EXCO APPROVES R10M FOR RELIEF EFFORTS TO ASSIST DISPLACED AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS
EThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee on 28 April 2015 approved a budget of R10 million to continue with relief efforts to assist displaced African immigrants after recent attacks against the immigrants in City and other areas in KwaZulu-Natal.
In addition, the provincial government will contribute R15 m towards these efforts, bringing the total budget to R25m.
A report to the committee tabled by Communications Unit Head, Tozi Mthethwa revealed that there were about 5400 African immigrants at the three temporary shelters in Phoenix, Chatsworth and Isipingo.
To-date over 1200 African immigrants have been successfully reintegrated into the communities they were living in previously and more than 2000 have been repatriated.
The joint KwaZulu-Natal Government and eThekwini Metro task team charged with addressing issues around the reintegration, chaired by MEC Willies Mchunu has been meeting daily to ensure that displaced African immigrants are reintegrated into the communities they were previously living in.
This process is followed by intensive dialogues involving the leadership and the communities on the need for peaceful co-existence with their counterparts from other countries.
The task team also includes Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Social Development MEC Weziwe Thusi, Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, eThekwini Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala and Cllr Nondumiso Cele.
Our intervention as government following the attacks was in three key areas, namely:
- Ending the violence and stabilising the situation in the affected areas;
- Attending to the humanitarian relief and providing for the basic needs of the displaced African immigrants;
- Creating the necessary conditions for the reintegration of displaced African immigrants into their communities.
Apart from reintegrating displaced African immigrants and creating peaceful co-existence in affected areas in the province, government’s focus is now on intensifying community dialogue across all levels. This includes engagements to address the concerns of locals and the local business people.
Nxumalo said although the situation has stabilised recent events have dented our reputation as a country.
“We need to make concerted efforts to ensure that we do not destroy the relationships we have with countries abroad, especially our African counterparts.”
Nxumalo also conveyed his appreciation to members of the community, non-government organisations, religious leaders and civic society groups who have donated food and clothes to the displaced. He also thanked those who have dedicated their time in assisting displaced African immigrants.
“Councillors should continue to conduct social dialogues within their communities so that any issues that arise can be discussed and resolved amicably,” said Nxumalo.
ETHEKWINI TO ASSIST FAMILIES OF TWO DECEASED SOUTH AFRICANS
The Municipality will assist with the funeral arrangements of two people that were killed during the attacks against African immigrants.
The family of Ayanda Dlamini, who was shot during an attack against foreign nationals at the Umlazi Station on 9 April 2015, has appealed for assistance from the municipality to bear funeral costs.
The family of Thabo Mzobe, who was shot on 13 April 2015 also during an attack against foreign nationals, have approached the municipality with a request for assistance with funeral expenses.
Both families’ requests were approved by the Executive Committee in terms of Rule of Order 28.
The assistance the municipality will provide will be according to each family’s request including hiring of a tent and a bus.
Mayor James Nxumalo has expressed condolences to the families of all those who died during the attacks.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy,” he said.
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION TO BE FUNDED FOR RECYCLING PROJECT
In a bid to promote a clean and healthy environment and complement the City’s integrated waste management strategy, the KZN Frasha Association have embarked on a project focusing on the collection of cardboard, plastics and other recyclable material in the Isipingo Hills area.
EXCO has supported a recommendation to fund the organisation to the tune of R10m over three years.
This project has tremendous benefit to the community through the creation of jobs, township regeneration and economic development.
The Business Support and Durban Solid Waste Unit will provide assistance in capacity building, financial management, technical support and other necessary training. In turn, the project manager will provide monthly reports and audited financial statements for reporting and accountability purposes.
Deputy Mayor, Nomvuzo Shabalala said: “This project will result in the direct job creation of about 36 local people by the end of the third year and this is what we would like to see from our communities.”
Folweni Regional Business Fair