Latest news with #ZandileMyeni
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Kennedy Road fire tragedy: Community receives aid after devastating loss
At the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement, eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Councillor Zandile Myeni, and the City's Disaster Management teams distributed essential relief supplies. These provisions, including food parcels, blankets, and sponges, were given to those impacted by the recent fire. Image: eThekwini Municipality Kennedy Road Informal Settlement residents have been given food parcels, blankets and sponges following the deadly fire which claimed two lives in the early hours of Saturday morning. EThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni provided the items during her visit to assess the damage on Saturday. Myeni also visited the families of the deceased, a 25-year-old woman and a toddler (19 months old), where she expressed her heartfelt condolences and encouraged the community to assist where they can, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu. She also appealed to the public to donate food, clothing, bedding, building materials and other essential items that could help those affected. 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Next Stay Close ✕ EThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni (second from left) and the City's Disaster Management teams provided essential relief items including food parcels, blankets and sponges to Kennedy Road Informal Settlement fire victims. Image: eThekwini Municipality Myeni also urged community members to remain vigilant and avoid leaving open fires and candles unattended. The fire destroyed more than 100 informal structures and left 150 residents displaced, who will temporarily be housed in a community hall as arrangements are made for long-term accommodation. The eThekwini Municipality said disaster management teams are engaged in efforts to restore water and electricity services that were disrupted during the fire. About 122 informal structures were destroyed when a fire spread through Kennedy Road Informal Settlement on Saturday. Image: Department of Transport and Human Settlements KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said he is in talks with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane on the incident. Duma said a total of 122 shacks were destroyed in a fire that was caused by a burning candle. 'We wish to report that a roving team involving officials from the national department of human settlements, the provincial department of human settlements, and the eThekwini Municipality is already working out a plan to speed up the delivery of building material,' Duma said. 'We will await the finalisation of the verification process by disaster teams from eThekwini and Cogta (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs).' Nonhle Mbango, 25, died in the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement fire. Image: Supplied Duma said officials from his office met the deceased's families. 'We send our deepest condolences to the families following the sad passing of the following souls: Nonhle Mbango and Bandile Zulu. 'At this stage, our focus is to ensure that extended families in Mount Frere and Umzimkhulu are properly informed about the tragedy.' Nineteen-month-old Bandile Zulu was killed in the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement fire. Image: Supplied Duma said Mbango buried her father weeks ago. He said they are working with Ward 25 councillor Themba Mkhize to help families bury their loved ones. KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi deployed disaster management teams, accompanied by the social partners, to provide relief to the community. Buthelezi extended his condolences to the bereaved family and assured the family of the department's full support during this difficult time. On Saturday, a fire swept through the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement, destroying approximately 122 informal structures. Image: KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Disaster teams are on the ground, conducting assessments, offering immediate relief, and coordinating any assistance for the victims. Given the cold front bringing rain and low temperatures this weekend, Buthelezi advised the community to exercise caution when using fire for warmth. 'On behalf of the provincial government, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family. As a department, we are deeply concerned by this incident, which is the fourth of its kind in this area during the current winter season,' Buthelezi said. 'We urge communities to exercise extreme caution, especially during colder days when the use of open flames, such as izimbawula and heaters, significantly increases the risk of fires.'
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The urgent need for solutions to Durban's non-revenue water problem
The eThekwini Municipality faces significant challenges with non-revenue water, impacting its financial stability and service delivery. Image: Pixaby Non-revenue water continues to be a thorn in the side of the eThekwini Municipality, with rural areas proving to be the Achilles heel for the municipality. The eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) stated that commercial losses as per quarter 3 totalled 238,172 Kilolitres per day. The quarter 3 non-revenue water report was presented to the eThekwini Executive Committee meeting (Exco) on Tuesday. The EWS also stated that 41,253 meters were not billed, with domestic households accounting for 39,281 and non-domestic households accounting for 1,972. It also reported that 85,000 meters were regarded as zero consumption meters, where each month the reading remained the same, with the rural areas proving to be problematic. Some of the reasons for zero consumption meters were attributed to the intermittent water supply that caused particles to hinder the meter's operations. The EWS also found that meters were over 15 years old and needed replacement. 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 EWS was looking towards the Water Turnaround Strategy to give them the financial muscle to implement their sales revenue generation model strategy, i.e., stabilise, sustain, and enhance. It, once again, stated that it needed to have a stock of meters, fittings, and pipes, which is estimated at R45 million. Ednick Msweli, head of EWS, stated that they held a two-day non-revenue water workshop this week to discuss issues, and also noted that the water supply was stable in all areas. Councillor Zandile Myeni, the eThekwini deputy mayor, expressed concern about unfunded projects. 'The issue of non-revenue raises concerns. If we have a strategy with no funding, we are not moving forward, and we need to find a solution fast,' she said. As part of the debt reduction strategy, the eThekwini Trading Services reported that it reviews disconnections for arrears, investigations, and tampering weekly. During May 2025, the municipal disconnections committee recorded the performance on water disconnections totalling 3,852 and valued at R238 million.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Lower Illovo residents protest against 400-unit homeless shelter
Residents of Illovo and surrounding areas took to the streets in protest against the building of a 400-unit homeless shelter. Image: Supplied RESIDENTS of Lower Illovo claim their pleas to the eThekwini Municipality to halt the building of a 400-unit homeless shelter in their community, had fallen deaf ears. The residents said while they are not opposed to shelters being built for those in need, the community had not been consulted prior to it being approved. They said they have raised various concerns with the city including safety, the high unemployment and poor infrastructure in the community. Armed with placards, scores of residents took to the streets in protest against the building of the shelter on Saturday. eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni is expected to meet the affected communities today (Wednesday), to listen to their concerns and provide more details on the project. 'This shelter is unique because the homeless would receive rehabilitation, psychological services and development programmes that could lead them to reunite with their families. The focus is to take them out of homelessness. Also, the people we bring to the centre would be profiled,' said Myeni. 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 development site for the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter. Image: Nadia Khan According to reports, the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter will be a 400-bed facility. Kimeshen Raman, a representative for the concerned residents of Illovo, wrote to eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, calling for an urgent response to clarify how the project aligned with the Safer Cities mandate. 'As the head of the Safer Cities Programme, the mayor's role is pivotal in ensuring that urban developments, particularly those intended to support vulnerable populations are designed, implemented, and managed in a manner that enhances public safety, promotes social inclusion, and strengthens communities. 'However, the project currently underway in Illovo appears to contradict the core principles of the Safer Cities initiative, which emphasises that community engagement is essential to fostering ownership and trust. But there was zero community consultation. Illovo residents were not informed or consulted before the construction of a 400-person shelter, a complete departure from participatory planning ideals. 'While the Safer Cities framework speaks of technology, good governance, participatory design, and a holistic approach, what is currently unfolding in Illovo feels imposed, reactive, and poorly coordinated,' he said. Raman said while the residents were not opposed to helping the homeless, they supported 'well-managed, transparent, and properly resourced solutions' that protect everyone's dignity and safety. 'We are now requesting a public consultation meeting with Illovo residents, school representatives, and relevant stakeholders. 'We also ask that there be a pause on construction until a proper impact assessment and engagement process is completed and for a review of the shelter location to determine its suitability in light of these serious risks,' he said. The POST also spoke to residents, who had been protesting at the development site since early last week, demanding that the construction be halted until they received their answers. Pastor Kuben Govender, a community leader in Lower Illovo, said the residents had not been consulted. 'The community at large was not made aware of the plans prior to it being approved. There should have been advertisements calling for our input prior to any meetings with the ward councillor and ward committee. We would have raised objections even before it got to that stage. We also only found out when work started on the site around January this year. 'It was history repeating itself. The municipality had previously - on the exact same spot - opened a facility which housed about 45 men. It failed. It was also during this time we saw an increase in crime, and there was a murder that took place right outside this place. A community member was killed. Residents were also getting robbed. We cannot allow this to happen again,' he said. Govender said there was no transparency. 'We heard that this facility will be used for the homeless people from central Durban, and that it is for flood victims. We also don't know exactly how many people will be brought into the area - 400, 500, or a thousand? Furthermore, what type of facility will it be- permanent residence, or will they have to leave in the day and can only return in the afternoons. 'If that is the case, where will they go during the day? People are already unemployed in the community and struggle to find jobs, what will the new people then do? So, we have a lot of questions, but sadly, no one is providing us with these answers,' he said. Govender said despite their demand for construction to be halted, it has continued. Deena Gounden, who is a member of the Lower Illovo neighbourhood watch, said residents previously had an increase in car theft, which they managed to curb. 'There was an outside syndicate operating in the area. However, we banded together with local security companies to keep crime low in the community. While we do still have some petty crime, it is not out of control. However, it is concerning that if there is an influx of people, some who may be unemployed or have drug addictions, we could see crime increase. Previously, when the other facility was in the area, we couldn't keep our clothes on the line or any tools in our yards. 'We also don't have a police station in our area - the closest one is about 12kms away in the surrounding area. We want to know what security measures will be put in place with more people being brought in?,' he said. Venilla Ramalingam, a SGB member of the Lower Illovo Primary School, said they were opposed to the shelter being built just a few metres away from the school. 'Many of our children will have to walk past this shelter to get to the school entrance. Some children, who travel from far, arrive early and wait outside the school - or sit in the nearby park. We are concerned about their safety and will do anything to protect them. 'Also, instead of building a shelter, why didn't they consider opening a library as it is right next to the school. We have many young people, who have completed their matric, but aren't able to afford further studies. Why not build a skills development centre?,' she said. Dineshni Govender, another resident, said they were already battling with failing infrastructure and poor service delivery. 'We are currently faced with the ongoing issue of sewage overflow into our properties. The infrastructure is old and not upgraded to handle the increasing number of residents over the years. The roads are also in bad condition, as there are potholes. 'We are also faced with water and electricity outages on a regular basis. Why are these issues not addressed first before putting more people in the area?,' she said. Gugu Sisilana, the city's spokesperson, said the ward councillor was informed of the project, and he had consulted the ward committee. 'Public participation happens within the ward through the councillor, as part of community meetings. If issues raised require further explanation, municipal officials are invited to provide responses.' Sisilana said the primary recipients will be homeless individuals within the municipality who have been identified as vulnerable and in need of shelter. She said the facility was not a 'night shelter'. 'The facility is intended to provide temporary accommodation for homeless individuals while ensuring they receive the necessary support services. These include medical treatment, psychological care, and access to developmental programmes aimed at rehabilitation, social reintegration, and long-term pathways out of homelessness. 'The individuals accommodated will not reside at the facility permanently. They will be reintegrated into society or reunited with their families, based on assessments and recommendations made by qualified social workers,' she said.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
eThekwini raises alarm at City Indaba over 7,600 recorded teenage pregnancies in a year.
Various stakeholders who attended the teenage pregnancy Indaba committed to working together to address the challenge of increasing pregnancy cases. EThekwini Municipality has raised the alarm over the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the city, revealing that 7,627 cases were recorded between April 2024 and April 2025, including 154 girls aged between 10 and 14 years. This startling data was presented at a Teenage Pregnancy Indaba hosted by the Municipality on Tuesday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The gathering brought together government departments, educators, health professionals and civil society to address the escalating crisis. 'Early pregnancies impact not just the young mother and child, but the entire community,' said Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni. 'For the province to reduce child and teenage pregnancy, eThekwini Municipality requires a targeted approach and practical solutions before teenage pregnancy becomes a public, social and health crisis."
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality and Xiamen: A partnership for cultural and economic growth
eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni and Director of the Information Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Director-General of Xiamen Film Shangguan Jun during the opening ceremony of the Chinese Cultural Tour in Africa and Xiamen-Durban Friendship Photo Exhibition. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers The relationship between the eThekwini Municipality and the City of Xiamen in China continues to flourish. This was after both cities unveiled the Chinese Cultural Exhibition at the Durban City Hall on Monday. The Chinese delegation also donated 250 books, which will be distributed across eThekwini libraries. This was during the opening ceremony of the Chinese Cultural Tour in Africa and Xiamen-Durban Friendship Photo Exhibition. The relationship between the two cities was formally announced in 2023. eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni said the exhibition and donation were a welcome gesture, demonstrating the possibilities in the partnership. 'For us, this exhibition is a key part in promoting better understanding between the two nations – boosting people-to-people diplomacy which enhances interaction between South Africans and the Chinese people,' Myeni said. 'Beyond diplomacy between our governments, we must strengthen collaborative efforts on the ground so that we create an enabling environment for ordinary citizens to benefit from the strong ties we are building.' The eThekwini Municipality and Xiamen, China are strengthening their relationship through a cultural exhibition and a donation of books. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Myeni said they are committed to boosting collaboration in arts, cultural exchange, trade, investment in green energy, tourism, education, and environmental sustainability. 'As we look to the future, let us remember that the strength of our partnership lies not only in agreements signed on paper, but in the mutually beneficial friendship we forge and the mutual respect we cultivate. Therefore, we look forward to learning best practices which have seen Xiamen become a key economic hub of China,' Myeni said. 'As coastal cities, the ports of Durban and Xiamen contribute significantly to the economic growth of our two nations, and we believe there is room to deepen our collaboration in this area.' 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 ✕ Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban Li Zhigong. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban Li Zhigong said their bond is rooted deep in their shared value of mutual respect and mutual learning among cultures. This bond is also forged through efforts between their governments and people, he said. He said that for the past two years, he witnessed progress and results of such exchange and cooperation in various fields, and on Monday they celebrated yet another exciting new phase of collaboration in the film industry. 'Today's (Monday) friendship-city photo exhibition is a testimony of that bond. It brings our two cities' landscape, culture, development and friendship into vivid focus,' Li said. Shangguan Jun, the Director of the Information Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Director-General of Xiamen Film . Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Shangguan Jun, the Director of the Information Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Director-General of Xiamen Film, said when they arrived on Sunday, they found that the two cities were similar, therefore, it was natural that they became sister cities, as they are alike. Shangguan said they look forward to seeing more fruitful results between Xiamen and Durban, especially in the fields of the film and television industry. Monday's event was an opportunity to further explore cooperation channels between the two cities in fields such as culture and tourism. Xiamen in China was recently added to a directional sign outside the Durban City Hall. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers 'Embarking on a new journey of the golden era of China and South Africa relations, we will work hand-in-hand to foster more model projects, bring benefits to the industries of the two cities… which will further help promote our bilateral relations to a new high,' Shangguan said. 'We wish the friendship between Xiamen and Durban to last forever.' Following the cutting of the ribbon, handing over of the books and exchanging gifts, the eThekwini Municipality and Chinese delegation walked to a directional sign to unveil Xiamen, a new addition.
