Latest news with #Sisilana
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
City reveals upgrade plans for Herrwood Drive
THE eThekwini Municipality has confirmed plans are in place to widen Herrwood Drive in uMhlanga to four lanes. This comes after residents raised objections about the upgrade process and alleged lack of due procedure which they said were not followed. Two public meetings have been held in an effort to address residents' concerns and last week, the City's Town Planning Department earned the ire of residents after they were a no-show at a meeting in the area. Related story: Anger over municipal officials' no-show at public meeting on Herrwood Drive Spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality Gugu Sisilana revealed that the upgrade was being privately funded. 'Herrwood Drive is earmarked for an upgrade to a four-lane road (two lanes in each direction) with a centre island and sidewalks. This project is privately funded and is being undertaken to support changes in land use in the area, as approved through the Spatial and Land Use Management Act process. 'The proposed upgrade falls within the existing road reserve, and existing driveways will be reconstructed to Council specifications as part of the works. While some property accesses will be restricted to left-in and left-out, all properties will retain vehicular access,' she said. Sisilana added that the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) for the planned upgrade had already been completed. 'The TIA processes have been completed and approved, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required as the road was included in the EIA undertaken for the broader area development. Other roads in the uMhlanga area, such as uMhlanga Rocks Drive and Ridgeside Drive, are also earmarked for future upgrades.' 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
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
eThekwini bypasses meters due to shortage
THE eThekwini Municipality has admitted to deliberately bypassing electricity meters in Durban due to a critical shortage, raising concerns about revenue loss, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of the city's electricity system. Some households in Durban are receiving electricity without functional prepaid meters, as municipality technicians have been instructed to bypass metering systems. However, the municipality said meter procurement process is at an advanced stage. Spokesperson for eThekwini Municipality Gugu Sisilana said, 'As we are currently unable to replace meters, we are compelled to bypass them temporarily to ensure continued service to customers. During this period, customers will be billed based on estimated charges. The shortage of meters should be resolved in the next few months.' The ongoing shortage of electricity meters in Durban has now affected a family in Merebank. The couple, Kathereeku and Sarasvathie Govender, had their electricity supply cut off after their prepaid meter stopped working in September last year. Also read: Wentworth woman loses everything in house fire According to the family, their ordeal began at that point, when the prepaid system failed and has yet to be replaced. Sarasvathi said they immediately reported this to eThekwini Municipality. 'The workers from eThekwini arrived at our home to fix our meter, however, instead of replacing it they told us that eThekwini Municipality is facing a severe shortage of electricity meters. They told us that they will bypass the meter,' said Govender. Also read: Wentworth woman loses everything in house fire The family stated that the municipal team did not explain the potential financial implications, and they now fear that they might eventually be held liable for a large, backdated electricity bill. The Govenders also expressed confusion about where their current electricity supply is coming from, as no explanation was provided when the bypass was implemented. The Southlands SUN visited the property last week, and upon inspection saw two electricity meter boxes. 'There is one that is functioning and supplying electricity to the bottom building. According to the family, the second meter supplies electricity to an additional building on the property. 'However, this meter has become ineffective, resulting in a lack of electricity supply to that part of the premises,' Govender added. Sisilana said the current policies of the municipality does not permit two meters per property. 'However, this could have been a historical fitment where the City used to install a second meter on the same property which has a separate dwelling unit,' said Sisilana. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
eThekwini announces water outage for southern reservoirs
ETHEKWINI has issued a notice regarding a planned interruption of water supply from various reservoirs supplied by the Wiggins Water Treatment Works Gravity System from the morning of July 8 to 9. Also read: Umkhomazi water tender sparks legal battle eThekwini spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said the shutdown is for the city's bulk water supplier, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), to replace 1 200mm diameter seals and check meters on the gravity bulk pipeline. 'This includes the repair of a leak on the aqueducts that has affected full recovery of the plant inflow since the April shutdown,' said Sisilana. In preparation for the shutdown, UUW will shut off the treatment works, which will result in no water flowing into the city's reservoirs. Those who may receive water during this period are urged to reduce consumption and to use water sparingly. Water tankers will be deployed to affected areas where necessary. For more information regarding water supply, the public can download the eThekwini Municipality's mobile app to log faults or send a WhatsApp to 073 1483 477. Alternatively, send an email to Eservices@ or call the toll-free number 080 311 1111. Affected areas in the south system are: Athlone Park, Galleria Mall, Arbour Crossing, Kingsway Hospital, Ezimbokodweni, Southgate Industrial Park, Lewis Drive, Amanzimtoti CBD, Almond, Winklespruit, Warner Beach, Illovo Glen, Lower Illovo, Doonside, Launceston, Illovo Beach, Karridene, Panorama Park, Umgababa, Umnini, Mfume, KwaSoni, Mashiwase, Nkwali, Lovu, Bhekulwandle, Msarhweni, Inkwali, KwaMakhutha, Mkhazini, eMasomini, Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital, Ohlongeni, Adams, Adams Central, Zwelisha, Ilfracombe, Magabheni, Thoyane, Umkhomazi, Craigieburn, Amahlongwa, Crowder Farm, Malukazi, Clansthal, and Naidooville. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
19-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Firefighters injured while rescuing six from Durban factory blaze
Two firemen sustained second-degree burns and six people were rescued by firefighters when a factory caught alight in Jacobs, south of Durban on Sunday. Image: Supplied Two firemen sustained second-degree burns, and six people were rescued by firefighters after a factory caught alight in Jacobs, south of Durban, on Sunday. The factory manufactures shoes and sandals in several buildings on Brooklyn Road. In December 2019, a significant portion of the building was destroyed by a fire and has since been rebuilt. The eThekwini Municipality stated that in the early hours of Sunday morning, a fire was reported near the factories, initially thought to have been grass, bush, and/or rubbish on fire. During attempts to extinguish it, an explosion erupted from the main structure, and although no firefighters were inside, two members were injured. 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 ✕ In a report on the fire, the eThekwini Municipality stated that a rescue pumper and crew from Mobeni were dispatched, and on approach, the officer observed thick black smoke rising from an industrial site. Realising it was a factory fire, they requested additional resources, said Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality. She said visible flames pulsating through the roof of the shoe manufacturing factory confirmed the seriousness of the escalation. Another rescue pumper from Jacobs was dispatched, and due to the intensity of the fire, two more rescue pumpers and a water carrier were also called out. Reports from the fire department stated that the fire had already spread significantly, with intense flames and thick smoke seen from the west-facing front. 'An extension of the same factory on the northern side, used for storing shoe products and machinery, had also ignited. The factory to the south remained protected by favourable winds, and while nearby residential homes to the east weren't threatened by flames, they were heavily affected by smoke,' Sisilana said. She explained that crews quickly established operational objectives: ensuring life safety, containing the fire, and fully extinguishing it. She said that factory managers confirmed all staff had evacuated, and no injuries were initially reported. RESCUE Sisilana said that two hose lines were deployed to prevent further spread when a report came in of persons trapped in the southern factory. Crews acted immediately, rescuing six individuals from the first floor using a ground ladder. Once safely evacuated, teams returned to their positions, and more firefighting trucks arrived, including an aerial appliance, a turntable ladder, and a second water carrier. She said the fire ground crew was divided into four sectors that worked well in coordination, containing the spread and protecting exposures. However, during operations, an explosion erupted from the main structure, triggering partial collapse and a high-pressure flame burst. Although no firefighters were inside, two members sustained second-degree burns and were treated by KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services and transported to the hospital.
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Are you runway ready? Durban Fashion Fair launches model search
IF you are a model with passion for fashion, a flair for the dramatic, and a desire to be part of something big, then the judges for Regional Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Model Search Roadshows are looking for you. The model-casting will commence on Saturday, June 7, at Durban Botanic Garden and end on June 20, at The Pavilion Shopping Centre. Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality's spokesperson, said the search is open to models from all eThekwini regions, who are between the ages of 18 and 35 years. ALSO read: Another title for Musgrave model 'The municipality under the banner of the DFF, is calling all aspiring models looking to professionally venture into the modelling industry not to miss this opportunity. We are looking for female, male and fuller-figure female models,' Sisilana said. She said finalists will undergo two months of training on various modelling aspects to prepare them to strut the runway at this year's annual DFF showcase and make their grand entrance into the industry. Sisilana encourages models who meet the requirements to participate in the regional model search roadshows planned for their nearest areas. 'Compulsory documents to bring on site for castings include a copy of your ID to verify your age and proof of residence,' she advised. Female models: • Minimum height – 1.75m with no heels. • 87cm – 9cm hip measurement. • Must wear body-fitting clothing and bring heels to the casting – jeans not allowed • Advised to wear minimal make-up. Male models: • Minimum height – 1.84m. • Trouser size 30 to 32. • Must wear fitted T-shirt or shirt and closed shoes or trainers to the casting. • Must be in good physical shape Fuller-figure female models: • Minimum height – 1.75m without heels • 38 to 42 trouser-size measurement • Must wear body-fitting clothing and bring heels to the casting – jeans are not allowed • Advised to wear minimal make-up Full schedule of the DFF Regional Model search roadshows is as follows. They all commence at 09:00. June 7, Durban Botanic Garden • June 8, Umlazi Mega City • June 15, G Hall, KwaMakhutha • June 20, the Pavilion Shopping Centre For more information, email or call 031 311 4497. 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!
