March 2005 - City of uMhlathuze

uMhlathuze News
March 2005
Official newsletter
of the uMhlathuze Municipality
Golf course estate generates
countrywide interest
Properties in one of the most prestigious and ambitious housing
developments in the City uMhlathuze – the Richards Bay Golf
Course Estate – are expected to be available for sale to the public
shortly after the DFA hearing and environmental approval.
This follows the signing of a new lease agreement between
the Richards Bay Country Club and the uMhlathuze Council
during February. At the momentous signing ceremony it was
announced that properties will be made available in June following
the successful completion of the rezoning and sub-division process
that includes a pre-hearing on 18 April followed by a site visit on
17 May and the final hearing the following day. The above process
is subject to environmental authorisation, which is currently under
review by the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.
According to Senior City Planner, Lisl van Aarde of the
Integrated Development Planning Department, word of the
Richards Bay Golf Course Estate has spread. “We receive daily
enquiries from estate agents in Pretoria and Johannesburg. There
is huge interest in this development, but there will be enough
clauses in the property contracts to prevent speculation. This will
probably include large deposits and a time limit on development.
Owners will also have to become members of the Club.”
Although guide prices for properties will only be available after
the DFA hearing on 18 May, it is estimated that the 178 individual
units along with the medium density housing units, which have
a central walkway with a jetty onto the lake, could sell at a
conservative average of R 400 000 per erf. It is expected that the
erven with lake views will sell at considerably higher prices than
the estimated average.
Ms van Aarde said there is also a new niche in the golf
development market for sites zoned for professional office use,
which the developer, INdlovu Development Trust, has incorporated
into the development application.
The development represents a win-win scenario for all role
players. Council benefits R 10 500 000 for the sale of the land
plus 40% of the selling price of each individual subdivision sold
in excess of a predetermined amount. The developer will, amongst
others, contribute an amount of R6 million towards the upgrading
and redevelopment of the golf course, while a further R3,8m will
be spent on upgrading the Country Club facilities.
A Stabilisation Fund will also be established (calculated at
R10 000 per site). The purpose of the Stabilisation Fund will be
to generate income to assist the Richards Bay Country Club with
the maintenance of the facilities.
In addition to the above the developers will
contribute R 1,5 million for the relocation of
the Richards Bay Rugby Club and a
negotiated amount for the relocation of the
Richards Bay Bowls Club.
The developer will put a further R 400 000
1
into the Development Trust, which is an existing Section 21
Company established by the Richards Bay Country Club for the
purpose of advancing and promoting sport amongst disadvantaged
youth.
The upgrade of the golf course will include a site for an
overnight facility for the Country Club, probably in the form of a
boutique hotel, and funds generated by this venture will likewise
be used to upgrade and maintain the Club as well as secure the
sustainability of the Club.
Continued on Page 2
Witnessing the milestone lease agreement signing are (back left): Gerry
Gibson (RBCC Manco), Hannes Struwig (iNdlovu), Adv Rina Erasmus
(Director: Corporate Services), Johan van den Berg (RBCC President),
Cllr Louis van Zyl, Ernest van Ballegooyen (RBCC Manco); (front left):
Dr Tonie Heyneke (Chief Executive Officer), Mayor Denny Moffatt, Eddie
Reynolds (RBCC Chairman) and Cllr Liz Wood.
Toasting to the success of the new golf course development and
housing estate are Richards Bay Country Club Management Committee
(Manco) members (left): Minette Reynolds, Marieta van den Berg, Joan
Gibson, Ronel Uys, Tom Strydom, Juliana Strydom and Natalie Klückow.

Continued from Page 1
Golf course estate
Comments from the role players
Mayor Denny Moffatt:
“I’d like to recognise the open, competitive and
transparent process that the Council employed when
calling for expressions of interest and in drawing up the
lease agreement itself. It was important that everyone
had to be thoroughly aware of what they were getting
into.
“In business timing is everything and in this case the
timing is very opportune as we expect to attract two
important industrial developments in the next few months.
Location and is also critical and we definitely have that
here. The City needs a development like this at the top
end of the market and this will certainly ease some of the
housing pressure we have been experiencing. We are
pleased to be part of this decision.”
Johan van den Berg (President of the Richards Bay
Country Club):
“Personally I think this development is going to be an
overwhelming success for the benefit of the City of
uMhlathuze and the Country Club. In 10 years we will
look back and say that it was a necessity that such a
development took place.”
Hannes Struwig (INdlovu Development Trust):
“I would like to thank the Club and Council for the spirit
of co-operation for the work done to date and we look
forward to working together with you on such a prestigious
estate.”
Members of the Richards Bay Golf Course Estate Steering
Committee (back from left) Chris van der Merwe, Dwayne
Baker, Janet Fuller, Glen Hesse, Rina Erasmus, Hilton
Renald, and Roland Hinrichs with (front) Alan Moss, Lisl
van Aarde and Snyman van Straaten
Who is INdlovu Development Trust?
The Trust comprises GM Projects CC and Cenprop Real
Estate. They jointly developed the Prince's Grant Golf
club and Country Estate on the North Coast. Leading
the development team are Hannes Struwig, an
experienced Town Planner; Guy Smith, a golf course
expert and attorney; and Glen Hesse, a developer from
Pietermaritzburg.
Key projects in the various areas of the Industrial Development Zone
(IDZ) are well on track with construction expected to start on some
of them within this year and 2006.
Among these are Tata Steel, Pulp United, Rainbow Millennium
Power Plant and RBCD.
Plans are also in the final stages for the Grinman aluminium
powder plant, the Environmental Impact Assessment for which is
complete. The product from this plant is used in the manufacture of
ceramics, automobile paints and printing inks among others.
Snyman van Straaten from the Municipality’s Community Facilitation
and Marketing Section said that this industry is to be sited in Zone
1B, which is situated along the proposed Molten Metal Road between
the Bayside and Hillside aluminium smelters.
He said this zone is ideally situated for other associated aluminium
beneficiation businesses as well as those involved in bulk cargo
handling for export and import.
By comparison, businesses that add value to local raw materials
as well as warehousing facilities and container handling are to be
located in Zone 1A of the IDZ. This is due to the close proximity of
this zone to the Port and conveyor belt lines.
According to Dr Syd Kelly of the IDZ the Port has, in principle,
made Berth 606 available for container vessels, however, facilities
for the handling of containers needs upgrading. He said that the Port
already has two or three lines calling to uplift product from existing
large businesses in Richards Bay.
“Infrastructure providing services is about half way to completion
and we are in the process of adjudicating tenders for bulk earthworks,
fencing and geotechnical studies for this area. In April we will call for
tenders for the construction of offices for the IDZ as well as starter
facilities and warehousing units of about 200m 2 and 250m 2 .
Accommodation in these offices will also be offered to SARS and
Home Affairs in terms of the IDZ Act as part of the ‘one stop’ service,”
said Dr Kelly.
Although the proposed dry dock is outside of the IDZ area, Dr
Kelly said that service suppliers could be accommodated in Zone 1A.
“This is an opportunity for SMMEs involved in boat refurbishment and
small ship building companies.”
Commenting on one of the original bottlenecks identified by the
Spatial Development Initiative, the upgrade of the John Ross Highway,
Dr Kelly said that an announcement is expected soon. This follows
the agreement in principle by stakeholders to assist with the costs
of the upgrade.
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IDZ gathers momentum
Council’s concerns of
costs in new liquor bill
The enactment of the National Liquor Act last year has led to the
drafting of the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Licensing Bill by the Province.
This Bill provides for the establishment of the KwaZulu-Natal
Liquor Authority, which would replace the present Liquor Board.
According to the Bill, that is expected to be finalised by May,
and possibly enacted in June or July, people making application
to sell liquor from their business premises have to first apply at
their local municipality.
Council has concerns, however, regarding the implications of
this Bill on the Municipality.
These have been brought to the attention of Kwanaloga
(KwaZulu-Natal Local Government Association) and relate to the
substantial responsibilities, which include among others performing
site inspections, arranging public hearings and the possibility of
legal disputes, all of which would mean extra costs for the
Municipality.

City supports
sports tourism
The City of uMhlathuze is showing its support of the promotion of
sports tourism by sponsoring several high profile events and
encouraging publicity that will showcase the City as a leading sports
venue.
Director of Community Facilitation and Marketing, Pieter Odendaal
said: “We are keen to encourage all tourism opportunities but sports
tourism is the only market that is really presenting itself at present.
The City is home to a wide variety of many excellent sports clubs,
which have the infrastructure to host provincial and national events.
We also have the climate in our favour so it makes sense that we try
to promote this form of tourism, which is growing in its appeal.”
The Zululand Triathlon Club was asked by the convening body of
triathlons to host the 2005 South African Triathlon Championships,
which was held in Richards Bay on 5 and 6 March. At this event a
team was selected to represent South Africa at the World Triathlon
Championships in Japan and Hawaii in September and October this
year. In support of such a prestigious event the Municipality sponsored
R30 500 for T-shirts and medals.
Mr Odendaal said R48 000 has also been sponsored towards
television coverage for the Richards Bay Fishing Bonanza to be held
between 25 and 27 March. The coverage will include 26 minutes of
footage screened five times on the SuperSport channels.
Another national event, the South African Mens Fours Bowls
Tournament, is scheduled for October 2005 and is expected to attract
the country’s top bowlers. The Municipality has indicated, in principle,
its support of this event.
Likewise the Bay-to-Bay Challenge, which is to take place in May,
will benefit from the generosity of the Municipality in the form of
trophies and the sponsorship of a cocktail function.
“Although not a sport, the Municipality has also
made available the Richards Bay Civic Centre to the
Zululand Bonsai Society so that they could again
host the KwaZulu-Natal Bonsai Association’s
Regional Annual Convention. Last year’s event
was well attended by people from across the
province and we are proud to be able to assist
the Society so that they can host a provincial
event in our City,” said Mr Odendaal.
A request to VAT vendors
In terms of the Income Tax Act (Act 71 of 2003), as from 1 March
2005, all valid VAT invoices legally require the inclusion of both
the issuer’s and the recipient’s VAT registration numbers.
To assist Council in complying with this requirement of The
Receiver of Revenue, VAT registered entities are requested to
please supply the City Treasury Department with the following
particulars if they have not already done so:
u Company name
u VAT registration number
u Municipal account number
u Telephone number
u Fax number
u Contact person’s name
For more information please contact Daleen Kruger in the
City Treasury Department on 035-9015107.
3
Kukhishwe eminye
imisebenzi yamanzi
ezindaweni zasemakhaya
Umsebenzi weR17 wezigidi wokwakha Isigaba 3 soHlelo
lokuFakelwa kwaManzi eNingizimu kwesizwe
sakwaMkhwanazi unikwe iFountain Civil Engineering.
Isekela likaNjiniyela weDolobha uRichard Madden
uthe lomsebenzi udingekile ukuze kwenziwengcono
ukuphakelwa kwamanzi endaweni yasePort Durnford.IPort
Durnford njengamanje ithola amanzi asuka ezindaweni
ezimbili.Indawo eseduze kakhulu nasEsikhawini ithola
amanzi ngokuxhunyelwa ezindaweni ezimbili zomsebenzi
wamanzi wasEsikhawini kanti indawo eseleyo iwathola
ngamapitsi kanye nendawo encane yokuhlanza amanzi
khona ePort Dunford.
"Amanzi adonswa Esikhawini adala izinkinga
zokucinana kwawo enxenyeni yakwa J Esikhawini kanti
amapitsi ePort Dunford abuye ome ngesikhathi
sesomiso.Kubuye kubize ukusebenzisa imisebenzi
yokuhlanzwa kwamanzi emincane, esimidala edinga
ukulungiswa ukuze iqophelo lamanzi libengcono."
"Njengoba Imisebenzi yaManzi yasEsikhawini
isiyenziwengcono ukuze ikwazi ukuhlanza amalitha
ayizigidi ezingama 27 ngosuku, kwanqunywa ukuthi
kungcono kuphakelwe indawo yasePort Dunford
ngamanzi ahlanzwe eMisebenzini yaManzi yasEsikhawini.
Ngakho-ke kuzokwakhiwa iphayiphi elizoxhuma kwelikhulu
eliya Esikhawini lona liqonde ePort Durnford."
Isigaba 3 sizofaka nokwakhiwa kwephayiphi
elingamakhilomitha ayi 6 ukuphakela amanzi eMtunzini,
okumanje uhlangabezana nezinkinga zokushodelwa
ngamanzi ngenxa yokungatholakali kwamanzi
angahluziwe anele aphuma eMfuleni uMlalazi.Lenxenye
yomsebenzi iyokwazi ukwenziwa uma uMasipala
wesiFunda woThungulu unquma ukufaka olunye uxhaso
luka R3,8 wezigidi.
Isigaba 3 soHlelo lokuFakelwa kwaManzi eNyakatho
yesizwe sakwaMkhwanazi sinikwe iHydraflow ngenani
lika R4,3 wezigidi.
Lenkampani yawuqeda ngempumelelo umsebenzi
wamanzi eyayiwunikwe ngaphambili ngakho-ke isinalo
ikhono nolwazi lwezimali okudingwa yilomsebenzi.
Ukwakha kulindeleke ukuba kuphele emavikini
angama 30 kanti amaKhansela acele ukuba osonkontileka
baxhumane namaKhansela ezigceme ukuqiniseka ukuthi
umphakathi uyaziswa ngenqubekelaphambili yomsebenzi.
Isigaba 3 sizosondeza amanzi abengamamitha
angama 200 kusuka ezindlini endaweni njengenxenye
yomgomo wesikhathi eside wokufaka amanzi indlu
ngendlu.
Osonkontileka sebefikile esizeni somsebenzi kodwa
umsebenzi uzoqala uma imvume yokusetshenziswa
kwendawo isitholakele kanti ibhekeke maduze nje.
E: Fountain Civil Engineering has been awarded the
R17 million contract to construct Phase 3 of the
Mkhwanazi South Water Supply Scheme and Hydraflow
has been given the R4,3 million contract for Phase 3 of
the Mkwanazi North Water Supply Scheme.

Municipality names Driver of the Year 2004
Vacuum tank truck driver, Frans Mhlongo of the Solid Waste
Coastal Section of Waste Management, is the 2004 Driver of
the Year for Municipal heavy-duty vehicles. Frans Mhlongo has
been a winner of the Driver of the Month competition four times
since inception of the scheme.
The Driver of the Month competition is part of Council’s
incentive driving scheme. Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tonie
Heyneke said the scheme is aimed at encouraging municipal
drivers to exercise more care of Council’s fleet and improve their
driving skills. In doing so they improve their safety on duty as
well as have a positive effect on the Municipality’s finances by
reducing the number of accidents and the need for unplanned
maintenance.
Drivers are monitored on a daily basis. The Chief Executive
Officer, assisted by the Management Team’s recommendations,
uses these evaluations to nominate the best driver of the month,
who is awarded a prize of R200. From the monthly winners a
Driver of the Year is nominated.
Nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:
a) Daily vehicle inspection forms
b) Vehicle inspections to be done – cleanliness
c) Complimentary and bad driving reports
d) Traffic offences
e) Incidents / accidents
f) Validity of licence and PrDP
g) Tyre pressure and condition
h) Fuel reports
i) Number of breakdowns related to inspection forms
Two criteria are used to determine the Driver of the Year:
• Person who won the most monthly awards for the past year
• Person who obtained the highest points for the full year
Frans Mhlongo, who started working at the Municipality in
June 2000 in the Department Community Services and Health,
obtained the highest score on both counts.
In 2003 the Department of Transport held a competition in
which Frans participated, were he was placed first at regional
level. Thereafter he progressed up to Provincial level.
He is a qualified 15 and 17-ton crane operator and was also
a K53 instructor.
Council has given the go ahead for the outsourcing of third party
electricity vending facilities, which will make the purchase of
electricity as easy as a click of button.
Kobus Klopper of the City Treasury said that the Municipality
already has an agreement with Actaris for the supply and support
of the electricity vending and this is to be extended to include
the management and support of third party vendors who are to
be appointed by them.
Actaris has an association with Easypay which handles
e-payments via retail outlets of Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers and others.
These outlets would be the first to be implemented.
Mr Klopper said: “Consumers can expect this service to be
implemented from April onwards but Council will notify clients
via the media as soon as this facility is available.”
Electricity purchases may also be made via the Internet by
4
He has completed a Skid Control course and a V.I.P. and
Defensive Driving course by Pro Driving Tactics. During 1986 to
1993 he was employed at Associated Carriers were he evaluated
drivers.
Frans receives a certificate of merit and a cash prize of
R1000.
The monthly winners of the Driver of Month competition
who were considered for the Driver of the Year prize are:
November 2003........................................Frans Mhlongo
December 2003........................................Derrick Nyawo
January 2004 ...........................................Frans Mhlongo
February 2004..........................................MC Dube
March 2004...............................................No applications
April 2004.................................................X Mbambo
May 2004 ..................................................Mpanana Zulu
June 2004.................................................SJ Mathenjwa
July 2004 ..................................................Frans Mhlongo
August 2004.............................................Bongani Mabika
September 2004.......................................Mpanana Zulu
October 2004 ...........................................Bongani Mabika
November 2004........................................Bongani Mabika
December 2004........................................Frans Mhlongo
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tonie Heyneke and Deputy Mayor,
Doris Ngobese look on as Mayor Denny Moffatt congratulates
Frans Mhlongo on receiving the Municipality’s first ever Driver
of the Year award.
Around the clock electricity purchases soon possible
registering and providing credit card details on the secure site
of www.ipay.co.za. Once registered, purchases can then be
made via the web and through cellphones.
Actaris is also to appoint other vendors, but Mr. Klopper said
that this may take a little longer to implement.
Sales points at these vendors’ outlets would be through
small terminals linked on-line to the MTN GPRS system and
transactions would be concluded in real time via a database in
Cape Town which is linked directly to the local database.
Certain of these outlets may operate 24-hours a day, and
thereby offering consumers the convenience of purchasing
electricity at more convenient hours.
For further information on third party electricity vending
contact Daleen Kruger on 035 901 5107 or Estelle Raper on
035 901 5093, and watch for news in upcoming editions.

Multi-purpose recreation area envisaged
for Empangeni
Expressions of interest are to be called for the
construction, maintenance and management
of a proposed multi-purpose park development
in Empangeni that would include a 4X4 trail,
walking trails and picnic sites.
This is in line with the Business Retention
and Expansion programme (BR&E) launched
in Empangeni two years ago which identified
entertainment as an issue that needed to be
addressed.
uMhlathuze Senior Planner: Local
Economic Development Hennie Smit, who
heads the BR&E programme, hosted an initial
meeting with motor industry representatives
to establish their support for the proposed
project.
While all were in agreement in supporting
such a development none are prepared to be
involved in the management of the project.
Further discussions are to be held with
those already involved in 4X4 trails elsewhere
in the country on the feasibility of such a trail
in the town.
The area identified most suitable for this
type of development is the green belt that runs
alongside the Grantham Highway and towards
Durnford Road. There is a potential second
phase that could incorporate the green belt
extending on the other side of Durnford Road.
Those at the meeting agreed that this
development would assist in rooting out criminal
elements that use the green belt area as shelter
for their operations.
The Department of Community Facilitation
and Marketing has taken advantage of
several different marketing approaches to
ensure that important information about the
Municipality and the City is easily accessible
to residents, investors, potential investors
and tourists.
The most recent opportunity taken by
the Department, in conjunction with the
Corporate Services Department, is a
prominent full-colour advert on the inside
front cover of the new Yellow Pages telephone
directory for the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Assistant Director of Marketing and Tourism,
Cedric Koekemoer explains the reasoning
behind the advert: “We wanted to be proactive
in offering the public a quick guide to the
most frequently used telephone numbers at
the Municipality. This advert saves people
from having to page through the telephone
directory looking for the Municipality’s number
The site for the proposed multi-purpose park in Empangeni area
and then having to dial the switchboard to
reach the department they are looking for.”
The Department has recently published
the 2003/04 Annual Report, which is an ideal
marketing took that has already been
distributed to government departments,
businesses, potential investors and those
that attended the state of the city address.
For the first time, this publication includes a
summary of the Municipal Performance
Report to inform readers of how well the
Municipality has delivered on its targets.
At the end of 2004 the Municipality also
re-launched its website to give Internet
surfers a site that is quicker to download,
easier to navigate and full of important
information about the City and the
Municipality. Visit the new site at
www.richemp.org and forward any comments
you may have to Mr Koekemoer at
035-901 5406.
5
Representatives of the
Motor Industry at an initial
meeting about a proposed
4X4 trail for Empangeni
are Kumar Singh (Mr Car),
Mich Hodgson (Volksway),
Robbie Bezuidenhout
(Provincial Delta), Hennie
Smit (uMhlathuze Senior
Planner: Local Economic
Development), Peter
Cleary (Inyanga Motors)
and Allistair Ritchie
(Ritchie Ford)
Multi-pronged approach to City marketing efforts

Ikomidi Entsha Yenhlangano
Yezokuvakasha I-Ethuba
Ikomidi entsha yeNhlangano yezokuVakasha I-Ethuba (kusukela kwesokunxele)
nguNkkz D Mhlongo, Tukelo Oliphant, Nkkz EK Langa, Thokozani Ndlovu, Nksz
Thoko Mthembu, Nkkz C Mdamba, Nksz S Khumalo, Mnuz NC Mchunu kanye
noSipho Mchunu weNhlangano yezokuVakasha yaseMhlathuze.
Usihlalo ophumayo weNhlangano
yezokuVakasha I-Ethuba, uNksz
Thoko Mthembu nesikhulumi
sosuku soMhlangano woNyaka
uNkkz Amanda Breedt.
Abenza imisebenzi yezandla abaningi baletha
imisebenzi yabo ukuze bakhangise ngayo
eMhlanganweni woNyaka weNhlangano
yezokuVakasha I-Ethuba. Lapha uLungi Cele
noZodwa Mathenjwa bakhombisa izikhwama,
omata kanye nomsebenzi wobuhlalu
owenziwe abenza imisebenzi yezandla
bendawo yaseMadlebe.
Clearing the way for development
The old Nsele Command site that is to be cleared
6
Inhlangano yezokuvakasha yaseNgwelezane I-Ethuba
ibe noMhlangano Wonyaka Ojwayelekile ngoFebruary
lapho kwakhethwa khona ikomidi entsha.
Usihlalo ophumayo walenhlangano, uNksz Thoko
Mthembu waphakamisa ukuba umkhakha ngamunye
ube nabameleli ekomidini.Imikhakha yile:
Abenza imisebenzi yezandla okufaka umsebenzi
wobuhlalu, ezengqephu, ukudweba, ukupenda,
ukubaza kanye nempahla ehlotshisiwe;
Ezobuciko namasiko, kufake izinhlobo ezahlukene
zendlamu yomdabu, umdlalo weshashalazi kanye
nomculo;
Ezemidlalo nokungcebeleka; namabhizinisi
amancane naphakathi nendawo njezindawo zokudla
nezokulala, ezokucima ukoma, ezokuvakasha
nokuhambisa abavakashi.
Unksz uMthembu nosekela sihlalo ophumayo,
unkkz D Mhlongo bazoyisiza bayicathulise ikomidi
entsha.
Isikhulumi sosuku kulomhlangano, unkkz Amanda
Breedt, oyilunga leNhlangano yezokuVakasha
yaseMhlathuze, wachaza ukuthi ezokuvakasha zisho
ukumema abantu beze endaweni yangakini.Ukuze
kwenzeke lokhu kumele kubhekwe izindawo
ezingadonsa abantu endaweni kusungulwe
amabhizinisi amancane okuhlalisa nokukhombisa
abavakashi indawo.
Ebhekise emisebenzini yomdabu, unkkz Breedt
wathi asebekhulile kumele bafundise izingane ukuze
amakhono abo adluliswe kusizakale isizukulwane
esizayo.
"Kubalulekile futhi ukuba abenza imisebenzi
yezandla baye ezifundweni lapho bengafunda khona
ngemisebenzi yabo nanokuthi bangayidayisa kanjani
imikhiqizo yabo."
Unkkz Breedt wakhuthaza umhlangano ukuba
uthole abantu abanothando ngezokuvakasha
nanezindawo zabo babesekomidini entsha.
Inani lababethamele lomhlangano laba wubufakazi
bokuthi lungakanani ugqozi nentshisekelo
yomphakathi ukuba uzibandakanye ekudonseleni
abavakashi ezindaweni zabo.
E: The E-Thuba Tourism Association for
Ngwelezane elected a new committee at its Annual
General Meeting
Council has approved the proposed
demolition of dilapidated buildings
on the old Nsele Commando site in
Empangeni’s Main Road
neighbouring the police station.
Several of the structures on the
property had been temporarily used
by the Council’s security contractor
but have now been vacated.
Council, as landowner, is
concerned that most of the buildings
on the property are no longer safe
for use.
Once the dilapidated buildings
have been demolished and the area
cleared of all debris, the Council
would call for development
opportunities on the site.

PROPERTY NEWS
Resolving rental housing issues
The KwaZulu-Natal Rental Housing Tribunal was formed in 2002
in terms of the Rental Housing Act (Act No 50 of 1999) by the
Department of Housing to promote growth and stability in the
residential housing sector of the province.
In a presentation to the uMhlathuze Executive Committee,
KZN Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) Deputy Director, Dumisani
Ntuli outlined the role of the tribunal and how it functions.
The RHT acts as mediator between landlords and tenants to
resolve disputes, it also aims to educate tenants and landlords
about their rights and obligations and protect both parties against
unfair and unlawful practices.
Those eligible to make use of the services of the RHT include
tenants, landlords, institutions, bodies corporate, tenants’
associations and property managing agents who either reside,
manage or own residential property in KwaZulu-Natal.
Among the unlawful practices of conduct unreasonably
prejudicing the rights and interests of a tenant or landlord are:
the changing of locks; deposits; damage to property; eviction;
intimidation; overcrowding and health matters; maintenance; and
tenant activities.
Both tenants and landlords have rights.
The tenant’s rights as against the landlord include their right
not to have:
1. Their person or home searched (except in terms of a legal
application);
2. Their property searched;
3. Their possessions seized, except in terms of Law of general
application and having first obtained an order of court; or
4. The privacy of their communications infringed.
The landlord’s rights as against the tenant include their right
to:
1. Prompt and regular payment of a rental or any charges that
may be payable in terms of lease;
Raad gee goedkeuring vir
grondverkope
Die verkoop van grond in Loganweg wat aan die sentrale besigheidsgebied
van Empangeni grens, kan verdere residensiële ontwikkeling in die area
tot gevolg hê.
Die Raad het die verkoop van 4812 m 2 eiendom, waarop die ontwikkelaar
12 twee slaapkamer eenhede wil bou, goedgekeur. Die eenhede word
gemik op middel inkomste sowel as eerste huiseienaars.
Volgens Mnr Marcus Nel, Adjunk Direkteur Korporatiewe Dienste sal
die voorgestelde verkoopsooreenkoms eers geadverteer word en indien
daar geen besware aangeteken word nie, sal die koop voortgaan. Hy het
ook bygevoeg en gesê dat die ontwikkelaar, Mnr George Hattingh, die
munisipaliteit verseker het dat daar ‘n mark vir so ‘n ontwikkeling in
Empangeni bestaan en dat hy hoop dat die ontwikkeling verdere ontwikkelinge
sal aanmoedig. Verskeie ander eiendomme word tans waardeer en sal
daarna beskikbaar gestel word vir ontwikkeling.
E: Council has approved the sale of a property in Logan Road, Empangeni,
which could trigger further residential development near the CBD.
7
2. Recover unpaid rental or any other amount that is due and
payable after obtaining a ruling by the Tribunal or an order of
a court of Law;
3. Terminate the lease in respect of rental housing property on
the grounds that this does not constitute an unfair practice
and is specified in the lease;
4. On termination of the lease to:
• Receive the rental housing property in a good state of
repair, save for fair wear and tear; and
• Repossess rental housing property having first obtained
an order of court; and
• Claim compensation for damage to the rental housing
property or any other improvements on the land an which
the dwelling is situated, if any, caused by the tenant, a
member of his household of a visitor of the tenant.
Complaints lodged with the RHT should be done so in writing
to the offices of the Tribunal at private Bag X54637, Durban 4000.
For further information on the RHT call 031 336 5231.
(From left): Stanley Mbatha (Deputy Director of Community
Facilitation), Dumisani Ntuli (KZN Department of Housing),
Sihle Mthethwa (KZN Department of Housing) and Siphiwe
Thusi (Chief Housing Officer).
Voorgestelde
Smelter Uitbreiding
Die Raad het ingestem om ‘n gedeelte van die grond aan die
westekant van Hillside Smelter aan hulle te verkoop vir moontlike
uitbreiding. Die stuk grond was oorspronklik ge-oogmerk vir ‘n
spoorlynreserwe maar word nie langer vir die doel benodig nie.
Hillside Aluminium is tans besig met ‘n
uitvoerbaarheidsondersoek om die derde potlyn uit te brei en
het alreeds onderhandel om twee addisionele stukke grond by
te huur vir die voorgestelde uitbreiding. Die een gedeelte sal
oor ‘n langtermynperiode gehuur word, terwyl die tweede
gedeelte slegs vir die tydelike konstruksie proses benodig sal
word.
Die uitslag van die onderskeie lewensvatbaarheidstudies
sal weldra bekend wees. Daar is egter baie positiewe
aanduidings dat die projek wel sal voortgaan soos byvoorbeeld
die besluit om die spoorlynreserwe aan te koop.
E: Council has agreed to sell a narrow strip of land along
the western side of the Hillside smelter to Hillside Aluminium.

Knowing how to negotiate a traffic circle
Traffic circles, or roundabouts, can be a very
effective tool in managing traffic flow at difficult
intersections. However, their effectiveness largely
depends on the ability of drivers to correctly and
safely negotiate a traffic circle. The uMhlathuze
Traffic Section offers the following advice:
The roundabout (traffic circle) sign indicates
to the driver of a vehicle that he or she shall move
in a clockwise direction at the junction ahead. He
or she shall also yield right of way to traffic
approaching from the right, within the roundabout,
where such vehicles are so close as to constitute
a danger or potential danger.
This is in line with Regulation 301, Act 93/1996,
which addresses the right of way at certain road
junctions: “The driver of a vehicle on a public road
shall, when he or she intends entering any portion
of a public road which constitutes a junction of
two or more public roads where vehicular traffic
is required to move around a traffic island within
such junction, yield the right of way to all vehicular
traffic approaching from his or her right within such junction, unless his or her entry into such junction is controlled by an
instruction given by a traffic officer or a direction conveyed by a road traffic sign requiring him or her to act differently.”
LED projects get going
1. Biosphere Reserve Feasibility Study
Dennis Moss and Associates are
scheduled to complete this study by July
2005. The project has been broken down
into four phases:
(1) Orientation and inception (already
completed),
(2) Preparation of consultative draft
document (March deadline),
(3) Preparation of consultative draft
document (April deadline), and
(4) Preparation of final documents
(May deadline).
The preparation of the consultative draft
document will include a description of the
bioregional planning units that form the
Municipality, land-use classification
proposals, proposals for the establishment
of integrated land management areas such
as conservancies, and place-specific
development guidelines.
The Feasibility Study will assess the
feasibility of a biosphere reserve in
accordance with site-specific characteristics
and UNESCO’s selection criteria. Should
a biosphere reserve be deemed feasible,
the company will provide a draft plan
indicating potential core, buffer, and
transition areas in both a regional and local
context. They will also provide guidance
regarding the registration of such a
biosphere reserve.
The Department of Integrated Development Planning is
making solid progress with its Development Bank of South
Africa (DBSA) funded Local Economic Development projects.
2. uMhlathuze Tourism Plan
Hayley Sharpe SA is responsible for the
Tourism Plan and started work on this
project in November 2004. The final report
is due to be issued at the end of March
2005.
The company has already finalised
Phase 1 and 2 of their work. Phase 1
included research and investigations into
market, product and accessibility issues.
Phase 2 was the compiling and issuing of
the Tourism Development Plan, which
addresses funding requirements, the
marketing strategy, training requirements
as well as implementation timeframes and
budgets.
Phase 3, the implementation of
programmes, is currently underway.
3. Framework for Informal Trading
The Informal Trading Framework is
expected to have a huge impact across
the City as it seeks to designate sites for
informal traders to solve many of the
problems being experienced at present.
The informal trading framework plan
will also include a policy on containers for
business purposes, type of facilities to be
provided by the Municipality and the
institutional arrangements within Council
to manage informal trade as well as
structuring informal traders into
representative bodies.
8
In addition hot spot areas will be
identified that require urgent attention.
Sivest Town Planning Consultants
started the project in February and
will consult with local role players,
complete a site assessment, draft a
model and elect a steering committee
before the end of May. Other aspects
of the project include identifying and
accessing economic linkages and
facilitation and training requirements.
The project is scheduled to run until
August 2005.
4. Housing Needs Assessment
Helgaard Botha and Associates are
undertaking this project and will have
assessed the current supply and demand
for housing in the City by the end of March.
They will also be looking at the future
demand for housing at all income levels in
order to present a comprehensive housing
overview by 4 April. They will be presenting
their results to municipal management in
mid-April.
The Housing Needs Assessment will
assist the Municipality’s 5 Year
Development Programme by prioritising
land earmarked for development to be
developed for the various income groups
as well as people’s demand for housing in
the various stages of the housing cycle
(from young to the elderly).

Know the rules
of the road
When 12 or more persons (including the driver) are transported
in/on any vehicle, the driver of such vehicle shall have a valid
Professional Driving Permit for the transportation of persons -
whether or not it is for hire or reward.
Those found breaking this law will be charged according to
Sec. 32(1) R/W Reg.115 R/W Sec.89(1), Act 93/96:
As driver, drove said vehicle whilst transporting 12 or more
persons to wit (total), without a valid Professional Driving Permit.
Or the alternative charge:
Fail to carry 12 or more persons without a valid Professional
Driving Permit.
Those exempt from this law are:
a) A Traffic Officer or Examiner of Vehicles in the performance
of his/her duties;
b) Person driving a hearse;
c) Person driving a vehicle exempted in Reg. 21(1) or 21(5) -
vehicles exempted of licencing fees;
d) Person driving a tractor
e) A learner driver *
* A learner driver is allowed to operate a vehicle for which
the driver is required to have a valid PrDP, provided that
he/she is accompanied by a person in possession of a valid
PrDP and that such vehicle is not transporting persons for
reward.
Council to contribute to
John Ross upgrade
The Council of the City of uMhlathuze has resolved to
contribute R30-million towards the long overdue upgrade
of the John Ross Highway.
Initial plans to toll the upgraded road were unacceptable
to the various political parties, trade unions, business
organisations of both Richards Bay and Empangeni and
the residents of the City.
The Minister of Transport has since shelved the toll
option and has indicated that an alternative source of
financing would be sought for the upgrade.
While the Minister of Trade and Industry has committed
considerable funding for the upgrade, on condition that
various stakeholders including the national, provincial and
local government will also make a contribution.
Although the Council has approved the funding it is
subject to either making a contribution towards the capital
and interest payments on a portion of the improvement
of the road or that a portion of the road be transferred to
the Municipality and the Council would then accept
responsibility for the upgrade of that portion of the road.
9
Richards Bay Clean Air
Association:
Monthly Report - January 2005
COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDELINES:
There were no exceedances of the DEAT SO2 guidelines during the
reporting period.
AIR QUALITY COMPLAINTS
A total of 23 air quality complaints were received for the month, 12 of
which were related to emissions or strong odours from the Foskor plant,
with 8 related to emissions or strong odours from the Mondi plant. Most
of the complaints originated from Veldenvlei and the Central Business
District.
Number of complaints
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
RBCAA Number of complaints per month
2003 2004 2005
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Distribution of complaints by source
Foskor 12
Fire 2
Year to Date
Distribution of
Complaints
by Source
(01 January 2005
- 31 January 2005)
Hillside 1
Mondi 8
Year to Date Distribution of Complaints by Area (2004)
(01 January 2004 - 31 December 2004)
JR highway, 12%
CTC, 6%
Empang
eni, 3%
Enseleni,
1%
Alton, 5%
Hillside, 3%
Hillside, 4%
Foskor area, 4%
Other, 5%
Fire/smoke, 9%
Veldenvlei, 20%
Mondi, 35%
Foskor, 52%
Meerensee,
5%
Arboretum,
9%
Arboretum Ext.,
8%
CBD, 17% Brackenham, 1%

National Water Week
21-27 March 2005
The third week of March is National
Water Week. This is an annual event
which focuses the public’s attention on
the importance of water, one of South
Africa’s most scarce resources.
In 1992, The National Water Week
was introduced to South Africa. It
coincides with the official date for World
Water Day on 22 March. This is an ideal
time for us all to think about how we use
our most precious natural resource –
WATER.
In a media release (18 January 2005)
by the Department of Water Affairs and
Forestry, Minister Buyelwa Sonjica urged
all people living in South Africa to use
water sparingly as the water situation in
our country is serious at present and
there is still reason for concern.
The Minister said that “the overall
situation in the country is worrisome and
has not improved over the last few
months despite the rain in certain parts
of the country since December 2004.
Some areas appear green and the crops
are growing but that does not reflect a
true picture of our country’s water
situation at present”.
Minister Sonjica appealed to everyone
in the country to contribute towards the
situation by using water sparingly.
“Dripping taps and the unnecessary and
extended use of hosepipes and sprinklers
are taxing on our current water situation.
South Africa is a water scarce country
and all water users should exercise
discipline in water use.
Water conservation is something we
can all practice. Except for the air we
breathe, water is the single most
important element in our lives. It is too
precious to waste.
Here are some useful tips on saving
water:
In the bathroom
• Check bathroom for leaks or drips
• Take short showers or shallow baths.
• Put a plastic bottle of water in the
cistern to reduce water used per
flush…. don't use a brick as it may
disintegrate.
• Check overflow pipes to see that
water is not draining out.
• Install a water-saving shower head
or aerator.
Check Toilets for Leaks
• Place a few drops of food colouring
in the cistern and leave for ten
minutes. If the water in the bowl
changes colour then the toilet is
leaking and this water is going down
the sewers. Get a plumber to fix the
cistern. Also check overflow pipes.
Outside the Home
• Wash the car with a few buckets of
water rather than the hose.
• Keep water level in pools low to
minimise splashing.
• Don't use the hose to sweep the
driveway/patio; a broom will do the
job.
In the Kitchen and Laundry
• Use only full loads in automatic
washing machines and dishwashers.
• Don't wash or rinse dishes under a
running tap, use the plug.
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the
fridge; running water till it cools off is
wasteful.
Burst Pipes or Overflowing Drains on the
Pavement or Road
• Call the local Municipality and report
the problem.
For more interesting facts and water
saving tips visit the websites below:
http://www.worldwaterday.org and
www.dwaf.gov.za
10
Dates to diarise
MARCH
21 March McDonalds Cycling Event
at Richards Bay. Contact Murray
Langley on 082 550 1513.
25 – 27 March Richards Bay Fishing
Bonanza at the Richards Bay Ski-Boat
Club. Contact Sandra at 035-753 4845.
APRIL
2 April Empangeni Market at the
Empangeni Arts and Crafts Centre.
Contact Marlise on 035-753 3909.
5 April Beachcombers Photographic
Club monthly meeting at the
Empangeni Country Club. Contact
Hendrik 0829635287 or Manie
0824905075
10 April KZN Duathlon
Championship at Richards Bay.
Contact Casper Kriel on 082 896 6011.
17 April Bearing Man Triathlon
Series 1 at Richards Bay. Contact
Casper Kriel on 082 896 6011.
29 April Voyage to Ancient World
Food Fair at the Richards Bay
Christian School, Disa Dives,
Veldenvlei (behind Engen Garage) at
6pm. Food is R15 per portion.
MAY
2 May Tuzi Gazi Cycling Challenge
at Richards Bay. Contact Malan Naude
on 082 458 0571.
14/21 May Bay to Bay Challenge at
Richards Bay. Contact Martina on
035-9015405.
7 May Empangeni Market at the
Empangeni Arts and Crafts Centre.
Contact Marlise on 035-753 3909.
15 May Bearing Man Triathlon
Series 2 at Richards Bay. Contact
Casper Kriel on 082 896 6011.
21 May Hillside 21km Run and 10km
Walk at Richards Bay. Contact Casper
Kriel on 082 896 6011.
29 May uMhlathuze Tour 80-100km
Cycling at Empangeni. Contact Casper
Kriel on 082 896 6011.
To advertise your event in
uMhlathuze News and on the
Municipality’s website
www.richemp.org, contact Mandy
Nel on 035-9015403.

Community Corner
News from uMhlathuze’s African explorer
Intrepid explorer, Riaan Manser, who grew
up and attended school in Richards Bay,
made national news at the end of 2004
when M-Net’s Carte Blanche featured his
trip to circumnavigate the African continent
on a bicycle. uMhlathuze News caught up
with Riaan to find out how his trip has
progressed since then:
The last few months have been hell due
to beaurocratic hurdles. I have not been
able to pass through the Sudanese or
Eritrean borders freely because the conflict
in these areas has been too severe. In fact
the two towns I passed through on the way
to Eritrea, Port Sudan and Kassala, both
experienced serious gun battle before and
during my trip through. It feels strange to
be inside what I've always only seen on TV.
I have been sent back from the Eitrean
border to Khartoum again. But this time, as
I did in Egypt, I will backtrack by flying to
Asmara (Eritrea) then work my way back
to the Sudan border.
How did you spend Christmas and New
Year?
I was in Atbara, Sudan and trying not
to think about the people back home and
what they were up to. New Year was spent
in Khartoum with the SA Ambassador to
Sudan. The Deputy Minister of Minerals
and Energy Affairs was also there as well
as some prominent SA businessmen.
President Mbeki was here co-incidentally
to assist with the signing of the peace
agreement between North and South
Sudan. The embassy had arranged for me
to meet with the President but unfortunately
the schedule was too crammed and he flew
home directly. That would have been a
highlight, but at least our President knows
about me, which is something.
I must add that the three beers I had
that night did leave me with a huge
hangover. I don’t consume alcohol on my
trip at all.
Any exciting/memorable/terrifying
incidents you'd like to share?
Those moments that stand out the most
include seeing the temples of Abu Simbel
in the golden early morning sun off the
Egypt/Sudan ferry. Swimming in the Red
Sea was phenomenal - it was a wonderful
way to refresh and it really does feel like
you’re in a fish tank.
I was awarded the freedom to the
Egyptian state of Hurghada. It includes the
entire Red Sea coast of Egypt plus the Sinai
Peninsula. They had a ceremony where I
was presented with an award by their
equivalent of our provincial premiers.
I cycled through the main Shelatin, the
main camel market of Egypt where the
camels are as noisy as the people haggling
over the prices. Camels smell and are not
the perfect domestic animal, but I ate camel
steak often in this area and made myself
camel milk milkshakes when available. I
also drank a lot of donkey milk in Khartoum
until I was advised against it. Apparently
they add antibiotics to the milk so that it
lasts longer.
The time spent chatting to the doctor
about the female circumcision (FGM -
female genital mutilation) affected and
discouraged me. I was discouraged because
it is imposed on 95% of the girls and I felt
helpless to prevent it. I had the same feeling
when I saw the patients at the amputee
camps in Sierra Leone.
When will you arrive in SA?
My timetable is about seven months out
from my original plans, but I’m not too
concerned because finishing is my primary
goal. I think I’ve spent enough time away
and on my own so now I’m doing everything
possible to get back as soon as I can.
Were it not for the paperwork issues
and conflicts in the northern countries I
could have been very near home. Now I
hope to be home by about April, hopefully
coming through Richards Bay and visiting
some people back home. The stretch in SA
will be scheduled but unrushed but first I
have to conquer Somalia, which I believe
is my last genuine hurdle. I am afraid of
what that country has in store.
How many kilometres have you cycled
and how many to go?
I have completed
23 500 km and have
about 13 000km
to go.
11
I am expecting the 2 000km in SA to be
easier. When circumstances allow me to
cycle I can average over 100km per day –
usually 700km per week.
I just hope to still be able to catch the
tail wind along the Mocambiquan coast
before the end of March. Head wind is the
toughest of the physical difficulties.
Mountains and dirt roads are always
welcome.
What are you most looking forward to
about coming home?
I wanted to do something for myself
when I started this trip, but I honestly want
to make South Africans more "Proudly
South African" too. So I look forward to
seeing the response from those back home
- I want to see the look in people’s eyes,
seeing children who want to touch the bike
and ask me "silly" questions. I want to see
how my trip motivates someone else to do
something everybody believes is impossible.
Other than that, a big boerewors roll
with a carton of ice cold maas will go down
well – and playing some more rugby before
I’m really too old (although my body won’t
agree to that right now!) And then I can’t
wait to start planning my next trip...
What has been your favourite country
so far, through a visitor's eyes, and why?
Having visited 27 counties in this short
space of time and experiencing them close
up it is difficult to elevate one as the ultimate.
But when I think back to one country that
made a lasting impression on me it has to
be Algeria. The sites are average but the
people are awesome – from the top drawer.
From a site point of view, Egypt also
rates up there. I like history and Egypt is
popping at the seams with
that.

Mass participation sports event kicks off
The City of uMhlathuze was honoured to host the provincial launch of the national
mass sports participation programme that took place at the Esikhawini College of
Education in February.
The event was attended by uMhlathuze Speaker, DA Nxumalo and several
Esikhawini ward councillors along with members of the KZN Legislature’s Portfolio
on Sport and Recreation. KZN MEC for Sport and Recreation, Mr Amichand Rajbansi
was the main speaker on the day and SA soccer legend, Doctor Khumalo delivered
an inspired address to the youth.
The project is an initiative of the South Africa Sports Commission and was borne
out of a request by President Thabo Mbeki for a moral regeneration campaign aimed
at getting people involved in sport and recreation.
The broad objectives of the programme are to:
• Train unemployed community-based sport leaders to facilitate sport programmes.
• Pay them a monthly stipend for 12 months.
• Mobilise young & old to participate in sport and recreation.
• Counteract anti-social activities and crime.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the programme is being co-ordinated by the KZN Department
of Sport & Recreation. Four suburbs were strategically identified in the province
with Esikhawini in the northern hub. The University of Johannesburg’s Department
of Sport & Leisure Sciences were appointed to externally monitor progress and
continuously evaluate the programme.
In the interest of co-operative governance in sport, uMhlathuze Municipality’s
Department of Parks, Sport & Recreation has signed a co-operation agreement
with the KZN-DSR to avail local facilities as well as to assist with basic administrative
and logistical support for the project.
Superintendent of Sport & Recreation, Kush Mothilall explains: “Information
sessions were organised with the Ward Councillors and local sport associations of
Esikhawini to facilitate buy-in, support and ownership. The success of the programme
depends on the existing partnership and on the community owning the project and
taking responsibility for its sustainability.
“Presently, activities include street ball, basketball, athletics, gymnastics, indigenous
games and dance sport. Further activities will be added on after the yearly review
of the programme. In addition, the programme could be extended to other suburbs
in the region.”
Kuzokwakhiwa Ezinye Izindlela
Zabahamba Ngezinyawo
IDolobha uMhlathuze selimemezele ukuthi lizochitha imali ewu R3,1 wezigidi
ngohlelo lokwenzangcono izindlela zabahamba ngezinyawo ezindaweni
zasemakhaya.
Kulemali I R2,7 wezigidi imali yoxhaso ephuma esiKhwameni esiyiSipesheli
seZingqalasizinda zoMasipala bese kuthi 1R370 000 eseleyo kube ephuma
kuMkhandlu. Umsebenzi wahlukaniselwe osonkontileka ababili.I-Impact Plus
JV Central High Trading inikwe R1,6 wesigidi ukwakha izindlela zabahamba
ngezinyawo eNgwelezane nasEsikhawini.Umsebenzi uzothatha amaviki ayi 12.
IMswane Construction ithole R1 isigidi ukwenza umsebenzi ofanayo
eVulindlela naseNseleni, okulindeleke ukuba kuthathe amaviki ayi 10.
E: The Municipality is to spend a further R3,1 million towards its programme
to improve pedestrian access in the rural areas.
uMhlathuze News - Also on: www.richemp.org.za
Correspondence: Mr Cedric Koekemoer, Private Bag X1004, Richards Bay 3900. Tel (035) 9015406. E-mail:
ckoekemoer@richemp.org.za
Articles, co-ordination: Gillian Readman, Mevamhlope Communications. Tel 0836420020.
E-mail: greadman@iafrica.com Design and Layout: Alliance! Graphic Design Printing: Natal Printers
12
Speaker, DA Nxumalo together with the other
dignitaries on the day.
There was an overwhelming turnout for the
launch of the national mass participation
programme in Esikhawini.
uMhlathuze Superintendent of Sport and
Recreation, Kush Mothilall meets SA soccer
legend, Dr Khumalo
Dr Khumalo was on hand to motivate
tomorrow’s soccer stars.