XPRESS TIMES

KDM seeks to enhance revenue generation

enhancing our revenue generation through adequate payment of service and other factors while energy losses may not be ruled out.

“Critically, of the total revenue received during the first quarter, the major portion of R205,8 million is generated from the sale of electricity and R123,7 million is generated from property rates. Other receipts are from rental of facilities and equipment, refuses removal, interest earned, licence and permits, transfers and subsidies and other revenue,” Nhaca said.

The municipality also prides itself on the successful launch of Senzalula, which encapsulate the concept of ease of doing business with the municipality.

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By Musa Mnyandu

people against the adverse effects of tough economic conditions.

he 2022/23 first Quarter

Budget and PerformanceTAssessment Report, tabled by KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca at a full sitting of Council last week, paints a bleak future about the economic prospects. However Nhaca remains upbeat, saying the ANC government has a task to cushion

In the three months from July to September, Nhaca says the municipality has been able to deliver some critical infrastructure projects, despite the tough conditions, which were exacerbated by April floods, among other factors.

While the municipality remains in a relatively healthy financial position,

Mayor Nhaca revealed that revenue generation during the period under review took a slight knock, as a negative variance amounting to R55.6 million was realized. The municipality generated R478.9 million, as compared to the year to date budget of R534.6 million.

“These outcomes necessitate that we consider reintroducing the Masakhane Campaign as part of

Some of the critical infrastructure projects delivered successfully during the period under review include the KwaDukuza Waste Transfer Station, which was officially opened to the public in August. This facility is located in Ward 16.

The launch of the new Hesto Harnesses plant, which saw 4000 people getting sustainable jobs, also highlighted the ability of the area of KwaDukuza to attract investment, a key element towards sound economic rewcovery, Nhaca indicated.

BUDGET: Pictured is KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca (left) and KwaDukuza Speaker Dolly Govender

STANGER

Nhaca unhappy with response to flood devastation

Continued from Page 1

“The quarter under scrutiny also saw the launch of the Senzalula programme which focuses on doing business with ease - a change management programme geared towards improving innovation and municipal systems. The campaign is part of my vision of building an organization that works better and with ease of delivering services to

people.

“Senzalula is premised on the understanding that the past system of government left the majority of our population deprived of human needs, including access to information systems, access to the economy and so much more.

Senzalula will seek to give everyone an equal opportunity to interact with KwaDukuza in a meaningful and rewarding manner,

stated Nhaca.

Slow progress

Nhaca added that, during the ended quarter, the municipality was able to hand over to the community the Sakhamkhanya Combo Court, in Ward 01, and the Ntshawini Combo Court in Ward 26.

“During this quarter, we observed the slow progress in the delivery of temporary and permanent solutions for

those who were affected by floods. This also includes the task of spending the R 109 million disaster funding that we received in July for the construction of roads and related infrastructure,” the Mayor noted.

Nhaca has also reported a negative variance of R63.6 million on operating expenditure, for the period under review.

“Of the total expenditure during the first quarter, the

major cost drivers were bulk purchases amounting to R235,7 million, employeerelated costs amounting to R118,2 million and contracted services amounting to R57,4 million.

Other receipts in this category includes the remuneration for councillors, finance charges, depreciation and asset impairment, losses, transfers and subsidies and other expenditure,:” Nhaca

announced.

The municipality has also recorded a slight slowdown on capital expenditure, with R63.5 million spent to date, which denotes just over 10% of the approved budget.

“I stand before you much more determined and more optimistic about the future in the knowledge that we will continue to improve the situation of our people and continue to deliver services,” Nhaca concluded.

Three killed in Stanger collision

Three people lost their lives after two vehicles collided on the R102 in Stanger, on Friday night.

IPSS Medical Rescue reports that four other people sustained serious injuries and required emergency stabilization on scene before being transported to a nearby health facility.

The cause of the accident is unknown at the stage, and is being investigated by relevant authorities,

FATALITIES: Three people were killed after two vehicles collided in Stanger

Water crisis continues in KwaDukuza

By Xpress Reporter

Residents of KwaDukuza are getting accustomed to sporadic interruption in water supply, with no answers being provided by Ilembe District Municipality. Last week Xpress Times was inundated with complaints from the residents of Oceanview in Ward 16, who complained about prolonged and repeated outages in the area and in parts of KwaDukuza CBD.

Residents said no updates had been given by the municipality through the usual communication platforms, and calls to the municipality went unanswered.

One frustrated resident said, “It's time for ratepayers to hold back monies from ILembe Municipality. We (are) not even getting feedback from councillors that earn a fat salary”.

IDM's Operations Manager (Technical Services) Elias Bhengu came under fire for being “missing in action” when the crisis arose, and so did the Mayor, Thobani Shandu, whom one resident accused of “taking home a fat salary” together with his “entourage” while giving

At the time of going to press yesterday (Tuesday), our queries to the municipality in respect of this latest water crisis had gone unanswered.

THANK YOU: The management and members of the Stanger and District Association for the Aged (SADAFTA) wish to place on record their sincere appreciation to Mervin Ramsamy Govender for providing the senior citizens with a sumptuous meal ad grocery hampers on Wednesday last week. Pictured (and insert) are members of the management committee (MANCO) of SADAFTA.

Local councillors secure top positions

By Xpress Reporter

Two opposition councillors in the KwaDukuza municipal council have secured top positions in their respective political parties. This came after Cllr Thobisile Nkosi of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was elected as the EFF's

KZN deputy provincial chairperson, at the party's Provincial People's Assembly recently.

Nkosi is also a member of the KwaDukuza Executive Committee (EXCO).

Another opposition councillor, Dudu Mthembu of the African Independent Congress (AIC) has

also been elected as a member of the AIC's national executive committee (AIC), the highest national decision body of the party in between conferences.

The two councillors were congratulated by the entire KwaDukuza Council at a full Council sitting last week.

Body of missing biker found

The body of a missing motorbike rider was found buy volunteers on Monday morning, after the man went missing on Sunday afternoon, in the area of Glendale. Reports indicate that the man was out riding alone when he apparently fell off his bike.

An intensive search was initiated on Sunday after IPSS Medical Rescue and Medi Response received reports of a missing biker, and after a family member located the man's bike, minus the man. The search was called off late on Sunday night due to a storm in the area, and was resumed early on Monday morning. Search and rescue volunteers located the man's body in a cliff, and SAPS were called out to the scene to render assistance.

Cllr Thobisile Nkosi of the EFF Cllr Dudu Mthembu of the AIC

DEMISE: A motorcyclist lost his life after he apparently fell of his bike, in Glendale

Local principals ponder future of schools

that KwaDukuza remains the worst performing circuit in Ilembe District, despite commanding a much better school infrastructure as compared to other circuits within the District.

factional violence among learners.

By Xpress Reporter

A Principals Conference was held recently at Stanger High School, to ponder the

secondary education landscape for the area of KwaDukuza. Convened by the KwaDukuza Acting

Circuit Manager, Mr SD Mchunu, the gathering sought to come up with solutions to a myriad of

challenges that confront secondary school principals in KwaDukuza.

Mchunu expressed concern

“The main purpose was to get all principals together to look at the challenges confronting the sector, to ensure that principals don't feel isolated as they deal with issues in their respective schools. Our schools are battling with a variety of challenges, among which we can mention drug and substance abuse, underperformance in terms of matric results and

“We explored the question of code of conduct in an attempt to find a uniform approach to issues of discipline in schools. Our principal's need to feel that they have a support system within the Circuit. Certainly, working together we can change things' around in our schools,” Mchunu enthused.

Mchunu had another message as the Matric Class of 2022 gears up for the final lap in their secondary education journey.

“Although we are still a work in progress, we are hopeful that our performance this year will be much better than the 69% pass rate achieved last year,” he said.

ANC ready for Maphumulo by-election

READY: ANC candidate for by-election, Hlelizwe Mhlongo

The ANC in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region is ramping up efforts to secure victory in Ward 11 in Maphumulo, where a by-election will be held on 30 November 2022. The party says its candidate, Mr Hlelizwe Happyboy Mhlongo, has been well received by the community.

In a statement, the ANC's regional executive committee (REC) says the party has been receiving positive feedback about its candidate from the whole community of Ward 11.

“As the campaign is at its peak, more and more volunteers are coming out to support and participate in the daily door to door activities. This past weekend's programme was also graced by the appearance of two ANC KwaZulu-Natal PEC members, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba (Provincial Treasurer) and Makhosazana Zungu who is the member of the KZN Provincial Legislature,” the ANC stated.

The party says it remains confident that it will retain the ward, which it governed before the death of its councillor, Zakhele Khuzwayo, who was gunned down in September.

“Mhlongo is an all-rounder as he is admired by both the young and old. His credentials speak for themselves as previously he has been the Chairperson of the Sports Committee in Maphumulo, the Chairperson of SAFA and Schools Sports under Ilembe District and a member of SAFAs Integrity Committee for its national structure,” the ANC said.

Mhlongo is currently the chairperson of the ANC branch in Ward 11, Isithundu Branch.

HOPEFUL: Pictured are secondary school principals from across KwaDukuza who attended the Principals Conference

Help find natural parents

• Umnyango wezenhlalakahle KwaDukuza ucela ukufuniswa ubaba ka Khayalami Goodhope Mthembu owazalwa ngo-2015/09/20 ezalwa nguMthembu Nelisiwe owayehlala eMelville, Hlalanathi Township House No. 3816 (KwaDukuza Ward 24), ongasekho emhlabeni. Uphinde azale noCumbane Nothando Fortunate owazalwa ngo-2013/07/25. Onolwazi akathinte uSonhlalakahle uMs Nyawo ku (032) 552-5246.

• Abezenhlalakahle bacela ukufuniswa ubaba ka-Gumede Siyabonga ozalwa nguGumede Fikile Gloria ongasekho emhlabeni. Onolwazi uyacelwa athinte usonhlalakahle uNF Shinga ku (032) 552-5246.

• Umnyango wezenhlalakahle KwaDukuza ucela ukufuniswa abazali baka Ndalo Jali. Igama likamama uNomfundo Thulile Jali, ubaba ungowakwaKhweshube wagcinwa ehlala eNkobongo. Onolwazi athinte usonhlalakahle uTP Hlongwa ku (032) 552-5246.

• Abezenhlalakahle bacela ukufuniswa ubaba kaMakhoba Sanele Innocent ozalwa uMakhoba Thandiwe. Ongaba nolwazi athintane noSocial Worker uMgwaba (032)

552-5246.

• Abezenhlalakahle bacela ukufuniswa ubaba kaGumede Siyabonga ozalwa ngu Gumede Fikile Gloria ongasekho. Onolwazi uyacelwa athinte usonhlalakahle uNF Shinga ku (032) 552-5246.

• Ndwedwe DSD seeks assistance to locate Mr Bhengu, the father of Siyamthanda Nzuza (DOB 2011-0604). The child's mother Nikeziwe Khethiwe Nzuza from Glendale is deceased. Anyone with the information is urged to contact S/W Qwabe on (032) 533-5021.

• The Department of Social Development is looking for the biological parents of Aphelele Gumede, whose father is unknown and biological mother is Snethemba Zanele Gumede. Anyone with information contact Mr K C Mokoena on (032) 552-5246.

• Kucelwa ongase abe nolwazi ngoSarah khumalo, owayehlala eMalende (KwaDukuza). USarah ungumama ka-Mbali Khumalo, Zandi Khumalo, Thokozani KhunoNkpsingiphile Khumalo. Onolwazi uyacelwa ukuthi axhumane noNelisiwe Mgobhozi kule nombolo (069) 217-9814.

Man nabbed for crack cocaine

A man was arrested last week after being found in possession of six pieces of crack cocaine. The arrest came after Ilembe Crime Intelligence, KDM Special Operations Unit and KwaDukuza Business Watch

acted on intelligence about a man suspected to be dealing in or being in possession of drugs in the area of Ntshawini.

The suspect was detained at KwaDukuza police station.

Mrs Mhlongo.

CONTEST: Mangethe Primary School