It’s clear from both President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address and Premier Zweli Mkhize’s State of the Province speech that our Government remains committed to improving the lives of the poor. This was also demonstrated in the national Budget and is sure to be underlined in the KwaZulu-Natal budget.

The Premier in his speech emphasised the importance of uprooting poverty. He went a step further too. Instead of a wish-list, he presented a series of concrete measures that will achieve this goal. He came out strongly on rural development and was vocal on the living conditions of the majority of our people.

He presented a strategy to deal with HIV/Aids. Particularly interesting was his suggestion that boys should be circumcised. He made it clear that this was not a cure-all, but should complement other HIV/Aids prevention measures. Also encouraging was the Premier’s focus on job creation, especially for young people.

Frank

He was frank about the fact that this cannot happen overnight, but the fact that the Government is doing something about unemployment is good news indeed. I would like to assure the Premier and the people of eThekwini that we share these ideals and will be doing our part, as the level of government closest to the people, to ensure that they become reality.

This year is already shaping up into one of those that passes by so quickly that before you realise it, it’s over. January is already behind us and the World Cup is just around the corner. We, as the public service, should be the trend-setters in service delivery. Most successful countries have well oiled public service machines. Civil servants can make or break a country’s international image. I have no doubt that we have an efficient and capable civil service. The big question is whether they stretch themselves and go that extra mile.

This question can best be answered by civil servants themselves. Let us brace ourselves for the challenging times that we are going to face. As the World Cup draws close, we should be prepared to go that extra mile in executing our duties.

Durban will be used as a base camp, which means there is a team that will be “adopted” by the city. We must all be prepared and willing to play our role as hosts in making the stay of that team and its supporters a memorable one. We should adopt a theme that says we are all ambassadors of our city.

While it’s true that our primary focus is to render a service to residents, any good civil servant will not be happy with just this. We need to take full advantage of the World Cup and promote our city and the whole country. Tourism is one of the major contributors to economic growth. If we treat these visitors well, they will always remember us as people who are warm and caring. Let us show them our South African ubuntu.

Momentous events happen sometimes without people realising they are witnessing history in the making. It is only later generations who sit back, ponder and then say, wow! Those were the days. I say this because this is what is happening now.

The year 2010 is unique in many ways and will go down in history as a turning point for South Africa and the African continent. The year’s most important event is the World Cup and it will be the first time an African country hosts an event of this magnitude, with 32 countries in South Africa competing for football’s most important trophy and the eyes of the world upon us. Beyond the sporting excitement it will bring, the World Cup will generate political as well as economic gains.

Those who are in the tourism industry have already started to benefit. Last year many people came to our shores for the final World Cup draw and the host city, Cape Town, reaped the rewards. On a political level, the World Cup provides an opportunity for us to strengthen partnerships and friendships with other African countries. With this in mind, individuals from other African countries are acting as our ambassadors for 2010. This year will also mark the 20th anniversary of the release from prison of former President Nelson Mandela.

It was in 1990 that that the key was turned letting him out of prison and setting him free. What does this mean to the man in the street? It means we should give all our support, body and soul, to making the World Cup a resounding success. Let us prove to the world that we can.

As the year draws to close, it is time to reflect on the good and the bad that was 2009. We started the year on a sad note when we lost lives to storms and many homes were destroyed.

In April our country went to the polls, electing a new government led by President Jacob Zuma. In June, South Africa, hosted the Confederations Cup, which served as a dress rehearsal for the big event, next year’s World Cup. We were able to learn a lot from the cities that hosted the tournament and I believe we are now more than ready.

Those who once doubted must now surely believe the country will host a memorable World Cup. Staying true to our promise to deliver an iconic World Cup venue, we opened the Moses Mabhida Stadium amidst much fanfare last month. During the year we have witnessed a number of developments aimed at improving the lives of our people.

The Municipality’s R850-million pipe replacement project has made significant progress toward replacing 2 800km of old asbestos cement pipes across eThekwini.

I thank staff and all government employees for working with us to improve the lives of our people. Let’s continue working together next year to ensure all households receive basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity.

As we take our Christmas break and travel long distances to be with our family and friends, please take extra care on the road so we can all meet again in the coming year. On behalf of the Municipality I wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Mayor Obed Mlaba

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The eThekwini Municipality joins the global community in lending support to those living with HIV and Aids and recommit ourselves to the fight against the scourge.

In a world in which an estimated 33.4 million people are living with HIV and Aids – 5.5 million of them in South Africa – and 2.7 million new infections each year, we need to take responsibility and ownership of this sweeping pandemic that threatens our lives and our future as a nation. I make a special appeal to each and every one of us to adopt a positive attitude and to do our best to encourage those who have tested positive.

Aids is not a death sentence if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, let us encourage those that have not gone for testing to do so. HIV and Aids knows no race, creed, gender or age, but attacks indiscriminately, leaving in its wake child-headed households, and in some instances wipes out entire families.

I call on all our citizens to engage in massive behavioural change and to take responsibility for HIV and Aids, not only on World Aids day but every day. Let us continue to live by the ABC strategy, which is Abstain, Be Faithful and Condomise in the fight against HIV and Aids Remember everyone is affected by this disease.

- Mayor Obed Mlaba


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As we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism campaign for non-violence against women and children, on behalf of the eThekwini Municipality, I would like to pay tribute to all victims and to celebrate the strength of those survivors who have succeeded in breaking the shackles of victimisation.

I urge all South Africans to heed the government’s call to action to end violence against women and children. Violence in general, and in particular violence against women, children and vulnerable people is a scourge of our society and the spirit of Ubuntu.

I urge all perpetrators to change their behaviour and seek help. I challenge every citizen to report abuse of any kind to the police and other supporting agencies. Let us use this occasion to recommit ourselves to upholding and respecting the rights of all people as enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution of 1996. A stand against the abuse perpetrated against women and children is a contribution towards the rebuilding of our society, moral regeneration and a people free of psychological, emotional and physical scars.

- Mayor Obed Mlaba


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This has led to an increase in the number of people leaving rural areas in search of a better life in the city. It has also led to an increase in the number of cars on our roads. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in the number of people killed in road accidents, many of them children.

The exodus of pupils from township schools to former Model C schools has contributed to this state of affairs. Compounding the problem is the fact that some of the children who use public transport are very young and should really be accompanied by elders. Now, the Metro Police, SAPS and the eThekwini Transport Authority have joined forces to do something about this. The main focus will be schools.

Children will be taught road safety so that they will have a better understanding of what to do when they cross the road. The problem is not with young children only. It seems to be a phenomenon that affects pedestrian of all ages. It hurts me to report that some of the people who die in these accidents are those who cross the road where they are not supposed to cross.

This is more common in areas and settlements that are across the freeway from one another, such as Lamontville, Chesterville and Bonella. Some of these pedestrians try to cross the freeway during peak hour. In the case of collisions, it has become clear that many involve defective cars or drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. The noise level of minibus taxis appears to be a contributory factor in some road accidents. Some taxi drivers play music so loud they cannot even hear commuters when they want to alight. This leads to sudden stops without regard for the other road users. Let us respect the road signs and regulations. Youngsters should be assisted by older people when crossing the road.

Schools will now be involved in teaching road safety, and we hope community members assist the programme too. Together we can do more to save precious lives.

- Obed Mlaba


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September was a very busy month but if I had to single out just one of the many events that took place it would be the SMME Fair. This year’s fair exceeded expectations. We were confident it would be successful, but we never anticipated it would turn out to be the mother of all SMME fairs. It was big, not only in terms of the number of people who attended and displayed their goods and services, but also in terms of the quality of goods and services on display. It was quite exciting to see budding entrepreneurs offering fresh, new goods and services and bringing a welcome dose of diversity.

I noticed quite a nice spread of talent and business maturity in many of the people who attended. It was a breath of fresh air to see young black people venturing into the field of pest control. If the fair proved one thing to all of us, it was that our government is doing something good for the ordinary citizens of this country. One of the objectives of our Municipality is to create a platform for SMMEs to display their goods and services, and to provide an opportunity for networking. I am sure that the fair achieved these objectives with flying colours.

As the level of government that is closer to the people, we have always maintained that SMMEs are a solution to the economic challenges of this country. They have the potential to grow the economy if they are properly run. Our government has committed itself to assisting budding businesses. No business can be run efficiently and be successful if it has no exposure. The SMME Fair is one of the ways of giving SMMEs exposure. The success of the fair is an indication that our people have, indeed, started to push back the frontiers of poverty.

- Mayor Obed Mlaba

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Heritage is usually taken as symbols that bind the nation together. It forms the core of nationhood. As South Africans we have our own heritage which forms the livewire of our nation state.

From time immemorial people have always associated certain historical events and landmarks as part of their cultural heritage. The richness of our country is celebrated by all to mark the diversity of our cultural heritage as a rainbow nation. The 24th of September is set aside as the heritage day – a day when all South Africans celebrate their diverse cultural heritage that makes them a rainbow nation.

In our Province, KwaZulu Natal, this day has a very significant implication because it was once named after the great leader of the Zulu nation, King Shaka kaSenzangakhona. The importance of this day is that it is not only the Zulu people who identify with this day but the majority of the people who live in this province see themselves as an integral part of this day. The significance of the heritage day is that it brings together people with different cultures and beliefs. They are able to celebrate their own culture in their own way as long as it does not offend the next person or infringe on other people’s rights. This is done in the true spirit of celebrating cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.

Heritage day is the day to celebrate the contribution of all South Africans in an effort to build a united country. Over the years there are a number of names that have been thrown around to mark this day. Some people have suggested the name “National Braai day” because braais are always associated with togetherness.

We have a very rich culture. As this is the heritage month, we call on all of us to give ourselves some time to learn more about other people’s cultures. Culture has this very important characteristic of being able to “give and accept” certain aspects from other cultures. Let us use this month for learning more about other people so that we could become a true multicultural rainbow nation.

Mayor Obed Mlaba
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Durban is well on track to meeting its vision of becoming Africa’s most caring and liveable city. In just under 15 years we, as City fathers, have been able to undo 300 years worth of damage. Of course, it is important to emphasise the crucial point that our successful leadership was beefed up by support from local communities as well as our partners from further afield. In this short era of our democracy, we have been able to make the city a true home for all living in it. We are not quite there yet, but clearly the milestones are something of note.

Where else in the world can you find a diverse range of cultures harmoniously mixed in one pot? Where else will you find a variety of sporting codes in one basket for all to enjoy, a broad mixture of world-class infrastructure developments and some of the world’s most perfect beaches. Our rural areas are improving so quickly and to such an extent that their residents shall never again regret living there.

Development in these previously neglected areas gain momentum each day. Soon all of them will have clean running water, electricity, proper road networks, adequate schools and health care facilities. And, as the cherry on top, all rural folk are getting the opportunity to make a proper living through locally-based formal employment, or local businesses.

This is thanks to our partnership with our counterparts in other spheres of government and the strategic guidance of our President, Jacob Zuma. This sterling work and our achievements mean that we have every reason to celebrate. And what better time to do this than during September, the month when the whole country reflects on its bravura heritage. It’s also the month when we traditionally highlight all the features that make our city stand out. And so, we warmly invite those outside of the city to come join us as we stroll across the eThekwini Municipality to enjoy the splendour of our “choice assorted” in keeping with the spirit of the Celebrate Durban festival. Subscribe in a reader

Unlike the liberation struggles of other countries where the role of women was often limited to the role of periphery, here they played a central role. Consider the 1956 march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against apartheid pass laws. This is good example of how women made a remarkable contribution to the emancipation of us all.

It should be noted that at that time the Afrikaners were barely a decade in power after their victory in 1948. Yet women braved the brutality of that regime and marched straight to its headquarters. Leading the march was Lilian Ngoyi. MaNgoyi, as she was affectionately known, joined the defiance campaign in 1950, and was arrested for trying to use post office facilities reserved for whites. She was the first black women to serve on the national executive of the ANC in 1955.

Another struggle heroine was Nontsikelelo “Masisulu” Sisulu. She joined the ANC Women’s League in the 1940s and become its treasurer in 1959. In 1954 she led a campaign to boycott Bantu Education. Women of all walks of life contributed in many ways to the liberation struggle, but few were ever singled out or put on a pedestal. Some of them did wonderful things but the credit was often taken by men.

Vital

It’s easy to think that the only women who played a role in the struggle were those that were in the limelight. But there were scores of women who played vital roles. The mothers in the rural areas who would accept and take care of comrades when they ran away from the security forces, the mothers who treated comrades when they were shot by the police and the women who offered our comrades food when they were underground – all are struggle heroines.

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These changes influence the way we do business. There are a number of projects across the City that will ensure our economy continues to grow. One such project is the fibre-optic network being laid down across the length and breadth of the city.

The expansion of this network will mean, eventually, that all our citizens can be digitally linked. This will go a long way to reducing inequalities, since everyone will be able to access information and economic opportunities online. Durban is way ahead of other cities when it comes to bridging the digital divide, with plans to offer a next-generation network.

There is no other city in Africa that provides this type of service. This is in line with our vision to make eThekwini the most livable city in
Africa The fibre-optic network will lead to many positive changes in Durban. The network will connect homes, businesses and schools. It should be noted that this government made a commitment to improve the lives of all the people of this country.

Evidence of that commitment can be seen in the government’s efforts to make sure people are offered economic opportunities. These technologies will offer lower-cost solutions for small businesses. They will provide a “lastmile” internet access solution for consumer markets.

Very soon we will be hosting the World Cup. One of the stipulations by world football governing body Fifa is that we should have a reliable and efficient communications system. The fibre-optic network will play a crucial role in this regard. It will discourage cable theft by the “izinyoka” and greatly improve the effectiveness of our telecommunications.

During this period some people may experience some temporary inconvenience. We apologise for this. But please be assured, the rewards will be considerable.

Mayor Obed Mlaba Subscribe in a reader

Tomorrow we will mark an important milestone in the history of our democracy as we celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday. But our focus should not be only on the festivities but rather on the ideals this struggle icon stood for. Mandela is far more than a South African struggle hero. Indeed he fought against inequality in this country, but his influence as a beacon of hope to many has been global. This is borne out by the international concerts organised in his honour, the naming of streets after him, the recognition he has received from international and local institutions of higher learning, and the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded. It is therefore fitting that we should recognise this icon’s birthday in a manner that reflects all that he has stood for.

The call which has been made for the people of the world to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to acts of altruism is a small request considering the sacrifices Mandela has made. He is no longer actively involved in politics, but still commands unparraled respect; he inspires politicians and citizens globally. The 67 minutes should be used fruitfully and it is not only up to those who are employed to contribute to nation building – everybody has a role to play. We can go and help at old age homes, at places of safety or anywhere we think our service would make a difference to those less fortunate. Let us make this day a memorable inaugural celebration of Mandela day.

 

 

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It has put pressure on our government, at all levels, to try to absorb some of the effects of this recession. The eThekwini Municipality has been at the forefront of protecting its citizens from the effects of the economic crisis.

The Municipality’s recently adopted 2009/2010 budget was greatly influenced by global events and the election manifesto of the African National Congress. There were promises made in the manifesto and the Municipality is now working to translate those promises into concrete and tangible projects. The manifesto focused a lot on poverty alleviation and job creation. To this end, the Municipality has decided to pump significant funding into projects that will create jobs.

The 2010 infrastructure developments, Dube Trade Port and Bridge City have been given more attention because of their potential to create employment opportunities which, in turn, will lead to poverty alleviation. Our Municipality has also seen the need to provide some free basic services. Water, for instance, is a basic need for human existence. That is why our Municipality has decided to provide 9kl of water free of charge. This is aimed at helping those who, under normal circumstances, would go without clean, drinkable water. Safety and security have been beefed up.  Money has been set aside to employ 600 more police officers. This should reduce crime and allow our people to live in an environment that is safe. Our Municipality has committed itself to building more infrastructures.

A substantial amount of money has been invested in infrastructure development and maintenance, including roads, bridges, sewerage and storm pipes. And in keeping with the election manifesto, education and health have also been given top priority in this budget.

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It seems like it was only yesterday when we called on all our people to register for the elections. The response was so overwhelming that some people asked for an extension because they could not register in November.

Again, millions of South Africans played their part. They went to the polls and exercised their democratic right as citizens.  Now, with the elections behind us, let us look at the new administration and see what role we as citizens can play. We must remember that democracy does not mean the government does everything. It means that there should be a partnership between the government and the people it represents.

We need to work together and the citizens have a duty to support the government, irrespective of the political homes to which we each belong.  The government is not there for a particular political party or a certain section of the community. It is for everyone.  There is a common misconception that the government operates in a particular space which does not include its citizens. That is a fallacy.  The real government is the people on the ground. Those who are in the corridors of parliament are simply the representatives of the public.

To prove that our government represents the people, the Council will soon be holding public budget hearings where we will ask for input from people from all walks of life. We do this so that we can draft a budget that meets the needs of all our people.  As a country we have passed the stage where the government decides on its own what is good for the people. This government is inclusive.

I would like to conclude by again thanking all those who took the time on 22 April to vote. You chose your leaders, now you need to give them the support they need.

 

 

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