ETHEKWINI REGION: KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi, on the 06 September 2023, conducted spontaneous visits to three construction projects in the jurisdiction of Ethekwini Municipality.

Top left, MEC Nkosi received a warm welcomed when he was greeted with a detailed briefing on the reservoir construction project at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi. Departmental technocrats pictured above include the Ethekwini Regional Director, Mr Simphiwe Blose and technical experts who are abreast with all related project nitty-gritties

All projects identified were visited under the ongoing Departmental service delivery drive dubbed, Operation Siyahlola.

The first visit was at the King Dinuzulu Hospital complex, formerly known as King George V hospital which is situated in Ward 25, Springfield area under the Ethekwini Health District.

This is where a new Helistop and a Parking Lot are currently under construction with some additions to the actual project valued around R18 million. To date, the current progress registered on site is sitting at 15% and is due for completion by 14 February 2024.

The second leg of today's proceedings saw the MEC visiting Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital (PMMH) in uMlazi township south-west of Durban.

The KZN Department of Public Works is fully behind implementation and refurbishment of an existing 3.5 ml reservoir which will serve as a water back-up system for the entire hospital. The PMMH project which is currently undergoing upgrades worth over R10 million is due for completion by the 12 November 2024.

Article by Nelisiwe Mkhize, Images by Sibongile Dlangalala

OLIVER TAMBO HOUSE: The Change Management and Service Delivery Sub-Directorate of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works leads by example when it comes to promotion of Cultural Diversity on the shop floor. 

This came to light during the recent Heritage Day Celebration, the annual event hosted around recognition of cultural diversity in the workplace.

Organising the occassion of such a stature has also become one of the progressive proficiencies demonstrated by this business unit, on a-yearly-basis around September, the Heritage Month.

 Front row, fourth from left, Guest Speaker Dr Ngogi Mahaye joined colleagues in their traditional attire during a live performance in celebration of Heritage Day

Once again, this year, the writing was on the wall when various celebrants who formed part of the event held on Thursday, 21 September 2023 at the Head Office Auditorium were characterised by abnormal excitement and euphoria which lasted throughout the day.

Director: Construction Safety and Systems, Ms Dudu Fihlela unpacked an array of fundamental objectives which command such a celebration. She touched on a need to promote Cultural Diversity, Social Cohesion, Reconciliation, Peace and Economic Development as vital pillars of unity in society.  Her remarks were accompanied by special emphasis on the importance of educating one another about other cultures and brief synopsis on the promotion of the spirit of Ubuntu in the work place.

 From left, Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services Mr Phiweyo Duma, Director- Construction Safety and Systems, Ms Dudu Fihlela and invited Guest Speaker, Dr Ngogi Mahaye

Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services Mr Phiweyo Duma graced the occasion in his full traditional gear, a great gesture which confirms preservation of culture. Mr Duma offered some snippets around cultural values, self-discipline and urged all colleagues to continue celebrating this day. He further emphasised on respect for one another which is key in human life.

The Department reached out to a well-respected Education Ace and a prominent Guest Speaker, Dr Ngogi Mahaye who was invited to do a presentation on the day’s topic, Embracing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace.

Speaking with authority on scholastic research in cultural diversity, Dr Mahaye discharged a well-packaged testament on the essence of cultural diversity and how open communication should be demonstrated to accommodate diverse ethnic groups in the workplace.

“Given the increasing number of employees from different countries, Managers should familiarise themselves with different cultures and heritage since it takes a progressive workforce to learn about the background of other cultures and religions,” he concluded.

SNAPSHOTS: Gumboots and Minnie traditional dance moves formed part of the day’s celebration. Far right, Programme Directors, Ms Nicole O’ Connor and Dr Mbuso Xulu

It was a wonderful day indeed with Minnie Dance, Gumboots dance and a variety of live traditional performances on stage which wowed the crowds.

Special invitees and various performers at the event received tokens of appreciation towards the last item where numerous delicious traditional food menus were served. 

Article and Images by Sibongile Dlangalala

Far right, MEC Sipho Nkosi is seen here together with the KZN Community Education and Training (CET) College’s Deputy Principal – Finance, Ms NN Khumalo (left) handing over a Certificate of Attendance to one of the beneficiaries who successfully completed a relevant practical course offered under the banner of the Provincial EPWP Sewing Training Project

ETHEKWINI: The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Sipho Nkosi on Tuesday, 19 September 2023 presided-over the Expanded Public Works (EPWP) Sewing Certificate Handover Ceremony where the first group of 93 participants showcased their craft to the world for the first time.

This group of world-class seamstresses and seamsters have successfully completed extensive practical training under the inaugural EPWP Sewing Training Project (STP) held in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Community Education and Training (CET) College, an accredited academic institution which operates under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in terms of the Continuing Education and Training Act, Act 16 of 2006, as amended.

At a ceremony held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Durban, it came to light that, the success of the programme is a catalyst which is expected to catapult both government and the private sector. Such a move will save billions of rands by producing locally-manufactured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at a reasonable cost, instead of sourcing from abroad.

This complements a recent study which concluded that imported PPE is still popular and consists of a chunk of the market share in the province. The inception of the initiative is also another critical milestone in the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - BRICS list of commitments which seek to explore and boost trade among member states in the textile sector in future.

The EPWP- STP is a programme earmarked by the Department of Public Works to provide training to the current cohort of EPWP beneficiaries who presently fall under the Izandla Ziyagezana and the EPWP Maintenance programmes. Such programmes specifically cater for the people of KwaZulu-Natal as part of a government’s drive towards promotion of skills development. 

Beneficiaries have been trained on the sewing skills programme which is aligned with global material standards. Learners also gained valuable knowledge in sketch design, production of face masks and overalls to be utilised by EPWP participants placed in other Government Departments. This well-calculated intervention will surely extend to all KZN Municipalities as strategic stakeholders in this fundamental government business. 

The Department will further take beneficiaries through an Entrepreneurship Programme hailed as, "How to Start Your Own Business," which is administered by the relevant Regional Office of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPW&I).

This programme is set to encourage learners to use the skills and knowledge gained from this programme profitably and to earn a living.

 In a jovial mood, the first group of participants representing various Districts were captured here displaying their certificates following completion of a programme held under the Expanded Public Works (EPWP) Sewing Project, a well-calculated intervention of the KZN Department of Public Works

MEC Nkosi expressed his excitement of the anticipated potential outcomes of this project. "I wish to congratulate all of you and I cannot wait for you to go back to your respective communities and impart knowledge and skills you have gained which will surely alleviate poverty across the province," said the MEC.

Speaking on various SABC news channels, the MEC asserted that, the KZN Department of Public Works (DPW) will recruit at least 110 more participants to undergo the very same training programme next year.

As part of addressing the imbalances of the past, the MEC further alluded to the fact that, the DPW will work hand-in-glove with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) in ensuring that, these beneficiaries receive a conducive platform to trade directly with Provincial government departments in the near future.

Article and Images by Bonginkosi Nhaca

ARCHIE GUMEDE CONFERENCE CENTRE: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works’ Ethekwini Region recently demonstrated its subscription and staunch support towards promotion of cultural diversity.

Prior to the very end of the Heritage Month - on Friday, 29 September 2023, Departmental officials from a diverse set of backgrounds and cultures gathered at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre – Mayville, in commemoration of Heritage Day (HD).

The HD event was held in line with the theme, “Embrace Diversity and Educate One Another Through Entertainment.”

The editorial content narrated and confined in this particular epistle, confirms that, the Department values and promotes diversity in the workplace, which among others includes race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, language, gender and disability.

Setting the tone for the day, the relevant Regional Director, Mr Simphiwe Blose officially declared the programme opened under the spirit of togetherness.

Among live performances recorded, the programme saw a mock Indian-African Wedding Ceremony taking place in the form of a theatre stage play. Well-wishers were overjoyed to observed the matrimonial proceedings between a Zulu lady and an Indian guy.  

In this stunningly arranged drama series, the lady was taught respect at home and later warmly welcomed by the Naidoo family, which is a demonstration of unity in diversity and respect for culture.

Scores of elated participants representing their respective District Offices which fall under the same region, took turns to demonstrate the wherewithal to showcase the work-of-the-genius during slots allocated for traditional performances.  

The above was accompanied by a rare procession depicting different Nguni, Ndebele and Kikimbe cultures coupled with a calvacade of traditional dances. Other components rendered Amahubo and poetry which included King Shaka’s Praises, titled, Izibongo zeNkos’ uShaka and related poetic verses.

A myriad of cuisine choices prepared for the day resembled all cultures and traditions which are normally celebrated across racial lines and existing ethnicities in society. Traditional attire, ceremonial regalia, decoration installed at the dining hall and Departmental branding set-up turned the event venue into a culturally-diversified zone of a special kind.  

Mr Blose in his capacity as the day’s Independent Electoral Observer presided-over the Heritage Day Celebration Competition and made the official announcement of results with - Ethekwini Region taking position 1, becoming the champions, Professional Service component took position 2, followed by, Ilembe District as number 3, respectively.

“Wow what a masterpiece,” exclaimed a certain patron seated adjacent to the Newsflash Reporter during the day’s proceedings, adding that, Zimnandi Ngokuphindwa, which loosely translates, success enjoyed by all is more likely to be repeated.

Event organiser, Ms Mdunge extended a word of abundant appreciation to the Regional Director for giving a smart nod of approval, which presented certification for such a prestigious event to materialise.

She further appreciated the amount of dedication displayed by all relevant components as part of a united approach in implementation of this high-status programme.

Some better-placed sources of information attest that, loyal Newsflash readers have been waiting on tenterhooks for publication of this attention-grabbing news article, which shows great investment of our readers’ hearts to preservation of culture.