Newcastle Alive After 5 Festival

/in

The Mayor invites you to join in the festivities and enjoy the abundance of activities, entertainment and outdoor night life during the late night hours of the 11th, 16th and 23rd December. Join us for late night shopping, specials, activities, special star appearances by Sphelele Ngcobo (Idols), GC (Uzalo), Sthandwa Nzuza (Ukhozi FM) and Hlengiwe Mhlaba and of course live demonstrations. Newcastle is the fastest growing city and we are proud to bring events like these to you for the whole family.

Special activities to take place on Scott and Allen Streets on the nights below:

11 December
• Christmas Lights “Switch On”
• Street Parade
• Fashion Show
• Car Sound Competition

16 December
• Volleyball Competition
• Aerobatics Showcase
• Spinning Showcase

23 December
• Christmas Carols by Candlelight
• Gospel Artists
• Fireworks Display

The public must note that Scott and Allen Streets will be closed between 15h00 and 23h00. Follow the press, our Facebook Page, and twitter feed (#AliveAfter5).

For more info contact : 034 328 7750 or email mm@newcastle.gov.za

[UPDATE]

Watch the highlight videos.

Video Highlights of 23 December 2015

Video Highlights of 16 December 2015

Video Highlights of 11 December 2015

gallery-homepage-banner-strip

Municipality determined to move forward and build strong, vibrant communities.

/in
The Meeting then proceeded to Newcastle taxi City where Department of health rendered wellness screening services to the community.

The Meeting then proceeded to Newcastle taxi City where Department of health rendered wellness screening services to the community.

Newcastle Local Municipality is making significant strides in the fight against HIV infection and the socio-economic impacts of AIDS. The Special Programmes Unit of the Municipality has intensified interventions aimed at assisting individuals to change behaviours that render themselves, families and the community at large, vulnerable and susceptible to HIV infection. About 100 Local Aids Council members gathered at Newcastle Council Chamber on the 11th of November 2015 ahead of the World Aids Day, December 1.

In his opening remarks, Honorable Mayor AF Rehman commended Samke Dube and the Special Programmes Unit team for the hard work and excellent services they have rendered towards the fight against HIV/Aids and the establishment of War Rooms. “We should be able to identify and assist needy individuals, especially those on medication and ensure that they take their medication as prescribed. Newcastle Municipality does not want to help statistics but people. We should be able to say these are the people we have assisted, not numbers”, said Mayor Rehman.

Mayor AF Rehman and Samke Dube: Manager Special Programs.

Mayor AF Rehman and Samke Dube: Manager Special Programs.

Communities were also encouraged to make use of the sidewalks and gym facilities available at Play Parks around Newcastle to keep fit and healthy in order to make sure that sicknesses are manageable. Mayor Rehman also touched on the issue of unemployed and indicated that the Municipal Special Executive Committee will deal with unemployment to ensure that people have jobs.

Newcastle Municipality Outreach Programme in Madadeni and Osizweni

/in
Newcastle Municipality Outreach Programme

Newcastle Municipality Outreach Programme

Newcastle Municipality is giving the community of Madadeni and Osizweni the opportunity to be involved in municipal services & public awareness activities through an outreach program to improve the quality of life.

DEBT MANAGEMENT
• Indigent applications
• Payment arrangements
• Debtor enquiries for rates and water

WATER SERVICES
• Water and sanitation enquiries
• Taking care of our water sources
• Reporting water leaks and blockages
• Drought and consequences of wasting water
• Water conservation & demand management

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
Condom Distribution, HIV Testing, Screening of BP, Diabetes, Obesity & Cholesterol

MADADENI DATES:
21 November 2015 – Municipal Offices (Sect. 1) – 08h00 – 12h00
21 November 2015 – Madadeni Community Hall – 13h00 – 16h00
22 November 2015 – Cathulani Primary School – 08h00 – 12h00
22 November 2015 – iSabelo High School – 13h00 – 16h00

OSIZWENI DATES:
28 November 2015 – Bus Depot – 08h00 – 12h00
28 November 2015 – Art Centre – 13h00 – 16h00
29 November 2015 – Sesiyabonga High School – 08h00 – 12h00
29 November 2015 – Osizweni Community Hall – 13h00 – 16h00

Mayoral Bursary application now available

/in

bursary

Newcastle Municipality is inviting applications for bursaries to students residing within the Newcastle Municipality area wishing to study at any Government recognized institution of higher learning in South Africa. The purpose of his funds is to provide financial assistance to the historically disadvantaged needy students to further their education.

FIELD OF STUDY : ANY
MINIMUM SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
• Grade 12
• Must be a Newcastle Resident
• Matriculated in Newcastle only

WHO CAN APPLY?
• People withing the age group designated as youth as per the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Number 108 of 1996
• Applicant registering to study at government recognised institution for any field of study
• Matriculants or academics who met the set requirements
• Preference will be given to applicants who excel accademically
• Previously disadvantaged individuals

The Bursay Provides : Once off Registration Assistance

THE FOLLOWING MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION
• Comprehensive CV
• Municipal bursary application form
• Certified copies of ID’s for both the applicant and parent as well as the latest results
• Guardian or parent’s proof of income
• A provisional letter of acceptance from your preferred institution
• Proof of residential address

The municipality reserves the right to confirm applicant confirmation of acceptance at institution of study. Kindly note the failure to attach the required documentaion will automatically disqualify your application.
Municipal bursary forms are obtainable from the following office:
Office No. F32 Newcastle Civic Centre as well as online at www.newcastle.gov.za. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Faxed or emailed applications will not be considered.
Applications should be forwarded to : Private Bag X6621, newcastle 2940 or alternatively hand delivered at Office F32, Newcastle Municipality.

Enquiry : Sibonelo Mitshali (Community Liason Officer – Office of The Mayor)
034 328 7777 or Suleman Vadwa (Administrative Officer – Office of the Mayor)

Small Business Week to create a conducive environment for small businesses in Newcastle to prosper

/in
Honourable Mayor Cllr Afzul Rehman addressing aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs at the Small Business Week.

Honourable Mayor Cllr Afzul Rehman addressing aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs at the Small Business Week.

“The Small Business Week is one of the most important events in the calendar of the Newcastle Municipality. This is the 5th year that this event has taken place and each year we have seen this event grow”. These were the opening and welcoming remarks by Programme Director and Newcastle Municipality Strategic Executive Director for Development Planning & Human Settlements; Ms Nokuthula Thusi, when Newcastle Municipality in partnership with Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), ITHALA, Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosted the Small Business Week held from 13-16 October 2015 at the Blackrock Casino.

The aim of the event was to enhance Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) and Co-operative Development to drive Economic Development by providing skills and information as well as opportunities to SMME’s, which include access to finance, access to markets and dealing with compliance issues with regards to the establishment of new businesses.
In his keynote address, Newcastle Municipality Mayor Cllr Afzul Rehman emphasized the need to create a conducive environment for business people to succeed. “We have events such as this so that you can all come together and put your minds together and come up with plans and strategies to be able to dictate to the leadership within the municipality on how to move forward in creating jobs for businesses to prosper and to ensure that we win this triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment”, alluded the Mayor.

“We need to continue to grow Newcastle in attracting and bringing foreign direct investment to our town which will enable creation of sustainable jobs. The municipality is in the process of developing a very strong business retention and expansion programme, through this programme we will be visiting big businesses in Newcastle to ensure that these businesses retain and expand thus pursue support from them to assist in developing small businesses in Newcastle”, he concluded.
Guest speakers, Mr Bonke Shipalana; CEO of a Communications Firm & Founder of Power of 1 and Mr Sbonelo Mbatha; Chairperson of the BP Dealership Council, gave insight and experience as successful entrepreneurs.

“I am here to inspire you to become successful entrepreneurs. Most of us have the business plan with the experience but we don’t know the process of putting it together so it can appeal to others. There is a difference between a business and a business man/woman. The mistake we make is to understand the business and forget to train the business man/woman”, advised Shipalana.

When sharing his life experiences, from being a petrol attendant to registering for a BP Entrepreneurship Programme to now owning petrol stations around South Africa; Mr Sbonelo Mbatha urged those present to know their line of business and what it is that they are passionate about. “One of the biggest problems I have seen from aspiring entrepreneurs is to start big when you are small. Entrepreneurship is simple problem solving and in pursuit of solving problems, you make money”, said Mbatha.
In closing, emerging entrepreneurs; Mr Thami Mbatha, Mrs Sonto Makhubo and Mr Sandile Nazo shared their success stories and bestowed acknowledgement to SEDA for the assistance, guidance and the economic development of their businesses.

Newcastle launches Transport Month campaign

/in

newcastle-public-transport-month

Newcastle Municipality Community Services Department (Protection Unit) lead by its Acting Strategic Executive Director (SED) Mr Thisha Mhlanga launched the Public Transport Month Campaign on 06 October 2015. Statistics in South Africa revealed that Newcastle is one of the towns where public transport is mostly used because many people rely on it and Newcastle is regarded as the center to many routes and provinces like Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State provinces. It was for this reason that it was imperative to launch this campaign in Newcastle.

The Public Transport Month focuses mainly on three areas; the road worthiness of the car, the driver (the state of the driver or fitness), and the road which is conducive to be used by cars or drivers. The main aim of the transport month is to raise awareness to the community. It aims to curb road accidents as we are approaching summer holidays, the traffic police will be seen visible in all areas to make sure that traffic rules are adhered too and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will join them to maintain peace and order.

Chief Whip and ward councillor for ward 25 Cllr Ngcobo educating a member of the public on road awareness and safety.

Chief Whip and ward councillor for ward 25 Cllr Ngcobo educating a member of the public on road awareness and safety.

Mr Thisha Mhlanga reflected on the taxi violence that took place last Friday here at Newcastle and commended the Amajuba Taxi Council by condemning the violence that was between two Taxi Associations in Newcastle, the intervention of the MEC for transport in KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government helped to bring order in the taxi industry.

Speaking on behalf of the Emergency Rescue Service (EMRS) Amajuba District Mr Muzi Mbatha demonstrated the readiness of the emergency response. They have twelve (12) Ambulances, four (4) are based in Newcastle, six (6) in Madadeni and two (2) in Charlestown.

The traffic department gives traffic updates everyday morning on NCR
SMS line – 071 626 4288
Whatsapp – 076 155 5040
EMRS Tell – 10177 / Cell – 122

Are you a tenant or landlord paying rent? Dispute help is here.

/in

newcastle-south-africa-housing

KZN RENTAL HOUSING TRIBUNAL IS A LEGAL BODY THAT WILL HELP YOU IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTES BETWEEN TENANTS AND LANDLORDS THAT ARISE UNFAIRLY AT YOUR RESIDENTIAL DWELLING (FLATS, APARTMENT, BACKYARD ROOMS, HOUSES).
• Need some advice about your rights and obligation as Tenants/Landlord
• Exercise your rights in an appropriate way by following Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999.
• Are you Unfairly treated at your dwelling. E.g. lack of maintenance, illegal lockout, intimidation, non-payment of rental, non-refund of deposits, failure to issue of receipts, disconnection of services, Nuisance, damage to property ect.
• Lodge a complaint with Rental Housing Tribunal to resolve your disputes through your municipal office.
• Your disputes will be resolved speedily
• Protect your rights against unfair practices by tenants/ landlords

This is a free service at your doorstep and is readily available to your local municipality:
NEDBANK BUILDING
NO. 50 HARDING STREET, NEWCASTLE
Housing Section:
Mrs K. Kubheka – 034 328 3300/87

Read more on the housing tribunal

Newcastle Municipality and Local Aids Council discuss issues of HIV and AIDS

/in
From the back row: Special Programmes manager Samke Dube, Cllr Lindiwe Thwala, Mrs Thabisile Dlamini from Department of Health and Njabulo Makatini

From the back row: Special Programmes manager Samke Dube, Cllr Lindiwe Thwala, Mrs Thabisile Dlamini from Department of Health and Njabulo Makatini

The Newcastle Municipality’s Special Programmes Unit together with various stakeholders in the Local Aids Council (LAC) convened their quarterly meeting to discuss issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS on September 15 at the Council Chambers.
Addressing the members of the LAC, Samke Dube Manager for Special Programmes said that the municipality can never reach a state of zero new infection without working with other strategic stakeholders. She further explained that the role of the municipality is to provide leadership and coordination and emphasised that as humans, we must stop complaining but try to be part of the solution.

In Pursuit of an AIDS free generation by 2030, the Department of Health has put into motion programmes that will assist in minimising the risk of people contracting HIV by enabling everyone to have access to information, prevention services, treatment and support.

Stigmatization was identified as the calamitous challenge that people are still living under and it contributes to the resentment that people have towards testing and openly taking their ARV’s because of the fear of being judged or being treated differently. Speaking on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS, Sipho Nkosi from the Charlestown forum pronounced that there is nothing that will prevent an HIV positive person to live a normal life and still be able to achieve something in life.

People who refuse to understand the importance of using condoms are still a lethal problem, they come up with all sorts of excuses to escape using a condom and in the process they forcefully try to convince the other partner that condoms are bad. This is still a challenge that we are facing in the community more especially married people”, said Cllr Lindiwe Thwala.

Religious sectors representative, Rev Koloko, emphasised the need to talk openly about the problem at home and even at churches and felt this would be a step in making sure that stigmatisation comes to a cessation.
“If we freely talk about HIV/AIDS in our households or churches and not communicate this pandemic as a filthy disease, we won’t have a problem of people getting afraid of getting tested and openly living with the disease. By excelling on the latter we would have made sure that there is a decrease in suicide attempts and it will also decrease the number of people that disappear into hiding after they have been initiated into ARV’s”, eluded Koloko

In celebration of Albinism month, a small prayer was held in memory of Thandazile Mpunza who was killed in Manguza last month for witchcraft purposes.

Smanga Kunene from the Albinism Society of South Africa said that killings of this nature are progenies of stereotypes that people still believe in. “It is still believed by many that your muthi will be much stronger if it includes blood of a person living with albinism. Some want to prove the myth that we don’t die and some believe that if you sleep with a person who is living with albinism you can cure HIV/ AIDS”, added Kunene.
The fight against HIV and AIDS can be successful if all spheres of government and the community work together to disseminate information and teach our people about this disease.

Newcastle Local Municipality’s innovative approach to load shedding

/in
Newcastle Local Municipality innovative approach to load shedding

Newcastle Local Municipality has managed to remain unaffected by Load Shedding while the rest of South Africa has endured power outages since 2008.

Newcastle Local Municipality has managed to remain unaffected by Load Shedding while the rest of South Africa has endured power outages since 2008. During Local Government Week which took place from the 25 – 27 August 2015, the National Council of Provinces invited the Newcastle Municipality’s task team, represented by Mayor Cllr. Afzul Rehman, Acting Municipal Manager, Bhekani Mswane and Strategic Executive Director for the Electrical Department, Mr Lindile Zincume to present the Municipality’s innovative approach when it comes to dealing with Load Shedding.

During their presentation the task team revealed that the Municipality has two electricity licenses. The Newcastle Local Municipality license covers 18 000 households, which include the CBD, industrial area and suburbs while Eskom license covers approximately 65 000 households, which include Madadeni, Osizweni and Blaaubosch. There are no curtailment agreements in place by Eskom with Newcastle industrial customers. Newcastle Municipality has in turn put in place plans to shed industrial customers without having a major impact on production. One of the challenges is multi-shedding stage changes in a day and shedding only what is required within a stage is a challenge as the load consumed is not always average load for the area.

Load Shedding Interventions:
• This is usually used for Demand Management Side (DSM) to reduce Maximum Demand.
• In Newcastle Municipality the geyser ripple control is also used to reduce load.
• The reduction in load varies depending on time of day (cold load up to 25MVA)
• This means stage 1-2 can always be met with geyser control only

Load Shedding Interventions – Major Customer Shedding
• The municipality has agreements in place with its no. 1 Karbochem to shed up to 6MVA without significantly affecting production (Stage 3).
• In an emergency this client is able to switch off one of two furnaces to give a load of approximately 30MVA.

Load Shedding Interventions – Co-Generation Plants
• Electricity produced from co-generation plants enables customers to maintain production while reduction consumption from the municipality.
• IPSA Plant – 16MVA
• South African Calcium Carbide Plant – 8MVA

Load Shedding Interventions – Street Lighting Control
• In the event that during evening peaks required load is not achieved it is possible to shed streetlights.
• Street lighting Load is 3MVA.

Load Shedding Interventions- Rational Load Shedding
• Newcastle has a fully functional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System in place
• The system was fully upgraded in 2014/15 by Powertech IST
• ABB hand-operated breakers have also been replaced with automatic breakers to enable remote control using SCADA.
• Last resort approach.

Load Shedding Interventions – Future Interventions
• Voltage Reduction
• Voltage reduction facility is in place and can achieve a saving of 4MVA but is not used at this stage
• All industrial customers have smart meters
• Future potential for load limiting
• COGTA PPP Residential Smart Meter Programme
• Future potential for further load limiting

Newcastle Municipality has applied a number of interventions to achieve load shedding requirements. The municipality will continue to work hand in hand with Eskom in the implementation of load shedding and continue to think of innovative ways of integrating the shedding system while upholding the needs of Newcastle residents and businesses within the Municipality. Newcastle Municipality strives to be an economically stable model city.

Celebrating Women Working in Dangerous Zones

/in

women-working-in-danger-zones

View the Gallery

The Department of Special Programmes within the Newcastle Municipality celebrated women working in dangerous zones, women who excel and go beyond their call of duty to make Newcastle proud. Our beautiful rocks that are not apologetic of breaking the barriers, in an event held at the Ridgeview Civic Hall, on the 9th of September 2015.

This year women’s day was not only celebrated on the 8th of August thus the Presidency made certain that women are honoured every week of the women’s month with events that speak directly to their different strengths.

Under the theme; Women United in moving South Africa forward, Special Programmes Manager Samke Dube urged women to get rid of the disease that each women is known to be suffering from. “The pull me down syndrome is the main enemy between women. We do not support each other but we always pull each other down, if this disease can be cured we can indeed take South Africa forward”, said Mrs Dube.

Mrs Dube also gave the background and purpose of the event, where she reminded women that they are the world’s greatest, “It is critical for us as women to know where we come from, where we are going and where we are”. She advised women to carry forward the spirit of Charlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi, Hellen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and many others who fought tirelessly against the brutality of the apartheid government and break all the barriers that are causing a hindrance to women’s prosperity.

View the Gallery

The Speakers of the day delivered speeches that displayed the power that women possess, Zandi Zwane from Newcastle Municipality’s Geographical Information System(a health fanatic) encouraged women to take care of their bodies, Carol Captain from Traffic Department talked about the dangers that women face on the road, Mpume Zuma from the Department of Correctional Services shared her experiences when dealing with convicts and Thoko Mhlongo from the Department of Justice spoke about the functions of her department.

Guest Speaker Megan Ngiba a young businesswomen from Durban reminded women that they are conquerors and they deserve to be treated with respect and honour.

“Women are deemed incapable of running businesses because they are said to be too emotional and too soft to get things done. What people forget though is that women are strong and whatever a man can do we can do it better. More women need to break the barriers and become directors and managers”, added Ngiba.

The event was also graced by the presence of Dr N.Y Mahlubi from the Department of Education during her message of support Mahlubi thanked the Newcastle Municipality for affording women a chance to have a voice and talk about their struggles and also honouring women who have broken the barriers and prospered.

View the Gallery

She encouraged women to study to their full potential and in the same essence she reminded ladies to love their families while loving their jobs and not allow the other to suffer because of the other.

In closing, Newcastle Deputy Mayor Cllr Rachel Mdluli said that as Government is celebrating 20 years of non-racial and non-sexiest democracy, “We must ensure that strong measures are taken to support our female traffic officers, our policewomen and everyone who works in the previously male dominated departments, so that they can be able to address and fight against challenges that women face every day when they go to work”.

“On the 3rd of August 2015, eight councillors from this municipality were graduating. That goes to show that it is never too late to be where you want to be. I want to thank all the ladies for their contribution towards the betterment of Newcastle, we as the Newcastle Municipality are thankful and we respect you for what you have done”, concluded the Deputy Mayor.

View the Gallery