Department Max Mbili and eThekwini Municipality ward 26 councillor Sbusiso Lushaba at Montclair Lodge during a media briefing on Sunday. Image: Thobeka Ngema 'A professional engineer will be appointed before the end of July 2025 to do a basic assessment, which will determine the scope of work for the refurbishment. The contractor will be appointed immediately upon receipt of the basic assessment. A minimum of R35 million will be set aside for the refurbishment, while R4.2 million has been made available for the basic assessment,' Duma explained. He said it is expected that some flood victims will occupy the lodge in December 2025 or January 2026. 'Our plan is to ensure that we are ready for heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the summer season,' Duma said. 'This milestone of a government-owned transitional emergency accommodation will drastically reduce the rent paid to privately owned transitional emergency accommodations.' The large property, with several floors, rooms with built-in cupboards, bathrooms, a dining hall, garages and a swimming pool, requires refurbishment, as seen during a walkabout. Among others, some windows were broken, doors taken off their hinges, peeling paint, and tiles were missing from the floor. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma (left) inside one of the rooms at Montclair Lodge. Image: Supplied Head of Department Max Mbili said a professional engineer will do a basic assessment on what needs to be done for the property to be ready for occupation. 'We are going to give him or her a period of two to three weeks to complete that exercise. Thereafter, we are going to appoint a contractor who will then come and do renovations,' Mbili said. He said repairs are expected to be completed by December 2025 or January 2026, and then families will occupy it. 'Affected families will be housed here for a period of one to three months while we're building a permanent solution for them,' Mbili said. Montclair resident Simphiwe Mzimba expressed gratitude that the department had bought the property because they had become police and security personnel, guarding and not sleeping, ensuring that no one occupies the property without permission. 'We encourage residents, now that the building will be used, not to be aggrieved and question those who will occupy it, because there are questions about why people from areas like Lamontville will occupy it,' Mzimba said. He urged the department to have community engagement, explaining that those who would occupy the property were affected by floods.
The South African
05-07-2025
- The South African
Police officers among five killed in Marianhill Toll Plaza crash
The bodies of five people, including two policemen, have been recovered following a horrific accident near the Marianhill Toll Plaza on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal. The accident happened on Friday night, 4 July. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements said the minibus taxi, carrying 17 passengers, was travelling to Ixopo when the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid a reckless Polo driver. Five people were declared deceased on the scene, three were critically injured, while nine suffered moderate injuries and were rushed to RK Khan Hospital. MEC Siboniso Duma said they are saddened by the death of five people in this accident caused by a polo driver, just after the Marrianhill Toll Plaza. Duma said the minibus taxi veered off the road and plunged 50 meters down the embankment. The recovery of bodies has been completed. 'We lost four women and one male. Of the four women, one was a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in full uniform.' 'We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We wish those in hospital a speedy recovery. We salute the emergency personnel, RTI, eThekwini Metro Police and rescue teams for their dedication,' Duma said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
