NEWS
Page 5 METRO ezasegagasini
24 June – 07 July 2022
Global Garbage Man Day shines spotlight on waste collection crews
KZN PEC approves eThekwini’s procurement for 400MW SOHANA SINGH ETHEKWINI is progressing towards implementing the strategic energy reforms within the power sector. An exciting milestone was reached on 8 June when the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature approved the City’s pro- curement plan to purchase 400MW of new generation capacity from independent power producers. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala welcomed the energy interventions and confirmed support to ensure that authorisations are fast- tracked. The eThekwini delegation was led by eThekwini Depu- ty Mayor Councillor Philani Mavundla who said: “The City is implementing energy infrastructure projects that will reduce reliance on Eskom by 20% from 2025, going to 40% by 2030, and be completely independent by 2050. The goal is to provide regional transformation in the energy sector working together will all districts in KZN. Our intention is to increase economies of scale and create the much-need- ed investment in the energy sector. Energy security interventions will be used as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation while reducing municipal bulk operating expenditure.” Councillor Mavundla said Council adopted the Energy Transition Policy in June last year to mitigate the impact of load-shedding on the local economy and build resilient energy security. In July last year, the Re- quest for Information was released to the market for the procurement of 400MW in line with the Energy Tran- sition Policy. “About 104 projects were received, representing a combined capacity of 16.5GW, which is an average of R10 billion worth of pri- vate investment. This rough- ly translates to about 4000 jobs that could be created during construction and operation phases, and 42% of local content has been projected to boost eThekwi- ni local manufacturers. It is anticipated that the 400MW will come online as per the prescribed commercial op- eration date of 1 July 2025,” said Councillor Mavundla. The Municipality’s Energy Policy aims to transform the energy sector in key areas of power generation, trans- port fuels and industrial feedstocks. The economic development compliance will stipulate thresholds of job creation, local content, ownership, management control, preferential pro- curement, and enterprise development. The City will work with Trade and Industry Department to design a transparent and fair mechanism.
Sebenzile Mathe is a long-haul driver for the City. Being a female in a male dominated industry doesn’t come without issues, but she continues to break the proverbial glass ceiling.
LANGELIHLE DLAMINI THE City’s Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) Unit is helping women in their unit break the proverbial glass ceiling. While it is uncommon to see a female long-haul driv- er in the waste industry, the CSW Unit is opening doors for women in this regard. Sebenzile Mathe is one of a few women in the industry who is a long-haul driver. This is one of the longest trucks that can carry a tonnage of waste of between 26 to 30 tons. Mathe has had her hands on the long-haul steering wheel for over four years and admits that some- times her job does garner stares from the public. In commemoration of Global Garbage Man Day on 17 June, Mathe was interviewed on what it is like driving such a massive vehicle. Global Garbage Man Day celebrates and recognises all the men and women in the waste and recycling industry.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE DAILY AS A WOMAN IN THE WASTE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THEM? The stigma that this industry is male dominated is the biggest hurdle. When people see a woman driving this truck some find it hard to accept. Some people still have the perception that some jobs are only suitable for men, until they see me behind the wheel. WHY IS THIS JOB IMPORTANT? Waste collection and its proper disposal is very important. Waste can be dangerous as it can have a negative economic, health, and social impact. With waste being properly dis- posed, the environment is cleaner and there are fewer health risks and hazards. HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB? A job vacancy was adver- tised in the Metro Ezasega- gasini and I applied for it. I
Picture: PUMLA KHWELA
was called for an interview and was successful. The interview was not easy, and I am glad I made it through. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE PRESSURE THAT COMES WITH THE JOB? Every job has its own pres- sures. I try and remain calm and be level-headed. Being
constantly on the road and driving such a large truck also requires me to be vigi- lant, in control, and alert. WHY IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE PROTECTIVE GEAR ON DUTY? Waste can be dangerous, to protect myself from any hazards it is very important
to wear protective gear. WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING? I love spending time with my family, playing netball, and travelling. langelihle.dlamini@durban.gov.za
Scholar transport driver awarded a new quantum vehicle
SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI NONDUMISO Hlengwa drove off in a brand-new Toyota Quantum vehicle in the City’s Safe to School, Safe to Home Scholar Transport Awards ceremony. Hlengwa was among eight finalists who recorded no transgressions over the monitoring period despite them all driving more than 4 000 kilometres during that time. She was selected through an electronic lucky draw. The remaining seven final- ists received a cheque of R10 000 each. Hlengwa said winning the Quantum will allow her to
grow her business. “I will now be able to trans- port additional children. I was transporting learners with my Toyota Avanta and had to turn some children away who requested trans- port because there was no space, and I did not want to overload the vehicle. The safety of learners is always my priority,” she said. The City partnered with Road Safety Partnership South Africa, Netstar, and Toyota South Africa Motors for the project. Its main aim is to contrib- ute towards the reduction in death and injury of school children in road crashes en route to and from school.
The selection of drivers and training for the programme commenced in 2019. Approximately 150 drivers from the south and west re- gions were trained over the course of three years. The drivers were scored according to the number of transgressions the tracking devices detected during their drives to school and then during the trip home. The transgressions included speeding, harsh acceler- ation, and harsh braking. Drivers were rewarded with fuel vouchers in each period for the least transgressions per kilometre. siphelele.buthelezi@durban.gov.za practical aspects of science through the science kits. Mayor Kaunda thanked Smiths Manufacturing for their intervention and called on other businesses to partner with government to meaningfully enhance education in the country. Futhi Buthelezi from Smiths Manufacturing said the promotion of Maths and Science skills are critical for the economic growth of the country. “We hope to continue to partner with the Municipality,” she said.
Nondumiso Hlengwa won a Toyota Quantum as part of the City’s Safe to School, Safe to Home Scholar Transport competition Picture: PUMLA KHWELA
Top achieving schools receive science kits Ten science kits were handed to top
SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI THE top achieving schools in the 2021 calendar year received science kits at a Mayoral breakfast held on 15 June. These schools fall under quintiles 1 to 3, which means they are no-fee schools and are in dire need of education support partic- ularly in science. Ten science kits were hand- ed to each school, courtesy of a partnership between eThekwini Municipality and Smiths Manufacturing.
EThekwini Mayor Coun- cillor Mxolisi Kaunda said several studies have shown that South Africa continues to lag behind in Mathemat- ics and Science compared to other countries. They found that the poor performance in these subjects is mostly attributed to the lack of resources available. “This outcome puts an emphasis on stakeholders to come together to find lasting solutions. As government, we have said the challenges facing our country cannot
achieving school thanks to a part- nership between the City and Smiths Manufacturing. Picture: PUMLA KHWELA
be tackled by the state alone. By investing in education today, we will contribute to the fight against the triple challenges of poverty, un-
employment, and inequality facing our nation,” he said. The City hopes to expose learners to quality educa- tional opportunities and the
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs