Latest news with #TheNorthCoastCourier
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
#Letters: KwaDukuza is a town that has been left to rot
#Letters: KwaDukuza is a town that has been left to rot My annual lament and woeful tale of sorrow for my beloved Stanger continues ad nauseam, after several people asked me to raise the issue again. The last time I wrote, I was somewhat optimistic when I declared that things were improving. Alas, I now retract and expunge that statement unconditionally. Things in Stanger are getting worse – dirty, filthy, defecated, urinated – and I daresay it will continue to deteriorate as the years unfold. A very sad indictment! What I cannot comprehend is: where are the paid councillors who are supposed to be concerned about the aesthetics of our town? Has their salary made them smug and complacent – content to neglect and gloss over the disintegration of our once-pristine town? Please, walk about or drive around and see what has happened. Toss away your suit and tie, roll up your sleeves, and get down to work. I was born and raised here, so I have firsthand experience of what Stanger used to be. Today, it is broken. On the same note, what drives some filthy urchins to strew litter around our town? The stale stench of faeces and urine is overpowering and revolting as I gingerly step along the streets and pavements, trying to avoid mounds of human excrement in the morning. Over the past two weeks, on my daily walks, I have witnessed many disgusting and despicable sights that would make even the strongest person throw up. Walking has become a huge challenge – it is deeply distressing and unfortunate. I have enclosed a few images for readers to gauge the extent of the damage being done to our town. Note: This letter differs slightly from the print version, which was shortened for space constraints. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Road Closures: M4 travel impacted for Durban Ironman tomorrow
Most of the M4 will be closed to accommodate the Durban Isuzu Ironman 70.3 triathlon tomorrow (June 1). The 90.5km bike leg of the race follows a coastal route from the Durban Promenade to Umdloti and back, forcing the closures for athlete safety. Between 5am and 2.30pm, motorists will be unable to use the M4 highway between Umdloti and Sandile Thusi Road near the Durban CBD. Motorists are urged to rather use the N2 for long-distance travel, although a number of M4 crossing points are available. M4 crossings Sibaya residents and visitors to Sibaya Casino can use Sibaya Drive for access. The crossing of the M4 at the M4/Sibaya Drive/Heleza Boulevard circle will be monitored by Saps. Umhlanga crossings are available at Egret Lane and Umhlanga Rocks Drive.. The M41 will be closed east of Ridgeside Drive. La Lucia and Durban North residents can cross at Ridge Road, Inca Drive, Hinton Grove and Swapo Road. Athlone Drive will remain open at Blue Lagoon. Further delays can be expected at Country Club Beach and Battery Beach as large sections of Snell Parade will also be closed. For those attending the event, parking and access points will be clearly marked, but be prepared for some congestion around key race locations. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Off-duty Mandeni policewoman killed in suspected murder-suicide attempt
Less than a minute The North Coast Courier Less than a minute An off-duty female Saps member was shot and killed in Mangethe, near Mandeni, this morning. The shooting happened as part of a suspected murder-suicide attempt, given a man was found shot and critically injured nearby. The man was airlifted by an Air Mercy Services helicopter to a specialist hospital after being stabilised by attending paramedics. Police will investigate the shooting. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Reflecting on a decade of businesses growth with the Entrepreneur Programme
Reflecting on a decade of businesses growth with the Entrepreneur Programme What started as a local initiative to uplift small businesses has become a national model of success – and the iLembe Chamber's entrepreneur programme is just getting started. Over the past 15 years, the programme has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs. This was reaffirmed during the launch of its 15th edition last week, where Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse presented a comprehensive 10-year impact review. The findings highlighted significant growth among previous participants, with many reporting increased turnover, entry into new markets, the launch of new products and improved profitability. One of the programme's standout achievements has been job creation, with participating businesses reporting an 82% increase in employment after completion. Guests at the launch also heard firsthand accounts from 2024 winners, including Sithembile Ndlovu – known as The Mushroom Queen -and Claire Butler of Humidity Hulk. Both entrepreneurs shared how the programme helped them navigate challenges, streamline operations and explore new opportunities. 'At one point, I had to ask The North Coast Courier to stop advertising my product because the demand became overwhelming. But I'm truly grateful for the support,' said Ndlovu. Similarly Butler said her business had skyrocketed with the exposure she had received. The report also noted improvements in financial management, upgraded systems and more resilient business models among past participants. The 2025 edition of the programme will run over 10 weeks, with 20 finalists receiving mentorship, business training and assistance in developing professional business plans. Supported nationally by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the programme will expand next year to include the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. 'We're proud to share iLembe's success and continue supporting small businesses across the country,' said Oelofse. Key local partners include Enterprise iLembe, King Shaka International Airport, Siza Water, AVON Peaking Power, ENGIE Peakers Operations and The North Coast Courier. Applications for 2025 are now open. Entrepreneurs can apply online at collect forms from the iLembe Chamber offices or submit entries via drop boxes around the district. For more information, contact Sakhile Khumalo on 087 354 6343 or email sakhile@ Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
#BestofBallito: NMR Electrical celebrates a decade of connecting the North Coast
This year marks a monumental milestone for NMR Electrical – a decade of powering the North Coast community with reliable, innovative and top-quality electrical services. Ten years ago, a small but passionate team set out to light up local neighbourhoods with more than just electricity; they aimed to spark trust, excellence and a commitment to safety that would stand the test of time. Today, NMR Electrical has grown into one of the North Coast's most trusted service brands, illuminating homes, businesses and institutions with expertise and dedication. Recently, the company took a significant step towards further growth by expanding to a new branch in the Western Cape. Sheffield remains home to NMR Electrical's primary operations, which include the installation and repair of all things electrical – from solar systems and generators to smart home features. 'Our focus on quality work and fast turnaround times is supported by genuine care for our community and customer support to match,' said company director, Mervyn Ramasamy. These pillars of excellence have earned NMR Electrical nominations in two categories of this year's Best of Ballito Readers' Choice Awards – Best Electrician and Best Solar. 'I want to express my deepest gratitude to our valued clients, suppliers, associates and everyone who has nominated and voted for us over the years,' said Ramasamy. 'Your trust, support and collaboration have been invaluable to our success. You've not only been our business partners but have become friends along this journey. Thank you for believing in us and for helping us reach new heights.' To find out more about the services offered by NMR Electrical, contact 083 652 7359, visit or find them on Facebook at NMR Electrical Pty Ltd. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
