Article by Sibongile Dlangalala, images by Hlengiwe Dlamini

ETHEKWINI REGION: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works in partnership with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure have yet again demonstrated a wherewithal to create employment opportunities through the Forestry Training Programme.

This is part of a departmental drive to tackle issues of poverty, unemployment and inequality targeting the youth, women and people with disabilities. This further extends to promotion of labour intensive methods for manual clearance of vacant provincial land under the custody of the KZN provincial government.

On Friday, 24 March 2023 at least 20 beneficiaries under the aforesaid programme formed part of this crucial government intervention. A throng of direct beneficiaries demonstrated their different levels of competency when removing invasive alien species, leaving a huge portion of demarcated government land free of debris and other threats to nature conservation.

Beneficiaries have gained sound knowledge in the respective field which includes work etiquette, teamwork, the importance of wearing personal protective clothing and invasive alien species. The programme boasts orientation in the classroom and performance of practical work on site as fundamental pillars of this particular initiative.

Empola Ward 5 resident, and a direct beneficiary under the Forestry Programme, Zanele Shange says the programme has helped her immensely. She was quoted as saying, “I have gained some independence of being able to take care of myself and afford bare necessities from the stipend we receive.”

Sifiso Mngoma from Marianhill Ward 15 who is also a beneficiary said he has gained wealth of knowledge through the programme, “I am now able to differentiate between alien invasive plants and how they negatively impact indigenous plants as they compete for water and habitat. I have also learned the importance of Personal Protective Equipment which serves as protection against hazardous conditions,” he concluded.

Article by Hlengiwe Dlamini, images by Sibongile Dlangalala

ETHEKWINI: On Wednesday, 25 January 2023 the Gauteng Legislature’s Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee conducted an oversight visit in Durban as part of the Inter- Provincial Legislature visit to KwaZulu-Natal.

Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature including its relevant committee Chairperson Hon. Mpho Modise received a warm welcome from the KwaZulu Natal Legislature’s Public Works Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Honourable Makhosazane Zungu. Last week, Honourable Zungu presided-over two consecutive oversight visits which were held in the Harry Gwala District and Ethekwini Region, respectively.

In Ethekwini, the first oversight visit scheduled for the 25 January 2023, was conducted at the King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex where the Department of Public Works (DPW) upgraded a Psychiatric Ward (a facility for treatment of severe mental disorders), to a Covid-19 Quarantine Facility. 

This particular project was classified as a covid-19 emergency project which provides both a quarantine and isolation facilities. It boasts a total of three blocks and compartments comprising of the Adolescent, Adult and Occupational Therapy wards. These particular wards are classified as part of the National Covid-19 pandemic response, an intervention headed by the Department of Health.

In its inception, the project was designed to accommodate covid-19 patients at the height of the pandemic. It was also designed to serve as a facility that could accommodate patients in need of Psychiatric treatment at a later stage.

The Acting Deputy Director General; Infrastructure Maintenance and Technical Support, Ms Zinhle Pfute presented a technical project report coupled with a detailed budget allocation.

Her presentation reflected on the project profile and upgrades designed for the Tongaat Special School, an institution for learners with special educational needs. Construction related upgrades are currently sitting at 76% mark towards completion.

These upgrades boast the universally acceptable features related to accommodation for learners and the entire staff compliment.

The motive behind implementation of such an investment by the Department of Public Works is to create a conducive environment for learners to improve their academic performance and eventually plough back to society hence education remains a societal issue.

Recorded information show that, initially, the project was expected to create 1388 job opportunities based on three months’ rotation plan. Due to unforeseen work stoppages and community unrests experienced when there was a demand for work opportunities, this resulted in employment reduction which compelled the Department to employ only 120 EPWP beneficiaries to serve as part of a workforce destined to complete the project.

In her closing remarks, Honourable Zungu applauded the Gauteng Legislature’s Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee for choosing KwaZulu Natal as a relevant platform for a learning exchange and a strategic benchmark for other provinces which intend to improve their capacity on service delivery matters. “In this joint session we have managed to share our knowledge, ideas, challenges and gains,” said the Chairperson.

DANNHAUSER: The journey continues as the 2023 EPWP Focus Week programme successfully registers its third edition.

This is in direct response to a clear directive made by the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba as part of his unwavering declaration of war against poverty in KwaZulu Natal.

On Tuesday, 22 February 2023, over 130 people converged at KwaMdakane Community Hall under uThukela District to partake in the programme which is
aimed at promoting effective participation by all spheres of government, State Owned Entities, Civil Society and the Private Sector.

The programme which is driven by the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme team is designed to accommodate 12 Districts across the province.

Over and above, the aforesaid, it is also designed to strengthen partnership with relevant stakeholders in the continued implementation EPWP. This strategic service delivery initiative is also intended to advocate for sustainable livelihoods and gauge the affirmative impact of EPWP and its fundamental pockets of excellence.

The focus week commenced on Monday, 20 February 2023 at the Athletics Track complex under the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and proceeded to the jurisdiction of uThukela District Municipality on Tuesday, 21 February 2023.

Amajuba District Municipality Mayor, Cllr Ndabuko Zulu welcomed all stakeholders present and reaffirmed his commitment in ensuring that the EPWP as a cornerstone of community development delivers good results across the entire District.

Speaking on behalf of Amajuba EPWP beneficiaries, Ms Thandiwe Mkhabela is a living testimony who confirmed that, indeed EPWP has changed their lives for the better as she extended a word of appreciation to the Department of Public Works for affording her and other beneficiaries with training opportunities.

Ms Thandiwe Mkhabela, EPWP beneficiary

The EPWP beneficiaries were encouraged to continue displaying their dedication, maintain regular communication with their relevant local municipalities should they happen to encounter some challenges which compel government interventions.

This 12-day intensive programme continues to other Districts till the last day, the 09 March 2023.

Write-Up: Sane Mbhense Content Editing: Bonginkosi Nhaca Pictures: Sibongile Dlangalala

Article and Images by Bheki Khawula & Neliswa Nhlabathi

Above: The Acting MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Hon. Amanda Bani-Mapena speaking on behalf of MEC Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba. She was pictured here addressing delegates who represented various social sectors who attended the Stakeholders Engagement in Ixopo recently IXOPO: On Tuesday, 24 January 2023, the KwaZulu-Natal Public Works Portfolio Committee hosted the first edition of a joint session held in collaboration with Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The stakeholder’s engagement held at the Peace Initiative Hall in Ixopo, was convened with an intention to present a benchmarking platform that could help enable Members of the Gauteng Legislature’s Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee to extract strategies used by the KwaZulu Natal government in ensuring sound delivery of services to the general electorate.

Senior departmental officials took to the podium to reflect on community development projects implemented by the Department of Public Works (DPW) in the Harry Gwala District when concerns raised by community members and relevant stakeholders were raised. This engagement attracted a number of people from as far afield as Kokstad and other areas which fall under the jurisdiction of the Harry Gwala District family of municipalities, some of which are located in the south-western boundary between KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. People from the following municipalities were afforded a fair opportunity and a platform to interact with their leaders: uMzimkhulu, Greater Kokstad, Ubuhlebezwe and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, respectively. The DPW under the banner of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works led by its Chairperson, Hounourable Makhosazane Zungu requested the Acting Head of Department, Mr Siboniso Majola to report on the departmental 2023/24 Draft Annual Performance Plan and the 2023/24 Draft Budget presentations which were tabled for public consumption.

He further indicated that, bursaries focusing on engineering and property development will be awarded to 25 deserving and qualifying beneficiaries. This will on the other hand benefit the DPW which normally equips such professionals with relevant work experience derived from the nature of work vested in the department. It also emerged that, the 2 percent government provision which is in line with the Employment Equity Act will directly cover the suitably quailed beneficiaries from the Disability Sector. Women representation in senior management will consist of 50 percent. Youth will make up 30 percent of total staff. This sounded like good music to the ears of many audience and they responded to the utterances with a loud clapping of hands, whistling and nodding. Speaking on behalf of the MEC for Human Settlements Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, the Acting MEC for Hon. Amanda Bani-Mapena touched on strategic interventions and positive strides made by the Department where 5000 permanent and temporal jobs were created to address socio-economic challenges facing the District. MEC Bani-Mapena also alluded to the fact that, the people of Harry Gwala continue to benefit from infrastructure maintenance including police stations, clinics and schools among other many buildings or constructed structures.