16 March 2009

For immediate release

Hibiscus Coast Municipality making a difference at KwaNzimakwe

Politicians from all levels converged on our beautiful South Coast on Sunday, March 15, 2009 to take part in a marathon all day programme put together by the Mayor of Hibiscus Coast Municipality, Councillor N.F. Shusha.

First stop was San Lameer conference centre where Mayor Shusha hosted dignitaries accompanying Minister Buyelwa Sonjica of the Department of Minerals and Energy and had breakfast together. Among these dignitaries were Minster Zola Skweyiya of the Social Development department; Dr Zweli Mkhize, MEC for Economic Development in KZN; Ms Peggy Nkonyeni, MEC for Health in KZN and Dr Ngcobo, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee-Minerals and Energy.

Also present were Cllr Sthembiso Cele Mayor of Ugu, Cllr Ruth Bhengu Deputy Mayor of Ugu, Cllr Johnny de Wet Deputy Mayor of HCM, Cllr Ravi Pillay Speaker of Ugu, Cllr Ronnie Nair Speaker of HCM, Mzwandile Mkhwanazi Secretary of ANC Lower South Coast Region, Chief Nzimakwe, Chief Xolo, business captains and other key stakeholders. They were all briefed on what the programme of the day entailed.

The delegation proceeded to kwaLatshoda, a low cost housing settlement in the kwaNzimakwe area where more than 300 people were waiting for them. Amongst the dignitaries accompanying Minister Sonjica were Minster Zola Skweyiya of the Social Development department; Dr Zweli Mkhize, MEC for Economic Development in KZN; Ms Peggy Nkonyeni, MEC for Health and Dr Ngcobo, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee-Minerals and Energy.

The spokesperson for the department, Mr Bheki Khumalo briefly outlined that the department had decided to take action after receiving a request for electrification of the area earlier this year. After funding had been secured, the necessary preliminary work had then been undertaken. The department was thus in the area to officially launch the project, which is expected to get off the ground in April of this year. It is anticipated that 600 homes will benefit.

The Minister also expressed her satisfaction that the lives of the people of kwaLatshoda will be changing for the better in the near future. However, she did caution residents on the proper use of electricity, and imparted some valuable energy saving tips.  The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dr Ngcobo also reminded the community members about the recently opened Moses Kotane Institute of Technology, whose focus is to skill students and educators in the fields of maths, science and technology.

The launch of the project was symbolized by the planting of a tree and a resident of the area, Mr Simphiwe Hlophe, was fortunate to receive a donation of electrical appliances from the department.

The delegation then proceeded to iNkosi Nzimakwe’s home, where they paid a courtesy call to Ndlunkulu Nombuso.

Thereafter it was off to Mpenjati sportsfield, where about five thousand people were patiently waiting for the final part of the programme to begin. On arrival, the delegation was joined by Amakhosi Ndwalane, Nzimakwe, Lushaba and Madlala from the Ugu district, as well as Inkosi Zondi from Sisonke. The theme running through the entire programme was of celebration. As was to be expected, most speakers also touched on the upcoming election on 22 April 2009, and all emphasized the need for political tolerance and responsible behavior in the run up to the election.

Minister Sonjica told the thousands of people gathered at the sportsfield that her department would be increasing the electricity budget of the Hibiscus Coast municipal area by another R10million, to benefit about a thousand homes. She also reminded the people that the departments of Social Development and Minerals and Energy offered bursaries to deserving students from poor families to cover the full cost of their tertiary education. She encouraged the community to take advantage of these and other opportunities offered by the government.

At the close of the formal proceedings, gifts from various guests were handed over to Ndlunkulu Nombuso as a gesture of goodwill. Then it was time for everyone to enjoy the traditional feast prepared, and a good time was had by all.  

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Issued by :                  Hibiscus Coast Municipality

Communications Unit

Contact Person:        Mr Xolani Dlangalala

            Tel:      (039) 688 2033

                                    Email: xolani@hcm.gov.za