Latest news with #ZandileMyeni
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Fire detectors installed at Dakota Beach informal settlement
ETHEKWINI deputy mayor Zandile Myeni visited the disaster-prone Dakota Beach informal settlement in Prospecton on July 29 to oversee the installation of fire and smoke detectors aimed at improving safety for residents. Also read: Fire devastates Dakota Beach informal settlement The devices, donated by Astron Energy, are part of a broader effort to address the ongoing risks faced by communities living in high-density, informal housing areas. Dakota Beach has experienced several devastating fires over the years, with many families losing homes and belongings. 'We are taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of fire and improve emergency response. We're grateful to Astron Energy for supporting the municipality's efforts to protect our most vulnerable residents,' said Myeni. The installation marks the beginning of a phased rollout of safety technology across other informal settlements in the region. Municipal officials and local disaster management teams were on site to demonstrate how the detectors work and educate residents on fire prevention measures. Astron Energy representatives said the donation forms part of their corporate social investment initiatives, focusing on community safety and resilience. 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.
IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
Fire detectors installed in Dakota Informal Settlement to enhance safety
Astron Energy's Mbalenhle Mazibuko, resident Fikile Mbotho, eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni and Gift of the Givers' Jerome Williams installing a smoke and fire detector in an informal structure at Dakota Informal Settlement. Back: eThekwini Disaster Management's Joe Khumalo. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers To help reduce fire incidents in informal settlements, the eThekwini Municipality and Astron Energy are fitting 342 fire and smoke detectors in the Dakota Informal Settlements, located in Ward 90 of Isipingo. It also comes after more than 200 informal structures were destroyed, leaving over 400 residents displaced, earlier this month. eThekwini Municipality deputy mayor Zandile Myeni said they were in Dakota with municipal disaster management and the private sector, Astron Energy and Gift of the Givers. 'We are here to install detectors to alert residents in case of a fire, especially since incidents often occur at night or when people are away from home,' Myeni said. 'We are very delighted because at the end of the day, if the fire starts, we don't want it to escalate to other rooms, so that the municipality will be able to assist our people through the disaster, along with other NGOs you are working with on the ground.' 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'When we are engaging with our colleagues who have donated, Astron, they also told us that these items are not going to be chargeable for a period of 10 years, and they have a guarantee of which we think our people will be using this programme moving forward,' Myeni continued. 'So we are very happy because we want our city to have zero percent of fire disasters moving forward.' Myeni said the initiative is part of lessons learned. The municipality is in a position where it says the city's disasters are lessons learned. It is also in line with the Disaster Level 2 Plan, where the municipality educates residents about disasters. In partnership with Western Cape Disaster Management, eThekwini Disaster Management, local municipalities, and fire departments, Astron Energy will install over 500 early-warning smoke detectors in high-risk informal settlements across Cape Town and Durban. Installation sites will be in provincial disaster management zones for faster emergency response and fire tracking. 'Through this initiative, we aim to empower residents with early-warning technology and vital fire safety knowledge, helping to prevent loss of life and property. By working closely with local authorities and community partners, we are committed to creating safer, more secure spaces where individuals can live with greater peace of mind,' said Astron Energy corporate affairs manager Donna Fata. eThekwini Municipality Disaster Management and Emergency head Vincent Ngubane said: 'We're thankful for the relationship we have with Astron (Energy) for supporting us in this early warning system programme in Dakota, where they will install 342 early warning detectors. 'This is not the first programme, there are other programmes. A lot of companies come to the fore, including Astron, Old Mutual, and Santam, also come and are doing much work. 'This is part of our strategy to fight, and if there are disasters, we can deal with them quicker.' eThekwini Disaster Management officials briefed before the installation of smoke and fire detectors at Dakota Informal Settlement. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers Isipingo Ward 90 councillor Dharmanand Nowbuth said: 'This settlement has existed for over 45 years. During that time, the community has suffered tremendously, losing documents, personal items and so on, either through floods or fires. 'Hopefully, this new venture will assist in either eradicating or preventing fires.' Fikile Mboto, who had lived in the informal settlement for seven years, was affected by this month's fire. She had rebuilt when one of the devices was installed in her home on Tuesday. 'I'm very happy. Maybe I'll leave a pot on the stove thinking I switched it off and go to the loo, only to return to a fire,' Mboto said. 'However, if I go to the loo this time, and leave my neighbour nearby, and the device sounds, the neighbour can break down the door and switch it off. It will help a lot.' Another resident, Nomvuyo Mateke, said the new devices will help the community prevent more disasters. They have already lost their homes and important documents due to fires.
IOL News
20-07-2025
- 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. 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 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. 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.
