In celebration of Heritage Month Newcastle Municipality under the leadership of Mayor Makhosini Nkosi officially opened the Igugulesizwe exhibition Albert Luthuli Photographic at the Carnegie Art Center the event is attended by officials from the Department of Art and Culture, and vibirant young artist of Newcastle
Seen in the picture is Mayor Makhosini Nkosi and officials for the Municipality
The Mayor of Newcastle Cllr Makhosini Nkosi accompanied by the officials from the municipal Development Planning and Human Settlements department, attended the 2016 Govan Mbeki Award ceremony hosted recently by MEC for Human Settlements Ravi Pillay at the Durban ICC.
The Municipality was awarded the first runner up, sharing the award for Best Level 2 Accredited Municipality with eThekwini Municipality and uMhlathuze Municipality taking first place in this category.
Newcastle Municipality was awarded the level 2 housing accreditation status in September 2012 which gave full permission to the municipality to take responsibility for the programme management and administer subsidies. This encompasses project evaluation and approval, contract administration, subsidy registration, programme management including cash flow projection and management and technical (construction) quality assurance. Again in 2013 the Municipality won the provincial Govan Mbeki awards for the best level 2 accredited municipality in Kwa -Zulu Natal and later in that year were awarded the status for being the best level 2 accredited municipality at the National level at the Prestigious Awards held at the Gallagher Estate in June 2013.
The Municipality prides itself on putting people first and serving the community thorough implementing Batho Pele principles and ensuring that housing projects are fast tracked with the objective of providing adequate, sustainable and comfortable housing opportunities.
MEC Nomusa Dube- Ncube hands the award to Mayor Makhosini Nkosi
September marks annual Heritage Month in South Africa and it is used to celebrate and promote the varied cultural heritage of our nation. It is a month dedicated to recognise our heritage, both tangible and intangible. Tangible heritage refers to buildings, historic places, artefacts and monuments, while intangible are attributes that we have inherited from past generations such as language and knowledge.
This year marks 20 years since Heritage Day was proclaimed in 1996 and it will be commemorated under theme “Human Treasures and Legends: our Living Heritage”. Living heritage means cultural expressions and practices that form a body of knowledge and provide continuity, dynamism and meaning of social life to generations of people as individuals, social groups and communities.
The main event will be held on 24 September and will feature a presidential address to the nation and representatives from various political parties are expected to be present. The rationale behind the commemoration is that “our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.”
Newcastle Local Municipality held a special inaugural council meeting to officially swear-in its new council members at a ceremony on the 24th of August 2016 at the Richview Hall. The ceremony sworn in 67 Councillors. These councillors consist of 33 PR councillors and 34 Ward councillors. Below is a list of the new Municipal Executive Committee Members.
Newcastle Local Municipality held a special inaugural council meeting to officially swear-in its new council members at a ceremony on the 24th of August 2016 at the Richview Hall. The ceremony sworn in 67 Councillors. These councillors consist of 33 PR councillors and 34 Ward councillors.
The meeting was chaired by the Municipal Manager; Mr Errol Mswane who announced the new council members. The new council swore under oath in front of the Magistrate; Sandy Hill and all in attendee, to be faithful, obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other law of the Republic and the Bylaws of the Newcastle Municipal Council, and undertake to hold office as councillor with honour and dignity and conscientiously perform the functions of the office.
The meeting elected Cllr Makhosini Nkosi, unopposed, as the Newcastle Mayor, Cllr Duduzile Sibiya, unopposed, as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jabulile Khumalo received 41 votes to IFP’s Cllr Sam Mlangeni’s 25 as Speaker and Cllr Nomusa Grace Mnguni, unopposed, as Chief Whip.
Before her acceptance speech, Speaker; Cllr Jabulile Khumalo asked all in attendee to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the passing of Cllr Thembi Mbongo of Ward 6 and acknowledged all dignitaries in attendee.
“We are now elected as honourable councillors, to serve and to be good mirrors of our community and also empower ourselves to the tasks at hand. In doing everything, we also need to be responsible”, gratified Khumalo.
The Speaker also announced the Municipality’s Executive Committee Members which includes the Mayor, Cllr Makhosini Nkosi, Deputy Mayor; Cllr Duduzile Sibiya, Cllr Reuben Molelekoa, Cllr Nkosinathi Zwane, Cllr Matthew Shunmugam, Cllr Rachel Mdluli, Cllr Vuyiswa Bam, Cllr Elizabeth Cronje and Cllr Shadrack Thwala.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Honourable Mayor, Cllr Makhosini Nkosi humbly accepted his election to be the Mayor of Newcastle. “In this regard, allow me to most sincerely express my profile gratitude to the Provincial and Regional leadership of the African National Congress, the ANC caucus in this city and all members of the ANC for the confidence they have expressed in nominating me to this responsible position of the city Mayor”, he alluded.
“As the Mayor I am committed to work as part of and with the Executive Committee, the Municipal Council and the Administration and everyone else who is committed to working towards the realisation of the ideas of our people”, concluded the Mayor.
The Mayor also promised to work with the private sectors to curb the challenge of unemployment within the youth of Newcastle.
On 9 August South Africa will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the iconic 1956 Women’s March under the theme “Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.
The 1956 march and others before by thousands of fearless women are testament to the role of women in bringing about our democracy. During the 1956 march about 20 000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the discriminatory pass laws which had restricted the movement of black people in the country.
This seminal moment in our history has been celebrated since 1995 as Women’s Day, and is the focal point of Women’s Month celebrations. During Women’s Month our nation recognises the important role of political activism by women during the struggle for liberation against colonisation and apartheid.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on the gains we have made since 1994. Over the past 22 years South Africa has made significant inroads insofar as gender parity and women empowerment is concerned. We have made noteworthy progress in putting in place legislation and policy frameworks for advancing equality and empowerment for women.
Government has also been at the forefront of initiatives to ensure greater women empowerment. In September 2015 a Presidential Directive was issued and instructed that the Economic Cluster Ministers ensure women’s economic empowerment is placed centrally in the implementation of their departmental programmes and in the Nine-Point Plan to grow the economy.
Despite the significant progress over the last 22 years in changing the lives of women in our country, many women continue to face obstacles such as limited access to economic opportunities. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q1:2016 shows unemployment is higher among females at 29.3 per cent compared to 26.6 per cent for males. Moreover, the unemployment rate among women increased from 24.1 per cent in 2009 to 26.7 per cent in the first quarter of this year.
Education of young women remains a pressing challenge with most girls not being able to complete their secondary education. Among the reasons are early pregnancy, marriage and being forced to stay at home to help with children.
According to GCIS Tracker research, 34 per cent of young girls do not finish high school while only 32 per cent have a matric qualification. This jeopardises the future of young women who are then forced into a life of poverty and even abuse.
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary, this year’s National Women’s Day event will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria on 9 August 2016. It will relive the spirit of the women of 1956 through a celebration walk from the Lillian Ngoyi Square to the Union Buildings.
During the symbolic celebration, women will walk, run and cycle to the Union Buildings dressed in clothing that represents their trade, affiliation, academic background, profession or workplace.
The department of Health on the 28th of July 2016 officially opened a health care facility, the clinic is aimed at servicing the community of Umndozo and the surrounding areas. The event was attended by MEC for Health Dr. S.Dhlomo, Amajuba District Mayor Cllr Jabu Khumalo, and Newcastle Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Afzul Rehman, member of provincial Parliament Mr. Makhosini Nkosi, Dr. Ntuthuko Mahlaba and Dr. Musa Ngubeni, and former Bafana- Bafana player Mr. Siyabonga Nkosi.
The clinic is the first in Umndozo, and will address the health challenges previously faced by the people of this area, which includes not having easy access to basic health care, the closest clinic being in Osizweni. People had to walk long hours to get basic help
Dr. Dhlomo foresees that the clinic will address a number of issues such as teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Former Bafana- Bafana soccer star Mr. Siyabonga Nkosi grew up in this community and is very passionate to see to community flourish.” This is the very same community I grew up in, my family still lives here with my aunt working in the local clinic .I remember when people used to walk from here to the nearest clinic which is in Osizweni, we welcome this clinic in the community”
Dr. Dhlomo introduced a program called dual protection which is expected to address these social ills. Dual Protection is the best way to prevent pregnancy, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections
This particular clinic is seen as a “Golden Clinic” under the conditions in which it functions under which constitutes Batho Pele principles said the MEC.
“To the people of Umndozo we have brought you a clinic we want to bring your health, without paying for taxi fees or fees at the clinic, we have brought it close to you. It is now your responsibility to use this clinic to have regular checkups, these clinics must make a difference.
Mayor Afzul Rehman officiated the Vote of thanks to all those present, “MEC Dhlomo has never forgotten the rural areas and has always implemented projects to bring health care to all the people of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Said Mayor Rehman.
Mayor Rehman recently handed over wee electricity in this areas. The Municipality is also passionate about young development and encourages the youth of Umndozo to register for the Mayoral programs such as the Bursary program.
THIS IS NOT JUST A TALK SHOW
Government Is Steaming Ahead In Eradication Of Slums
“Another step closer to reaching our key objective of eradicating slums in KwaZulu – Natal” were the words of MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Ravi Pillay, when he officially launched the Siyahlalala slums clearance housing project in Ward 25, Newcastle Municipality.
The Implementing Agent, Umpheme Development has been tasked with ensuring that a total of 1205 beneficiaries live in comfort and security through provision of decent shelter. The total value of internal services (infrastructure) is about R58 million and just under R158 million for the top structure.
The construction of infrastructure (roads and sanitation pipes) started in August 2015 and the project is anticipated to be completed by October 2015. A total of 20 jobs have been created for the community of Siyahlalala.
MEC Ravi Pillay and his entourage started by pouring concrete in one of the slabs this morning which symbolised that work has begun and that the long wait of the community of Siyahlalala is producing positive results.
This project is right at the heart (CBD) of Newcastle Municipality and is called Siyahlalala because the Community did not want to be moved from this place but rather for government to develop the area that they are living in.
In his address, MEC Ravi Pillay said this is a wonderful day and month because this is the month when our first democratic leader, the icon, tata Nelson Mandela, was born and challenged people of Siyahlalala to stand for the values that Mandela believed in.
MEC Pillay also emphasized the importance of good working relations between the community, the municipality and Implementing Agent. He said he will not tolerate shoddy workmanship in this project and that he would only accept 1205 quality houses.
The MEC thanked Siyahlalala community members for being patient for such a long time and said that they must always know that government will eventually deliver, slowly but surely.
Kzn Human Settlements Mec Launches Siyahlala-La
SLUMS CLEARANCE HOUSING PROJECT IN NEWCASTLE
In what has been described as a first step at restoring the dignity of the people who have been living in a sprawling informal settlement right on the doorstep of the central business district of Newcastle Municipality, Kwa-Zulu Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Ravigasen Pillay together with the Mayor of Newcastle Municipality, Councillor Afzul Rehman will tomorrow Friday 22nd July 2016 officiate at the launch of the Siyahlala-la Housing Project near Fairleigh in Ward 25.
Home to more than 1000 inhabitants since 1989, the sprawling informal settlement near the suburb of Fairleigh will be transformed into being a first post-1994 Integrated Residential Development Programme project (IRDP) where beneficiaries will be residing closer to their workplaces in decent affordable accommodation enjoying fully serviced amenities.
The Siyahlala-la IRD project is an in-situ Informal Settlement Upgrade with an expected yield of 1 200 units when completed. The total cost of the project is more R140 million inclusive of installing of internal and external services consisting of water-borne sanitation infrastructure as well as access roads and public transport roads.
MEC Pillay and Mayor Rehman will tomorrow launch the first batch of the 500-units that will eventually make up the 1 205 units. The first 500 units cost R58 million.
The Ministerial entourage will also pour the first concrete on the cut platform slab of the first 25 houses that are to be built to relocate 25 families presently on the servitude route of a water and sewage pipeline.
“This is going to be another suburb, not a settlement,” remarked Mayor Rehman.
MEC Pillay said the launch of Siyahlala-la Housing Project will go a long way in restoring the dignity of the people of Siyahlala-la.
“The squalid informal settlement conditions that these people have been habiting since 1989 have been an affront to their dignity and we are very elated that their patience has paid off with the project finally getting off the ground,” said MEC Pillay.
Newcastle Municipality proudly and officially launches a various number of service delivery projects that council has achieved during the 5 year period of 2011-2016, under the political leadership of Mayor Afzul Rehman, his team of Portfolio Councilors and Councilors
The launching of projects is scheduled to last for the next two weeks and officially commenced on 18 JULY 2016 which is internationally recognized as Nelson Mandela Day (67 minutes), world renowned day of celebrating the great leader’s values of working and serving the community.
The first service delivery projects to be launched include the H39 housing project, bulk sewage and poverty alleviation projects.
The housing project is expected to produce 933 housing units which will accommodate families that previously stayed in informal settlements under unhealthy and unsafe conditions “The project will start in two months and everything is ready, a contractor has been appointed and the project is ready to start, we as Newcastle Municipality are promoting that young people of this ward be part and parcel of community development projects said Mayor Rehman during the community meeting.
Furthermore the Sewage pump station was launched, the primary objective of the H39 Pump station and bulk sewer line is to service the 933 proposed low cost housing to be constructed in H39 informal settlement. The sewer will accommodate the current and future developments within the vicinity of Madadeni H39.
The service delivery roadshows are expected to finish on the 30th of July 2016 after launching the projects below which include:
• Asiphephe bridge
• Stafford hill water Bourne sewer ,
• Upgrading of gravel to the blacktop ME18, ME28,OB97, OB39
• Sesiyabonga Bridge
• Play Park
• Siyahlala Housing project
• Link Road Street lights
• Fairleigh Flats
• Handover of title deeds in terms of EEDBS
• Osizweni sidewalks
• Widening of Allen street and bridge
• Construction of taxi holding area in Sutherland Street.
• Servicing of Residential stands of Portion 1 of F782 Schuinshoogte
• Madadeni sidewalks
• Play Parks section 1
• Poverty alleviation
• Dicks Electrification
• Emawozeni electrification
• VIP Toilets in Emawozweni
• Charlestown Hall
• Charlestown Play Parks
• Mzamo LED Lights
• JBC Hall
• Blaawbosch youth Centre
• Blaauwbosch side walk
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