Latest news with #Sibiya
IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
Sea View Cemetery: A community's struggle for dignity and housing
Living side-by-side with gravestones is a way of life for residents of the Sea View settlement in Durban Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers LIVING in shacks atop gravesites is the lot of a desperate community of 400 people inhabiting the Sea View Cemetery on Coedmore Road in Durban. Their plight caught the attention of the KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements Department that is attempting to have them relocated to formal houses and restore respect for the deceased. Spokesperson for the department, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said the Sea View situation underscored the desperation of some communities that resorted to inhabiting sacred spaces. Those who call the cemetery home have built their dwellings in all the available space. In some instances tombstones are found in some shacks. It's common practice for inhabitants to walk on graves, children play on them, and some even sleep on them. 'The MEC, Siboniso Duma, has stated that it is incorrect for people to live on top of graves,' Sibiya revealed, emphasising the significant cultural implications of such a situation. "We must remember the spirit of ubuntu, as cemeteries are regarded as sacred spaces." 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 Next Stay Close ✕ This sentiment reflects a broader call for dignity and respect towards those who have passed away, while also confronting the pressing housing crisis faced by many South Africans. The emergence of shacks around the Sea View Cemetery, particularly in the adjacent Kennville informal settlement, has prompted urgent action from the government. Sibiya acknowledged the acute land scarcity problem that complicates these efforts, yet affirmed that the integrity of cemeteries cannot be compromised. In pursuit of sustainable housing solutions, local traditional leaders in Inanda have offered land for new construction, although critical funding of approximately R1.7 billion is needed for essential bulk infrastructure improvements. Construction is already underway on a separate site in Cornubia, with an investment of R500 million allocated for housing development. Over the weekend, MEC Duma directed their Head of Department, Max Mbili, along with the eThekwini Municipality, to expedite the profiling of families residing in Sea View Cemetery, so that they could be relocated to the Cornubia site. Duma was mindful that since the dawn of democracy in 1994, efforts to provide housing for the needy people of Sea View had evolved significantly but with many complex challenges. 'After 1994, the government prioritised housing for those living in the area since 1981,' Duma said. He noted there were past initiatives led by prominent figures in the early 2000s, aimed at relocating families from this community to improved housing in Welbedacht, Chatsworth. However, the MEC lamented the unfortunate reality that some families returned to the vicinity, perpetuating new informal settlements. Sibiya said the current conditions at Sea View Cemetery were troubling, with families crammed into makeshift shacks. 'It's a troubling situation that we are working to address,' he said. Sea View resident Doris Zeka, 50, said she moved from Kokstad to th e cemetery about 30 years ago. She said many residents were from the Eastern Cape. Zeka acknowledged that living in a cemetery was 'not okay', but they were desperate. 'We don't have the means to leave and rent elsewhere,' Zeka said. She said her informal structure is built around a grave, and they placed a table on it. 'We want to leave because of the heat. It's too hot here,' Zeka said. On service delivery, she said they have illegally connected electricity, which officials disconnected at times. Zeka said the last time officials visited the area was last year, and they took photographs. Another resident, Buyelwa Ncedo from Tsolo, Eastern Cape, said she arrived in the area in 1995. She said that relatives of those buried in the graves they built on top of, realised it was a hopeless situation. 'They got tired because they realised there was no way they could see their relatives' graves,' Ncedo said. She said they had never attacked them or taken any action against them because they realised the place had become their home. The eThekwini Municipality's spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, clarified that the Sea View Cemetery did not fall under municipal jurisdiction; the urgency of the situation has prompted outreach efforts. 'It is important to clarify that the Seaview Cemetery is not owned or managed by eThekwini Municipality,' said Sisilana. DAILY NEWS
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Family of five including two children killed in horror KZN crash
A three-year-old child and two-month-old baby were among those killed. The accident occurred on Sunday in the Dokodweni, Gingindlovu area. Picture: KZN Transport Department. A family of five people, including a three-year-old child and a two-month-old baby, were killed in an accident in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The accident occurred on Sunday in the Dokodweni, Gingindlovu area. A further seven occupants sustained injuries, with four children, all under the age of 14, sustaining serious injuries. Accident IPSS Medical Services spokesperson Samanthan Meyrick said the seriously injured patients were stabilised on scene before being transported to nearby facilities for further care. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased.' The KZN Transport and Human Settlement Department's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said they are saddened by the latest crash. 'After what has been a relatively safe winter holiday, we have just received a report from our dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate informing me about a horrific accident on R66 Nyezane in Gingindlovu. ALSO READ: Soccer star's 'special treatment' after deadly crash concerns grieving mom [VIDEO] 'Although the RTI teams, the South African Police Service, and emergency services are still busy with recovery and rescue operations, we wish to indicate that five passengers unfortunately died on the scene, three adults and two children,' Sibiya said. Investigations Sibiya said that according to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), a Hyundai Grand i10 was transporting eight passengers. 'They were travelling from Nongoma to Durban. Three other passengers from the same vehicle survived. In a second vehicle, a white Ford Ranger LDV, there were four passengers who survived. They were travelling towards Gingindlovu.' Condolences Sibiya said preliminary reports indicate that the Ford Ranger LDV lost control and collided head-on with the Hyundai Grand i10. 'We pause to pay our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We request motorists to be patient as both lanes remain closed. We will send more updates as the night progresses. 'As we count down to the reopening of schools, I have mandated RTI to strengthen road safety measures,' Sibiya said. The exact cause of the crash is being investigated. ALSO READ: 13 killed, scores injured in Mpumalanga and KZN accidents
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Disbanded police task team ‘tried to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya'
A month before Mchunu instructed the unit should be closed, it had reportedly begun working on arresting Sibiya. The task team at the centre of a fight between 'on leave' Senzo Mchunu and KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had reportedly tried to arrest the police minister and deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Mchunu instructed national police commissioner Fannie Masemola to disband the political killing task team in December 2024, suggesting that it did not add value to policing. However, a month before the closure instructions were given, it had reportedly begun working on arresting Sibiya. City Press sources within the security cluster said task team members had approached prosecutors in Gauteng and later Mpumalanga to secure a warrant of arrest. 'Last month, the police members who were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz V-class Kombi tried to obtain an arrest warrant from the director of public prosecutions for both Sibiya and Mchunu but were turned away. They were told that there was insufficient evidence that warranted arrest,' a source told the paper. Masemola confirmed earlier this month that he had not acted on the order to disband the unit, while it is unclear if his deputy, Sibiya, had done so on his behalf. In explosive allegations two weeks ago, Mkhwanazi claimed the task team had been shut down due to political interference and alleged that top police officials, including Mchunu, were linked to dodgy businessmen and alleged criminal syndicates. Mchunu denied these allegations and a judicial commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the claims. The minister and Sibiya have been placed on special leave amid the allegations. Mchunu was defiant on Friday, telling ANC supporters that black generals in the police had been placed there by the ANC, and suggesting they should be grateful to the party for their positions. 'The ANC appointed black generals so that we also have generals in the army and in the police. They should not trample on this opportunity they were given by the ANC,' Mchunu said. 'They got this opportunity through blood and sweat. There are those who deserved to wear those mantles and camouflage uniforms, but they are dead and they never got that opportunity. They died in the struggle. ALSO READ: MK party takes Ramaphosa to ConCourt over Mchunu special leave decision 'That will be the end of all of us' Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Mchunu also warned against a person acting as both accuser and judge. 'The day South Africa allows one person, whoever it is, to suspect someone and then investigate them, and then become a prosecutor, and then a judge, and issue a verdict all in one place. That would be the direct reversal of what the struggle for justice is about. 'That will be the end of all of us in the country,' he said. Mchunu said the justice system allowed allegations to be made, but had a system in place to test the claims and for the accused to defend themselves. 'It is fair to wait for the commission to deliberate. I support what the president decided. It is fair and square.' Mchunu 'not immune' from prosecution Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on special leave has sparked fierce debate, with the MK party taking the matter to court and calling for the minister to be fired. ALSO READ: MK party takes Ramaphosa to ConCourt over Mchunu special leave decision There are also concerns that while he is on leave, Mchunu's influence in the police may impede the investigation. Parliament's legal advisor, advocate Andile Tetyana, said on Wednesday that Mchunu's leave did not grant him immunity. 'Minister Mchunu is not clothed with legal immunity by virtue of him being on special leave. We know for a fact now that he will be a material witness in the work of the commission and should criminal misconduct be found on his part, he will be charged and prosecuted,' he told parliament on Wednesday. Ramaphosa has defended his decision, saying punitive action against Mchunu would set a dangerous precedent. 'These allegations are serious. They are also untested. 'It is therefore necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can ensure accountability and safeguard public confidence in the police service,' he said in Parliament this week. NOW READ: 'Get your popcorn factory ready' — McKenzie willing to testify at the commission into Mkhwanazi allegations
Eyewitness News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Sibiya calls on SA public to be open-minded on allegations against him
JOHANNESBURG - Police deputy national commissioner for crime detection, Shadrack Sibiya, has urged South Africans to remain open-minded when observing all that is unfolding with the SAPS. Sibiya was asked to take a leave of absence on Tuesday afternoon after being implicated in a string of explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two weeks ago. On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, announcing that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu would be placed on special leave after he was also implicated by Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi claims he uncovered a syndicate involving politicians and other influential figures in law enforcement and business who have been captured by a drug cartel in Gauteng. Speaking to EWN following the announcement of his leave, Sibiya made the following call to the public: "My only request is that South Africans be prepared to look at this thing in all fairness. If there are allegations, and they can be proven, I understand and accept, but if they cannot be proven, South Africans must also be prepared to open their eyes and see this thing for what it is."
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Club honours fallen race runner
A RUNNER who would have been part of the third annual Chillie Lifestyle Race but never made it to the start line was recently honoured by the club who praised her determination. Over 2200 runners lined up for the race, which was claimed by Siyabonga Ndlovu in a time of 28:41 for the men's title, while Busisiwe Chamane came in for the ladies at 35:49. Before the race could start, a moment of silence was held for the female runner who was coming from Bergville to be part of the race. 'She was fatally struck by a vehicle on Saturday while on her way to pick up her race pack,' said race director Siyanda Sibiya. 'We wanted to honour her and her family who were present on race day. She wanted to be there, and she was among the first to register for the race.' Also Read: Hollywoodbets 10km/ 5km run off to a great start With all the runners united in mourning for the lost runner, the race took off with the 10km athletes setting the pace for the social runners. Sibiya said, 'This was the biggest participation numbers we've had for the race so far and it really warmed our hearts, after the work put in. It's good for the club, the sport and the running community.' Sibiya hailed the success of the event and said they are already in preparation for next year's event. He said there were no regrets in adding the 5km run. 'The race was exceptional from my end as the organiser – certainly a great day of running. With 5km being the new addition to the offering, it widens the race's appeal – thus attracting more people,' said Sibiya. He added, 'The future is solidified – June after Comrades Marathon, we will be back bigger and better than before, ensuring more sponsors are on board.' For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
