New school brings hope to Cornubia

 

New school brings hope to Cornubia 

LETHIWE NGCOBO

KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka, together with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba and other City leadership officially unveiled the Solomon Mahlangu Primary School in Cornubia Phase 1.

The event marked a significant step in the City’s commitment to building integrated, dignified communities. Cornubia is already home to over 2 600 Breaking New Ground houses that are occupied. Initially operating from mobile classrooms with just 151 learners, the school has now grown into a state-of-the-art institution serving more than 1 800 learners from Grades R to 7.

The school stands as a tribute to struggle hero Solomon Mahlangu. The project cost R61.9 million, including professional fees, and created employment for 98 community members during the construction phase.

MEC Hlomuka said: ‘’Investing in education is key to ensuring the City’s future is in capable hands.’’ Parent Nompumelelo Kheswa expressed her appreciation for the school. ‘’Having this school nearby has been life-changing as transport fees previously were high,’’ said Kheswa.

Employment for 54 graduates

 

Employment for 54 graduates

LETHIWE NGCOBO

FIFTY-FOUR young people are now permanently employed after taking part in the Work Readiness Programme (WRP). This is a collaborative initiative between the City, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the Global Business Services sector.

The City, together with stakeholders, celebrated the graduation of participants recently. All the graduates have secured permanent positions at Amalfi, a local Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) contact centre. The WRP equips unemployed youth with vital skills for the BPO sector, preparing them for participation in the formal economy.

Among the 54 graduates honoured at the ceremony was Nqobile Ngcobo, a qualified accountant. After struggling to find work in her field, Ngcobo embraced the opportunity offered by the WRP. She joined Amalfi in April as a sales consultant on a Canadian campaign. Her hard work paid off as she was promoted to Quality Analyst where she ensures products and services meet the high standards set as well as oversees daily operations at the call centre.

Another inspiring story is that of Angelene Johnson who holds a degree in psychology. She started the programme in April as a sales consultant and has since risen to the role of Team Leader. In her new position, she is responsible for guiding, managing and supporting her team to meet their goals.

Nomsa Mkhize, fresh out of high school, also celebrated a proud milestone. She not only graduated from the programme but also secured a permanent position with Amalfi BPO. She began her journey as a helpdesk support agent for a Canadian internet service provider. Her achievement stands as a testament that determination coupled with opportunities made available through the WRP, can lead to success.

Elation as 20 flood-displaced families receive new homes

 

SIMPHIWE DLAMINI

TEARS of joy flowed when 66-year-old pensioner Bhekile Mlambo received the keys to her brand-new home from the Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane, MEC of Human Settlements Siboniso Duma and eThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose.

Mlambo was among 20 families who officially took occupation of permanent houses in the Illovo Housing Project during a house handover ceremony in Illovo, South of Durban recently. All the beneficiaries were displaced during the 2022 flood disasters, which left hundreds of people homeless across KwaZulu-Natal. The Illovo Housing Project, with an allocated budget of R9 million, has seen R2 million spent on 13 units. A total of 37 sites have been earmarked for development.

The house handover also signaled the closure of the Adams and Ilfracombe Transitional Emergency Accommodation, where these families had been living since the floods displaced them.

Minister Simelane said the project marks a turning point in government’s commitment to restore dignity to affected families. ‘’This project is important as the beneficiaries come from a place of devastation and deep pain. Through collaborative work with councillors, community leaders, and officials, we ensured that beneficiaries from the disaster, as well as local housing applicants from Illovo, were accommodated fairly in line with our housing allocation system,’’ said Minister Simelane. She further explained that the Illovo initiative forms part of a broader human settlements programme responding to the 2022 floods, with a total of 1 140 permanent houses under construction across eThekwini.

The remaining families will be housed at the Montclair Lodge and Cornubia Temporary Residential Units between December 2025 and January 2026, while awaiting completion of their permanent homes by June 2027. Minister Simelane emphasised that the Department is working to close temporary shelters. ‘’The tears of relief we witnessed today are a reminder that government must accelerate delivery,’’ she said.

KEY HOUSING INTERVENTIONS INCLUDE:

·         20 families now settled in permanent homes at Illovo (August 2025).

·         1 200 houses currently being built in Cornubia (construction commenced in August 2025).

·         113 families set to occupy their Cornubia homes by December 2025.

·         692 flood victims scheduled to receive homes in Cornubia by December 2026.

Africa's Travel Indaba Back in Durban for Next Five Years

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 17, 2025

Durban has confirmed its status as Africa’s leading tourism destination by getting the green light to host Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years, starting in 2026.

Africa's Travel Indaba Back in Durban. 

Following a rigorous and competitive procurement process which was led by South African Tourism, Durban came out on top as the ideal location to showcase Africa’s vibrant tourism offerings.

This underscores the City’s status as a leading tourism destination, well known for its cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) facilities. Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 is scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).

Africa’s Travel Indaba is Africa’s largest and most influential tourism trade show, bringing together buyers, exhibitors, media, and tourism stakeholders from around the world. This event is a vital platform for promoting tourism trade and investment.

‘’We are proud to have Durban host Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2026. This event is more than just a showcase of tourism, it is an economic catalyst, a driver of job creation, and a strategic opportunity to position Africa as a premier travel destination on the global stage,’’ said Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.

Durban is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region, including increased tourism spend, job creation and investment in local infrastructure and services when the event comes around next year.

The long-term economic benefits include increased tourism arrivals, enhanced global visibility, and the potential for Durban to attract film productions and international events, contributing to sustained economic growth.

‘’Hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years is a tremendous opportunity for Durban to showcase its unique offerings and strengthen its position as Southern Africa’s tourism hub. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the world and creating meaningful business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and stakeholders. We also want to extend our gratitude to Minister de Lille and the South African Tourism team for their ongoing commitment to supporting Durban and other host cities in delivering world-class, sustainable events that drive tourism growth across the continent,’’ noted eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

Partnership with Tourism Sector Reinforced by Mayor Xaba

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 7, 2025

Durban’s tourism stakeholders expressed enthusiasm following a productive engagement session with eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba and City leadership.

The Mayoral Tourism Trade Stakeholder Engagement Breakfast held earlier this week brought together trade, government, private sector, and community stakeholders to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient tourism future. | Photo: Supplied. 

At a recent Mayoral Tourism Trade Stakeholder engagement held earlier this week at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel, the Mayor met with over 90 representatives from a variety of tourism sectors in the tourism industry. This included businesses, private sector, associations, and key trade stakeholders.

The aim of the gathering was to discuss sector development, addressing existing challenges, promoting new programmes, and gathering valuable feedback. This engagement aimed to strengthen partnerships, engage on discussions of how to boost the local economy, create job opportunities, and enhance the tourist experience by fostering collaboration between private sector and the government.

Mayor Xaba delivering his keynote at the breakfast. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

Mayor Xaba noted that it was fitting that this engagement took place during Tourism Month, a period dedicated to highlighting the tourism sector’s vital role in the economy of South Africa.

‘’The engagement, themed: ‘Collectively taking Durban tourism to greater heights,’ is a call for us all to strengthen the partnerships that exist between government and the private sector, with the ultimate goal of unlocking growth opportunities within our tourism ecosystem,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Stakeholders were assured by Mayor Xaba that the City leadership remains committed to working collaboratively with the sector to develop a comprehensive roadmap that promotes a tourism industry capable of creating jobs, empowering communities, and benefiting residents.

The eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele also made some major announcements, including:

Tourist Safety Tech Boost – This is a new mobile app that will soon connect and activate security establishments within a 500-metre radius, providing tourists with peace of mind during their Durban visit.

Sports Tourism Drive – The City is in talks with COSAFA Games and the American Homecoming Programme to host activities during an entire month of the tournament, positioning Durban as a premier sports tourism hub.

Expanding Connectivity – Durban is looking at plans for a second airport on the South Coast, aiming to significantly improve access and foster regional tourism growth.

Durban has also launched South Africa’s first dedicated Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit, responsible for the patrolling of 100 km of coastline. This pioneering initiative forms part of a broader safety strategy to ensure residents and visitors enjoy safe beaches. The goal is to sustain and strengthen this unit, setting a national benchmark for beach and tourism safety.

‘’International arrivals increased to 186 000 between January and May this year, while domestic tourists rose to 2.8 million, compared to the same period last year. These numbers reaffirm Durban’s status as a compelling destination for both domestic and international travellers, thanks to our unique blend of nature, culture and history,’’ said Mbhele.

He also highlighted successful collaborative projects that have already begun to shape Durban’s future, including the Beachwood Development, Sibaya Precinct, and Oceans South Residential Tower, which hold immense potential to attract visitors and investments.

‘’The regeneration of Durban’s Inner City is gaining momentum with 47 of 120 derelict buildings already addressed,’’ added Mbhele.

Stakeholders also applauded the efforts of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), established in April 2024. The PeWG’s mission is to tackle critical challenges faced by the Municipality.

‘’It’s about working together to promote Durban as a destination of choice and to develop it sustainably,’’ said Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Themo Ntuli.

Mbhele also urged stakeholders to participate in the upcoming reSURGEnce Conference, scheduled to take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, from 20 to 24 September 2025. He noted that tourism discussions will be central to the event, which will host over 150 delegates from various countries, including key participants from the United States.

Samantha Croft, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee Group for the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Operations Director for the KwaZulu-Natal Region of the Southern Sun hotel group, said the engagement with the Mayor was highly informative, it provided a platform for trade to engage directly with the City.

ECD training to transform communities

 

ECD training to transform communities 

SANE SHANDU

ETHEKWINI Municipality has launched a transformative Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative that is already changing lives across disadvantaged communities and informal settlements.

The eThekwini Municipal Academy (EMA) has introduced a comprehensive one-year NQF Level 4 training programme for over 50 ECD practitioners.

These practitioners are being equipped to nurture holistic child development including the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical aspects, ensuring that children are not only school-ready but life-ready.

They are also trained to identify developmental delays early, enabling timely interventions that can alter a child’s entire trajectory.

The initiative is being held in partnership with the Human Settlements and Safer Cities Directorates. While EMA is capacitating them with skills, Human Settlements is investing in infrastructure by upgrading ECD centres.

This integrated programme intends to improve learning environments and create safe, stimulating spaces where children can thrive.

EMA Project Manager Lihle Sishi described this initiative as a commitment to breaking cyles of socio-economic challenges, unemployment and inequality. ‘’By empowering ECD practitioners with the right tools and knowledge, we are ensuring that every child, regardless of where they come from, has a fair chance at a better life, starting from a young age,’’ she said.

The initiative is already making a visible impact in communities.

Children who once roamed the streets are now engaged in structured learning. Parents are seeing the benefits of early education, and communities are beginning to rally around the centres as hubs of growth and safety.

Metro Police bolster their force with 65 new Constables

 

Metro Police bolster their force with 65 new Constables

VUYANI DIMBA

The Metro Police has welcomed 65 new Constables, bolstering their force to ensure they can execute their mandate of traffic policing, by-law enforcement, crime prevention, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

The new recruits, who bring with them a wealth of experience come from various law enforcement institutions outside the Municipality.

Metro Police Deputy Director Commissioner Winnie Zama said continuous innovative crime prevention strategies continue to be implemented throughout the City, among them bolstering the Metro Police force.

‘’As we celebrate these appointments, it is imperative that we instil a culture of discipline, integrity, and excellence. The City pride itself on fast-tracking service delivery through the safety and wellbeing of residents,’’ said Zama.

She attributed the recent employment of the Colonels as the ‘’brainchild of Director Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu who has emphasised the importance of employment creation’’.

‘’We are gaining ground as law enforcement as we hire both new and experienced officials. We want our presence to be felt as the Metro Police throughout the City as we work to curb crime,’’ said Zama.

Zamashuku Shangase said he is pleased to with the appointment. ‘’This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which will help bring about positive change. It is also an opportunity for growth and to make a difference in peoples lives.’’

Shangase previously served as an Acting Captain for the Metro Police and praised the major strides taken by the Metro Police to bolster its workforce.