KNOW YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS!

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996, contains the Bill of Rights which is the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. It enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. Section 7(2) provides that the state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights.

A decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Non-Racism, Non-Sexism held on the 17th February 2003, to have activities for the month of March dedicated to Human Rights issues.

The focus of activities will be on creating awareness among the members of the community of their basic Human Rights as enshrined in Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution.

One part of the programme will be to visit schools encouraging children to "Know your rights". Another focus will be on equality for all, ensuring that services are provided efficiently, effectively and equitably.

As our world faces troubling times with a hyper-power intent on war and most of the rest of the world committed to peace, let us remind ourselves what our struggle for human rights and dignity has brought us and how we must never take such matters for granted.

SOME DECISIONS OF EXCO: 18 MARCH 2003

REPORT OF COMMITTEES: reports from committees were tabled and more than 100 recommendations contained within these reports were accepted by EXCO.

ICC DURBAN: EXCO accepted the financial statements of the ICC and also recommended the Mayor and City Manager to finalise representation from the city on the Board of the ICC.

INTHATHAKUSA INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: EXCO adopted an integrated plan to assist in the development of Inthathakusa (Zulu for "early dawn and hope") which comprises the communities of Groeneberg, Etafuleni, Tea Estate and part of Buffelsdraai.

TENDERS: worth over R50 million were accepted by EXCO.

HOUSING PROJECTS: bridging and other funds were recommended for projects at Emalangeni Phase 3, Ekwandeni, Woody Glen Phase 1, Zamani Phase 1A, Amouti-Kuba, Trenance Park Phases 2A, 2C, 4A and 4C.

HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAMME OF ACTION: This programme for March was accepted.

HUMAN SETTLEMENT REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: Nine business plans ofover R12 million have been accepted by the Department of National Housing.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SOCIAL SERVICES: An inter-departmental team and action plan for addressing HIV/AIDS within the municipality has been accepted.

GRANT FOR IMPROVEMENT OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF FORMER R293 STAFF: EXCO agreed that the Manager could enter into a contract to receive some 2062823 from the province to pay for the improvement of conditions of service of staff who were formerly employed by the province, but who now work for eThekwini.

DID YOU KNOW:

DEALING WITH SO2 EMISSIONS: We are making great strides in addressing the question of air pollution in the South Durban Basin area. In 2000 some 107 tons per day of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) was emitted into the atmosphere while in 2002 this has reduced to only 64 tons per day. This means we have achieved a reduction of some 37%in these emissions. This is not enough though and we would like to reduce these emissions by some 65%.