Latest news with #PriviMakhan
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
KwaDukuza eyes smart power future with R150K China visit on the cards
KwaDukuza eyes smart power future with R150K China visit on the cards The KwaDukuza municipality is weighing a public-private partnership to develop a smart energy system and may send a five-member delegation to China to study similar setups. The R150 000 trip proposal, discussed at last week's council meeting, drew criticism from opposition parties, who argued that local solutions should be prioritised. The delegation would include three councillors and two officials. Upon return, they would submit a feasibility study and report to council. KwaDukuza has faced serious ongoing electricity outages, with some areas left powerless for more than a week during December and January. These blackouts have severely impacted local businesses and tourism, prompting the municipality to create an Electrical Task Team to identify short- and long-term solutions. The proposed smart energy system would incorporate digital tools such as smart meters to detect faults faster, reduce power losses and give consumers more control. Many private businesses and homes have already adopted solar energy, but the municipality hopes to implement a more resilient and integrated model. Private investors would share funding and operational risks, while Umfolozi TVET College has agreed to assist with skills training. The project would be rolled out in four phases: Research and partnerships, pilot projects, building a training centre and full-scale implementation over two years. DA caucus leader Privi Makhan said local investors should be consulted before committing public funds to overseas travel. ActionSA's Nel Sewraj agreed, saying, 'The company we are considering could send representatives here to present their plan. There's no need for us to go there.' Deputy mayor Njabulo Cele defended the proposal: 'What happened in December was frustrating. We need to explore every possible solution.' Electrical Services director Sbusiso Jali clarified that China is just one possible partner. 'We are seeking partnerships with the private sector in general. The visit to China is proposed because it is one of the places that has successfully addressed similar challenges. But we are not excluding other options,' said Jali. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Football meets civic action in Youth Day celebration in Salt Rock
A soccer tournament held to drive voter registration in underprivileged areas scored a spectacular goal on Youth Day. KwaDukuza Democratic Alliance Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan, supported by Ward 6 and 30 councillors Ayabonga Zwane and Jack Abrahams, along with event co-ordinator Smanga Simelane, hosted the Youth Day soccer tournament at Marchant Open Space in Salt Rock for the low-income settlements inside Sheffield, Umhlali and Salt Rock. Abrahams hopes this will be the first of many such tournaments. 'Monday was a big success and could not have happened without our sponsors,' he said. 'We are looking at hosting more sports events and hopefully making this an annual event to support local teams.' Makhan said the aim was to energise and mobilise communities. 'It is important that we register people to vote, even if it is not for the DA. It is still valuable to do something that energises the local community,' she said. 'The DA recommitted to creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments where young people can thrive, both on and off the field. We remain committed to uplifting our youth and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to dream big and achieve more.' Four teams contested the day-long tournament, with finalists receiving trophies, medals and new kits courtesy of Siza Water. Local businesses provided food, water and refreshments for the players, who came from informal clubs including Sheffield United, Mega Force FC, Real Stars and Umhlali FC. In an exciting final, goals in each half saw Sheffield United defeat Mega Force 2-0 in front of a lively crowd. Simelane expressed gratitude for the DA's support in bringing the event to life. 'It was a good day and a good vibe. Everyone enjoyed themselves,' he said. 'I am trying to improve soccer in the area. This is the first time anyone has done this for our local teams. 'It is the first time we have played for trophies and medals, like Real Madrid and Liverpool. And getting new kits, that's incredible.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Tensions rise in KwaDukuza as mayor faces backlash over cancelled public meetings on municipal budget
KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor Muzi Ngidi has hit back at the DA saying he does not need a lecture on his statutory obligations. Image: KwaDukuza Municipality/Facebook A political spat has erupted in KwaDukuza Municipality over the mayor's alleged failure to attend scheduled public meetings on the draft budget and Integrated Development Plan, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) accusing Mayor Muzi Ngidi of neglecting his statutory obligations. DA KwaDukuza caucus leader Privi Makhan said the party had written to the director for Public Participation, the Office of the Speaker, and the municipal manager following the concerning fact that 'only 19 out of 27 scheduled public meetings on the annual draft budget and Integrated Development Plan have taken place.' 'With the public participation process now closed, we are demanding clarity on how these communities were consulted on the draft budget process,' she stated. Makhan dismissed the notion that public meetings are ceremonial, asserting: 'These imbizos are not ceremonial niceties. They are the few remaining spaces where residents, many frustrated by poor service delivery can engage leadership and demand answers.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ She accused Mayor Ngidi of cancelling or avoiding meetings at the last minute and instead prioritising ceremonial appearances: In response, Mayor Ngidi issued a strongly worded statement titled 'Mayor of KwaDukuza needs no lecture on his statutory obligations,' pushing back against Makhan's remarks. 'She accuses the mayor of neglecting one of the crucial platforms meant to ensure public accountability. She seems to believe that my absence from these public meetings symbolises a rejection of my mandate, rather than a clash in my schedule of activities,' said Ngidi. He stated that several meetings had been cancelled for reasons beyond his control, such as poor weather, low attendance, or clashes with other activities. 'Some of the meetings were cancelled due to guidance from ward councillors who advised that the meetings would not attract the desired number of participants. Some were cancelled due to poor attendance. Some were cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions,' he explained. Ngidi said he had since instructed officials to reschedule meetings to ensure public input is gathered.
