KZN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: On Tuesday, 30 May 2023, the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi conducted a project inspection a project inspection drive under the auspices of his Departmental monitoring initiative, dubbed Operation Siyahlola.

Operation Siyahlola

The first project visited is the new Ilembe District Office which is currently under construction in the jurisdiction of KwaDukuza Municipality under Ilembe District.

Upon completion of this project, the Department of Public Works will ensure relocation of offices and staff members who are currently based at the KZN Public Works iLembe District offices in KwaMaphumulo area.

Staff members who are currently operating there will be moved to the new offices in KwaDukuza. The MEC pledged his support to all stakeholders who have rolled their sleeves up in an endeavor to bring this crucial project to life.

On the same day the MEC visited the second project site which is the new JG Zuma Secondary School in KwaMashu M Section which falls under the eThekwini Municipality. this is the school where MEC Nkosi served as a founding Principal from 2003 to 2009.

He selflessly advocated for the school to become a Centre of Excellence. JG Zuma Secondary School has a history of maintaining 100% pass rate which dates back to the time when MEC Nkosi was appointed, up to his departure and beyond.

Suffice to mention that the school has since kept the same academic record overtime. The technologically advanced new generational school will consist of the following features:

• 41 New Classrooms, 6 Multi-Purpose Classrooms and a Media Center equipped with a Smart Board
• Administration Block with 17 offices, 6 Storerooms and a Strong Room
• Newly-built Kitchen
• Ablution Facilities for Learners and Teachers
• Guard House
• Ramp access to Teaching and Learning areas for People with Disabilities
• Mini Soccerfield
• Flood Wall

Now that the school is relocating its premises, the founding Principal is also steadfast in his belief that the new state of the art facility would continue to improve and offer a conducive environment for proper Teaching and Learning.  

Project Completion of the MDR-TB Facility at Osindisweni Hospital On The Cards

Article by Sibongile Dlangalala

ETHEKWINI REGION: The KZN Department of Public Works (DPW) as an Implementing Agent of Choice in infrastructure development and property management has once again “flexed” its muscles following a looming completion of a decentralized Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) facility at Osindisweni Hospital under the Ethekwini Health District.

Surrounding communities with a population rate of approximately 587 973 people have direct access to this government healthcare facility which was commissioned on the 08 April 2021, to provide practical training and work opportunities for the Youth, Women and People with Disabilities. This government hospital also caters for people from other areas who happen to seek medical attention and related services.

Direct beneficiaries of this multi-million-rand project which is currently sitting at 96% towards completion with impressive workmanship and attention to detail, include 124 recruits who are part of the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). They include 37 women, 85 youth and 2 people with disabilities.

In line with the recently tabled KZNDPW’s 2023-2024 Budget Policy Speech on Mass Recruitment Drive in KwaZulu-Natal, the above bears testimony to the fact that, the Department continues to deliver on the national government mandate on job creation.

The aforesaid project had previously experienced some work stoppages due to labour related challenges, which have been, amicably resolved by government and its relevant stakeholders with an intention to find common ground.

The Department remains fully behind this state-of-the-art facility which boasts different specialized medical, surgical wards and administration component(s) designed for the proper expedition of maximum healthcare services.

Among others, the facility comprises of expert units ranging from the Visitors and Consultation block(s), 8 acute wards, 26 male wards, 26 female wards, Ward support division, Administration block, the Unit support division and the Sewer Treatment Plant refurbishment.

ETHEKWINI REGION: On Monday 29 May 2023, the newly appointed MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi graced the sitting of a Special Management Committee Meeting (MANCO) held in Mayville, Durban.

Special Management Committee Meeting (MANCO)

Subsequent to the recent changes in the KZN Cabinet, it was crucial for the new Executing Authority to touch base with management on the current status of all projects and programmes spearheaded by the department.

The Acting Head of Department Mr Sboniso Majola officially opened the meeting and introduced the MEC to the senior management. Majola said that, the newly-appointed MEC is a beacon of hope to the Department. Given his successful track record in different leadership responsibilities, he has over the years demonstrated good leadership qualities while serving in different capacities in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature for a couple of decades.

“MEC, we are optimistic that you will guide us in achieving our mandate in relation to infrastructure delivery,” said Mr Majola.

In his address, the MEC expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome as received and pledged his commitment towards efficiency and speedy service delivery. “I am confident of the work ahead simply because I am an honest person and I say things as they are, in my entire career in government, I have never been accused of poor performance. I am also appealing to the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that the department does not incur irregular, unauthorized, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We will move with speed in ensuring that, the KZN Department of Works remains the Implementing Agent of Choice,” said the MEC.

As part of closing remarks presented by the DDG Corporate Services Mr Phiweyo Duma, he registered his expression of gratitude to the MEC for the words of encouragement and also assured the Executive Authority that, the Departmental technocrats are fairly equal to the task at hand.

Article and images by Sibongile Dlangalala

Architectural structure of the ENyokeni Cultural Precinct in Nongoma

ZULULAND REGION: On Friday, 26 May 2023, the Acting Head of the KZN Department of Public Works, Mr Siboniso Majola led a delegation of senior government officials as part of his official visit to the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.

During a brief session held to formally introduce and handover the main contractor appointed to fast-track completion of the Enyokeni Cultural Precinct, it came to light that, the project which was initiated by His Majesty, the late King Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, will create reasonable job opportunities for local communities.

Far left, Prince Simphiwe KaZwelithini is seen here with members of the Royal Household together with Mr Majola and government officials representing the National and Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as KZN Public Works

Government has set aside over R149 million to realize this fundamental project. Among other things, the scope of work for the project consists of remedial work on the existing concrete, construction of Administration Office, kitchen, ablution facilities, Change Rooms, Landscaping and Irrigation System, installation of steel roof that will cover the entire arena under variable and ever-changing weather conditions. This further extends to construction of parking bays, new ESKOM connection and site reticulation facility, a borehole, domestic water reticulation, raised water tank and related infrastructure.

Mr Majola together with officials representing the National and Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as KZN Public Works, received a warm welcome from Prince Simphiwe Zulu who applauded the project continuation phase on behalf of the Royal Household.

 Story by Siyathuthuka Mthembu
Images by Sibongile Dlangalala