XPRESS TIMES

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ecently elected ward committees inRKwaDukuza gathered at the Groutville Sports Field in KwaDukuza on Friday, 14 October for the second instalment of the Taking Council to the People programme.

Launched in Mandeni in September 2022, Taking Council to the People will be held in all local municipalities in the District to engage capacitate ward committees on Council business and matters that are important to improve service delivery.

The meeting was also attended by community development workers (CDWs), Amakhosi with walk-ins from the public also allowed.

Representing the Mayor of KwaDukuza Councillor Lindi Nhaca, who is away on an overseas trip on Council business, KwaDukuza Council Whip Cllr Humphrey Mbatha welcomed everyone to Ward 10.

“This is an important programme for ward councillors in particular who are facing many challenges with water supply in their areas. We hope today's meeting will bring not only clarity on matters of water and sanitation but solutions as well.

Outlining the purpose of the meeting, Mayor Cllr Thobani Shandu said the municipality wants to empower and arm ward committees with knowledge by bringing critical departments to them to.

“We are gathered here today to see how together we can be able to take the district forward. Today we will also present the 2022/2023 Integrated Development Plan to share the strategies for this financial year and we hope you will engage with us,” he said.

Explaining the core function of the district, Mayor Shandu said it was important for iLembe and the local municipalities to work together to provide coordinated services.

“We have to know and understand

each other's shortfalls as well to assist one another in ensuring that we overcome those challenges. Over and above infrastructural challenges, we all have a role to play in using water sparingly. Other parts of the country such as Gauteng are having water reduction as we speak. Water supply challenges are not just a national issue but a global issue so we must ensure that we preserve water,” said His Worship.

Mayor Shandu urged ward committees to encourage residents to apply for indigent support instead of tampering with water supply.

Those who qualify for indigent support must apply to get free basic water and avoid the temptation to tamper with supply and also to avoid paying penalties when caught because there will be caught. We currently have contractors busy right now attending to illegal connections,” he said.

Presentations were made critical departments such as Enterprise Risk Management Unit presenting on fraud and corruption, the revenue and supply chain management units from

COUNCIL: Pictured at the District's Taking Council to the People event in KwaDukuza is iLembe District Mayor Thobani Shandu (left) and KwaDukuza Council Speaker Dolly Govender

the Finance Department as well as the Public Participation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and Disaster

Management units, Umgeni Water and the development agency, Enterprise iLembe.

crowd

which saw identified recipients walking away with mouthwatering hampers. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, with entertainment being provided by Riya's Dance Academy as well as Anil as special dancer.

TEMPLE: Shri Hanuman Temple distributed Diwali hampers over the weekend

DANCE: Riya's Dance Academy provided entertainment at Shri Hanuman Temple's Diwali hamper distribution at the weekend

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Things are not looking good for motorists who drove diesel vehicles in South Africa. Latest data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) forecasts another increase for both grades of diesel early November.

The CEF predicts that the price of 0.05% and o.oo5% diesel is likely to go up by 83 cents when the fuel price adjustment for November is announced. The prognosis is for a slight decrease in the price of both grades of petrol, which is expected to reduce by 16 cents per litre.

Paraffin uses can also expect some relief, as the price of paraffin is likely to decrease by 42 cents per litre. The CEF has warned however that these forecast are not absolute, as factors affecting fuel process change every week.

In South Africa, the price of fuel is made up of levies (31%), margins, storage and distribution (18% as well as the basic cost of fuel (51%).

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By Xpress Reporter

The residents of KwaDukuza are still expecting businessman Vivian Reddy to deliver on his obligation to widen the R74 Highway Bridge leading to the KwaDukuza Mall. This comes as traffic congestion has become the order of the day on the bridge, in particular during peak times.

Concerned residents feel the current size of the bridge is not adequate for higher traffic volumes going into and out of the mall.

Two weeks ago, Vivian Reddy and his wife Sorisha Naidoo celebrated the mall's 4th birthday, where Reddy expressed satisfaction that millions of shoppers from KwaDukuza and beyond, had given their full support, through ongoing patronage, to the mall. Reddy said he did not regret the decision he made to come and invest in KwaDukuza, in spite of some challenges he is currently facing with regard to the granting of a rebate on rates.

Supreme Court of Appeals for direct access to appeal against the ruling of the Durban High Court in respect of the rates rebate, the people of KwaDukuza feel the mall should be held to its promise regarding infrastructural upgrades around the precinct, including the widening of the R74 Bridge.

In an article puiblished by Xpress Times on 4th of October 2017, the KwaDukuza Municipality was quoted as saying,

“Access from the intersection of Mahatma Gandhi and Chief Albert Luthuli Streets, the on/off ramps from and into the R74, must be upgraded and including the widening of the main bridge crossing over the R74 Highway”.

In his answering affidavit lodged with the Durban High Court, KDM's Executive Director of Economic Development and Planning Sikhumbuzo Hlongwane mentions some of the

obligations placed on the successful bidder (viz Double Ring Trading 7), in respect of the awarding of the tender for the mall development. In part, his affidavit reads, “The successful bidder (in this case the second applicant) was obligated inter alia to: • Contribute towards the replacement and relocation of facilities to new sites as per their tender proposal;

• Develop the existing clubhouse as part of the project scope; (and)

• Upgrade the infrastructure and services at the second applicant's cost”.

The original developer of the Mall, Double Ring Trading 7 (Pty) Ltd, later sold the mall to KwaDukuza Mall (Pty) Ltd.

Xpress Times gave KwaDukuza Mall an

opportunity to provide its response with regard to the matter of the widening of the bridge, however the response was still pending at the time of going to press this week.

Nevertheless, KwaDukuza Mall's response will be published in full once it has been received, for the benefit of both the public and the mall itself.

While Reddy, through his companies KwaDukuza Mall (Pty) Ltd and Double Ring Trading 7 (Pty) Ltd, still plans on petitioning the UNREGRETFUL: KwaDukuza Mall owner Vivian Reddy

'A Dalliance with Destiny' is the title of a new book brought out by former KwaDukuza resident, Dr Aman Singh Maharaj, who now resides in Umhlanga. Dr Maharaj comes from the Dwarika Maharaj family, former owners of Magnets Garage.

His new book, now available through Exclusive Books, has received some great reviews since its release, and the author says it contains a chapter with a setting that is relevant to the town of Stanger.

Maharaj says although the book has always “bubbled” inside him, it was an enforced hiatus from his work that provided him with the perfect opportunity to start putting pen to paper.

“I had three months in which I was paid a salary, but not allowed to do anything, so I just chose to start writing instead, becoming a reluctant 'kaamchor'. I wrote some 1200 pages in those 3 months, and then took 16 years, on and off, to edit it down to about 400 pages.

“The novel is certainly not an autobiography in any way, but there are parts of it that are historical, which I had to include, to give the tale some context to an international reader. But these are only

ancillary to the storyline,” Maharaj said.

Maharaj holds an Honours level degree in civil engineering, which he topped up with a Master of Business

Administration (MBA), before pursuing a PhD in development studies. He has plied his trade in a variety of professions, including engineering and economics, before he finally

settled down to entrepreneurship.

'A Dalliance with Destiny' can be ordered at any bookstore or online. It is also available on Kindle.

AUTHOR: Dr Aman Singh Maharaj, author of A Dalliance With Destiny

Diwali is the most popular of all Hindu festivals. Swami Sivananda once said Diwali have come and gone but the hearts of many people are as dark as the night of the new moon.

How true people are racing for material accomplishment and ignoring spiritual development which is the ultimate purpose of every Hindu in God-realisation.

Lets adjust and make meaningful contribution to the upliftment of society. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil. Deepavali means an array of lights and signifies the victory of brightness over darkness.

It is through the light that the beauty of this world is revealed and experienced. To Hindus darkness represent ignorance and light is a metaphor for knowledge.

The lighting of diyas (clay lamps) symbolizes the destruction of evil forces, wickedness, violence, anger, injustice, oppression and suffering.

The lighting of lamps also in a way help us to pay obeisance to God for attainment of good health. Wealth , knowledge and peace.

Diwali is celebrated for many different

Significance of Diwali

reasons but the best known to all Hindus it marks the return of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman from a 14 year exile and a war in which he vanquished the demon king Ravana.

On Diwali, the Goddess Laxmi a symbol of prosperity is worshipped for peace and happiness. Gifts and sweetmeats are shared followed by the lighting of firecrackers. Hindus must maintain their rich legacy and cultural identify. This festival underpins the ideals of caring sharing and understanding.

Diwali celebration transcends the barriers of race, gender, creed, socioeconomic factors and status.

An African proverb says ”The sun of yesterday may have set, but its light will enlighten our future days.”

On behalf of the Shree Hanuman Temple Group we wish all Hindus a blessed Diwali. Use fireworks with extra care.

Spiritual Head of the Shree Hanuman Temple Group Madhun Sobram Sing

Riya Sing of Riyas Dance Academy together with the Xpress Times wish all our Hindu advertisers, readers and the community a safe and Happy Diwali

HAPPY

Strawberry, mixed fruit or apricot jam

[for spread on the top of the tart]

Icing sugar [for sprinkling over the tart]

Optional: any flavour of jam can be used.

Method

Cream together the butter and sugar.

Stir in the cooking oil, sour milk and vanilla essence.

Add in the dry ingredients and mix well to form a dough.

Place and flatten ¾ of the dough onto a greased tray.

Spread a generous amount of jam over the dough.

Grate the remainder of the dough over the jam and bake on a 180 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.

When it is completely cooled, sift icing sugar over the tart.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Thomas Edison Don't save your best for when you think the material calls for it. Always bring your full potential to every take, and be on top of your job, or they will replace you. Gabrielle Union

One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. Michelle Obama

Always work hard and have fun in what you do because I think that's when you're more successful. You have to choose to do it. Simone Biles

Happiness is not something readymade; it comes from your own actions. The Dalai Lama

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. Albert Einstein

Manor Primary hosts Career Day

By Xpress Reporter

Stanger Manor Primary School hosted a successful Carer Day for Grade 7 learners on Friday last week. The learners were exposed to a variety of career choices as they prepare to graduate to

secondary education. In attendance to make presentations about their respective professions were paramedics frown IPSS Medical Rescue, a nurse from Lindelani Clinic, a dentistry team from General Justice

Gizenga Mpanza Hospital, a senior administrative officer from KwaDukuza Municipality and an Xpress Times journalist.

Programme coordinator Mrs Naidoo thanked the panellists for availing themselves to impart valuable knowledge on the learners.

ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ILEMBE - UMASIPALA WESIFUNDA

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 33 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACT, NO. 56 OF 2003

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in terms of section 33 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003 that the iLembe District Municipality intends entering into a Water User Agreement with Umgeni Water for the supply of water in respect of the Phase I of the uMkhomazi Water Project - Raw Water Component (uMWP-1) (the “Water User Agreement”). The Water User Agreement will impose financial obligations on the Municipality for a period longer than 3 (three) years covered in the annual budget for the financial year [2023/2024].

The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) on behalf of the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is implementing the uMWP-1, whereas Umgeni Water (UW) has been mandated to implement the Potable Water Component of the project. The TCTA has also been mandated to raise off-budget funding for uMWP-1 and is working with the Infrastructure Fund (IF) to leverage blended finance solutions.

The final implementation costs for the uMWP-1 will be known once it has been commissioned, which is estimated to be in the 2027/28 financial year. The indicative Capital Tariff will commence at [R2,139/m³] and continue for a 20year repayment period, and this Capital Tariff will escalate annually to meet the debt repayment obligations. It is required that the Water User Agreement be concluded well before the commencement of the uMWP-1 contracts, to enable TCTA to raise the necessary funding for the implementation of the project.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN in accordance with Section 21 and Section 21A of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000 that:

(a)The Local community and other interested persons are invited to submit comments and/or representations to the Municipality in respect of the proposed draft contract. Such comments and/or representations must be received by no later than 02nd December 2022 via electronic mail on the email address provided below or be delivered to the mailing address provided hereunder. Electronic copies of the Draft Contract and Information statement summarizing the Municipality's obligations in terms of the Draft Contract are available for inspection at the locations listed hereunder and at all Municipal Satellite office and will be accessible on www.ilembe.gov.za (b)Further details and clarity can be requested via email from xolelwa.mazibuko@ilembe.gov.za and will be made available on the above-mentioned

Rand Currency exchange

One US Dollar = R18.01

One British Pound = R20.41

One Euro = R17.74

One Indian Rupee = R0.21

One Australian Dollar = R11.34

One Swiss Franc = R18.12

One Japanese Yen = R0.12

As published on Tuesday, 18 October 2022.

Mbozamo Primary makes KwaDukuza proud

Ward 17 Youth Forum elected

Concerns about underspending on water infrastructure

Parliament has expressed reservations about the continued underspending by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

The committee raised its concerns about the department's continuous high underspending following a briefing on the 2021/22 annual report

The committee warned that continued high underspending, has a direct impact on the delivery of essential water and sanitation services to the people.

Committee chairperson, Robert Mashego, said the department must do more to ensure that it maintains a balance between achieving good governance targets, and spending the appropriated funds to deliver the projects to the people

performance of contractors and protracted supply chain management processes,” Mashego said.

The committee welcomed the assurances by the department, including implementing a procurement strategy anchored on a financial recovery plan. The committee further commended the appointment of 854 engineers and scientists' posts filled which will greatly improve the skills capacity within the department to deliver on its mandate.

Submissions

with

“The reality is that people want water and the continued underspending undermines the good governance that the department is maintaining. The committee is concerned that the underspending on programme 3 mainly relates to underspending on the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, which is affecting directly on the completion of infrastructure projects.

“What is even more concerning is the root causes identified that lead to underspending, including, inadequate project management, inadequate supervision of contractors resulting in the late identification of poor

“The attainment of an unqualified audit opinion, albeit with areas of emphasis, attests to the importance of capable and skilled leaders in driving the objectives of the department. However, the committee has called on the senior management team to urgently implement the audit action plan to address areas of concern,” the Mashego said.

The committee also welcomes the move by the department to offer enhanced support across the water value chain, which will ensure the resolution of challenges within the value chain.

The committee emphasised the need for the department to work with the Water Research Commission and products produced by the entity to resolve the water loses challenge, which continues to be a challenge across the system.

Cloudy with rain Partly Cloudy CloudyPartly Cloudy Partly Cloudy

CAREERS: Pictured are various professionals who participated, together with educators and Principal, Dr A Narain (2nd from right)

HEROES: Mbozamo Primary School's basketball team represented iLembe District at the KZN Provincial Basketball games at the weekend. Pictured are the super talented members of the team.

FORUM: The youth of Ward 17 met at the weekend to elect the new Youth Forum for the ward. Pictured are the newly elected members of the Ward 27 Youth Forum, together with Ward 17 Councillor Tarzan Naicker (front row, far right)

SHRI SANATHAN MUNDAL & COMMUNITY CENTRE AGM NOTICE

Ilembe comes second in KZN Golden Games

Grove End maintain dominance

ILEMBE: Pictured are members of Team Ilembe. The team took second sport in the provincial championships Team Ilembe exceled at the KwaZulu-Natal provincial Golden games, which took place at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban last week. Hosted by the KZN Department of Sports Arts and Culture, the games were surprisingly highly competitive, with the tournament favourites, Ethekwini, failing to being eclipsed by Amajuba District who took the first spot, with Ilembe District taking the coveted second spot.

Team Ethekwini consoled themselves with third position.

Players who shone during the tournament will be selected to represent Team KwaZulu-Natal at the national championships in Cape Town, later this month.

KZN MEC for Sports Arts and Culture Amanda Bani-Mapena assured senior that things will improve (in the country) and the government is willing to work with them.

Grove End Volleyball Club, the oldest volleyball club in Stanger and playing under the KwaDukuza Volleyball Association, maintained their unbeaten run in the volleyball league after beating a highly rated Glenhills Volleyball Club in straight sets last Tuesday at the association courts. Grove End started the game aggressively and though Glenhills tried their best, they could not dominate set allowing the mixture of youth and experienced players from Grove End to dominate proceedings. Grove End went on to secure the set easily 25-16. After the sides changed courts, Glenhills seemed

to have found their mojo and took the game to Grove End forcing them into some unforced errors. However, Grove End regrouped after a time-out and took control once again, securing the set and the game by winning 25-20.

Another old standing club, KSST were made to fight for their win against a fired-up Taurus outfit. They won a closely contested first set 25-21 before stepping up a gear and securing the game with a second set victory 25-18.

Cool Leaders, another old club in the association, however could not continue the dominance of the old boys albeit going down 1-2 to newcomers Legacy. The opening

set was a closely contested affair with both teams going all out for victory. Legacy held on to a narrow 25-23 win in the first set. However, a change of sides seemed to push Cool Leaders on as they secured it 25-18 to level the sets 1-1 and force the game into the third and final set. The high tempo second set though seemed to have taken the fight out of Cool Leaders as they succumbed easily losing the set and game 15-8 to ensure a Legacy victory.

Another new side, Heights again showed their class when they annihilated Vipers 25-14, 2513.

New car for lucky winner

WINNER: Wiseman Mthiyane (middle) drove away in his new ride, a Nissan NP200 bakkie, after becoming the lucky winner in a competition run by Liquor Barn Stanger. The vehicle was sponsored by Johnny Walker.

Grove End Volleyball Club maintain unbeaten run