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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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)
|
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Kwanyswa Taxi Rank
Awareness Campaign to be held on 21 March 2004
Further information on this event will be forthcoming. |
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Sod-turning Ceremony for Main Road 296 between
Buffalo Flats and Newcastle on Friday, 26 March 2004 |
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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.
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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Business Skills Training for Small
Freight Transport Operators |
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