Ward Committee Elections 2016

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Notice is hereby given that in terms of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act, No 117 of 1998, and Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No 32 of 2000 read with Council’s approved Policy on Establishment and Operations of Ward Committees.

The Newcastle Municipality (kz252) will be conducting ward committee elections in all 34 wards within Newcastle Municipality.

The following conditions apply in terms of the eligibility for any member of the public to be elected or to serve as a member of ward committee;
• A candidate must be nominated for a position by an interest group in a sector that is registered in the municipal database or in the absence of a registered interest group, a candidate will be nominated by a members of the community in a public meeting.
• are requested to bring ID books or valid driver’s license on the voting day.
• A candidate must be a South African citizen above 18 years and a registered voter in the ward.
• Section 7 of the Policy on Establishment and Operations of Ward Committee will be applicable to candidates eligible for election as a ward committee.
• Membership and duties of ward committee members must be regarded as voluntary service for the benefit of the community members and are not remunerated but do receive an out of pocket reimbursement.

For enquiries please contact Mr. Zakhele Dlamini during working hours at 034-328 7675

Mr. B.E. Mswane
Municipal Manager
Newcastle Municipality
Private Bag X6621
Newcastle, 2940

Local AIDS Council

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Newcastle Mayor Makhosini Nkosi and Special Programmes Manager Samke Dube

Newcastle Mayor Makhosini Nkosi and Special Programmes Manager Samke Dube

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 yesterday at the Council Chambers.

Providing background of the meeting, Samke Dube Manager for Special Programme urged all Councillors to understand the role of the LAC and the part they need to play.  She further reminded the Cllrs of the importance of understanding their wards, saying that is the easiest way of knowing the unique needs of their community.

Ms Dube said that the community needs to be trained emotionally and psychologically for them to be able to appreciate and accept the functions of the municipality (service delivery) and programmes like the LAC as  a step in the right direction to achieving such.

Ms. Jabu Sithole Chairperson of the Women Forum said that most women knowingly get infected because of poverty and they are willing to do anything to get food on the table for their families”.

“We should unashamedly speak about HIV /AIDS until everyone listens so we decrease the number of infections in our district”. Concluded Ms Sithole

In closing Sanele Ndlovu from the ESST urged all parents to not give up on their children and to always find time to spend with their children and teach them the right ways of life.

Different stakeholders that attended the LAC

Different stakeholders that attended the LAC

Newcastle and Standard Bank Building Project 2016

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Seen in the picture is Deputy Mayor Cllr Dudu Sibiya and Standard bank Public Sector Head Mrs. Nelly Mkhize and beneficiary Zanele Ndlovu of Ezibayeni

Seen in the picture is Deputy Mayor Cllr Dudu Sibiya and Standard bank Public Sector Head Mrs. Nelly Mkhize and beneficiary Zanele Ndlovu of Ezibayeni

On 10 November 2016, Standard Bank together with Newcastle Municipality handed over three houses to underprivileged families from wards 9, 12 and 17. The project started in May 2016 with an open and transparent profiling of the families that would be eligible beneficiaries for the four (4) room house.

During a briefing session Mayor Makhosini Nkosi together with Deputy Mayor Dudu Sibiya and Ward Councilors acknowledged the participation and partnership from Standard Bank for the development of the people of Newcastle. “Standard bank has assisted the Municipality in changing lives of our people and we hope this partnership will grow”. Concluded Mayor Makhosini Nkosi.

Standard bank was delighted to have initiated this projected as eluded by Mrs. Nelly Mkhize Standard Bank’s Public Sector Provincial head. “We as Standard Bank exist because of people, thus we are delighted to work with the Newcastle Municipality once again, Standard Bank is passionate about people and we acknowledge government’s hard work to help our communities but we also recognize that they cannot do it alone so we as a Standard Bank want to make a difference”. 

Director: Housing and Land Mr. Muzi Shozi was present to share his sentiments “We have a worthy relationship that is growing bigger and bigger with standard bank, this is the second round of houses we have built through standard bank. In 2015 standard bank assisted us in building two houses through their CSI program, and we look forward to more as the year’s progress.

Seen in the picture is representation from Standard Bank led by Mrs. Nelly Mkhize, Deputy Mayor Dudu Sibiya, and Ward Cllrs Cyril Ngema, Cllr Rueben Molelekoa Cllr ,Sibilwane and Cllr Fikile Gama and beneficiary Ms. Joyce Zwane

Seen in the picture is representation from Standard Bank led by Mrs. Nelly Mkhize, Deputy Mayor Dudu Sibiya, and Ward Cllrs Cyril Ngema, Cllr Rueben Molelekoa Cllr ,Sibilwane and Cllr Fikile Gama and beneficiary Ms. Joyce Zwane

The Mbatha family of ward 17 with ward Cllr Sibilwane . Gogo ida Mbatha is a 80 year pensioner of ward 17, she is the only source of income for a family of six(6).

The Mbatha family of ward 17 with ward Cllr Sibilwane . Gogo ida Mbatha is a 80 year pensioner of ward 17, she is the only source of income for a family of six(6).

Government promotes peaceful and successful by-elections

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MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Inkosi Kubheka from ward 6, Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa, Treasurer General Dr Zweli Mkhize and Amajuba District Mayor Dr N. Ngubane

MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Inkosi Kubheka from ward 6, Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa, Treasurer General Dr Zweli Mkhize and Amajuba District Mayor Dr N. Ngubane

The Department of Co–operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Ms. Nomusa Dube- Ncube encouraged voters to participate in the upcoming by-elections during her visit to ward 6 in Newcastle Municipality on the 5th of November.

The by-elections were prompted by the murder of ward 6 councillor candidate ahead of the 2016 local government elections. This candidate won her respective ward posthumously.

A prayer for peaceful and successful elections was conducted with the help of local ministers and pastors at the Siyathuthuka Sports Grounds Ward 6 and it was attended by over 3000 people
Amid this prayer Dube-Ncube called for political tolerance amongst all parties that will contest these elections.

“The tragic loss of life that we saw happen in our province brought back painful memories of the past,” said Dube-Ncube.

Dube- Ncube was accompanied by the Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa, The Treasurer General Dr Zweli Mkhize, Member of KZN legislature Mr Gcabashe, Amajuba District Mayor Dr Ngubane, Newcastle Deputy Mayor Cllr Sibiya, Newcastle Municipality Speaker Cllr Mkhwanazi, Amajuba District Speaker Cllr Rehman and Newcastle Municipality Municipal Manager Mr Errol Mswane
The by-elections will take place on Wednesday, 9 November, Ward 6 in Newcastle.

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Community engagement at Itheku Mall

The Official Handover Of Newcastle Buyback Centre And Play Parks

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On the 2nd of November 2016, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms. Barbara Thomson officially handed over a Waste Buyback Centre located near section 6 in Madadeni and two Recreational Parks, one at section 5 in Madadeni (near Sabelo High School) and the other one at Osizweni in ward 13. The Deputy Minister, Newcastle Mayor; Cllr Makhosini Nkosi, Newcastle Municipal Manager; Mr. Errol Mswane, officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Newcastle Municipality started by visiting the parks and the Buyback Centre where the projects were officially opened, followed by the main event which took place at Osizweni Community Hall.

The Newcastle Municipal Manager Mr. Errol Mswane presided over the meeting at Osizweni Community Hall, where community members were addressed. Mayor Nkosi welcomed all stakeholders involved in the project. He outlined the importance of continuous consultation with the community by emphasizing that there will be regular constituency meetings in the wards where members of the community will be afforded an opportunity to raise their concerns with matters concerning the Municipality.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs Ms. Barbara Thomson mentioned that the Department through its Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme has funded the two projects to the tunes of R19 million. The local members of the community benefited in the projects hence 240 job opportunities were created through the Departments Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The Buyback Centre will assist the Municipality to address the challenge of waste management and promote the recycling in the area. The facility will also stimulate diversion of recyclable waste from landfill sites, thereby creating economic opportunities for waste collectors. The recreational parks have been built to benefit the historically disadvantaged areas with the focus on sustainable development in the greening and open space management areas.

The Deputy Minister commended Newcastle Municipality for its accolades for the Greenest Town Award for three consecutive years and persuaded the Municipality to continuously uphold that trend.

Members of the community who were beneficiaries in these projects benefited by gaining training opportunities in various fields including occupational health and safety as well as personal financial management, thereby the beneficiaries will be employable elsewhere in future.

In here closing remarks, Ms. Barbara Thomson pleaded to members of the community to ensure that the environment is alive and protects the projects built in their respective areas as these projects belong to them.

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The Newcastle Business Community Gives Input For Provincial Budget 2017/18

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Head of Department in the KZN Treasury; Simiso Magagula

Head of Department in the KZN Treasury; Simiso Magagula

The strong contingent of the Newcastle business community descended at the Black Rock Casino on the 1st of November 2016, to share their views in preparation for the provincial budget to be tabled by the MEC for Finance in KwaZulu-Natal, Belinda Scott, in early March 2017.

The budget breakfast, held in partnership with Newcastle Municipality, Majuba TVET College as well as Absa Bank, who sponsored the function, is a signature outreach for KZN Treasury with a view to engage with all sectors of the community to ensure a balanced budget for the province.

Mayor of Newcastle Municipality, Makhosini Nkosi during his welcome address, said the opportunity afforded to them as Newcastle residents was going to help them to influence the preparation of the budget for 2017/18.

“We understand the difficult task that KZN Treasury has in putting together the provincial budget under very difficult economic times. We have confidence in you as KZN Treasury and we applaud you for giving communities a chance to partake in the budget process”.

Bonga Nxumalo of Igalelozwide farming, said in order to address the challenges of unemployment, there was a need to bring the youth into agriculture. “We have a programme called smart farming and we need partnerships to ensure agricultural development,” he said.

Mandla Mthethwa said, “we have skills in Newcastle that we need to use to develop our economy and it is important for us all to have a full understanding of the budget so we can know the role to play in shaping our future”.

Other views include the need for more youth to be represented in the budget discussions because they are the ones who should make more input to help shape the future of this province as well as the need for Newcastle to focus more on agriculture.

Sanele Mlotshwa; Principal of Majuba TVET College, said their partnership in the budget breakfast is to emphasise the fact that skills development cannot be divorced from the budget and economic processes.

“The provincial budget must translate into service delivery and economic development through growth of businesses. For businesses to grow, they need skills. As a training college, we produce skilled people who will help in the development of our communities and we need our local businesses to afford them opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to the economic development of Newcastle,” he alluded.

Faisal Mkhize; Managing Executive of Absa Bank, said it was inspiring for Absa Bank to partner with local stakeholders, especially Majuba TVET College, to ensure that they build, not only the economy but also develop skills that are desperately needed by our province.

“This is democracy in action. Government has come to Newcastle to share ideas on how better we can develop our province. We must grab these kinds of opportunities and make our views heard so we can together shape our destiny. As a private partner, we are further encouraged to see the National Minister of Finance putting more funds into skills development in the area of education,” said Mkhize.

Head of Department in the KZN Treasury; Simiso Magagula said, “When you develop the budget for the province, it is very easy to lose sight of the involvement of key stakeholders. We are here to engage with business so we can have a balanced budget process.

“There are a number of challenges that affect the preparation of the budget. One of them is the need to raise money for free education after protracted student protests, the need to secure and strengthen border security along the SA-Mozambican border. However, there are very good things that government has done with the budget. Today was the time to engage with business and take note of their views and this is what we need as government”.

Newcastle Mayor; Cllr Makhosini Nkosi during the engagement session with the businesses

Newcastle Mayor; Cllr Makhosini Nkosi during the engagement session with the businesses

Some businesses in attendee

Some businesses in attendee

Newcastle Mayor wishes 2016 matriculants all the best for the exams.

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Mayor Makhosini Nkosi Wishes the Matric Class of 2016 Well. We have once again reached that time of the year when our matriculants will sit for their final matric examination. It has been a long educational journey that has brought you this far and through commitment and discipline you will soon reap the rewards.

Our beloved late former president Nelson Mandela once declared that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Going forward opportunities will be endless and only your dreams of a better future will place you at the door steps of academic and visionary excellence. I urge all parents, guardians and community members to be the pillar of support for our matriculants and give them the necessary structure to prepare for these momentous exams.

Newcastle Municipality fully supports you. Good luck!

Newcastle Municipality Customer Service Portal security

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customer-portal

The public must be aware that the Newcastle Municipality’s Customer Service Portal will, at no point, leak any person’s private information. The portal is 100% security compliant in accordance with security standards including https encryption and PCI payment gateway.

The municipality would like to thank the 874 customers who registered on the portal in August and the further 994 customers who registered in the month of September. The portal is a sure way to access your municipal account, download your statement and even sign-up to automatically receive e-Statements via email.

The number of unique daily logins have increased from 1411 in August to 1956 in September. 1213 customers have downloaded their statements in September and 812 e-Statements were emailed in the month of September.

The municipality encourages customers to utilize the feedback form that allows for both technical and non-technical support. Customers can log queries, comments and report system bugs by clicking on the Support tab – on the side of the screen:

support

The municipality has received and addressed 33 queries in the month of August, and 117 queries in the month of September. Queries that have been received so far range from customer profile updates, linking of accounts, registration assistance and other account related queries that are related to the Revenue Section.

The Newcastle Municipality encourages the public to be careful at all times when utilizing any e-commerce sites. There is a technique called Phishing, where a user receives an email requesting that they confirm the account number, credit card details and login details.

Please be aware that the Newcastle Municipality will never ask you to confirm your personal information, credit card details, account details, login details or any other information in an email. Such an email should be reported to the municipality without hesitation.

Newcastle Municipality wins at 1st Annual KZN EPWP KAMOSO Awards.

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1st Annual KZN EPWP KAMOSO Awards

Newcastle Municipality attended the 1st Annual KZN EPWP KAMOSO Awards on the 05th of October 2016 at the Three Cities Square Boutique Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks. The awards were organised by the KZN Department of Public Works.

The aim of the awards was to award the best performing public bodies in the implementation of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Newcastle Municipality was nominated and won the Best Implementing Public Body for EPWP Environment and Culture Sector category.

The event was attended by the EPWP Champion, Mr. Mthandeni Myende and Director for Civil Services; Mr. Vusi Mboyana.

Charlestown Rural Housing Project officially launched

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MEC Ravi Pillay with Amajuba District Mayor; Dr Musa Ngubane and Newcastle Local Municipality Mayor; Cllr Makhosini Nkosi.

The Provincial Department of Human Settlements, led by the Honourable MEC R.R Pillay, the Amajuba District Municipality Mayor;  Honourable Dr. Musa Ngubane and the Newcastle Local Municipality; Honourable Cllr  Makhosini Nkosi gathered  with the community of Charlestown on the 4th of October 2016 to officially launch the Charlestown Rural Housing Project. The appointed implementing agency was introduced to the community during the meeting with the project expected to commence on the 10th of October 2016.

The project will resolve both the issue of service delivery and unemployment. The steering committee will meet to divulge a plan to employ community members, and the community will be convened to the meeting thereafter.

MEC R.R.Pillay outlined that the employment process should be conducted in an open and transparent manner, it should be fair and there should be equitable employment opportunities for all sections of the community which will address gender equity, 50/50% opportunities for men and women.

“Phase one of the project will cost R50 million and that will consist of installing the pipes for the clean running water and the sewer system, and the R150 million will build 500 houses. The total cost of the project is R200 million”, alluded Pillay.

The community was requested to own the project, by looking after it, by reporting all improper conduct executed either by the contractor, or the employees. The MEC concluded by advising the Newcastle Local Municipality to prioritize the issue of electricity and sanitation in Charlestown in its five years of administration and further persuaded the municipality to continuously give inspiration to it residents and the country as a whole thus enhancing good governance.

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Mayor Makhosini Nkosi welcoming the community of Charlestown.

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The community of Charlestown came out in their numbers.