Latest news with #SiboneloNgcobo
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Exploring Politics Through Art: Nanda Soobben's provocative book, 'Shut Your Pothole'
Multi-award winning cartoonist and animator Nanda Soobben launched his latest book, Shut Your Pothole. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media VETERAN cartoonist and animator Nanda Soobben launched his third book, Shut Your Pothole, at the Glenwood Book Fair, on Saturday. Soobben, who has been keeping a close eye and depicting his take on local and international politics for 40 years in that time, is regarded as a Struggle media personality. It's no surprise that the book has strong political flavour and Chapter One is titled: 'Apartheid and Racism" Mandela, women, GBV and human rights, Donald Trump, one of the most dominant personalities in world politics presently, are some other prominent themes to feature in the book. Some of the audience who attended the launch of nanda Soobben's latest book, Shut Your Pothole. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media 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 ✕ During the launch event, Soobben engaged his audience and gave insights on the inspiration for Shut Your Pothole, including the catchy title. 'I saw Bheki Cele (the former minister of police) shouting at someone, who was asking a relevant question about a woman who was killed in a township and he was telling her to shut up and was shouting at her. 'I was watching it play out on TV and instinctively said, shut your pothole!' About the presidents who ruled nations during his career as cartoonist, Soobben said: 'I have seen stupid men rule the world, everyone one was stupid. There was only one who was more dignified than the others, the rest were all stupid because of the things they did.' Nanda Soobben giving insights on some of the depictions in his latest boo, Shut Your Pothole. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
One year on: Tongaat community are still picking up the pieces
Saloshna Govender's home was destroyed during the tornado. She is yet to start rebuilding. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers NEARLY a year after a devastating tornado struck Tongaat, residents share their ongoing struggles to rebuild their homes and lives. On June 3, 2024, the tornado left thousands of residents displaced, 12 people dead and hundreds of homes destroyed. Last week, the POST visited some of the affected areas, where the clean-up and repair of roofs, windows, boundary walls, and other infrastructure is ongoing. Some of the homes were extensively damaged, with only the structures still remaining Several homes were extensively damaged with only some of its structures remaining. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Saloshna Govender, 43, of Naidoo Road, said she, her husband and their two children were renting while they tried to rebuild their house. 'It has been a long and incredibly difficult road. The unpredictable weather with the rain, and our work commitments have delayed our progress. Our house has been underpinned, and we are working with a structural engineer. While plans have been drawn up, everything is moving slowly.' Govender said the estimated damage to her property was around R1.4 million. 'To make things worse, looters arrived soon after, stealing what little was left. In addition, the eThekwini Municipality sent a team to assess the damage shortly after the tornado, but nothing ever came from it. While we do have insurance, the process has been frustratingly slow. However, we are grateful to the people who offered emotional support and kindness in the tornado aftermath.' Govender said surviving the tornado was both a miracle and a traumatic experience. 'In the immediate aftermath, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief that my family and I were alive but that relief quickly gave way to shock and grief as we stepped outside and saw the devastation. Everything we had built, collected, and cherished was gone in an instant. It felt like our lives had been stripped bare. 'I struggled with disbelief and sorrow. But I also had a deep sense of gratitude. It's hard to describe what it feels like to lose everything, yet still hold onto what truly matters, each other. In the days that followed, we faced uncertainty, but also discovered a quiet strength that came from surviving together,' she said. Govender added that she missed her home. 'I lived in Naidoo Road for 40 years. It is the place that I grew up and later where we raised our family. Our home was more than just walls and a roof. It was filled with memories, comfort, and security. We are doing our best to restore what was lost. While the road to rebuilding is long, we continue forward with hope and faith.' Ramasamy Pillay outside his home in Rama Road, which he and his wife, Yogie Naidoo, are renovating. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Yogie Naidoo, 58, of Rama Road in Sandfields, said the trauma of the tornado remained. 'It still feels like just yesterday that I was about to get carried away into the sky. I remember being pulled by this strong wind, as my roof was blown away and windows were breaking. If my husband did not shield me, I probably would not be alive today.' Naidoo said the damage to her home and belongings was extensive. 'The walls of our garage collapsed, and my car was completely damaged. We also could not live in the house, which led to looting of whatever belongings we had. This included the donations we received such as a wheelbarrow and a gas cylinder.' Naidoo said the estimated damages amounted to about R1m. 'Thankfully, we had insurance which aided us in repairing what we could, such as the roof and windows. But we still had to use funds from our pockets to replace everything that was destroyed inside the home. In addition, we were only able to move back into our home in February.' Prabitha Ramlukan suffered injuries to her face after her bedroom window shattered during the tornado. Her home's roof was also torn off. Image: Nadia Khan Prabitha Ramlukan, 58, of Sandfields Road in Sandfields, said she was still picking up the pieces. She also suffered severe injuries to her forehead and left eye after the tornado hit her home, shattered her bedroom window and tore off her roof. 'I am grateful for the sponsors that helped to replace the roof and windows. It has not been easy trying to rebuild, especially when you don't have the finances. But my son and I are slowly fixing and replacing what we can in our home.' Ramlukan's home now. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Ramlukan said she still experienced 'shivers' when there were heavy winds or rains. 'It takes me back to that day when I had to hold onto my headboard so I wouldn't get blown away. I also still feel the pain from my injury.' Some of the damages inside the home of Annie Lahldas after the tornado. Image: Supplied Annie Lahldas, 70, of Breeze Place in Fairbreeze, said she was still trying to rebuild her home. She said the estimated damages to her property was over R1m and she was under-insured. 'I had to prioritise what needed to be repaired first, which was the boundary walls that had collapsed and allowed for theft from my property. I also had to replace the roof, doors and windows for our safety. However, as a pensioner, it is hard to do more. Sadly, I did not receive any other financial assistance, especially from the government, which would help me do more repairs.' Melanie Maistry outside her home which is still being repaired. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Melanie Maistry, 46, of Naidoo Road, said repairs to her home were ongoing because she did not have insurance at the time of the disaster. 'This is my family home which I had just spent R80 000 to renovate. We had just moved back into the home when the tornado hit. However, I did not know the home insurance lapsed.' Maistry said there was extensive damage to the roof, door and windows. 'In addition, our driveway gate was damaged. It has been challenging over the past few months as we try to complete the repairs. We have only just finished painting the roof. There is still a lot more work to be done, but it will take time.' Maistry said there was still a need for financial support to be provided to residents. 'Sadly, a year later and many residents have not started rebuilding their lives due to not having had insurance or being underpaid for the damages. They are now forced to rent, some even far away. 'In addition, large sums of money was donated towards the tornado relief efforts. Where are those funds? If there is any money available, then it should be used to help those who are still struggling. It is only fair,' she said.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Durban buildings up for sale: eThekwini Municipality's strategic move
The eThekwini full council held at the Durban ICC. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers Councillors have granted the eThekwini Municipality the go-ahead to negotiate with the business rescue practitioners and bondholders of Urban Lime Prop SA (PTY) Ltd to purchase the Durban Chambers and Durban Club place buildings, estimated at R120 million. The matter was approved at a council meeting on Thursday, where the property development company is undergoing a business rescue process, according to the municipality, which has accumulated substantial municipal debt. The buildings, which are currently not in use, are strategically located near the Durban City Hall, where the city is leasing two other high-rise buildings. In a report presented to the council, the municipality stated that this presented a timely and strategically aligned opportunity to acquire the buildings. The report stated that the deal could offer a practical solution to the long-standing challenges in securing compliant, cost-effective, and permanent office accommodation rather than relying on leased properties. 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 ✕ The report stated that the proposed acquisition will meet two key objectives: The recovery of significant outstanding municipal debt. The reduction of long-term leasing costs through the ownership of suitable accommodation assets. The city estimates it will have to spend R10 million in total to repair the fire detection system, get an electricity compliance certificate, and repair the air conditioning and lifts. Cyril Xaba, eThekwini mayor, said the city must carefully evaluate the deal and not buy something that will not deliver potential benefits. Xaba said the council's directive is to prioritise insourced services as a cost-saving mechanism and that this acquisition was described as a significant advancement in addressing the current challenges associated with municipal offices operating from leased premises that are no longer compliant with prevailing building standards. During an Executive Committee meeting (Exco), several councillors spoke about the issue. Themba Mvubu, EFF Exco member, said the emphasis should be on the acquisition of the building to benefit the city and save costs. DA Exco member Andre Beetge said the city should not jump into the deal without conducting due diligence. He said at face value, it appears to be a good proposition and that the municipality should be wary not to put itself into a problem where millions are spent on further renovations. 'We must not buy an asset that requires money to fix. We did this in the past, and we do not want white elephants,' he said. Mdu Nkosi, an IFP Exco member, said he welcomed the move because in most of the buildings that the municipality was renting, there were challenges. Nkosi mentioned that one of the buildings used by councillors has roof leaks, cockroach infestations, and pigeons entering the ceilings. According to Nkosi, the municipality will save money if it goes this route and avoids paying exorbitant rental fees. "Officials cannot do anything, but if we do have our buildings, we will be able to maintain them. This will be a motivation to the municipal employees who are having challenges in their workspaces. You have visitors who enter some offices and find that they are poorly maintained and buckets collecting water from leaking roofs,' he said. Nkosenhle Madlala, the ANC Exco whip, said that for years, councillors have been vocal about the municipality paying exorbitant amounts for the rental of office space. 'At a council meeting, a councillor did the math on how much we were spending per year on rentals while we could be owning the building. This process takes us a step closer to ownership,' he said.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Durban's elite gather for the vibrant launch of 'Shaka iLembe' season 2
Wiseman Mncube, Lemogang Tsipa and Thembinkosi Mthembu during an activation event at Gateway Mall in Umhlanga for the second season of 'Shaka iLembe' season two. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspaper In a stunning display of culture and celebration, Durban's social elite turned out in full force to support the activation of the much-anticipated second season of Mzansi Magic's hit series, "Shaka iLembe". The event took place at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, drawing an impressive crowd of local personalities who were all keen to participate in this unique celebration of storytelling. Among the distinguished guests were actress Asavela Mqokiyana, comedian Siyanda Maphumulo, radio presenter Darren Mule and popular Ukhozi FM DJ Dudu 'Lady D' Khoza. The festivities were hosted by actress Hope Mbhele. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo 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 ✕ The event was hosted by actress Hope Mbhele, who dazzled attendees in traditional attire, embodying the spirit of African heritage. The festivities kicked off with a captivating performance by singer Zawadi Yamungi, whose melodic African vocals set a remarkable tone for the evening. As the show's famed actors Wiseman Ncube, Lemohang Tsipa and Thembinkosi Mthembu arrived, they were met with an enthusiastic reception, underscoring the audience's affection for the series and its narratives. The 'Shaka iLembe' season two activation festivities kicked off with a captivating performance by singer Zawadi Yamungisinger Zawadi Yamungi. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo This spectacular launch, coinciding with Africa Month celebrations, created a kaleidoscope of colours as attendees donned striking traditional attire. Guests showcased elaborate costumes adorned with luxurious cow skins and intricate beading, reminiscent of the lavish garments seen in the series itself. Mbhele revealed to the audience that KwaZulu-Natal, the birthplace of Shaka Zulu, was chosen as the first location for the show's activation, highlighting the significance of heritage tied to this iconic ruler. During the event, Lady D emphasised the vital role storytelling plays in preserving the isiZulu language, while DJ Tira expressed his gratitude to Mzansi Magic for their investment in the series. 'You can tell that it is money well spent. They respected us and our culture, and told a beautiful story,' he noted, reflecting the pride felt by many collaborators involved in the production. Award-winning content creator Snothando Nkosi dazzled attendees in traditional attire at the event. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Meanwhile, Mthembu, who portrays Dingiswayo, shared his excitement after viewing a longer trailer for the upcoming season, eagerly anticipating the audience's reaction. He remarked on the changes in his character, emphasising how makeup helped him embody a more mature version of his role. In addition, lead actor Lemogang Tsipa, who takes on the complex role of Shaka, spoke passionately about the challenges faced during filming for season 2. 'It requires so much of us in terms of time, commitment and attention to detail. Overall, it's a massive blessing to be part of history in the making,' he said, underscoring the dedication of the cast to portray this pivotal narrative authentically. "Shaka iLembe" season 2 is scheduled to premiere on June 15, promising to enthral viewers with its stunning narrative and rich cultural tapestry, further solidifying its place as a landmark series in South African television.
