.
.

 

2004

DECEMBER
Walkabout and Street Children Christmas Present Handover on 17 December 2004 in Durban, commencing at 08:00

MEC Bheki Cele, together with eThekwini Mayor, will be on a Beach Walk 2004 to inspect policing and community safety on the Durban beachfront. This event has been organized by eThekwini Municipality. The event, which starts at 8 am will be held at Serridge Square Satellite Police Station at the Beachfront. At 10 am Cele in conjunction with the SAPS, will be handing over Christmas presents to street children at Open Field between Suncoast Casino and Sunkist Beach in Durban.

Provincial Celebrations on 16 December 2004 at Borough Sports Ground in Port Shepstone at 10:00

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Bheki Cele will be hosting the Provincial celebrations of the Day of Reconciliation.

On 15 December 2004, MEC Bheki Cele will attend the largest passing out parade at YMCA (Pietermaritzburg) at 10h00, where 96 traffic officers will be graduating.

This comes after they have completed their six month training course with the Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI ). The Department’s CEO Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa said that “they plan on deploying these graduates throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal”, starting from tomorrow.

MEC Bheki Cele also added that “this is another initiative by the department to put harsh measures towards safety on our roads, from Zero Tolerance to 100% Compliance”.

Traffic Officer Graduation at the RTI Traffic Training College in Pietermaritzburg on 15 December 2004 at 10:00

96 traffic officers will be let loose to unsuspecting traffic offenders after having completed their six-month training with the KZN Department of Transport’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).

The graduation ceremony will be held at the KZN DoT’s Traffic Training College in Pietermaritzburg. The traffic officers will be deployed throughout KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in accident-prone areas.

Taxi Conflict
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Bheki Cele will be hosting a press briefing on taxi conflict in the province. 

The briefing will start at 12pm tomorrow (14/12/2005) at Community Safety and Liaison boardroom at 10th Floor Truro House.

Community Safety Imbizo for Ugu District Municipality on 14 December 2004

MEC Bheki Cele will be launching the Community Safety Imbizo for Ugu District Municipality, aimed at involving all stakeholders in creating a safer environment in KwaZulu-Natal. At this Imbizo, Cele will also report on the progress that has been made by eThekwini Municipality in terms of dealing with the crime issues that were identified there.

Sod Turning of D1566 at Qhudeni, Nqutu on 13 December 2004 at 10:00

The Minister of Transport Mr Jeff Radebe and KZN MEC Bheki Cele will be turning the sod for road D1566 at Qhudeni in Nquthu. The R9 million project will provide access to a grape farm which is the life blood of the area.

Transport Minister Jeff Radebe and MEC Cele to open a R9 million project on 13 December 2004 in Nqutu  

On Monday 13/12/2004, 10 am. The Minister of Transport Mr Jeff Radebe and Provincial MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison, Mr Bheki Cele will be turning the sod for road D1566 at Qhudeni in Nqutu.  The R9 million project will provide access to a grape farm which is the life blood of the area. 

MEC for Transport to host an Interfaith Prayer Gathering on 12 December 2004  

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Community Safety and Liaison Mr. Bheki Cele will be hosting an Interfaith gathering for Road Safety on Sunday, 12 December 2004 in Empangeni at Esikhawini College, starting at 10h00 in the morning. Together with the Head of Department Dr. Kwazi Mbanjwa and all Religious Leaders from different faiths will be praying for a safe summer holiday season.

The gathering is a culmination of a number of interfaith gatherings of which have been taking place throughout the province, from Port Shepstone, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith and now Empangeni. The Empangeni region has claimed many lives on our roads especially on the R102, Vryheid and Eshowe whereby we have lost more than twenty people within the past two months. Now both the department and Leaders from different sectors of religion and Amakhosi from surrounding areas are all in one faith praying for an end of road carnage in our province.  

The function will blessed by the presence of the likes of Vuyo Mokoena, Kholeka and other local artists.  

Launch of Road Safety Partnership on 10 December 2004 at Durban Manor at 07:30

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Safety and Security Mr Bheki Cele will be officially launching a road safety partnership with the leaders of organised labour and business at a breakfast meeting at Durban Manor, 93-96 Victoria Embankment.

Memorial Ceremony on 9 December 2004 at Umlazi Cinema near Maweleni in "C" section at 10:00

MEC Bheki Cele is attending a memorial service of eight people who were killed on Sunday in a minibus accident in Melmoth. The accident occurred at Makhosini Valley between Ulundi and Vryheid intersection at 6 am as a result of a rear tyre burst, causing the minibus taxi to overturn. Seven passengers including the driver killed instantly. Two passengers later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to nine.

Mass taxi meeting on recapitalisation to be held on 7 December 2004 at the YMCA, Pietermaritzburg at 10:00  

The MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison, Bheki Cele and the Department’s CEO Dr. Kwazi Mbanjwa will be addressing the leadership of all taxi associations in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on how the taxi recapitalization programme will be implemented.

Official Name Change of the Department of Safety & Security on 7 December 2004 at the Elangeni Hotel, Durban at 18:30  

The MEC Bheki Cele will be officially announcing the new name for the Department of Safety & Security. This comes after the launch of the Department’s new name last month, which is Community Safety and Liaison.

Annual Department of Transport Golf Challenge to be held at the Maritzburg Golf Club on 4th December 2004  

Once again it is time for golfers of the Department to get together, so dust off your clubs and start practicing.  Any person wishing to take part should contact Rob Lindsay on 0828089805 or Blake MacKenzie on 0836312805 by no later than 26th November.  The cost is R120,00 per player, which includes green fees, competition fees, lunch, drinks and prizes.  

Departmental Stakeholders Function to be held on 3 December 2004. 
(BY INVITATION ONLY)
NOVEMBER
Opening of Mpisi River Bridge at Maphumalo on 30 November 2004.

The Mpisi River Bridge will be officially opened by MEC, Bheki Cele.

On 28 November 2004 Interfaith Prayer Days were held in Durban and Ladysmith.
16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women to be held on 26 November at the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds commencing at 10:00

The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison extends an invitation to all women officials in the Department of Transport to attend a function in celebration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.  

On 21 November 2004 Interfaith Prayer Days were held in Port Shepstone and Pietermaritzburg.
Launch of the Summer Holiday Road Safety Programme to be held on 19 November at Umtentweni commencing at 10:00

The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison will launch the Department’s Summer Holiday Road Safety Programme 2004/2005 at Umtenweni.  

A Provincial Interfaith Prayer Day will be held on 12 December 2004 in Empangeni at the Esikhawini College , commencing at 10h00.
Glendale Imbizo
Sunday, 7 November 2004 at 10h00

KwaZulu Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Bheki Cele will visit one of the poverty stricken areas in the north coast of the province as part of his vision of Defending the Weak in KZN. The imbizo will be held at Bidakona Primary School under Inkosi Luthuli Tribal Authority.

Glendale is amongst the underdeveloped areas in the province and is situated in the rural outskirts near Stanger under KwaDukuza Municipality. Community development and service delivery is just a foreign language to this community as the area has never been developed since the call from the 1960’s. Post 1994 concerned members of the community continued to cry out loud for help in the area that is surrounded by a very dry and depressing environment without electricity, proper roads, and kids running around waving to strangers driving by, and some of them walking long distances to get water from the dam.

The MEC’s visit to the area comes after a community initiative of inviting service delivery in the area. The main objective of this Imbizo is for the MEC to hear all the concerns from the members of the community and thereafter finds ways of keeping his promise of Defending the Weak.

The communities have requested road access to some areas that can bring about economic growth and development to the poorest of the poor, and so the department slogan says, "Akuwona umcebo wezwe owakha imigwaqo kodwa imigwaqo eyakha umcebo wezwe".

OCTOBER
Departmental Cultural Day held at the YMCA in Pietermaritzburg
28 October 2004
Strategic Planning Workshop 2004 held at Alpine Heath
20-22 October 2004

The scenic Drakensberg provided a picturesque backdrop to serious deliberations recently when senior management embarked on a three-day Strategic Planning Workshop that provided the Department with a roadmap for the forthcoming Financial year. CEO, Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa urged delegates to pay particular attention to delivery systems & mechanisms to evaluate whether departmental units were meeting goals. Focusing on delivery and meeting goals was the theme for the workshop.

Launch of Child Pedestrian Programme
Monday 11 October 2004, at 10h00 Edendale Ecumenical Centre

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Safety and Security Bheki Cele and his cabinet colleague KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Ina Cronjé will officially launch a special and historic Child Pedestrian Programme which is aimed at reducing road accidents involving school children in the province.

Saturday, 9 October 2004 at 10h00

MEC Bheki Cele and other cabinet MEC’s will be accompanying the Premier of the Province Sbu Ndebele to an Primers Imbizo to be held at Siyanda High School, KwaMpumuza in Sweetwater’s.

This Imbizo will involve communities from all Municipalities under Umgungundlovu District Municipality. (Mshwathi, Richmond, Mkhambathini, Msunduzi, Mpendle and the Mooi-Mpofana Municipalities)

This is the second Premiers Imbizo to be hosted by Kwazulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele, Cabinet MEC’s and various other government officials.

Friday, 8 October 2004 at 10h00

MEC Bheki Cele will together with the National Minister of Safety and Security,  Mr Charles Ngqakula will be hosting an Imbizo at Tugela area in Utrecht to address issues facing local farmers and the community.

This follows an intervention by the National Safety and Security Secretariat in attending to problems facing farmers and the community of Utrecht.

Thursday, 7 October 2004 at 10h00

MEC Bheki Cele will attend a memorial service at Enkanyezini Hall (Near Lion Park) for nine people killed in a bus accident on KwaNyuswa road on Sunday.

It is alleged that the driver of the bus was under the influence of alcohol and driving at a very high speed. He apparently lost control of the bus whilst approaching a sharp curve resulting in the bus overturning and killing nine people instantly. Seven other passengers were seriously injured but are in a stable condition in hospital while others sustained minor injuries and have been discharged from different hospitals.

The bus has been impounded and is undergoing a technical investigation to check its roadworthiness status. Meanwhile the driver appeared in court and is facing charges of drinking and driving and capable homicide.

MEC Bheki Cele and Minister Jeff Radebe to launch Freight Transport Policy on 29 October 2004 at the Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg at 09:00

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr Bheki Cele and the national minister of Transport Mr Jeff Radebe will be officially launching the KwaZulu-Natal White Paper on Freight Transport Policy at the Golden Horse Casino in Pietermaritzburg at 9am on 29 October 2004.

KwaZulu-Natal is the first province in the country to produce a white paper on freight policy which defines the role of the province in the application of the National Freight Transport Policy.

AUGUST
Sunday, 29 August 2004 at 15h30

MEC Cele will officially launch the Siyanqoba Ngokholo campaign at the Lamontville Methodist Church, Gwala Street in Lamontville, Durban

Memorial service to be held on Thursday, 26 August 2004 at 10h00 at Mlamazi Sports Grounds at Mpungose

MEC Bheki Cele will attend a memorial service at the Mlamazi Sports Grounds at Mpungose near Eshowe for the eight people who were killed in a road crash on the R66 near Eshowe last Friday.

Tuesday, 24 August 2004 at 10h00

MEC Bheki Cele will join members of the SAPS in the destruction of more than 1 000 firearms at Reclamation Centre in Prospecton, Durban.

Premier S’bu Ndebele directed in his State of the Province Address that a comprehensive plan must be devised for de-armament in KwaZulu-Natal. The identified areas where de-armament will take place are the taxi industry, political violence, organized crime and psychological disarmament.

In this regard, MEC Cele has been critically looking at how the recovery of illegal firearms is being handled so that we may be sure that these firearms do not go back into circulation and use.

In the past year alone police in KwaZulu-Natal have embarked on five destructions and have destroyed a total of 4 763 firearms and parts thereof. KZN has led the way in this project having detected and destroyed the most number of these menacing weapons. Since the implementation of these operations and the destruction of firearms, we will witness once again and for the sixth time on Tuesday, the destruction of over 1 000 firearms and parts thereof including barrels, magazines, and so on. These firearms have gone through the entire judicial processes, have been tested ballistically and are now destined for destruction.

Monday, 23 August 2004 at 08h00

MEC Bheki Cele will host a media breakfast at the Hilton Hotel, Durban.

The purpose of this media briefing is to bring the media up to speed regarding recent developments in the public transport industry in the province. The KZN Department of Transport has just completed a three-day Public Transport Indaba where important issues such as KZN’s current stance on the national taxi recapitalization programme, preparations for the 2010 soccer world cup were discussed. Other important resolutions regarding the public transport industry were also taken.

Sunday, 15 August 2004 at 10h00

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will officially open District Road 903 at Shobashobane on the KZN South Coast.

As we celebrate ten years of democracy, it is places like Shobashobane that must benefit. Since the Shobashobane massacre, this area was almost deserted and community infrastructure such as schools, clinics and other institutions were left unattended. This had a negative spiral effect on many things, including the road network.

Lack of development activities in the area accelerated the rate of unemployment. But thanks to democracy, life here is now being restored to normality through programmes of organizations such as the KZN Department of Transport.

This road project was identified as a launching pad for development and job creation and has been completed at a cost of more than R1, 4 million with the department utilizing Vukuzakhe emerging contractors and local labour.

Sunday, 15 August 2004 at 12h00

MEC Bheki Cele is serious about governments’ pledge to promote access to information and will officially launch his department’s door-to door information delivery campaign at Umzumbe on the KZN South Coast.

Currently, the monthly external newsletter of the Ministry called "Igalelo" is inserted into various news publications. This has resulted in a situation where people who do not have adequate access to the media are not properly informed of the activities and progress of the respective departments.

However, this is all set to change. MEC Cele wants these newsletters to be delivered door-to-door, especially in areas where people cannot afford to buy newspapers. In line with government’s "Batho Pele" programme and empowerment drive, this initiative will now not only allow more citizens of our province better access to information but employment opportunities will also be created in the process.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will officially open District Road 903 at Shobashobane on the KZN South Coast on Sunday, 15 August 2004 commencing at 10h00.  

As we celebrate ten years of democracy, it is places like Shobashobane that must benefit. Since the Shobashobane massacre, this area was almost deserted and community infrastructure such as schools, clinics and other institutions were left unattended. This had a negative spiral effect on many things, including the road network.  

Lack of development activities in the area accelerated the rate of unemployment. But thanks to democracy, life here is now being restored to normality through programmes of organizations such as the KZN Department of Transport.  

This road project was identified as a launching pad for development and job creation and has been completed at a cost of more than R1,4 million with the department utilizing Vukuzakhe emerging contractors and local labour.

top

JULY
The Chief Executive Officer of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport Dr. Kwazi Mbanjwa, together with Dumisani Thango of the Provincial Aids Unit and various stakeholders representing religious faiths will be holding a Prayer Day on Saturday, 31 July 2004 at 17h00 in the Holiness Union Church at Sweetwaters just outside Pietermaritzburg.

The purpose of this event is to unite communities to work together in striving for safety on our roads and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. The event forms part of on-going initiatives between the two departments and the religious sector. The function will be attended by various personalities, including Dudu Khoza also known as “Lady D” and “Cool Cat” Gumbi. Old Time Religion and Singing for Joy choirs will also be rendering musical items.
Saturday, 24 July 2004 at 10h00:

His Majesty the King, King Goodwill Zwelithini, KwaZulu-Natal Premier S'bu Ndebele, MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele, other members of the provincial cabinet, members of the provincial legislature, representatives from the taxi industry and various other dignitaries and stakeholders will attend a taxi peace celebration at KwaKhangela Mankengane, KwaNongoma in northern KZN.

Sunday, 25 July 2004 at 15h00:

KZN MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will deliver the keynote address at a joint partnership between the Ethekwini Municipality and the KZN church-based community organisations and the launch of their safety zones campaign at the Interfellowship Church, Eksteen Road, Wentworth south of Durban.

Monday, 26 July 2004 at 09h00:

KZN MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will deliver his first budget speech for the 2004/05 financial year at the KZN Legislature, Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg commencing at 09h00.

Under the theme, "Defending the Weakest", Cele has proposed certain wide sweeping changes, including a name change for the Department of Safety and Security. Other important issues that will be covered include:

  • Preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup,
  • The integration of community policing forums and community road safety councils to compliment each other and to assist, especially in areas such as the safety of commuters and eradicating taxi violence,
  • The pooling of Transport and SAPS resources and efforts in order to maximize benefits for the citizens of the province, and
  • Influencing the transformation of the SAPS into a more effective, respectable and people-orientated service.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport will host its annual Sport’s Day tomorrow, 22 July 2004 commencing at 10am at the Edgewood College Sports Fields, Pinetown near Durban.

Hundreds of staff members of the KZN Transport Department from all over the province will attend. The aim of this annual event is to solidify unity amongst employees of the Department.

The objectives include:

  • To bring unity and promote various sporting activities within the Department of Transport,
  • To strengthen relationships and communication channels amongst staff, and
  • To promote healthy lifestyles amongst staff.
The theme for this year’s Sport’s Day is, “BUILDING A BETTER TEAM TOWARDS PROSPERITY”.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will host a media briefing tomorrow, 20 July 2004 commencing at 10am at the Officer's Club at Durban Central Police station.

The purpose of the briefing is to inform the media about observations made by MEC Cele over the past three weeks during his visits to various SAPS stations and Department of Transport offices in the province during which he interacted with staff and departmental stakeholders, including community policing forums, community road safety councils, emerging contractor associations, representatives from the taxi industry and so on.

top

JUNE
MEC Bheki Cele together with the Chief Executive Officer of the KZN Transport Department Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa will be visiting the community of Sweetwaters, outside Pietermaritzburg tomorrow (03/06/2004) to remember six people who were killed in a horror bus crash in January this year.

The memorial, which commences at 11h00, will take place at the Sweetwaters main road where the accident occurred. The memorial forms part of the department’s road safety programme, Siyabakhumbula ("we remember them") which was initiated to remember all those people who lost their lives in road crashes.

Policing partnership launch at Uvongo Town Hall, Hibiscus Coast commencing at 11h00 – Contact Mrs. Cynthia Mqwebu on 072 552 4819.  24 June 2004.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will officially launch a special policing partnership between various government departments and the Umzimkhulu Area Community Policing Board.

This partnership between the SAPS, Department of Education, Justice, Health, Transport, other government departments as well as various NGO’s to fight crime is probably the first of its kind in the country. The main focus of the initiative is to create synergies between the various departments, civic organisations and the public with a view to reducing crime.

This partnership has already proved highly successful when a recent murder case was solved with the accused being convicted in court in just one week.

Passing Out Parade for Traffic Officers at the Fernhill Hotel, Howick, KZN Midlands commencing at 11h30. 25 June 2004.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will be the Guest of Honour at the Graduation Ceremony for 12 newly qualified traffic officers.

The duration of the traffic officer's course was six months from 5th January 2004 to 25th June 2004 and was attended by students from various municipalities around the province. The course included numerous subjects such as public transport, first aid, legal courses and many others.

HIV/AIDS Education and Awareness Programme. 21 June - 1 July 2004.

As part of its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), the KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department will be hosting HIV/AIDS workshops for its employees around the province from 21 June to 1 July 2004.

Following the workshops held in the Department of Transport Regions at Empangeni, Ladysmith, Pietermaritzburg and Durban last year, many employees have sought assistance/information regarding HIV/AIDS from the EAP component and some individuals have even come forward and disclosed their status.

Since then the EAP component has implemented strategies to provide treatment and care for infected HIV/AIDS employees. Approval to provide infected employees with complementary medication has subsequently been granted and a circular on the roll-out procedure is currently being drafted to inform Managers and their staff of the wellness pack called "Imuniti" that is being made available to all infected HIV/AIDS employees.

Each workshop will commence at 10H00 and finish at 15H00 and lunch will be provided. The dates and venues are as follows:

Ladysmith Region

  • 21st June 2004 Ladysmith - Ladysmith Fleet Services Office
  • 22nd June 2004 Newcastle - Newcastle Town Hall

Empangeni Region

  • 23rd June 2004 Ulundi - Ulundi Multi-Purpose Hall
  • 24th June 2004 Empangeni - Imbizo Conference Centre

Durban Region

  • 25th June 2004 Pinetown - Edgewood College
  • 28th June 2004 Port Shepstone - Port Sheptstone Show Grounds

Pietermartizburg Region

  • 29th June2004 Underberg - Underberg Country Club Grounds

Head Office - Pietermaritzburg

  • 30th June 2004 - Natal Midlands Sporting Centre (Errol Mantle)

top

MAY
Medal Parade: Chatsworth College: 14 May 2004

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety & Security, Bheki Cele will be the Guest of Honour at Medal and Passing out Parade Ceremony for newly qualified Police Officers on Friday, 14 May 2004 at 10h00 at Chatsworth College, Durban.

Four Platoons will be passing out tomorrow, with those that excelled in their training receiving awards. The Medal Parade will be for Officers who have completed more than 10 years of service with the police force. New recruits passing out will be deployed to different police stations around the province to further their practical training.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s Empangeni Region will host its second annual Indaba on Thursday, 13 May 2004 at the Imbizo Conference Centre, Empangeni commencing at 10h00.

The purpose of the Indaba is to report back to all department of transport stakeholders in the Empangeni Region on what has been achieved by the region during the past (2003/2004) financial year and what the Region’s plans for the current (2004/05) financial year are.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele will address the community of New Ark just outside KwaDukuza (formerly Stanger) in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 29 May 2004 commencing at 10h00 at the Tugela Secondary School Sports Grounds for Crime Awareness Day.

top

APRIL

KZN Department of Transport 10th Annual Report-Back Summit at the Royal Show Grounds, Pietermaritzburg commencing at 10h00 on the 1 April 2004.

Our mandate, as government, is to deliver a better life for all, but particularly for those so unjustly disadvantaged during apartheid. The cornerstone of any democracy and just society is a well informed public. It is this basic philosophy that has underpinned the KZN Transport Department's commitment to strengthening civil society in KwaZulu-Natal through the formation and training of fora and councils, such as our Rural Road Transport Forums, Community Road Safety Councils, Taxi Associations, Vukuzakhe Associations and many more.

Our annual summits provide an opportunity to keep the public properly informed about new developments in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and on how we have allocated our budgets. These summits also provide us with an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions that many of these civil society structures have made towards creating a better life for all in their communities and constituencies by awarding prizes to these stakeholders in various categories.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has always committed itself to a communication strategy that ensures that all the public are well informed of what services and supports that they can expect from us. The fact that this is our tenth annual summit confirms this commitment. Access to knowledge and, through knowledge, the sharing of power must be easily available and affordable to all.

Official Opening of Main Road 235 from Mtubatuba to Hlabisa at Hlabisa commencing at 10h00 on the 2 April 2004.

This has been one of the key projects under the African Renaissance Roads Upgrading (ARRUP) Project of the KZN Transport Department. The entire project from Mtubatuba through Hlabisa and Nongoma to Vryheid and Pongola is 117 kilometres long at a cost of over R300 million. The first phase of the project to Hlabisa has been completed and will be officially opened.

Public private partnership launch with Richards Bay Minerals in Richards Bay commencing at 10h00 on the 3 April 2004.

In probably another first for South Africa, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in conjunction with the KZN Transport Department have embarked on a public private partnership to initiate a safe driving project on RBM’s mining lease roads. Through this partnership RBM wishes to address "safe driving" on their roads as they believe that the current non-compliance with road traffic rules on their roads needs urgent attention. It is anticipated that this initiative will address speed control, safe driving habits, and vehicle roadworthiness, road safety training and coaching in the schools and surrounding communities and so on.

Official Opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Taxi Council (KWANATACO) Offices, cnr. Chapel and Berg Streets, Pietermaritzburg commencing at 10h00 on 5 April 2004.

The decision by KWANATACO to move its offices from Durban to Pietermartizburg was to facilitate a closer working relationship with all major stakeholders thereby being able to provide an efficient and effective service to its customers. This move is also done in the sprit of celebrating 10 years of democracy and to also highlight where the taxi industry has moved in the last ten years from holding meetings under car boots and tress to where they are now. In the next ten years KWANTACO plans to transform its corporate image and to become a major player in the corporate world.

Official Launch of the Provincial Vukuzakhe Emerging Contractor Council at the ICC, Durban commencing at 17h30 on 5 April 2004.

Being held under the theme "Laying the foundation for an equitable construction industry", this event is probably another first for South Africa. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport through its policies and programmes has created new and sustainable jobs in the construction sector while our province has shed jobs in other influential sectors. The scale and multi-year nature of contract opportunities provided through ARRUP roads have allowed us to streamline our support systems to emerging contractors through our Vukuzakhe Emerging Contractor Programme.

Road Safety Symposium at the Riverside Hotel, Durban commencing at 18h00 on 6 April 2004.

A gathering of about 150 intellectuals to debate around issues on road safety and health. This is an academics session that will be attended by leading academics as a build-up to world Road Safety Day.

World Road Safety Prayer Day at Kingsmead Cricket Grounds, Durban commencing at 10h00 on 7 April 2004.

The KZN Department of Transport supported by the World Health Organisation under the auspices of the United Nations will be hosting World Road Safety Day. Thousands of people from all walks of life are expected to attend this event.

The fact that the World Health Organisation has dedicated World Health Day to Road Safety tells us that road related fatalities are a world wide problem and not just a South African or KwaZulu-Natal problem. Some countries have managed to find solutions and reduce the carnage on their roads. This is precisely why we have modelled our KwaZulu-Natal Road Safety initiatives and the National Arrive Alive initiative on that developed by Victoria, Australia.

The World Health Organisation has projected that, unless current trends are checked, an estimated 2, 4 million people will die every year in road crashes by 2020. This would make road crashes the third highest cause of death in the world (after heart disease and depression). In addition to a concern over such high fatalities the World Health Organisation notes that injuries due to road traffic collisions are a major drain on a nation’s health and financial resources. So much so that in some developing countries one in every ten hospital beds is occupied by a road traffic victim. In KwaZulu-Natal road collisions cost this province some R2 billion per annum.

top

MARCH
Launch of South Africa's first Metropolitan Transport Authority on 5 March 2004 at the Durban City Hall
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S'bu Ndebele will officially launch the Ethekwini Metropolitan Transport Authority, South Africa's first Metropolitan Transport Authority on Friday, 5 March 2004 at the Durban City Hall.

Ndebele has embarked on a number of far-reaching and major initiatives leading to the transformation of the public transport system in KwaZulu-Natal. These projects are complex and cut across all modes and will impact on a whole range of stakeholders. The establishment of the Ethekwini Transport Authority is seen as a vital requirement for the successful implementation of these projects as well as for the on-going management of the complex transport system in the Ethekwini region.

The Ethekwini Transport Authority represents an important delivery on policy at national and provincial level in terms of transport policy which was developed over many years. As the first transport authority to be established in the country, this is therefore a milestone initiative of national significance.

Thursday, 11 March 2004 at 19h00: S'bu Ndebele to deliver keynote address at the Black Economic Empowerment Gala Dinner at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Durban.

This event is being hosted by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and comes at a time when Durban is celebrating her diverse heritage and the status of being the world's premier tourism destination. The numerous international events that have been held in Durban, further complemented by Durban's good management practices have earned this city the status of the best-run city in Africa. To keep this momentum, it is therefore imperative that public private partnerships are enhanced.

For further information and enquiries please contact Zanele Mbokazi on 083 726 0060.

Friday, 12 March 2004 at 14h00: Participatory Education Techniques (PET) Finals at the Blue Waters Hotel, Durban.

The PET Road Safety Project targets high school learners in KZN. All interested schools are invited to identify road safety problems in their areas and to research and develop a solution to these problems. Regional finals have been completed and attending the provincial finals will be approximately 80 learners. Learners will be evaluated on day one for their display and on day two for their presentation. Three schools will be selected as final winners (one school from the urban category and two from the rural category). The winning schools will each receive R10 000 worth of equipment for their respective schools.

Road Safety PET Provincial Finals to be held on 11 and 12 March 2004
The Provincial Finals of the PET competition will be held at the Blue Waters Hotel in Durban.
Monday, 15 March 2004 at 10h00: Sod Turning Ceremony for Access Road to Kandaspunt and Twijfelhoek Mine in Vryheid at Mondlo Road.

Since 2001, as part of the KZN Transport Department's Rural Development Programme, road infrastructure projects totalling millions of rands have been put in place in KZN. This project as well will result in much needed development for this community and will contribute significantly to reducing the levels of poverty and creating many other opportunities to improve their living standards.

Memorial service in memory of the late Dr. Abdullah Omar, former Minister of Transport at the DLI Hall, Greyville, Durban tomorrow (Thursday, 18 March 2004) commencing at 17h00.
Kwanyswa Taxi Rank Awareness Campaign to be held on 21 March 2004
Further information on this event will be forthcoming.
Sod-turning Ceremony for Main Road 296 between Buffalo Flats and Newcastle on Friday, 26 March 2004 

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr. S’bu Ndebele will perform the sod-turning for Main Road 69 at kwaNzimakwe on the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu-Natal at Mpenjathi Sports Grounds commencing at 12h00 on 31 March 2004.

Main Road 69 is currently a gravel road which provides an important link between the coastal national route N20 (Port Shepstone to Port Edward), via P310 and the inland P284 from Izingolweni to Port Edward. It traverses predominantly farm land, both communal (inland) and commercial (coastal). The route supplies access to sugar cane farming near the coast and some light commercial traffic along its entire length.

The cost of this project is more than R11 million and the upgrading of this road, which is an important link to the national road, will have multiple economic and social benefits for the people of KwaNzimakwe and surrounds.

top

FEBRUARY
Taxi Peace Celebration at Vryheid: 15 February 2004 at 10:00
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S'bu Ndebele has been invited to join the Vryheid Taxi Owner's Association in a celebration of peace to be held on Sunday, 15 February 2004 at the Cecil MNET Hall in Vryheid commencing at 10h00.

Since Ndebele was appointed to the transport portfolio in 1994 the Vryheid Taxi Owner's Association has not been affected by incidents of taxi violence, wars and contentions. According to the Chairperson of the Vryheid Taxi Association, Mr Dlamini this can be attributed to the leadership provided by Ndebele as well as the close working relationship that has been forged between the KZN Transport Department and taxi associations. Hence, it was decided that this achievement should culminate in a celebration.

Road Safety PET Regional Competitions
The competition entails presentations prepared by scholars, aged between 14 and 18 years of age from various high schools. Their activities include identifying and finding solutions to a road safety problem in and around the school environment. Their research is undertaken with the assistance of engineers and traffic law enforcement. The achievements or outcomes include remedial measures being undertaken to some of the problems identified by the scholars.

16 February 2004 – Empangeni at 10:00
17 February 2004 – Durban at 10:00
19 February 2004 – Ladysmith Town Hall at 10:00
20 February 2004 – Pietermaritzburg at the Royal Show Grounds at 10:00

Imbizo at Nquthu to be held on 21 February 2004
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S'bu Ndebele accompanied by MEC's Dr Zweli Mkhize, Mr Dumisani Makhaye and Mr Mike Mabuyakhulu will jointly host an Imbizo on development  requested by Traditional Leaders on Saturday, 21 February 2004 commencing at 10h00 at the Tribal Court, KwaMolefe, Nquthu in northern KZN.

top

JANUARY
Minsterial Breakfast Briefing at the Hilton Hotel at 8:30: 19 January 2004
The KwaZulu-Natal Minister of Transport, S’bu Ndebele will be holding a breakfast media briefing at the Hilton Hotel, Durban on Monday, 19th January 2004.

The purpose of the briefing is to brief the media on the successes of the 2003/2004 Summer Holiday Road Safety Programme, and to outline the way forward for 2004.

Business Skills Training for Small Freight Transport Operators

top

 

back