OPINIONS and LETTERS
24 June– 07 July 2022
Page 9 METRO ezasegagasini
Youth play a pivotal role in rebuilding the City
D urban O n W heels
A S WE cel- ebrate the 46th anni- versary of the Sowe- to youth uprising of 16 June 1976, we need to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have travelled to emancipate the young people of this country.
nent jobs with the Municipality while others are making their mark in the private sector. As much as we understand that government must play a pivotal role in fighting the scourge of unemployment, we believe that
Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda eThekwini Mayor
entrepreneurship and innovation will significantly reduce the rate of unemployment in the country. Our role as government is to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation to thrive, thus creating econom- ic growth will not only result in creating jobs but also securing the future for the youth of this country. Addressing youth unemployment in the country cannot be the re- sponsibility of government alone. We need the private sector to complement government’s efforts to create job opportunities and support entrepreneurs who will also aid in creating employment. Government’s role is not only creating employment but also to ensure an enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs. This is the why after the July unrest, our focus has been on saving jobs. In our efforts to continue making education fashionable, in the next financial year, we have allocated R58 million to assist deserving graduates to further their studies at various institutions of higher learning. This was inspired by the wise words of our first black head of state and the first democrat- ically elected President Nelson Mandela who once said: “The power of education extends be- yond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.” The time has come for young people to lead from the front.
As a former youth leader, I draw inspiration from the slogan “noth- ing for us without us”. This sends a strong message to government that there should be no decision taken for young people without consulting them. However, on the other hand, if we are to progress, young people of this country need to consider government as an ally of development. In the past we have witnessed young people resorting to burning of schools, blockading roads, and destroying infrastructure to voice their frustrations or to commu- nicate their ideas. The time has now come for young people to realise that government is not their enemy but a willing partner to transform their ideas to reality and to change their lives for the better. As a caring government, we are actively implementing radical so- cio- economic transformation that is not only aimed at prioritising the youth but also women, people with disabilities, and military vet- erans. It is through this policy that we are allocating 30 percent of the Municipality’s procurement spend to them. In a country where youth unemployment has reached 65.6 percent, we are heartened of the City’s efforts to offer bursaries and work experience to youth. The Municipality’s work readi- ness programme has resulted in the City absorbing 900 graduates every year with a total budget of R43 million for a period of two years. Some of these graduates have gone on to secure perma-
LETTERS What better way to spend a day of the mid-year school holidays than booking a ride on the ricksha bus? There are two ricksha bus tours a day, seven days a week. The double-decker bus will take you on a three-hour tour of Durban. The bus follows a route through central Durban, taking in the Victoria Street Market, Francis Farewell Square, the beachfront, Berea, Florida Road, Mitchell Park, Morningside, the Cube viewpoint, and Wilson’s Wharf. For bookings contact 031 322 4209. Picture: DURBAN TOURISM
Beaches remain closed THE much-anticipated sardine run is finally here. This is something we look forward every year. However, with the beach closures, I wanted to confirm if it is safe to fish? Concerned resident, South Beach The City reiterates that all beaches remain closed for recreational activities. This has been communicated to the public as we are still conducting water quality tests. We will open beaches once we are satisfied with the water quality. We request that the public, including those wanting to fish, wait for the official communication from the City in this regard. The safety of the public is of paramount importance to us. Editor Routine pitch maintenance underway
Shortly after the floods, the City assured business owners that they would be willing to help them get back on their feet. While some businesses are in the process of recovering, many are still being billed for services despite not operating. What is the City doing to help businesses recover? Concerned resident, Shallcross The City has received an array of applications from businesses. These have been processed to the benefit of many businesses. If businesses that are not trading are still receiving bills from the City, they need to contact eThekwini Municipality. We appeal to all businesses that are being billed while not trading, to touch base with the City. And we, as a caring organisation, we will attend to their grievances. We understand the important role businesses play in growing the economy. Editor City’s doors open to businesses affected by floods
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
ONE NUMBER Telephone: 080 311 11 11 ELECTRICITY CALL CENTRE Telephone: 080 311 11 11 CABLE THEFT Telephone: 0800 311 961 Fax: 031 324 5111 ENGINEERING AND WATER SERVICES CENTRE Telephone: 0801 313 013
EMERGENCY SERVICES Telephone: 031 361 0000 CITY INTEGRITY AND INVESTIGATIONS Telephone: 0800 202 020 Fax: 031 311 4115 SIZAKALA CENTRES Telephone: 0800 331 011 LAND INVASION Telephone: 031 311 4699
031 311 4701 031 311 4667 031 311 4702
SMS: 083 707 3013 Fax: 031 311 8220
I was told that the Princess Magogo Stadium will be closed for a certain period. I would like to know why it has been closed and the duration of the closure? Concerned resident, KwaMashu The City has temporarily closed the Princess Magogo, King Zwelithini, and Chatsworth stadia for annual pitch maintenance. This is not
for infrastructure revamping. The maintenance happens every year at the end of the football season to prepare for the next one. This is seasonal maintenance. Residents do not need to be concerned as pitch maintenance is a required routine activity in the management of stadia and will not affect residents. Editor
REPORT FRAUD & CORRUPTION Report all acts of fraud corruption, maladministration and human rights violations in the Municipality to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit. Make sure you do the right thing even when nobody is watching and help us rid the city of corruption.
TOLL FREE HOTLINE: 0800 20 20 20
10th Floor, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue Durban 4001
Send your letters to: The Editor, PO Box 5588, Durban, 4000; email: news.desk@durban.gov.za or write to us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eThekwiniM. We reserve the right to edit and shorten letters.
SOUTH REGIONAL BUSINESS FAIR
FREE ENTRY
24 – 26 JUNE
KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre
9h00
For more information 031 266 9938
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