Debt Collection Awareness

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Newcastle Municipal Manager Mr. B.E Mswane, together with Acting Chief Financial Officer Mr. Sisho Nkosi, Acting Strategic Executive Director; Technical Services  Mr. Lindile Zincume and Acting Strategic Executive; Corporate Services Ms. Nto Vinkhumbo held a Media briefing today, 31 January 2017, to discuss issues relating to the  importance of Debt collection.

A financial analysis was conducted and the TABLE below will list the category and total amount owed as at the 31st of December 2016.

CATEGORY TOTAL AMOUNT
1.Domestic R782 000 000
2.Business R67 409 290
3. Government R23 780 745

 

“The biggest category owed to the Municipality are individuals with R782 000 000 unsettled rates. This amount excludes the indigents, as council has made provision to take care of indigent residents.  Furthermore an indigent audit will take place which to investigate the legitimacy of indigent accounts.  Eleven thousands letters will be sent out to households that will indicate as to how much is owed by a resident”. said Mr. Mswane 

The Municipality will embark on a process of installing water restrictors in the areas where it does not supply electricity i.e. in Madadeni and Osisweni. This process will begin on Monday, 6 February 2017 businesses in Madadeni.

Residence are requested to note the following process once the water restrictors have been installed:

  • In order for a restrictor to be removed the consumer has to make the following payment:
  • The whole amount due from July 2016 until December 2016 and 50% (discretions may be applied but not lower than 20%) of the amount owing from January 2016 until June 2016.
  • It must be emphasized that the current account must be up to date at all times.
  • Only once the payment in respect of the above is received then the water restrictor will be removed.
  • Consumers must then make arrangements in respect of the amounts outstanding prior to January 2016.
  • The above payment arrangements are applicable to all business and individual consumers.

 

Residences are encouraged to use the following number regarding issues around debt collection

034 9400 040

Newcastle Municipality Ward Committee Members Inaugurated

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Ward 11, Cllr NK Majozi with some of her ward committee members.

Ward 11, Cllr NK Majozi with some of her ward committee members.

Newcastle Municipality ward committee members inaugurated
Following the Ward Committee Elections that took place from the 19th of November 2016 to the 20th of January 2017, an inauguration ceremony was held for the 340 elected ward committee members at Richview Hall on the 26th of January 2017.

The election process, facilitated and conducted by the service provider; One of Five Collections, visited all 34 wards with the aim to provide sustainable municipal services to the Newcastle communities and introduce a system of a structured community participation in the activities of the municipality.

The inauguration ceremony led by the Office of the Speaker together with the Public Participation unit was chaired by Programme Director, Strategic Executive Director for Development Planning & Human Settlements; Ms Nokuthula Thusi, and comprised of two sessions. The elected ward committee members swore under oath under the leadership of Speaker; Cllr JCN Mam Mkhwanazi.

During his observations, Newcastle Mayor Cllr EM Nkosi accentuated the importance of being a ward committee. “We as the municipality inaugurate you today as leaders that have been elected by your communities, it is therefore your duty to put the communities that elected you first. Being a leader is not about being in power, it is about the responsibilities given unto you to represent and be leading examples in your wards”, said Nkosi.
“I understand that all the elected ward committee members derive from different political spheres, however, being a ward committee is not a platform to contest ideas of politics but you are viewed as vehicles for a movement towards a better community”, alluded the Mayor.

In her address, the Speaker congratulated the elected ward committee members and highlighted the main functions of a ward committee. “The primary function of a ward committee member is that you are elected to serve your ward. As the voices of your community you need to encourage and facilitate dialogue between council and local people within your wards, with the view of maximising influence over the way the municipality functions”, she emphasised.
“You need to also engage and ensure that our communities participate in IDP and budget processes in maintaining a smooth co-ordination through a structured engagement within the municipal council to provide feedback to our communities”.

“Lastly, as a ward committee member you need to support and respect the position of a councillor. A councillor is the integral part of the election process of ward committees thus they are recognised as the chairperson”, concluded the Speaker.

The second session of the event, chaired by the Department of Co-operative Governance inducted the ward committee members on the Code of Conduct and the Roles and Responsibilities of Ward Committee Functionality.

Ward 3, Cllr M Shunmugam with his ward committee members.

Ward 3, Cllr M Shunmugam with his ward committee members.

Mayor Cllr EM Nkosi, Deputy Mayor Cllr Dudu Sibiya, Chief Whip Cllr NG Mnguni and SED Ms Nokuthula Thusi during the signing of the oath under the leadership of Speaker Cllr JCN MamMkhwanazi.

Mayor Cllr EM Nkosi, Deputy Mayor Cllr Dudu Sibiya, Chief Whip Cllr NG Mnguni and SED Ms Nokuthula Thusi during the signing of the oath under the leadership of Speaker Cllr JCN MamMkhwanazi.

State of the Nation Address

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President Jacob Zuma will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 9 February 2017 from 19:00.
The SoNA outlines government’s plans for the year ahead to improve the lives of South Africans.

Catch it live on television, radio and social media.
Follow us on Twitter #SONA2017 and participate in discussions on Facebook

PROVINCIAL OFFICES OF THE GCIS TEL NO
• Eastern Cape 043 722 2602
• Free State 051 448 4504/5
• Gauteng 011 331 0164
• KwaZulu-Natal 031 301 6787/8
• Limpopo 015 291 4689
• Mpumalanga 013 753 2397
• Northern Cape 053 832 1378
• North West 018 381 7069/71
• Western Cape 021 697 0145

Email: information@gcis.gov.za
Websites: www.thepresidency.gov.za
www.gcis.gov.za
www.gov.za
For more information, contact:
SONA

KZNFC TRAINING PROGRAMMES 2017

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KZNFC TRAINING PROGRAMMES 2017

APPLY FOR TRAINING WITH THE KWAZULU-NATAL FILM COMMISSION.

The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC) is an entity established in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission Act, 2010. The Commission has been set up with its main vision being to position KwaZulu-Natal as a globally competitive, diverse and sustainable industry and choice film destination.

Background
The KZN Film Commission aims to enhance the economy by providing and encouraging opportunities for persons, especially from disadvantaged communities to enter and participate in the film industry in the province. In so doing, it aims to contribute to an enabling environment to job creation. The Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme under Marketing and Industry Development is designed to develop skills in KwaZulu-Natal focussing on previously disadvantaged filmmakers across the value chain of film and television. A baseline study was conducted in 2015 highlighting the skills gap in the KZN industry. The KZNFC is responding to the need for skills in 2 key areas: SCRIPTWRING AND FILM DIRECTING.

TWO TRAINING PROGRAMMES WILL BE OFFERED.

Training Programme 1 – SEDIBA Spark Screenwriting Programme (In Partnership with NFVF)
The Sediba Spark programme embraces best practices of international screenwriting, and uses the teachings of international masters of our craft. Our aim is to equip screen writers with tools that will allow them to shape their own talent, originality and creativity into screenwriting of an international standard. The Programme runs for five months with workshops taking place one weekend a month. Workshops are compulsory for all qualifying participants. The programme is at no cost to the selected participants.

Requirements
• Applicants must be residents of the KwaZulu-Natal province and be South African citizens or residents.
• Applicants must have a matric certificate and/or a relevant tertiary qualification in Film & Television or Writing.

Please submit:
1. A motivation (maximum 2 pages) as to why you should be considered for the programme
2. Your CV, detailed profile of work experience
3. Sample of written work ( optional)
4. A copy of your Matric certificates and all qualifications post matric and a
5. Certified copy of your ID.

Applications should be also be emailed to SkillsDev@kwazulunatalfilm.co.za
Closing date for applications: 3 February 2017

Training Programme 2 – The 101 of Directing for Film, short films or TV Dramas (In Partnership with NFVF)
The Directors Programme aims to introduce the participants to the role of the Director on a fiction or TV Drama set. This is a Practical course of Understanding the role of the Director on a Film or TV set. The Programme will cover the following areas:- How to lay the basis for writing for the screen, understanding how to structure a script for features and TV drama; Writing of a Treatment for your film’s pitch; Breaking down the shooting script and producing a Director’s version of the script; The role of the actor to that of the director and the creative process between talent and the visionary; Working with a script and finding the right actor for the part; Working conditions for actors; What to expect from your actors; Casting process and how to do it; Rehearsal and the creative process; Film appreciation and the various genres in fiction and TV drama series; Relationship between actors, director, producer and production office; Relationship with the crew on set as the Director; Who is who in SA acting world?

Requirements
• Applicants must be residents of the KwaZulu-Natal province and be South African citizens or residents.
• Applicants must have a matric certificate and/or a relevant tertiary qualification in Film & Television or Writing.
• Demonstrate previous experience in directing either for TV, short films, TV Dramas, Documentaries, Theatre, New Media (Web) and/ or Music Video
• Be available to attend the programme one week at a time staring the 22nd – 27th Feb, 14-19TH March, 28th March – 2nd April, 11th -16th April at time for a period of four weeks in total.

Please submit:
1. A motivation (maximum 2 pages) as to why you should be considered for the programme
2. Your CV, detailed profile of work experience
3. Provide examples of previous work: either a portfolio, a video, or storyboard, or a script you completed.
4. Three page synopsis of a film idea you would like to work on as part of the course work.
5. A copy of your Matric certificates and all qualifications post matric
6. Certified copy of your ID.

Applications should be emailed to SkillsDev@kwazulunatalfilm.co.za
Closing date for applications: 3 February 2017
Correspondence for both programmes will be limited to successful candidates.
For more information visit our website on www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.za or call our offices on (031) 325 0200.

Old citizens celebrated in style

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Nelson Mandela once said, “A society that does not value its elderly citizens, denies its roots and endangers its future. He said that we should strive to enhance their capacity to support themselves for as long as possible and, when they cannot do so anymore, we should take care of them.

It is in support of this philosophy that the Newcastle Municipality decided to celebrate the elderly yesterday the 20th of December 2016 at an event held at Madadeni Community Hall.

Addressing the attendees Newcastle Mayor M. Nkosi said that he feels honoured to be in the same room with the generation that fought for freedom and made S.A to be what it is today. “We know all the difficulties you went through, all the struggles you had to endure to make sure your children enjoy freedom and we are more than thankful ‘’ said Cllr Nkosi.

In addiction Newcastle Mayor eluded that as the Municipality they understand that the struggles that the elderly have experienced in the past is not yet over because now they are facing a new form of pain “Your own children have become your own oppressors, they go and get pregnant and then dump their children with you to look after with your pension money and that is unacceptable. This is definitely a challenge that the Municipality together with society will work hand in hand to stop. ”Concluded Nkosi

Present to celebrate this prestigious day with the elderly was Deputy Mayor Dudu Sibiya, Ward 23 Cllr N. Ngcobo, Newcastle Speaker J.Khumalo and Newcastle Municipality Municipal Manager Mr Errol Mswane.
In closing the Deputy Mayor thanked all who attended, she thanked the Special programmes unit for affording the elderly an opportunity to be celebrated.

A modelling competition between the ladies and the gentlemen was conducted as a form of entertainment and they were also showered with Christmas presents

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Mayor receives cake for Christmas

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Old gogos showing off their modelling and dancing talents.

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Gogo Skhakhane showing off her beautiful Christmas present

Newcastle Municipality supports the 16 days of Activism campaign

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Pastor G. Koloko, Newcastle Speaker Cllr J. Khumalo, Newcastle Mayor Cllr M. Nkosi, Amajuba District Mayor Dr. M Ngubane and the deputy mayor of Amajuba Cllr S. Nkosi

Pastor G. Koloko, Newcastle Speaker Cllr J. Khumalo, Newcastle Mayor Cllr M. Nkosi, Amajuba District Mayor Dr. M Ngubane and the deputy mayor of Amajuba Cllr S. Nkosi

From the 25th of November to December 10 the world stood together to condemn constant inhumanity experienced by women and children in our societies. Newcastle Municipality together with sister Municipality Amajuba District hosted a campaign and conducted information session at the Osizweni Hall on Friday the 10th of December 2016. 

Under the theme: “Count me in: Together moving a non –violent South Africa forward.” The 16 days of activism aims to encourage society to acknowledge that this scourge is not limited to the government or justice system, but it is also a societal problem that needs to be eradicated by working together.

The campaign remains a relevant subject in South Africa as progress towards the full understanding of children’s and women rights has proven to be on a snail scale if not stagnant.

“Men should learn to deal with anger issues accordingly without resorting   to abuse, they should learn that their wife and kids are not punching bags only then we can deem this campaign successful” said Amajuba District Mayor Dr M. Ngubane

According to Dr. Lerato Dikobe-Kalane of the Psychiatry Management Group, one out of every six women is regularly assaulted by her partner, with men abusing the children living with the women 46% of the time.

This statistic puts the plight of women and children at a shocking all-time high, and many organisations are calling for greater awareness around this concern.

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Festive Season Road Safety Launch

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Mayors and Senior Management addressing traffic officers

During the festive period the Newcastle Traffic Department will he faced with critical challenges due to the mass arrival and departure of vehicles in the town. It is the for this reason that the Traffic Department within the Newcastle Municipality hosted a Special Operations Roadblock to launch the December Road Safety Campaign on the 12th of December 2016 at the corner of Allen street and the N11.

The Department’s ultimate goal is to ensure a safe passage of all motorists, passengers and pedestrians by executing planned enforcement activities that will assist in reducing accidents and fatalities in this busy period.

Attending the launch was Newcastle Municipality Mayor; Cllr M. Nkosi, District Mayor; Dr M. Ngubane, Newcastle Deputy; Mayor D. Sibiya, Newcastle Municipality Municipal Manager; Mr Errol Mswane, Strategic Executive Director for Community Services; Mr Mandla Sithole and Road Safety expert; Mr Ayanda Msweli of Ukhozi FM.

Newcastle Mayor; Cllr M. Nkosi advised the traffic officers to refrain from taking bribes. He said taking bribes has become a norm for officers all around the country that many have decided to do it as a way of living. “When you take a bribe you are not only breaking the law but you are also breaking an oath you took when you joined the office. You are also committing murder because the same offender you allowed back on the street may just kill innocent motorists”, said Mayor Nkosi.

The Mayor further urged officers to not only be visible on the street but they should also be in action to stop offenders from doing as they please.

“People from the townships drink their alcohol with disdain because they know there are no traffic officers there, this year all that must change. Traffic officers will be deployed everywhere because the public depend on us to save their lives”, concluded Nkosi.

In addition, District Mayor; Dr M. Ngubane urged officers to work beyond the call of duty to make sure Newcastle is safe this festive season.

The entourage started by visiting the Newcastle Taxi Rank in a quest to sensitize them about the importance of road safety and to also give them a few tips on how to be more vigilant whilst driving .
Mr Msweli advised the drivers to avoid destructions on the road. “Things like changing cd’s, drinking from a cup without a straw, playing loud music, putting shoes under your driver’s seat can cause accidents because they take your eyes off the road and steal your attention, we need to avoid them”, alluded Msweli.

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Newcastle Mayor sharing road safety tips with taxi drivers and passengers

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District Mayor urging drivers to exercise road safety tips

Mayoral Bursary Application Form 2017

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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 FIELD especially SCARCE SKILLS
MINIMUM SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
• Grade 12 with University Admission Pass
• Must be a Newcastle Resident

WHO CAN APPLY?
• People within 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 academically
• Individuals from the disadvantaged financial background
• Persons who intends studying for a Junior Degree

Bursary Provision : to be determined by the selection processes subject to need and affordability of an applicant.

THE FF. MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION
• Comprehensive motivation letter
• 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 documentation will automatically disqualify your application.

Municipal bursary forms are obtainable from the following office:
Office No. F26 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 :
Hand delivered to No. F 26
Enquiry : Sibonelo Mitshali (Community Liason Officer – Office of The Mayor) 034 328 7777 or Sphiwe Mazibuko (Communications Officer) 034 328 7767

Ward Committee Elections 2016

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elections

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