Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Durban Welcomes World's Statisticians
VOTE OF THANKS BY HIS WORSHIP, COUNCILLOR OBED MLABA, MAYOR OF THE ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA, AT OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 57th SESSION OF THE ISI CONFERENCE AT THE DURBAN ICC ON 16 AUGUST 2009.
Thank You, Programme Director.
Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I wish to recognise the leadership of the International Statistics Institute and the South African local organising committee.
Before I proceed any further with my vote of thanks, I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage to one of the finest mathematicians South Africa ever produced, Professor Thamsanqa Wilkinson Kambule, who recently passed away at the age of 88.
Despite the horrendous impact apartheid had on black people, the likes of the elder statesman of education, who mentored and inspired anti-apartheid luminaries such as the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Reverend Frank Chikane and a generation of disadvantaged leaders and activists, had succeeded in reaching the pinnacle of academic excellence.
The reality that ISI-2009 has arrived today is a testimony to the worldwide resolve to rid the world of this horrific brand of racial discrimination and prejudice.
But let me also extend a vote of thanks to Statistician-General, Mr Pali Lehohla and the rest of his team at Statistics South Africa for choosing Durban as the preferred venue to host this gathering of scientists.
I am told that since its formation 124-year ago, this association is meeting for the very first time in sub-Saharan Africa.
As the Mayor of the eThekwini Metropole, I have pleasure in performing this civic duty and taking this opportunity of extending a warm and cordial welcome to all our distinguished delegates to this, the 57th world session of the International Statistics Institute.
I am pleased that Durban will go down as the dateline and destination for the significant gathering of global players in the statistical field and those developments relevant to shaping the world-wide statistical agenda will be discussed in this great hall.
It is most heartening that the world continues to look to Africa and that the ISI has headlined this conference “Siyabonga Africa”.
I join the people of Durban in saying: “Siyabonga ISI-2009”.
As a growing convention city on the edge of the Indian Ocean Rim, Durban has clinched a string of “first in Africa” bids of world conventions, congresses, concerts and sports championships in the past dozen years.
Let me assure you that, as someone who has implicit faith in Africa’s ability to deliver world-class events, this continent is imbued with humanity and home-grown hospitality to ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable African experience.
Also, the ISI-2009 Conference could not have come at a better time for our province of KwaZulu Natal.
Delegates are visiting at a time when Durban has less than 300 days to welcome hundreds of thousands of local and foreign football fans to the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held under the pan-African banner of “Ke Nako – Celebrating Africa’s Humanity!”
I hope that the soccer fans among the statisticians will join us again next year.
As a progressive city government committed to its 2020 Vision of ensuring that Durban enjoys the reputation of being Africa’s most caring and liveable city, I am proud that the City continues to host important conferences which bring together delegates from around the world.
Programme Director, Durban is known as South Africa’s playground and our delegates will get to witness this for themselves.
We will be throwing an exciting beach party for all of you on Tuesday.
I am confident that when all is said and done during the many sessions of your scientific discussions, including an extraordinary session on women in statistics, delegates will enjoy our sights and sounds while relaxing and experiencing an exotic taste of our cuisine, culture and hospitality.
I invite you to take a peep at the Moses Mabhida World Cup Soccer Stadium to get a sense of our unprecedented development since becoming a democratic state.
Our list of sightseeing and tourism icons, coupled with restaurants and pubs and major shopping malls are endless.
From the fascinating eco-friendly tourist zone of the Ushaka Marine World to the thunderous beats of Zulu culture, heritage and legacy in the Valley of the Thousand Hills, delegates will certainly receive value for money at these recommended tourist high spots.
Finally, I extend my best wishes to all the participants as you prepare to spend the next seven days discussing and debating issues ranging from the challenge of building a supply of statisticians for the future to tackling how many official statistical agencies are faced with the accelerating challenges to build and maintain the range of statisticians that are required to meet the ever increasing challenges of modern statistical offices.
Durban, South Africa and Africa will benefit from your intellectual and technical inputs, intervention and sharing of your diverse knowledge economy.
With these few words of good wishes and goodwill, I place on record the city’s gratitude and thanks to one and all that have made this conference an African reality today.
I Thank You.
Thank You, Programme Director.
Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I wish to recognise the leadership of the International Statistics Institute and the South African local organising committee.
Before I proceed any further with my vote of thanks, I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage to one of the finest mathematicians South Africa ever produced, Professor Thamsanqa Wilkinson Kambule, who recently passed away at the age of 88.
Despite the horrendous impact apartheid had on black people, the likes of the elder statesman of education, who mentored and inspired anti-apartheid luminaries such as the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Reverend Frank Chikane and a generation of disadvantaged leaders and activists, had succeeded in reaching the pinnacle of academic excellence.
The reality that ISI-2009 has arrived today is a testimony to the worldwide resolve to rid the world of this horrific brand of racial discrimination and prejudice.
But let me also extend a vote of thanks to Statistician-General, Mr Pali Lehohla and the rest of his team at Statistics South Africa for choosing Durban as the preferred venue to host this gathering of scientists.
I am told that since its formation 124-year ago, this association is meeting for the very first time in sub-Saharan Africa.
As the Mayor of the eThekwini Metropole, I have pleasure in performing this civic duty and taking this opportunity of extending a warm and cordial welcome to all our distinguished delegates to this, the 57th world session of the International Statistics Institute.
I am pleased that Durban will go down as the dateline and destination for the significant gathering of global players in the statistical field and those developments relevant to shaping the world-wide statistical agenda will be discussed in this great hall.
It is most heartening that the world continues to look to Africa and that the ISI has headlined this conference “Siyabonga Africa”.
I join the people of Durban in saying: “Siyabonga ISI-2009”.
As a growing convention city on the edge of the Indian Ocean Rim, Durban has clinched a string of “first in Africa” bids of world conventions, congresses, concerts and sports championships in the past dozen years.
Let me assure you that, as someone who has implicit faith in Africa’s ability to deliver world-class events, this continent is imbued with humanity and home-grown hospitality to ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable African experience.
Also, the ISI-2009 Conference could not have come at a better time for our province of KwaZulu Natal.
Delegates are visiting at a time when Durban has less than 300 days to welcome hundreds of thousands of local and foreign football fans to the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held under the pan-African banner of “Ke Nako – Celebrating Africa’s Humanity!”
I hope that the soccer fans among the statisticians will join us again next year.
As a progressive city government committed to its 2020 Vision of ensuring that Durban enjoys the reputation of being Africa’s most caring and liveable city, I am proud that the City continues to host important conferences which bring together delegates from around the world.
Programme Director, Durban is known as South Africa’s playground and our delegates will get to witness this for themselves.
We will be throwing an exciting beach party for all of you on Tuesday.
I am confident that when all is said and done during the many sessions of your scientific discussions, including an extraordinary session on women in statistics, delegates will enjoy our sights and sounds while relaxing and experiencing an exotic taste of our cuisine, culture and hospitality.
I invite you to take a peep at the Moses Mabhida World Cup Soccer Stadium to get a sense of our unprecedented development since becoming a democratic state.
Our list of sightseeing and tourism icons, coupled with restaurants and pubs and major shopping malls are endless.
From the fascinating eco-friendly tourist zone of the Ushaka Marine World to the thunderous beats of Zulu culture, heritage and legacy in the Valley of the Thousand Hills, delegates will certainly receive value for money at these recommended tourist high spots.
Finally, I extend my best wishes to all the participants as you prepare to spend the next seven days discussing and debating issues ranging from the challenge of building a supply of statisticians for the future to tackling how many official statistical agencies are faced with the accelerating challenges to build and maintain the range of statisticians that are required to meet the ever increasing challenges of modern statistical offices.
Durban, South Africa and Africa will benefit from your intellectual and technical inputs, intervention and sharing of your diverse knowledge economy.
With these few words of good wishes and goodwill, I place on record the city’s gratitude and thanks to one and all that have made this conference an African reality today.
I Thank You.
Durban Mayor Salutes Imagine Durban Team
Message from Political Leadership
By City of Durban Mayor
His Worship Councillor
Obed Mlaba
At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the work of the Imagine Durban team during its 2007-2009 term in raising the profile on the eThekwini Municipality’s commitment to current global issues such safer and sustainable cities, climate change, energy saving, conservation, environment and greenhouse gas emissions.
Spearheaded by the city’s Corporate Policy Unit, the roll-out of the Demonstration Project reached many communities and created enormous awareness on environmental issues in the urban and rural areas of the Greater Durban Region in the past two years.
Through our partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency, the eThekwini Municipality led a successful community-driven initiative on integrated, long-term planning for Durban. I am pleased that this project, implemented in conjunction with Sustainable Cities, a Non- Governmental Organisation from Vancouver, Canada, and the PLUS Network of 35 cities in 14 countries, provided Durban with an international platform of sharing experiences in sustainability planning and sustainable community development.
An added boost to the project was Durban’s hosting of a conference on Sustainable Cities in 2008. After South Africa hosted the first World Summit on Sustainability at the turn of the new century, Durban became one of the first global cities to have signed protocols on Sustainability and Climate Change.
As a progressive city, the political leadership and the municipal administration are guided by the city’s 2020 vision that reads: "By 2020, eThekwini Municipality will enjoy the reputation of being Africa’s most caring and liveable city, where all citizens live in harmony. This Vision will be achieved by growing its economy and meeting people’s needs so that all citizens enjoy a high quality of life with equal opportunities, in a city that they are truly proud of.”
As a city that cares for its citizens and the environment and that is why as a city government we remain committed to transforming Durban into a truly sustainable city by striving to achieve the following key focal areas and themes:
· Creating a safer city;
· Ensuring a more environmentally sustainable city;
· Promoting an accessible city;
· Creating a city where all enjoy sustainable livelihoods;
· Fostering a more caring and empowering city;
· Celebrating the city’s cultural diversity, history and heritage;
Through Durban’s Long Term Planning for City Sustainability, I am confident that the publication, The Power of Imagination, published by the Corporate Policy Unit, will chronicle the short history of the Imagine Durban project and bring to the public domain the 50 Lessons from Durban, South Africa.
May the “Imagine” concept continue to highlight Durban’s commitment to change ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Hopefully, Africa’s contribution, concerns and perspectives to the governmental negotiations will lead to the formation of a continental network on environmental and Climate Change issues.
Message researched and written by Marlan Padayachee, Amanda Cele,Sally Nene, Sibusiso Ngema, all of GreenGold Africa Communications, on behalf of the Mayor’s Office, City of Durban, eThekwini Municipality, for the Durban’s Long-Term Planning for City Sustainability, Power of Imagination publication by the Corporate Policy Unit, 7 August 2009 / www.greengoldcom.com/ greengold@mtnloaded.co.za 083 796 1762/ 083 797 1762/ 031 266 0178, 266 5599 (telefax)
By City of Durban Mayor
His Worship Councillor
Obed Mlaba
At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the work of the Imagine Durban team during its 2007-2009 term in raising the profile on the eThekwini Municipality’s commitment to current global issues such safer and sustainable cities, climate change, energy saving, conservation, environment and greenhouse gas emissions.
Spearheaded by the city’s Corporate Policy Unit, the roll-out of the Demonstration Project reached many communities and created enormous awareness on environmental issues in the urban and rural areas of the Greater Durban Region in the past two years.
Through our partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency, the eThekwini Municipality led a successful community-driven initiative on integrated, long-term planning for Durban. I am pleased that this project, implemented in conjunction with Sustainable Cities, a Non- Governmental Organisation from Vancouver, Canada, and the PLUS Network of 35 cities in 14 countries, provided Durban with an international platform of sharing experiences in sustainability planning and sustainable community development.
An added boost to the project was Durban’s hosting of a conference on Sustainable Cities in 2008. After South Africa hosted the first World Summit on Sustainability at the turn of the new century, Durban became one of the first global cities to have signed protocols on Sustainability and Climate Change.
As a progressive city, the political leadership and the municipal administration are guided by the city’s 2020 vision that reads: "By 2020, eThekwini Municipality will enjoy the reputation of being Africa’s most caring and liveable city, where all citizens live in harmony. This Vision will be achieved by growing its economy and meeting people’s needs so that all citizens enjoy a high quality of life with equal opportunities, in a city that they are truly proud of.”
As a city that cares for its citizens and the environment and that is why as a city government we remain committed to transforming Durban into a truly sustainable city by striving to achieve the following key focal areas and themes:
· Creating a safer city;
· Ensuring a more environmentally sustainable city;
· Promoting an accessible city;
· Creating a city where all enjoy sustainable livelihoods;
· Fostering a more caring and empowering city;
· Celebrating the city’s cultural diversity, history and heritage;
Through Durban’s Long Term Planning for City Sustainability, I am confident that the publication, The Power of Imagination, published by the Corporate Policy Unit, will chronicle the short history of the Imagine Durban project and bring to the public domain the 50 Lessons from Durban, South Africa.
May the “Imagine” concept continue to highlight Durban’s commitment to change ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Hopefully, Africa’s contribution, concerns and perspectives to the governmental negotiations will lead to the formation of a continental network on environmental and Climate Change issues.
Message researched and written by Marlan Padayachee, Amanda Cele,Sally Nene, Sibusiso Ngema, all of GreenGold Africa Communications, on behalf of the Mayor’s Office, City of Durban, eThekwini Municipality, for the Durban’s Long-Term Planning for City Sustainability, Power of Imagination publication by the Corporate Policy Unit, 7 August 2009 / www.greengoldcom.com/ greengold@mtnloaded.co.za 083 796 1762/ 083 797 1762/ 031 266 0178, 266 5599 (telefax)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Durban's Little India
Grey Street lost colour as a landmark.(News)
Article from:
Post (South Africa)
Article date:
March 25, 2009 Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2009 Independent News & Media PLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
IN THE February 15, 1996, issue of POST, political reporter Marlan Padayachee wrote that "Durban's Grey Street, one of South Africa's most colourful landmarks, appeared to be slowly losing its niche market as a 'Little India' under the African sun".
He stated criminal activities, including snatching of gold chains from Indian women, had resulted in a substantial drop in the number of shoppers and tourists visiting the unique street.
He added "the city's world famous 1km stretch of sari and sweetmeat shops, takeaway curry and rice cornershops, tuk-tuks and taxis, cobblers and clothing stores, mosques and temples, was a dividing line where East met West".
Economic ...
Article from:
Post (South Africa)
Article date:
March 25, 2009 Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2009 Independent News & Media PLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
IN THE February 15, 1996, issue of POST, political reporter Marlan Padayachee wrote that "Durban's Grey Street, one of South Africa's most colourful landmarks, appeared to be slowly losing its niche market as a 'Little India' under the African sun".
He stated criminal activities, including snatching of gold chains from Indian women, had resulted in a substantial drop in the number of shoppers and tourists visiting the unique street.
He added "the city's world famous 1km stretch of sari and sweetmeat shops, takeaway curry and rice cornershops, tuk-tuks and taxis, cobblers and clothing stores, mosques and temples, was a dividing line where East met West".
Economic ...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
They Danced in the Rain for Zuma's Socialist Nirvana
By Marlan Padayachee
HLUHLUWE is an unlikely place to be visiting on Easter Monday.
Hailed as a tourism magnet because it is home to the Big Five wildlife celebrities and the sacred wetlands, morning broke with a cacophony of hustle and bustle in the one-horse town. At the crossroads of this pineapple town, two worlds greet each other locals and visitors eye one another.
A microcosm of our society was coming alive. Whites were busy in their own world, filling up their tanks and stomachs. Blacks were working and others milling around, preparing for the big day in a town where the poor and jobless witness wealth on wheels.
Hauntingly, a picture of the old country began emerging on the grey skyline with rain threatening the day’s spoils of the new country.
Suddenly, the central hub around the petrol station and convenience centre gets busier with SUVs, with caravans and trailers in tow, competing with mini-bus taxis and buses for space.
Over the holy weekend, holidaymakers lapped up the beauty of the Big Five - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino and other species of indigenous game, they marveled at the flight of pink flamingoes skimming over the Umfolozi. The day dawned for the homeward-bound trek back to the reality check of life in a rainbow country blurred by a fourth democratic election, shrinking currency, fuel shortage sparked by striking truck drivers and the daily diet and dossier of crime, corruption and poor service delivery.
A hearty American breakfast was in order as waiters rushed around, delivering piping hot plates of bacon, eggs and boerwors and steaming coffee.
The visitors appear to be oblivious of the unfolding drama taking place in the town centre, as if they had just visited another world on the edge of a paradise, a seamless catalogue of the sights and sounds of thousands of hectares of animals and birds.
Here in the heartland of the amaZulu country, traditional home of the descendants of the world’s renowned warrior-king, Shaka, the black townsfolk were preparing for a battle royal of new proportions.
This time there are two bulls in a China shop.
A giant colour poster of the old elephant of the north, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, welcomes people as if the Inkatha Freedom Party leader has just been given the freedom of the town. Elsewhere, there were scatterlings of the ANC’s picture-poster image of the new lion of post-apartheid politics, Jacob Zuma.
Both giants are wrestling for control of KwaZulu Natal. This is the heart of the amaZulu country where the country’s isiZulu-speaking presidential frontrunner is taking on the main opposition in their own battleground.
Hluhluwe was preparing for the Big Man. Thousands of young and old supporters, sporting bright yellow and green “Zuma for President” T-shirts, and waving flags bearing the picture of the cadre-commander who would become South Africa’s next political king, were ferried through the town in buses and mini-buses.
Brand ANC had rolled into town. Four sleek Mini Coopers, branded highly in the green, yellow and black colours of the ruling party, formed the security buffer strip between the proletariat and the political elite.
The spirit of this Easter Monday, unlike the sleepy hollow environment of years gone by, had resurrected a new energy in toy-toying politics. The young outnumbered the old as they jived in the pelting rain, waiting for the Black Jesus to bring them the Promised Land.
With a new burst of hope in their eyes, they danced to a new ritual and renaissance. A messiah was coming to town to bring good tidings for long overdue rural development, jobs and economic spin-offs.
But the crowds waited and waited, investing sweat equity for four hours in the intermittent rain with the only blessing coming from some sunshine.
Hundreds of kilometres away in the Inkatha strongholds of Ingavuma and Jozini, the singing president-in-waiting was winning the hearts and minds of voters to secure the traditional homeland again.
Then a shiny blue bird hovers over the dusty town. The ululating crowds go wild with excitement. To the rhythms of popular lyrics praising the Big Man, the election road show shifts into top gear.
With the electioneering out of the way, the support of the Amakhosi in the bag, the rally is boosted by four female defectors swopping their lackluster IFP T-shirts for the bright green and yellow apparel of the ANC.
A firm presidential pledge to deliver a “Better Life for All” falls far short of their collective expectations.
They had not waited in vain in a day of diabolical climate change to whet their appetites with bread and butter politics. They were waiting for Msholozi’s grandstanding of “Lethu Mshini Wami” (Bring me my machine gun) as he tap-danced his way around the stage to the beat of the homebred hitsong that has become the trademark of his meteoric rise (the fall is history) to African political royalty.
The ANC, more than the emerging opposition coalition bloc, will face the litmus test of delivering a socialist nirvana to the voters after the 22 April poll. Maybe, Christmas may come early to Hluhluwe.
Ends
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Focus on Local Economic Development in KwaZulu Natal
By Marlan Padayachee, Speechwriter to the Deputy Mayor of the City of Durban, Logie Naidoo
Opening and Welcome Address by Councillor Logie Naidoo, Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Economic and Development Committee of the eThekwini Municipality City of Durban, South Africa, at the Annual LED Conference at the International Convention Centre, Durban, on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 at 08h30.
Thank You, Programme Director, Ms Carol Coetzee, Head of the Department of Economic Development.
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests and Honorary Guests and Stakeholders.
I am pleased as Chairperson of the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic and Development Committee and the city’s Deputy Mayor to bid all of you a warm welcome to the Annual Local Economic Development Conference piloted by the KwaZulu-Natal’s Finance and Local Development Department.
May I take this opportunity of thanking our counterparts in the provincial government for choosing Durban as the convention city for this all-important conference, taking place at a time when world markets are jittery and there are growing concerns about our own local economy and its strategic development in this region.
I am sure that after last night’s opening banquet and social and business networking at this venue that the local organising committee and delegates are inspired to ring in the changes and give new meaning to the conference theme, “Together, Accelerating Local Economic Development”.
It is also encouraging for our local economy when a big-brand bank like Nedbank signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Economic Development that demonstrates another chapter to government’s enterprising strategy of locking in the private sector in our public sector initiatives and projects.
As you may agree, government alone cannot overcome the post-apartheid challenges of service delivery and the realigning of the socio-economic landscapes that contradict our city, regions and country.
The African National Congress, for its part as the majority party in the eThekwini Municipality, fully supports the cut and thrust of our election manifesto: “Working Together, We Can Do More.”
On that note, it is with a sense of pride and pleasure that I officially welcome one and all to Durban and wish you all the best in your deliberations, debates, dissents and discourse, as you collectively contribute towards making a difference to the economic landscape.
I am therefore privileged and honoured to recognise and acknowledge the presence, participation and the leadership of the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Comrade Doctor Sibusiso Joel Ndebele.
It is my pleasure to welcome and acknowledge the Honourable MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Comrade Doctor Zweli Mkhize.
I wish to welcome and recognise the contribution of the following role-players.
The Chief Director: Provincial & Local Government Infrastructure, National Treasury. Mrs Malijeng Ngqaleni.
The HOD for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Gabi Gumbi-Masilela.
Mr Jabulane Moremi of the Development Bank of South Africa’s LED Capacity Development Programme.
Mr Sihle Mkhize, General Manager: Economic Planning, DED
Dr L. P. Mondi, Chief Economist & Divisional Executive: Professional Services, IDC.
Ms Astrid Ludin of Finmark Trust
Mr N Dlamini of Save Act,
Mr Frikkie Brooks, General Manager: Development Planning of the Department of Local Government.
The HOD of for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Gabi Gumbi-Masilela
Ms Gabriele Trah of GTZ.
I also welcome all my colleagues, the District Mayors and Municipal Managers and Chief Financial Officers and as well the Business Leaders.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today’s conference, headlined by the relevance and timing of “Together, Accelerating Local Economic Development” should provide a perfect scenario for our pioneering government leaders, notably Dr Ndebele and Dr Mkhize, and our social and economic experts to provide a blueprint that will navigate this region into economic road map that will benefit our impoverished communities from the urban, peri-urban and rural areas.
I stand before you with a sense of optimism, despite the world credit crunch and looming job losses that presenters, participants and delegates will work as a team in a collective effort to provide us with economic solutions for a changing economic landscape.
The challenges and complexities are indeed onerous, but 15 years later, we have to continue our unique public-private sector partnership to ensure that we not only accelerate the local economy, but we accelerate service delivery to the millions of voters, constituencies and communities who believe that there is a “Better Life for All” – but the question is – How Soon?
Therefore, this Local Economic Development conference is ideally positioned to map out the kind of economic initiatives and imperatives that will begin to spell new hope for all our stakeholders.
I am confident that the April 22 election will provide the necessary stimulus for the new government leadership to pin-point the socio-economic priorities that will alter the present landscape of joblessness, poverty, homelessness, the perceived slowdown in the black economic empowerment arena, particularly for emerging entrepreneurs and the reluctance on the part of big business to provide opportunities and skills development training for previously disadvantaged people.
Now is the time, ladies and gentlemen, for the tripartite alliance of government, labour and the community to work together and make things happen to identify economic growth, create jobs, fast-track rural development and alleviate poverty.
Working Together, We Can Do More.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the eThekwini Municipality has made the economic development and growth of small, medium-sized and microenterprises its strong focal point in the past ten years.
Annually, the city’s Business Support Unit contributes R18-million of Durban’s R25-million budget towards stimulating the SMMEs through our yearly Small Business Fair that started with 40 SMMES.
Today, almost 350 SMMES participate in the Small Business Fair.
That’s not all: an average of 3 000 people supported the fair last year.
The fair provides a perfect platform for SMMEs, where emerging businesses look for opportunities for joint ventures for the purpose of business growth.
This, in turn, creates massive job opportunities for locals.
Our political commitment ensures that the municipality, within the city’s 2020 Vision, creates a viable and vibrant economic platform for our ‘Second Economy’ – represented largely by the SMMEs – to make headway in the current economic tidal wave.
Ten years later, the city continues to provide opportunities for SMMES – including disabled business people - to gain access to markets and to provide them with the necessary training and business networking opportunities both on a local and international level.
I am optimistic that despite the credit crunch and difficulties experienced in the local economy, this city-wide stimulus will accelerate the economic growth of black economic empowerment and SMMES will continue to be the lifeblood of our local economy as many of them strives to aspire for mainstream of the first economy.
Finally, the eThekwini Municipality salutes the MEC for Finance and Economic Development and his team at the department for pulling together this conference.
May today’s deliberations point us in the direction of economic recovery, progress and growth, and as a city government, the municipality will continue to play a powerful role in ensuring that our service delivery mechanism is in top gear to meet the aspirations and ambitions of so many people who are waiting to board the economic express to help government realise the dream of a “Better Life for All.”
These economic solutions and challenges can emerge from this conference and by “Working Together, We Can Do More.”
My best wishes to all the participants for a fruitful conference.
And remember that the accent is on acceleration.
I Thank You.
Speech researched and written for the Mayor’s Office, eThekwini Municipality 16 March 2009 by GreenGold Africa Communications: greengold@telkomsa.net/ www.greengoldcom.com/ 083 796 1762/ 083 797 1762 _______
Opening and Welcome Address by Councillor Logie Naidoo, Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Economic and Development Committee of the eThekwini Municipality City of Durban, South Africa, at the Annual LED Conference at the International Convention Centre, Durban, on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 at 08h30.
Thank You, Programme Director, Ms Carol Coetzee, Head of the Department of Economic Development.
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests and Honorary Guests and Stakeholders.
I am pleased as Chairperson of the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic and Development Committee and the city’s Deputy Mayor to bid all of you a warm welcome to the Annual Local Economic Development Conference piloted by the KwaZulu-Natal’s Finance and Local Development Department.
May I take this opportunity of thanking our counterparts in the provincial government for choosing Durban as the convention city for this all-important conference, taking place at a time when world markets are jittery and there are growing concerns about our own local economy and its strategic development in this region.
I am sure that after last night’s opening banquet and social and business networking at this venue that the local organising committee and delegates are inspired to ring in the changes and give new meaning to the conference theme, “Together, Accelerating Local Economic Development”.
It is also encouraging for our local economy when a big-brand bank like Nedbank signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Economic Development that demonstrates another chapter to government’s enterprising strategy of locking in the private sector in our public sector initiatives and projects.
As you may agree, government alone cannot overcome the post-apartheid challenges of service delivery and the realigning of the socio-economic landscapes that contradict our city, regions and country.
The African National Congress, for its part as the majority party in the eThekwini Municipality, fully supports the cut and thrust of our election manifesto: “Working Together, We Can Do More.”
On that note, it is with a sense of pride and pleasure that I officially welcome one and all to Durban and wish you all the best in your deliberations, debates, dissents and discourse, as you collectively contribute towards making a difference to the economic landscape.
I am therefore privileged and honoured to recognise and acknowledge the presence, participation and the leadership of the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Comrade Doctor Sibusiso Joel Ndebele.
It is my pleasure to welcome and acknowledge the Honourable MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Comrade Doctor Zweli Mkhize.
I wish to welcome and recognise the contribution of the following role-players.
The Chief Director: Provincial & Local Government Infrastructure, National Treasury. Mrs Malijeng Ngqaleni.
The HOD for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Gabi Gumbi-Masilela.
Mr Jabulane Moremi of the Development Bank of South Africa’s LED Capacity Development Programme.
Mr Sihle Mkhize, General Manager: Economic Planning, DED
Dr L. P. Mondi, Chief Economist & Divisional Executive: Professional Services, IDC.
Ms Astrid Ludin of Finmark Trust
Mr N Dlamini of Save Act,
Mr Frikkie Brooks, General Manager: Development Planning of the Department of Local Government.
The HOD of for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms Gabi Gumbi-Masilela
Ms Gabriele Trah of GTZ.
I also welcome all my colleagues, the District Mayors and Municipal Managers and Chief Financial Officers and as well the Business Leaders.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today’s conference, headlined by the relevance and timing of “Together, Accelerating Local Economic Development” should provide a perfect scenario for our pioneering government leaders, notably Dr Ndebele and Dr Mkhize, and our social and economic experts to provide a blueprint that will navigate this region into economic road map that will benefit our impoverished communities from the urban, peri-urban and rural areas.
I stand before you with a sense of optimism, despite the world credit crunch and looming job losses that presenters, participants and delegates will work as a team in a collective effort to provide us with economic solutions for a changing economic landscape.
The challenges and complexities are indeed onerous, but 15 years later, we have to continue our unique public-private sector partnership to ensure that we not only accelerate the local economy, but we accelerate service delivery to the millions of voters, constituencies and communities who believe that there is a “Better Life for All” – but the question is – How Soon?
Therefore, this Local Economic Development conference is ideally positioned to map out the kind of economic initiatives and imperatives that will begin to spell new hope for all our stakeholders.
I am confident that the April 22 election will provide the necessary stimulus for the new government leadership to pin-point the socio-economic priorities that will alter the present landscape of joblessness, poverty, homelessness, the perceived slowdown in the black economic empowerment arena, particularly for emerging entrepreneurs and the reluctance on the part of big business to provide opportunities and skills development training for previously disadvantaged people.
Now is the time, ladies and gentlemen, for the tripartite alliance of government, labour and the community to work together and make things happen to identify economic growth, create jobs, fast-track rural development and alleviate poverty.
Working Together, We Can Do More.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the eThekwini Municipality has made the economic development and growth of small, medium-sized and microenterprises its strong focal point in the past ten years.
Annually, the city’s Business Support Unit contributes R18-million of Durban’s R25-million budget towards stimulating the SMMEs through our yearly Small Business Fair that started with 40 SMMES.
Today, almost 350 SMMES participate in the Small Business Fair.
That’s not all: an average of 3 000 people supported the fair last year.
The fair provides a perfect platform for SMMEs, where emerging businesses look for opportunities for joint ventures for the purpose of business growth.
This, in turn, creates massive job opportunities for locals.
Our political commitment ensures that the municipality, within the city’s 2020 Vision, creates a viable and vibrant economic platform for our ‘Second Economy’ – represented largely by the SMMEs – to make headway in the current economic tidal wave.
Ten years later, the city continues to provide opportunities for SMMES – including disabled business people - to gain access to markets and to provide them with the necessary training and business networking opportunities both on a local and international level.
I am optimistic that despite the credit crunch and difficulties experienced in the local economy, this city-wide stimulus will accelerate the economic growth of black economic empowerment and SMMES will continue to be the lifeblood of our local economy as many of them strives to aspire for mainstream of the first economy.
Finally, the eThekwini Municipality salutes the MEC for Finance and Economic Development and his team at the department for pulling together this conference.
May today’s deliberations point us in the direction of economic recovery, progress and growth, and as a city government, the municipality will continue to play a powerful role in ensuring that our service delivery mechanism is in top gear to meet the aspirations and ambitions of so many people who are waiting to board the economic express to help government realise the dream of a “Better Life for All.”
These economic solutions and challenges can emerge from this conference and by “Working Together, We Can Do More.”
My best wishes to all the participants for a fruitful conference.
And remember that the accent is on acceleration.
I Thank You.
Speech researched and written for the Mayor’s Office, eThekwini Municipality 16 March 2009 by GreenGold Africa Communications: greengold@telkomsa.net/ www.greengoldcom.com/ 083 796 1762/ 083 797 1762 _______
The Centenary - A Class of Its Own in Durban
By Marlan Padayachee, Speechwriter to the Mayor of Durban, Obed Mlaba
Opening Address by His Worship, Councillor Obed Mlaba, the Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, at the opening of the Centenary Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre on Tuesday, 17 March 2009, at 17h00.
Thank You, Programme Director.
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests and Stakeholders.
Mr Carlos Correia, Chief Executive Officer of the Isolenu Group.
The representatives of Moreland and the Tongaat Huletts Group.
All Protocols Observed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand before you as the Mayor of one of the fastest growing and developing cities in Africa.
In the past 15 years since the changing of the guard at the City Hall to what I believe is a truly progressive, people-centred and business-friendly city government, I have attended more sod-turning ceremonies and the opening of new buildings than before in my entire life.
This experience itself speaks for itself as far as how far we have come in our public-private sector partnership that was mooted by Nelson Mandela.
Each day, from the city’s skyline is changing.
Not in 15 years since we ushered democracy with a promise for a “Better Life for All”, I have not witnessed so many cranes dominating our skylines from Umbumbulu to Umhlanga.
From the pioneering development of Bridge City in the nearby Kwa Mashu/Ntuzuma Township to the Centenary in the New Town Centre in Umhlanga, the city’s landscape is undergoing phenomenal changes.
From the south to the north of the city’s coastal flanks leading up to the majestic development of the King Shaka International Airport and the Dube Tradeport, Durban is experiencing a real infrastructural and development boom for the first time in many decades.
The Centenary in the New Town Centre is now part of this exciting mix of socio-economic history that is taking place as central, provincial and municipal government work hand in hand to map out Durban’s 2020 Vision of creating a safer and sustainable city where all sectors of citizens, the rich and the poor, shall live and work in harmony in a changing society.
The versatility, style and modern design of the Centenary is an inspiring new asset to our city and our rapidly growing inner-city town centres such as the gilt-edged location of Umhlanga and its portfolio of big-brand businesses.
This evening, I wish to roundly congratulate the visionaries and developers of this magnificent project that has added new value to the city as we strive to put our best foot forward for the FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer.
This project is the brainchild of a visionary company, Moreland and the Tongaat Huletts Group.
In years to come, the New Town Centre’s revolutionary design, functionality and affordability will be judged as one of the finest models for the future urban development planning in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Centenary’s form and beauty, aesthetically supplemented by a unique, bustling business environment and some of the finest residential developments and prestige golf estates, and encapsulating Old Mutual's extraordinary R1, 6 billion Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is certainly an attractive option for businesses looking for a world-class sectional title block.
While property developers and experts will agree with me that the concept of sectional title ownership has been foreign to our own investors.
Ladies and Gentlemen, once they view or hear about the Centenary, I am confident that local and foreign investors will snap up this popular option for sectional title office and industrial properties.
The answer is simple: This makes good business and economic sense because the cost is shared by all tenants.
Thank you, very much, for giving me and the eThekwini Municipality and opportunity to grace this opening ceremony and endorse this breathtaking project.
I extend our best wishes to the developers and tenants and may the Centenary stand out majestically in the sea of beauty and progress.
Finally, when the African National Congress says: “Working Together, We Can Do More” – we mean just that – May our public-private partnership continue in a spirit of trust and co-operation so that we can all deliver on the city’s 2020 vision to create jobs and provide a safer and sustainable city.
Kindly let me leave you with the words of wisdom from one of the world’s most daring entrepreneurs, Richard Branson who said:”Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming.”
I Thank You.
______________________________________________________________________________
Speech researched and written for the Mayor’s Office, eThekwini Municipality, City of Durban, South Africa 13 March 2009 by GreenGold Africa Communiactions: Marlan Padayachee/Sally Nene/Amanda Cele/ greengold@telkomsa.net/ www.greengoldcom.com 0837961762/0837971762/0312661762/
_________________________________________________________________________
Opening Address by His Worship, Councillor Obed Mlaba, the Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, at the opening of the Centenary Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre on Tuesday, 17 March 2009, at 17h00.
Thank You, Programme Director.
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests and Stakeholders.
Mr Carlos Correia, Chief Executive Officer of the Isolenu Group.
The representatives of Moreland and the Tongaat Huletts Group.
All Protocols Observed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand before you as the Mayor of one of the fastest growing and developing cities in Africa.
In the past 15 years since the changing of the guard at the City Hall to what I believe is a truly progressive, people-centred and business-friendly city government, I have attended more sod-turning ceremonies and the opening of new buildings than before in my entire life.
This experience itself speaks for itself as far as how far we have come in our public-private sector partnership that was mooted by Nelson Mandela.
Each day, from the city’s skyline is changing.
Not in 15 years since we ushered democracy with a promise for a “Better Life for All”, I have not witnessed so many cranes dominating our skylines from Umbumbulu to Umhlanga.
From the pioneering development of Bridge City in the nearby Kwa Mashu/Ntuzuma Township to the Centenary in the New Town Centre in Umhlanga, the city’s landscape is undergoing phenomenal changes.
From the south to the north of the city’s coastal flanks leading up to the majestic development of the King Shaka International Airport and the Dube Tradeport, Durban is experiencing a real infrastructural and development boom for the first time in many decades.
The Centenary in the New Town Centre is now part of this exciting mix of socio-economic history that is taking place as central, provincial and municipal government work hand in hand to map out Durban’s 2020 Vision of creating a safer and sustainable city where all sectors of citizens, the rich and the poor, shall live and work in harmony in a changing society.
The versatility, style and modern design of the Centenary is an inspiring new asset to our city and our rapidly growing inner-city town centres such as the gilt-edged location of Umhlanga and its portfolio of big-brand businesses.
This evening, I wish to roundly congratulate the visionaries and developers of this magnificent project that has added new value to the city as we strive to put our best foot forward for the FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer.
This project is the brainchild of a visionary company, Moreland and the Tongaat Huletts Group.
In years to come, the New Town Centre’s revolutionary design, functionality and affordability will be judged as one of the finest models for the future urban development planning in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Centenary’s form and beauty, aesthetically supplemented by a unique, bustling business environment and some of the finest residential developments and prestige golf estates, and encapsulating Old Mutual's extraordinary R1, 6 billion Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is certainly an attractive option for businesses looking for a world-class sectional title block.
While property developers and experts will agree with me that the concept of sectional title ownership has been foreign to our own investors.
Ladies and Gentlemen, once they view or hear about the Centenary, I am confident that local and foreign investors will snap up this popular option for sectional title office and industrial properties.
The answer is simple: This makes good business and economic sense because the cost is shared by all tenants.
Thank you, very much, for giving me and the eThekwini Municipality and opportunity to grace this opening ceremony and endorse this breathtaking project.
I extend our best wishes to the developers and tenants and may the Centenary stand out majestically in the sea of beauty and progress.
Finally, when the African National Congress says: “Working Together, We Can Do More” – we mean just that – May our public-private partnership continue in a spirit of trust and co-operation so that we can all deliver on the city’s 2020 vision to create jobs and provide a safer and sustainable city.
Kindly let me leave you with the words of wisdom from one of the world’s most daring entrepreneurs, Richard Branson who said:”Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming.”
I Thank You.
______________________________________________________________________________
Speech researched and written for the Mayor’s Office, eThekwini Municipality, City of Durban, South Africa 13 March 2009 by GreenGold Africa Communiactions: Marlan Padayachee/Sally Nene/Amanda Cele/ greengold@telkomsa.net/ www.greengoldcom.com 0837961762/0837971762/0312661762/
_________________________________________________________________________
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