<<< DURBAN DISCUSSION >>> closed August 2006 [Archive] - Page 9

romanSA

June 28th, 2006, 05:12 PM

These proposed tolls are ridiculous.

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More toll roads on cards for KZN
Tony Carnie
June 28 2006 at 09:17AM

Private toll companies are poised to stretch their tentacles gradually deeper into the pockets of KwaZulu-Natal motorists unless the national roads budget is topped up substantially by the central government.

The SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) is not prepared to put timeframes to plans, but a senior official gave strong signals on Tuesday about the likelihood of a new toll plaza near Cato Ridge, on the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Sanral Regional Manager Stewart Wilson said that apart from the contentious Wild Coast toll road between Durban and East London, there were no immediate plans to extend the toll road network around Durban or other parts of KZN.

However, it had the option of extending tolls to other national roads in KZN if its budget allocation was not increased substantially. This did not mean all national roads would eventually be tolled, "but the reality is that if you can't get the money (from the government) one would have to look at tolling".

'Choked' by traffic
Wilson has been appointed in an acting capacity following the resignation of regional Sanral manager Neil Tolmie who took up the post of CEO of the private sector N3TC toll consortium, which has previously submitted unsolicited bids to toll sections of national roads in KZN.

Wilson strongly disputed suggestions by KZN Transport MEC Bheki Cele that a toll plaza at Isipingo would not go ahead.

"You cannot make a pronouncement that there can be no tolls in Durban, because legislation allows for it," he said in reference to a statement by Cele that the proposed Isipingo plaza was a "non-issue".

Wilson said 70 percent of Sanral's budget was tied up on essential maintenance of existing roads, leaving 30 percent for capital projects to upgrade or extend the national network.

Wilson said it was not widely known that the national boundary of the N3 began at Candella Road (Sherwood), just 8km from the Durban City Hall. In theory, it was possible to toll this section northwards to the existing Mariannhill toll road.

It was also an option to extend tolling northwards, from Mariannhill to join the existing toll road which began at the Cedara interchange north of Pietermaritzburg.

The N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg was one of the busiest routes in the country and he confirmed that private sector consortiums had previously submitted unsolicited toll bid proposals.

Although these proposals had been rejected by Sanral, this section of the N3 was getting "choked" by traffic and the agency might have to reconsider the possibility of granting a toll concession.

Wilson said Sanral also had legal authority over the heavily congested N2 outer ring road, which would soon have to be widened.

There were already 100 000 vehicles a day using this road and Sanral had "re-striped" the road to create another lane.

This had been achieved by sacrificing the emergency lane.

But the re-striping had merely bought another three to four years, when it would become necessary to physically widen the road between Amanzimtoti to a point near Mount Edgecombe.

The cost would be enormous, and unless the central government paid for the project, Sanral might have to consider further toll fees for long-distance through-traffic at Isipingo, Tongaat or Mariannhill.

If this happened, inner-city commuters would not be tolled unless their journeys extended beyond these three points.

Wilson noted that outside the eThekwini municipal area Sanral was also responsible for maintaining the N2 northern freeway to Pongola. At present, the tolled section stretches from the Umvoti River to a point north of Empangeni.

The R22 between Hluhluwe and Punta do Ouro was also classified as a national road. On the N2 south, tolling is confined to the section between Hibberdene and Southbroom.

The untolled R61 from Port Shepstone to the Wild Coast Casino borderline is also classified as a national road.

The N11 from Ladysmith to Newcastle and Volksrust was a national road and could be tolled.

Wilson said his view was the fuel levy which was previously used to fund national roads was unlikely to be reinstated.

This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on June 28, 2006

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=181&art_id=vn20060628042949193C240221

dysan1

June 28th, 2006, 05:19 PM

a toll at Cato Ridge??? are these people fucking insane!!! god they wanna bleed us all dry all the time...i think we have more tolls in KZN than anywhere in the country.

Cigar

June 28th, 2006, 06:04 PM

Re the tolls, my old man works at a certain Pulp Mill down the South Coast and they are flat against the new tollgate t proposed for the N2 outside the airport.

They (SANRAL) are bleeding us dry, its a disgrace. Cato Ridge and Marianhill, the 2 are within 50kms of each other. Nonsense.

romanSA

June 28th, 2006, 11:28 PM

Durbsboi

June 29th, 2006, 07:38 AM

^^I doubt that was the reason for Mr Paul Allens visit, but none the less good news for Durbs

SA BOY

June 29th, 2006, 08:21 AM

if they wanna do another toll road how about a decent rd through the transkei from the wild costs to Slummies

Durbsboi

June 29th, 2006, 09:31 AM

^^They are doing that

More stuff to hit Durbs this winter! Who said nothing happens in Durbs?

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/untitled.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/BA1.jpg

dysan1

June 29th, 2006, 01:18 PM

^^ only ignorant people who dont leave their own cities think that...

romanSA

June 29th, 2006, 06:37 PM

I am astounded that KZN contributes so much to the national toll income...

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Posted to the web on: 29 June 2006
No more toll roads for KwaZulu, says MEC
Edward West

KwaZulu-Natal Correspondent

DURBAN — The South African National Roads Agency has announced plans to introduce more toll roads in KwaZulu-Natal.

But the move has angered transport, safety and liaison MEC Bheki Cele, who said the province was already contributing 46% of the country’s toll-road income and further plans for toll roads would need a thorough debate.

Cele (pictured) was commenting after the agency’s regional manager, Stewart Wilson, told The Mercury newspaper that there may be a new toll plaza coming near Cato Ridge, on the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Wilson did not give any time frame for the project.

Cele said the tolling of Cato Ridge would be a “sensitive and an emotional issue” and Wilson needed to understand how democracy worked.

“There is legislation that says government may set up toll roads, but it is not saying that one province must be bled to death.”

He cited the John Ross highway in Empangeni, in north of KwaZulu-Natal, as an example of where community voices were heard on the issue. After many years of debate, the sod-turning took place last October. The road will not be tolled.

Wilson said that there was a law that allowed a plaza at Isipingo to proceed.

Cele said, however, residents of Isipingo, Amanzimtoti and nearby areas had raised concern about the issue and, “as government, we respect the views of the communities we represent”.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/national.aspx?ID=BD4A223808

dysan1

June 29th, 2006, 11:49 PM

46% of tolls come from KZN???

That is ridiculous!! That shows we certainly dont deserve to be given anymore tolls!

Durbsboi

June 30th, 2006, 08:00 AM

^^& yet it still going ahead,

anyway on the news in the morning & apparently its in the mercury too, the guy's from KZN that went to Germany to take alook at what they have done regarding the transport have arrived, & suggested that Durban get a their transport system jacked up (duh) the durban area's public transport system is set to change, by having luxury buses on the go, & also by building a tram system that will go to key tourist points in the city as well as re-doing our train networks where by the main station will be at the stadium.

Pule

June 30th, 2006, 09:38 AM

Tata begins construction of R600m SA ferrochrome plant
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Indian giant Tata Steel started construction on the first phase of its R600-million high-carbon ferrochrome smelter, near Richards Bay, this week and said it would be ready for commissioning in October 2007.

About 80% of the main packages for equipment, machinery and construction had been finalised and some of the major contracts had been signed. There were, however, still other major contracts outstanding, but a Tata Steel spokesperson said on Thursday that these contracts were in the pipeline.

The ferrochrome smelter, which was designed to produce 120 000 t/y in the first phase and another 120 000 t/y in the second phase, got the go-ahead from the Kwazulu-Natal agriculture and environmental MEC Gabriel Ndabandaba earlier this week, after it battled to overcome some environmental issues. Three environmental organisations launched appeals against building the smelter, but local newspapers reported that the MEC dismissed these appeals, arguing that they could not provide independent scientific evidence to substantiate their concerns.

Earlier, Tata Steel said that once the construction of phase one had started, the project would take 18 months to construct and that it would be operational by 2009. At full production, the plant would turn over R700-million a year.

The smelter would initially be used to convert imported Indian chrome-ore into higher-value ferrochrome for export and in the long run, it would seek to include locally-sourced chrome-ore into the mix.

Tata Steel (KZN) is now a fully functioning company, headquarterd in Johannesburg with a project office in Richards Bay.

SA BOY

June 30th, 2006, 09:48 AM

thats Richards Bay 1 Coega 0

Durbsboi

June 30th, 2006, 10:51 AM

^^Well seeing that Alusaf is the largest Aluminium plant in SA it is actualy Richards bay 2 - Coega 0, is Coega even open as yet? & with Dube's KSIA Richards bay will be kicking!

dysan1

June 30th, 2006, 09:28 PM

dont forget that Arcelor (who look like they will be taken over by Mittal Steel) are building a centre in Durban too. so that is many goals to KZN, and sweet nothing to the white elephant that is coega.

All clear for Durban steel firm

Brussels - The European Commission on Friday cleared a joint venture between Luxembourg steelmaker Arcelor and the UK arm of Japanese trading company Mitsui & Co.
The new company, called AMSA Steel Service Centre Pty Ltd, will be a steel processing and service company in Durban, South Africa.

The new company, AMSA, will begin operations in 2007, and is projected to process 120 000 metric tons of steel per year.

Arcelor will own 65% of the venture and Mitsui will own 35%. The raw materials for the processing plant will be shipped from Europe and Brazil.

Mitsui operates in 72 countries, and traded over $61.7bn in commodities during the last half of 2005.

Arcelor is one of the world's largest steelmakers. It is the target of a hostile takeover by rival Mittal Steel Co.

The joint venture was cleared under the commission's simplified procedure. This clears deals automatically after one month if no third party complains.

Mo Rush

July 1st, 2006, 12:35 AM

From potential bad news (new toll roads) to potential good news. Looks like Durbs *might* get ANOTHER big event. We're on a rolll!! Could this be behind the secret Durban yacht visits of the billionaire?? :bowtie: Recon mission?

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South Africa is expected to host the 2008 /9 Fireball World championship

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

South Africa is expected to host the 2008 /9 Fireball World championship with the most likely venue been Cape Town or Durban.

The last time the Fireball World Championship was held in South Africa was in Durban in 1994 and many international yachtsmen still refer fondly to that event as one of the best world championships. Durban with its warm water and excellent winds provided the perfect ingredient for the successful regatta.

The decision to once again host a world championship was taken in the light of the growth of the class as well as a number of very good performances at international and world events by South Africans over the past few years. A number of new boats have also entered the country and with the class having achieved the status as the largest two man trapezing dinghy sailed outside the Olympic classes we can understand why the international body is keen to promote the Fireball class in South Africa.

Over 150 entries from all over the world are expected to compete in this week long event

http://www.sailing.org.za/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=789&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Lets add to the good news. Etienne De villiers (south african) executive chairman of the ATP tennis tour, as well as the president of the ATP along with the president of the SATA( South African tennis association) will bring an ATP tour tennis event to South Africa as early as next year. Durban being the initial venue and a possible return of the "SA Open" heading to Cape Town at a new facility later on. A full flight ATP event is expected by 2008 with a "test run" tournament in 2007.

SAA, the official airlines are willing to sponsor the event and have already planned to invest major funds into tennis. Durban who recently hosted a veterans tournament would see a further upgrade to the current westridge tennis centre to the value of close to R2 milliion. However a larger investment would be needed to improve this facility to ATP standards.

The SA Open for a while was the unofficial fifth grand slam of tennis but the rights were sold back in 1991 i think for 500 000 US dollars, and since then its been all downhill for south african tennis. SAA coming on board can only boost tennis in south africa.

For the full story, get your latest copy of Sports Illustrated, which features a six page feature on the Blou Bulle girls at the back.

Mo Rush

July 1st, 2006, 01:09 AM

ure a tram.

Tram system mooted for Durban
Carvin Goldstone
June 30 2006 at 09:24AM

Senior city officials hinted on Thursday that Durban would opt for a tram system for the much-anticipated permanent "people-mover" network.

Other options have included a monorail.

Addressing Durban's diplomatic corps on Thursday, the city's Head of Strategic Planning, Julie-May Ellingson, said Durban's major transport plan involved a tram system linking all the key tourism nodes and the King's Park Sporting Precinct, where the new 70 000-seater stadium would be built.

"We have had expressions of interest from American and French companies and we firmly believe we can have a tram system in place by 2010."

Ellingson and City Manager Michael Sutcliffe have just returned from a visit to Germany, which is hosting the 2006 soccer World Cup.

She said the interim people-mover - comprising 10 luxury buses operating along a route linking uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino and the Durban city centre - should be operational by August.

Ellingson and Sutcliffe on Thursday unveiled a strategic plan to transform the entire beachfront from uShaka to Blue Lagoon into a "fan zone" - for the 2010 World Cup - which would boast underground parking and a tram system to back up the interim people-mover.

The city council agreed at Thursday's council meting at the KwaMashu Sport and Recreation Centre to increase funding for the first phase of redevelopment of the old Sea World site - known as the West Street beach node - by R4,6-million. This will take the estimated cost to the council for the promenade improvement to R18,6-million.

The city will also build an underground parkade at the West Street node and it has plans to extend the wide pedestrian promenade stretching from Blue Lagoon to uShaka.

The Honorary Consul for South Korea, Rory Macpherson, said the presentation had been exciting and had showed the city was committed to providing a world-class environment. However, he said he was disappointed because the city had not referred to safety and security.

"The city has spent hundreds of millions on world-class facilities when we have a situation where crime is at such a high level," he said.

Macpherson felt Thursday's briefing would have been the perfect opportunity for the city to outline its plan for safety.

While the people-mover buses would boast closed-circuit television cameras, Macpherson said, there had been no indication as to who would monitor the cameras.

Sutcliffe said security was being handled superbly in Germany and would be a priority for Durban in 2010.

dysan1

July 1st, 2006, 08:50 PM

Mo...

there was an article alongside one on the new stadium a few weeks back that said Westridge is to be moved to a site next to the new stadium in the Kings Park precinct. they said plans for the new tennis centre were at an advanced stage. i cant post the article for it is locked by the sunday tribunes website.

Mo Rush

July 1st, 2006, 11:16 PM

Durbsboi

July 1st, 2006, 11:24 PM

........., which features a six page feature on the Blou Bulle girls at the back.
I doubt you added that

Mo Rush

July 1st, 2006, 11:26 PM

I doubt you added that
yes i did lol

Mo Rush

July 2nd, 2006, 01:14 PM

Mo Rush

July 2nd, 2006, 01:17 PM

dysan1

July 2nd, 2006, 06:18 PM

Explains more on the Octopus mega yacht in Durban

Dan Aykroyd visits SA on business

SUBASHNI NAIDOO

HOLLYWOOD “ghostbuster” Dan Aykroyd is in South Africa with his family on a working holiday.

Aykroyd has spent the week on the $200-million luxury yacht, the Octopus, which is owned by his billionaire friend, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Living it up on the yacht with Aykroyd are his wife, Maureen Lewis, and daughters Belle, Stella and Danielle — as well as friends from the US.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Times, Aykroyd said he was in South Africa for the first time to establish business interests and to forge partnerships with local musicians.

The Canadian actor, who celebrated his 54th birthday yesterday, has been identifying suitable locations to launch his famous House of Blues franchise in the country — a successful concept with booming nightclubs in 10 US cities.

“I’m here to hear what local bands are playing,” said Aykroyd. “I was exposed beautifully to the music by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Hugh Masekela. I want to see what kind of music is heard on radio and what the DJs are playing at popular nightclubs.”

He said he was looking at population centres that would be able to sustain a 1000-seater, Louisiana-style facility.

“I love the feeling here in Durban. You have the ocean ... a bustling port situation, and it seems that the social situation, as far as crime is concerned, is a bit easier here,” he said.

With more than 30 years in the movie game under his belt, nowadays Aykroyd focuses on his business interests.

“I have an interest in a company called Niagara Cellars, which makes great wines. That is another reason I’m here — to try some of the South African wines ... I plan to return to South Africa, find a beautiful, big, bold red wine and put my name on it and take it to the North American market,” he said.

Aykroyd has managed to fit in some sightseeing, visiting the Drakensberg, Shakaland and St Lucia. And on Thursday, he and his family met former President Nelson Mandela.

Aykroyd added that his next step was to buy a beach property in Durban.

Harkeb

July 3rd, 2006, 01:51 AM

hmm...

Mo Rush

July 3rd, 2006, 02:16 AM

hmm...
its dan akroyd..woo and hoo

SA BOY

July 3rd, 2006, 06:24 AM

well its better than the D grade celebs who swoon around capetown thinking they own the place. At least he is planning on investment and to contribute to the future of the region. I see him getting a nicve little 20 mil house in Zimbali

Durbsboi

July 3rd, 2006, 07:51 AM

its dan akroyd..woo and hoo
Whoo ya gonna call?

Durbsboi

July 3rd, 2006, 07:54 AM

yes i did lol
Gud on you Mo!

romanSA

July 3rd, 2006, 12:01 PM

And it seems Durban is getting increasing exposure and coverage in the US. Nice article...

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Durban renewal

12 years after apartheid, South Africa's Indian Ocean metropolis comes into its own with crosscurrents of surf, safari and multicultural synergy

By Cary Darling
Star-Telegram Pop Culture Critic

GATEWAY THEATRE OF SHOPPING

Large skateboarding figures tower over shoppers at Durban's expansive Gateway Mall, underscoring the facility's youth appeal.

He strode onto the elevator at the oceanfront hotel with recalcitrant preteen son in tow, and it was obvious that Dad thought his young charge needed a severe attitude adjustment, even if the two of them were dressed for the beach. That's hardly a novel scene anywhere in the world, especially when family vacation nerves have reached the fraying point.

But the father, cut from Bill Cosby's stern TV-dad cloth, didn't haul out a variation of "I'm going to turn this car right around" with his would-be Theo Huxtable. Instead, the man -- who seemed to be of South African Indian descent -- lectured him that if everyone in the country had had such a nonchalant, don't-care sensibility, they'd still be living under the heavy hand of racial apartheid.

This quick cultural snapshot, over and done with the closing whoosh of an elevator door, is a distillation of life in Durban, South Africa's third-largest city and capital of Kwa-Zulu Natal province, where issues of race and politics are never far below the sunny surface.

And as with all of South Africa, it's a fascinating feast of contradictions: Surfer- and tourist-friendly beaches border downtown blocks where visitors rarely venture into a traditional African market; bikinis rub bare shoulders with figure-shrouding Islamic dress; what is reported to be the Southern Hemisphere's largest mosque is an easy taxi ride from what is supposed to be the hemisphere's largest mall; big-game safaris can be done on the same day as big-ticket shopping; and the presence of the country's most populous Indian community -- in a country that claims to have the largest number of Indians outside India -- adds to Durban's variety as well as its still-palpable racial divide, 12 years after the dismantling of apartheid.

It's this push-pull between old-world culture and new-world cosmopolitanism that makes this far-flung metropolitan area of some 2.5 million people on the Indian Ocean so intriguing. Although it's a prime spot for South African vacationers, it's off the tourist path for most visiting Americans, compared to economic engine Johannesburg or postcard-perfect Cape Town, and that only adds to its allure.

Snakes on a beach

After you arrive from Durban International Airport -- which has in common with South Africa's other major airports that it's in the midst of an expansion -- there's only one place stay to start exploring the city: the Golden Mile. Like Miami Beach, to which humid and lush Durban is sometimes compared, this is where sand, sea, high-rise hotels and evocative beach names meet. Dunes Beach. Ocean Beach. Country Club Beach. Blue Lagoon Beach. There's even a Laguna Beach.

The blandly modern but comfortable Southern Sun Elangeni, formerly a Holiday Inn, is one of the newer towers that's directly on the beach. Protea Hotel Edward, built in 1911, offers more colonial elegance.

The Durban oceanfront has a variety of attractions, the main being the beach itself. Unless it's a public holiday, they beaches don't seem to get very crowded, and there's plenty of room to lie on the sand or take a dip in the water.

But if sunbathing bores you witless, there are many other things to do. You can travel from one attraction to the next using an African-style rickshaw, driven by elaborately costumed men who ply their trade all day, up and down the promenade.

If it's a weekend, there's a good chance some sort of sporting event is taking place on the beach. A Jet Ski competition might be roiling the waters one day, a surfing contest the next. Join the crowds on the pier for a front-row perch.

Every Sunday, the beach along Snell Parade becomes a giant African flea market where local artisans sell works of art, crafts and clothing. As with all such things, some of the items for sale are great finds, others are junk, and bartering is always expected.

Snakes and beaches don't necessarily go together, but they do in this part of the world, where waves and wildlife are never far apart. Fitzsimons Snake Park, right on the sand in the heart of the Golden Mile, is a collection of some 250 reptiles, many of them venomous. But don't worry, they're all behind glass.

Right next door is something a bit more tame and very kid-friendly: Minitown. This outdoor miniature model of Durban's main streets and buildings is fun to walk through, especially with children. Farther down the beach is uShaka Marine World, an ocean-themed amusement park and aquarium.

Note that although the Golden Mile appears perfectly safe by day, officials warn that things can get dicier at night and that some of the back streets are best avoided.

Dead monkeys, bunny chow

Durban's central core is only a five-minute ride from the beachfront, but it might as well be light-years. If much of the coast could be mistaken for Australia or L.A., the heart of Durban is the face of post-colonial Africa: black and brown, bustling and crowded.

Head to the Indian quarter, along Grey Street. Here you'll find the Victoria Street Market, a marketplace that reflects the area's long-running Indian heritage. (Mohandas Gandhi lived in Durban for two decades before returning to India.) You can buy everything from spices to clothing and food in the vast pavilion.

Across the road from Victoria Street Market is the Warwick Triangle, a uniquely fascinating place about which even a Durban tourist Web site cautions, "Do not go alone. Enter only with a guide." This African market -- selling all sorts of "muti" (traditional medicines) -- is alive with sights, sounds and smells that you're not going to see anywhere else in the city.

Monkeys. Guinea pigs. Fish. Gutted. Hanging from stalls. Strewn on the ground. All just waiting to be used by a "sangoma" (healer).

At the corner of Grey and Queen is the Juma Musjid Mosque, which can hold upward of 5,000 people and lays claim to the title "largest of its kind below the equator." Visitors are welcome and tours are available. Proper dress is required.

One of the most eye-catching aspects of downtown is the army of minibus taxis flying in and out of traffic, or off to the side of the road being lovingly hand-washed by their owners. These aren't geared to tourists but to residents of the black townships, vestiges of the apartheid era when blacks could work in the city but not live there. The only way to get back and forth was in a taxi, many of them dangerously overcrowded or sloppily driven.

Whatever their drawbacks, the taxis fill a desperate need, and their owners often give them boastful or picturesque names, like "Italian Boyz." Be on the lookout for them -- especially if you're sharing the highway with them!

Speaking of townships, any visitor to South Africa should visit one to get a better understanding of the country's cruel history. Tours are available from Durban to the Umlazi and Nanda townships, and most hotels can arrange one for you. But, as many of these tour-bus groups can make some visitors uneasy -- making them feel as if they're treating township residents like mere sightseeing fodder -- it's best if you can make a connection with a local individual you feel comfortable with who knows the townships and can take you there without waving the big flag of tourism.

If you find yourself hungry downtown, try bunny chow, a Durban specialty available just about everywhere. Take a half-loaf of bread, rip out the middle and fill the hole with meat, veggies, curries and sauce. The excavated bread then is used as a spoon to dip into the mixture. Think of bunny chow as the Durban answer to the Argentine empanada, Australian meat pie or American hot dog. (It supposedly was invented in the old days because black caddies at golf courses were not allowed to use the silverware, and its name has its roots in a derogatory term for these caddies.)

Up the coast

North of downtown and the Golden Mile, Durban stretches into its own version of California cool. Musgrave Road, home of the Musgrave Mall, and Florida Road are streets filled with trendy shops and cafes. One of the most fun is Hollis House, a 70-year-old 2-story home with balconies overlooking Florida Road, that's been reborn as a hip bar and dance club.

Two of the other prime places to hang with local hipsters are the dance club Rivets at the Durban Hilton, and Tilt across the street. For something quieter and more luxurious, drive farther north to the Malibu-like upscale of suburb of Umhlanga, where large homes dot the hillside. Stop at the appropriately named five-star Beverly Hills Hotel and have a drink under the stars on the patio-deck bar that offers sweeping views of sea, city and sky.

Umhlanga is also the home of Gateway, purportedly the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere, though at least two malls in Cape Town also lay claim to that distinction. In any case, it is huge, including a skate park designed by Tony Hawk; an indoor beach with the Wave House featuring what they claim is "the world's first left- and right-breaking standing wave"; a rock-climbing facility that has "the world's highest indoor climbing rock" (78.7 feet); and an IMAX theater. When you tire of all that adventure, you can catch at an art movie at Cinema Nouveau, hunt for local fashions at Sowearto, or shop such global names as Fubu, Hugo Boss and Timberland.

If you'd prefer to risk your pocketbook rather than life and limb, there are two places to gamble legally in Durban: Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World, north of Umhlanga, and Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, closer to the Golden Mile. Sibaya is home to A2A (Africa to Asia), a restaurant that celebrates the area's ethnic mix.

Out of the mall

Of course, no one should come to Africa and just stay in the cities. As the name of the province indicates, Kwa-Zulu Natal -- KZN for short -- is the capital of Zulu country, and within KZN the area known as Zululand provides the heartbeat of Zulu culture. The tribe has played a vital role in South African history, and there are tours of famous battlefields as well as festivals and dances.

Then there's the wildlife. If time is short and you can't do a multiday safari, try one of the half-day tours of the nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, including lunch at Hilltop Camp. Of the "big five" game (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), there's a chance you won't see the big cats in such a short stay, but more than likely you'll get a feel for the landscape and see lots of other animals including buffalo, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, zebras and birds.

It's at times like these that Durban's uniqueness and sense of place become real. There aren't too many places in the world where you can surf in the morning, spy lions in their native habitat in the afternoon and score at the blackjack table at night. That makes the nearly 20 hours it takes to get here just a bit more tolerable.

IN THE KNOW

If you go

Getting there

Remember, seasons are reversed in South Africa, but considering that Durban is sometimes compared to Miami, there really is no bad time to visit -- though it can get pretty steamy in summer. There are no direct flights from D/FW. Flights depart from the East Coast. South African Airways flies to Durban via Johannesburg from New York City and Washington, D.C. European carriers such as British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa also fly to Johannesburg via Europe. If you decide to book your Jo'burg-Durban run separately, South Africa now has a few low-cost local carriers, including Nationwide Airlines and Kulula Air.

Where to stay

Being within walking distance of the Indian Ocean is a must. The Protea Hotel Edward (149 Marine Parade, www.proteahotels.com) has played host to lots of famous faces since opening in 1911. Amid a crop of rather faceless beachside hotels, this one stands out with its sense of history. Rooms are in the $150-$300 range.

The Southern Sun Elangeni (63 Snell Parade, www.southernsun.com) is a former Holiday Inn that has a great spot. It's right near the pier and the Sunday flea market. Rates are in the $200-a-night range.

Not right on the beach but worth mentioning is the Hilton Durban (12 Walnut St., www.hilton.com), one of the newest hotel kids on the block. All rooms supposedly have great coastline and city views, and one of the hot nightclubs of the moment, Rivets, is downstairs. Rates range $178-$707.

Eating and drinking

South Africa is known for its abundant seafood, and you should try local species such as klipking. The Cape Town Fish Market at the Gateway Mall in Umhlanga is a large, boisterous place that serves tasty fish dishes at reasonable prices. In town, the bar/restaurant Bean Bag Bohemia (18 Windermere Road) has the reputation of one of the city's main hip hangouts. For something louder, check out 330 ( www.330.co.za), a huge dance club that has a sister branch in London. Big techno DJs such as Carl Cox and Josh Wink have spun there. Over at the multipurpose arts and community center called the BAT Centre ( www.batcentre.co.za), there are a couple of African-themed restaurants, including Trans Africa Express and Kaya.

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/living/14937789.htm

romanSA

July 3rd, 2006, 12:06 PM

Mo Rush

July 3rd, 2006, 12:10 PM

LOL! And agreed!
come on..the amount of international A-list celebs who own properties in cape town far exceeds durban and you know that.

Durbsboi

July 3rd, 2006, 12:39 PM

yEH they own the property but who uses them? the maid? the garden boy?

Mo Rush

July 3rd, 2006, 12:53 PM

yEH they own the property but who uses them? the maid? the garden boy?
they're called holiday homes...they still bring in money into cape town.

romanSA

July 3rd, 2006, 02:12 PM

come on..the amount of international A-list celebs who own properties in cape town far exceeds durban and you know that.

I should have clarified: the 'LOL' was for the no. of wanna-be D-list celebs who walk around thinking they own CT. Idiots. The 'agreed' was about where Dan Akroyd would most likely be buying a place in Durbs.

Undoubtedly, CT is home to more international celebs than any other SA city. Hopefully, though, they will also discover Mpumalanga (arguably the most beautiful and underrated province in SA) and KZN (the most scenically diverse province in SA).

SA BOY

July 3rd, 2006, 02:28 PM

Mo Rush

July 3rd, 2006, 03:57 PM

well there are rummers of these so called clebs owning in CT but who are we actually talking about? everytime a celeb is in town for some thing the cape papers are all "another celeb comming to live in slap stad" but at the end of the day, who do you classify as a celeb resident, Mark Thatcher that infamous money laundering coup plotter?

Celebrities seek upmarket property in Cape Town

A new trend of American celebrities wanting to buy property in Cape Town is emerging.

Alan Long, president of Sotheby's International Realty in California, was recently in Cape Town looking for upmarket suburbs for luxurious properties on behalf of some of his group's most high-profile California celebrity clients.

Long, who operates in the Malibu area, says it is not uncommon for such clients to buy international properties without having seen them.

He says most of his celebrity clients look for upmarket, secure homes in exclusive suburbs. They include actor Brad Pitt, who bought his most recent house from the Sotheby's International Realty Malibu brokerage, and Friends star Jennifer Aniston, who recently rented a property from
the same office.

Long says suburbs such as Llandudno, Clifton and Bantry Bay appeal to this type of buyer, and budget is not an issue for these buyers.

Rob Stefanutto, who is a director of Sotheby's International Realty on the Atlantic Seaboard, says he has personally taken two high-profile celebrities to view properties in the Atlantic Seaboard area.

12 May 2006 06:57:00 AM

romanSA

July 3rd, 2006, 06:46 PM

I like this idea for the current airport land MUCH more than any other (incl expanding the refineries, office park, etc). This will ensure the city remains the #1 port city for a long time and will be great from an employment and investment perspective.

---------------------

Port on the cards for Durban's airport site
Samantha Enslin
July 03 2006 at 11:18AM

Transnet, in its long-term plans to create future container handling capacity at the Durban port, is mulling over a dug-out port at the present Durban International Airport site.

Pumi Motsoahae, a project manager of Transnet Capital Projects, said: "We have forwarded our interest to Acsa (Airport Company South Africa) for the airport site. We are already working with Acsa and the city. If the site becomes available at the right price, Transnet will be interested."

The airport site will become available around 2010, when the new King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy will be open for business.

Transnet Capital Projects was established in September 2005 to co-ordinate, plan and implement the parastatal's investment plans of R64,5-billion over the next five years on ports, rail and pipelines.

The airport site is suitable because it is about 14km from the Durban port, and it is flat.

This expansion of port facilities, which may be necessary to continue servicing Gauteng, is one of several that Transnet is discussing with the eThekwini Municipality. Project Tempi (Transnet eThekwini Municipality Port Initiative), established in April, is aimed at developing a joint vision which will accommodate the two parties' sometimes conflicting development plans.

Krish Reddy, a senior project manager of Transnet Capital Projects, said if plans to expand in the existing Durban port were approved, a dug-out port might not be needed and instead, the airport site could be used as a logistics park.

One of the proposals for the Durban port is to expand into Bayhead, which is on the southern side of the port.

This development, which is still subject to negotiations with tenants and an environmental impact assessment and other approvals, would have eight berths with a capacity for 2,4 million, 20-foot equivalent units (teus). If the Bayhead expansion gets the green light, it will be operational by 2013. It is estimated it will cost between R15-billion and R20-billion.

The Ngqura container terminal north of Port Elizabeth will be open in 2008. But this terminal will be a trans-shipment hub, partly because of its distance from Gauteng.

The rail infrastructure between the two would require substantial investment to make it viable.

This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on July 03, 2006

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=181&art_id=vn20060703030925433C596523

dysan1

July 3rd, 2006, 09:16 PM

Regards the Dan the ghostbuster man story...i posted it cos it gave more explanation as to who joined the richie richs on the yacht...whether u think Dan aykryod is important or not is personal opinion.

Regards house buying...saying they looking and taking people around still doesnt say that major celebs own property there. i'd imagine celebs would be FAR more interested in remote places, out of the cities...like Richard Branson in Kruger, the celebs that have bought in Pezula...why on earth would they really want a place in the busy main cities...that doesnt give them a break at all.

They will look for places on the north coast, kruger, garden route and west coast...more than in the city...they can stay in a hotel for the very very short time they actually stay.

And all those celebs that do visit CT are there when they making movies...its the same in Durbs...yes they do make loadsa movies here and along the coast and berg...10 major movies so far this year, plus i was in a new one they were filming on umhlanga beach the other day.

dysan1

July 3rd, 2006, 09:20 PM

Mo Rush

July 3rd, 2006, 10:48 PM

Harkeb

July 4th, 2006, 05:34 AM

as i mentioned earlier, SA ports are planning to expand the harbour initially via a dug out expansion of the existing port before undertaking a major airport site dug out. the planned one will lead the existing bayhead road needing to be routed under water via a tunnel system. This expansion will add 2million Teus to the capacity.

But this plan does sound good, similar to the mentioned before, but i think it is the more costly option
What?! Are they going to dig up the current airport and fill it with water as a new port? Souns spectacular!! Is the Durban airport next to the harbour?

-Can anyone post us an aerial pic showing the airport & harbour in one, if possible?

SA BOY

July 4th, 2006, 08:25 AM

that dug out option was first propsed around 10 years ago and I remember seening the mercury front page with a render of the port. biggest issue is the 1 cost 2 what to do will millions of cubes of sand 3 the entrance would have to be massive piers going out into the sea and 4 the doubeling of facilities (port control tower, tugs etc)

Durbsboi

July 4th, 2006, 08:49 AM

^^Will do,
But werent they suppose to turn it into a secondary domestic airport/ Airforce base?

I doubt they would dig it up, but Durban Harbour is getting small, we need a bigger harbour & the current airport is not that far from the harbour so they could dig it up, but they cannot join the 2, it would be a secondary harbour so to speak, & it would only benifit Sapref & Engen, which in any case the oil tankers dont use our harbour at all, so will make no diff? they use that pump facility thats outside Isipingo Beach.

Why dont they make into a container yard?

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8274/arial18xq.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/arial_2.jpg

The future?
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/arial_3.jpg

Durbsboi

July 4th, 2006, 08:54 AM

Harkeb

July 4th, 2006, 09:39 AM

Durban's Port is quite unique. It's like inland on a smooth coastline. The airport is next to the sea, so it would totally work as Durban Port 2 (or another 'Port King Zanakomanasomething' :))
Remember, theyve built the Nqura port at Algoa out of nothing, so I'm sure thered be money for this project. Besides, it'd be more feasible than Nqura.

GregPz

July 4th, 2006, 09:57 AM

Anybody heard that horrible ad on the radio for "Deben bich efrika"? (aka Durban Beach Africa), not only did they choose the 2 most dimwitted people who have no energy to do the ad's but the dialog is soooo lame, makes it sound like a kiddies event, thats got to be the most embrassing ad around.

The ads for Durban are truely shocking! Durban Africa which is supposed to promote the city is a useless organisation which imo does the city's image more harm than good. The city desperately needs a good branding and marketing campaign and Durban Africa is definitely not able to deliver!

Durbsboi

July 4th, 2006, 10:11 AM

True, & its not like the event is boring, its a cool event but the marketing & media for it sucks BIG TIME

romanSA

July 4th, 2006, 10:24 AM

Well according to the media report the proposed port at the DIA airport need not be dug out. It could simply serve as a logistics / storage hub for the existing harbour. This would take the space / storage strain off the current harbour. They would simply need to join the two areas by a railway line or two. This would be very feasible and do-able.

If they did decide to dig out the land though (thanks for the render Durbsboi!), they could use all that sand to widen Durban's beaches in light of global warning fears (although not sure what the environ impact would be) or for the massive new pier at the mouth of the widened Durban harbour. Where the heck are they going to get all the sand for that baby??

And yes, I agree that the ads (voices in particular) for the Durban Africa are lame. They should hire a professional ad agency to market the city.

SA BOY

July 4th, 2006, 10:58 AM

durbsboi, what you show is not what I remeber seeing a while ago. the link to the sea was not along the canal but on the otherside of the hill (south) so if you are looking from the airport to the sea its on the right hand side of the coastal hill.
It was a simple dug out option with perto chemical industires as the main winners along with direct freeway access for containers froma container port. I think the harbour could accomodate about 18 ships if my memory is not too faded.

Durbsboi

July 4th, 2006, 12:00 PM

But then you chopping off Isipingo beach? Sapref is going to be the massive winners there. But Sapref is soo cool, I want to go there again, its like our very own area 51

GregPz

July 4th, 2006, 01:36 PM

Finally the Legends venue is coming alive again. It's such a great venue.

Dockyard Theatre moves to Berea
July 04, 2006 Edition 1

Billy Suter

DURBAN'S popular Dockyard Supper Theatre at the Point Waterfront's harbour entrance is soon to move to new Berea premises.

The venue, which will retain its name and have fun nautical decor in shades of grey and blue, will be moving into the old Legend's premises in Musgrave Centre, probably in the second week of August.

Plans are to offer a 24-hour service that will include breakfast and lunch menus, as well as after-show, late-night jamming in a separate bar area at the back of the new venue, says excited owner, show producer and performer Stuart Mey.

The move had become necessary, he said yesterday, because of plans to widen the harbour mouth, which had long been a worrying factor for the future of the Dockyard Supper Theatre.

"Our lease at the Point Waterfront expires in January anyway, so when the opportunity to land the Musgrave Centre site arose, I jumped at it," said Mey, who had been considering sites at the Pavilion and near the parking lot of Ushaka Marine World.

He had also put in a tender to build a supper theatre near the abandoned old toilets at the entrance to Glenwood's Bulwer Park, but that plan would probably now be shelved, he said.

Shopfitters were currently in the old Legend's, where they are installing a mezzanine floor, stage and refitting the kitchen, said Mey, pointing out that the supper theatre's new neighbour at Musgrave Centre would be an Ocean Basket restaurant.

romanSA

July 5th, 2006, 07:17 PM

It's coming back in Feb this time...

---------------------

A1 GP calendar unveiled

Wed, 05 Jul 2006
South Africa is among the 13 countries hosting a round of the second season of A1GP which starts with the A1GP of Nations, Zandvoort, Netherlands on October 1.

The South African race will be round eight and will once again take place in the streets of Durban, KwaZulu Natal on Sunday, February 25, 2007.

The full provisional calendar is:
Zandvoort, Netherlands, October 1
Brno, Czech Republic, October 8
Beijing, China, November 5
Sepang, Malaysia, November 26
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 16
Taupo, New Zealand, January 21, 2007 (venue to be confirmed)
Sydney, Australia, February 4, 2007
Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, February 25, 2007
South/North America, March 11/18, 2007 (to be confirmed)
Mexico, March 25, 2007
Indonesia, April 8, 2007 (to be confirmed)
Shanghai, China, April 15, 2007
Brands Hatch, Great Britain, April 29, 2007

“Last year’s Durban race was the only street race in the inaugural season of the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ and, despite the fact that we had very little time to put the race together — the entire construction of the circuit, including grandstands, pits and other facilities was completed in less than nine weeks — it was a success beyond our wildest expectations," said A1 Grand Prix SA's Dana Cooper.

“We didn’t really know what to expect, but as it turned out it was one of the best attended of the 11 races that constituted the first A1GP series and all South Africans can be proud of the fact that it was voted the best presented A1GP round of the season by no less than all the team principals.

“This time we know what to expect and we have a lot more time to plan and prepare for an even bigger and better race in 2007. With the continued enthusiasm and co-operation of our partners, the province of KZN and the eThekwini municipality, and all the people of KZN, without whom last January’s race could not have taken place, let alone be so well received by South Africans and visitors alike, we will show the world that we can do it again.

“We have already started our planning and are working closely with the offices of eThekwini mayor Obed Mlaba, City Manager Mike Sutcliffe and the KZN provincial government of Premier Sbu Ndebele to ensure that we do South Africa proud,” said Cooper.

“As the official holder of the South African seat in this historic and unique global motor racing championship, and as Chairman of A1GP Team South Africa, I am proud that South Africa will once again be one of the 20 or more nations who will be participating in the A1GP series, the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’,” said Tokyo Sexwale.

“I am even prouder that South Africa is again one of the countries that will be hosting a round of the series. We made many friends during last year’s series and attracted the attention of millions of people all over the world, to our team and to our country.

“The Durban race attracted thousands of overseas visitors and millions watched it on television around the world. The economy of KZN benefited and South Africans of all shapes and sizes, young and old, were united in the support of their team and their nation.

“This is A1GP and this is why we have A1GP Team South Africa. I urge all South Africans to again support our team and our car, Vulindlela, as they did last year and help us show the world what a great people we are and what a great country we live in,” Sexwale added.

http://motoring.iafrica.com/a1grandprix/656086.htm

dysan1

July 6th, 2006, 12:36 AM

i dont see the dug out coming anytime soon. as i have been saying, plans are at an advanced stage to increase the size of the existing port, by digging out land to the south of the harbour, going over bayhead road towards edwin swales drive. byahead road will then run under the harbour in a tunnel. 8 new berths will be created and massive stacking areas that will add 2m TEUs to the ports capacity. This plan will only cost R13 billion and hence be alot cheaper than the dug out port option

Mo Rush

July 6th, 2006, 01:31 AM

Cape Town waveski-surfer robbed as criminals target Durban beach fest
July 4, 2006

By Karishma Ganpath and Se-Anne Rall

Durban: A young Cape Town waveski-surfer taking part in a championship here and a friend were robbed at knifepoint on the beachfront over the weekend.

Jason Nefdt, 16, and his friend, Nicholas King, also of Cape Town, were walking on the promenade near the Snake Park when six boys threatened them with a knife and robbed of Nefdt of his cellphone.

Nefdt said that when he reported this the only help he was given was a lecture on how to address the police.

He was one of seven competitors in the waveski championship, part of the Beach Africa Festival.

Competitors say that since the start of the Beach Africa Festival several overseas participants had fallen prey to beachfront criminals.

Some surfers have resorted to chaining down their surfing gear and paying people on the beach to guard it while they practise or compete in their heats.

Waveski team member Tracy Sassen, whose stolen palm pilot and wallet were recovered, said: "I'm not happy to come here again and now I am using a stun gun to protect myself."

Johan Burger, a competitor from East London, said: "The criminals know we are easy targets. My video camera, stills camera and all my lenses were stolen."

Three bags have been stolen from the national and international teams.

Inspector Michael Read, of the Durban North SA Police Service unit, said police were working with Metro Police, Ethekwini law enforcement and security companies along the beachfront to ensure security.

is this true? or is one incident being exaggerrated?

Durbsboi

July 6th, 2006, 07:52 AM

Could be true, some cops are blody arrogant. There are plenty cops on the beach front but whether they doing their job or not, only they will know. But there are plenty street kids around, not sure if all of them are responsible for the crimes, but it is a matter that needs to be sorted out. The beach is the main attraction to our city, because no other city in the country has beach's like our's & if this petty crimes still occur, it will cause the number of visiters to the beach to drop.

mike2005

July 6th, 2006, 12:50 PM

The main beach is still bloody awfull with lots of petty crime etc and you get hassled by street kids all the time. Its a great shame cos it could be so good. But the city seems incapable of making it safe despite having years to sort it out. I for one go to umhalanga beach when am in Durbs and sometimes I go to North beach And I never go south of North Beach (except to go to UShaka and the restaurants on vic embankment) But there is so much more to durbs than beaches. Florida road etc is bloody awsome!

Mo Rush

July 6th, 2006, 01:04 PM

Durbsboi

July 6th, 2006, 02:46 PM

. Florida road etc is bloody awsome!
I work in that area, so its getting avg for me, but the woman are still nice :D

romanSA

July 6th, 2006, 04:05 PM

City still assessing proposal...

----------------

GP Masters could move to Durban

July 6, 2006

The 2006 Grand Prix Masters event originally scheduled for Kyalami could instead be run in Durban as a street race similar to that of the very successful A1 Grand Prix.

The authorities in Durban are considering this idea and, if it's viable, will consider any formal application from the Masters.

As for the date, read what the media release had to say in the best PR-speak paragraph we've had this year:

At the current time, the situation therefore remains fluid and there is no finality with regard to the venue for the event.

http://motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=928&fArticleId=3325306

Durbsboi

July 6th, 2006, 04:18 PM

i saw the circuit in yesterdays paper

dysan1

July 6th, 2006, 09:53 PM

yeh the circuit will use a completely different one to the A1. the prob for me is the city spent alot of money on the A1 track area, why not use it?

regards Florida road, yeh alot more places are still opening there, but i'm liking the clubbing precinct that is forming on Stamford hill road

dysan1

July 6th, 2006, 10:15 PM

Ben Afleck and Jennifer Garner were also on the big yacht with dan the man...in todays paper

Mo Rush

July 6th, 2006, 10:45 PM

Ben Afleck and Jennifer Garner were also on the big yacht with dan the man...in todays paper
coolio i love alias...

Mo Rush

July 7th, 2006, 03:26 AM

Future of Mr Price Pro Surfing Contest uncertain
July 03, 2006, 11:00

Mike Sutcliffe, the Ethekwini city manager, says he will be meeting with representatives of the Mr Price Pro Surfing Contest to discuss the future of the event that has been held in Durban for more than three decades.

This comes after organisers threatened to move the world class event to another coastal city. Sutcliffe says the city is looking towards taking the Beach Africa Festival up to international standards ahead of 2010.

The row came after it was announced that people attending the festival would have to pay R40 to attend the music concerts on offer. The SABC then announced it would help out this year by sponsoring some of the concerts while the city would carry the costs for others.

However, Sutcliffe says he cannot dismiss the possibillity of patrons being charged an admission fee to the concerts in the future. He says this is in line with international practice.

Durbsboi

July 7th, 2006, 07:35 AM

^^Ya thats old news, its dissapointing the Council is spoiling the fun for everyone, but I hope Mike Sut sorts the prob out quickly, this is such a major event to loose.

Mo Rush

July 7th, 2006, 12:09 PM

^^Ya thats old news, its dissapointing the Council is spoiling the fun for everyone, but I hope Mike Sut sorts the prob out quickly, this is such a major event to loose.
they def should not lose the event

the article is 3 days old...

romanSA

July 7th, 2006, 02:07 PM

Hey check this out - Durban has been named one of the 10 ten best destinations in the WORLD for this time of the year by the UK's eminent Independent on Sunday. Some info is slightly dated (like referring to the Mr Price Pro as the Gunston 500 and the Tropicana Hotel as the place to stay), but other than that, great accolade for Durbs... :cheers1:

------------------

The world's top 10 getaways

July 07 2006 at 12:20PM

By Ian McCurrach

Take to Canada’s mountains
If you are looking for a different twist on the usual summer bucket and spade holiday, Banff in Canada could just be the ticket. This Rockt Mountain resort offers giant hanging glaciers, sparkling emerald lakes, tumbling waterfalls and jaw-drop ping scenery. There is also a wide range of activities to get the family fit, such as exploring the 1,800 miles of walking trails. With all the golf, white-water rafting, biking or heli-hiking on tap you may also need to relax, so book a cruise on Lake Minnewanka or a soak in the hot springs.

What’s the weather like?
The northern hemisphere’s summer is a perfect time to visit when Banff enjoys warm, long, sunny days and temperatures hovering about 28C in August.

The deal:
Inghams Travel (020-8780 4433; Inghams) offers a seven-night b&b break from £756 (about R10 000) per person, based on two sharing, including return flights, from Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow to Calgary, and transfers.

Book a room in an Indian palace
Swap your mundane Mediterranean villa for a night or two spent in a Maharaja’s palace in India. Elephant rides, tiger-spotting, the Taj Mahal, boat trips and the snowcapped peaks of the Himalaya will be memories the kids won’t forget in a hurry. Girls will be gripped by the country’s treasure trove of jewelled slippers, sparkling jewellery, pashminas, cushions, sarongs and pretty wooden carvings.

The Jungle Book will come alive for younger children, who can take an elephant ride to an ancient Rajput fort. For the whole family you could plan a visit to Gwalior which is situated at the very geographical and historical crossroads of India and has an immense fortress which stands as an outstanding example of a Hindu castle.

What’s the weather like?
Fair for most of the day with monsoon rain in the afternoons, but downpours are short and intense. September tends to be drier with average temperatures hovering at about 32C.

The deal:
Greaves Travel (0870 850 2497;Greaves India) offers an eight-night room-only package, building your own itinerary, which could take in the Taj Mahal, the Himalaya, Udaipur and Ranthambhore National Park.

Prices for the package start at £1 899 per adult and £699 per child under 16, which is based on four people travelling and sharing two double/twin rooms, including return British Airways flights and internal transfers. These rates are valid until 30 September.

Catch the waves in Durban :cheer:
July and August are the best months to catch the waves in South Africa’s coastal city of Durban. North Beach also hosts the Gunston 500 festival this month. Part of the larger Ocean Africa Festival, this is an event that includes every beach activity imaginable – think night-surfing, music and fashion shows. Located on the famous Golden Mile’s Marine Parade, overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Tropicana Hotel is a family-friendly resort close to Durban’s best attractions, including the Indian Market and a plethora of shopping opportunities. Visitors can also tour the Drakensberg Mountains in the surrounding region of KwaZulu-Natal. The time difference between Durban and London is one hour, so jet-lagged children shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

What’s the weather like?
Durban’s subtropical climate means that average July and August temperatures flutter at about 23C.

The deal:
Travelbag (0870 814 6544; Travelbag) offers a seven-night b&b break at the three-star Tropicana Hotel from £669 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights with Air France from London Heathrow, via Paris and Johannesburg. Valid for travel between 21 July and 2 September, last booking by 30 August 2006.

:applause:

Test the waters in the Maldives
Sprinkled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a good year-round destination. The Bandos resort on the North Male Atoll is a short 20-minute transfer by speed-boat from the airport, so families can blow away the jet-lag and get straight into the holiday spirit with a thrilling spin across the water. Sporting activities available include tennis and squash at the resort’s Paradise Club and catamaran sailing and windsurfing. The Maldives also provides superb snorkelling opportunities, so endless hours in the still waters watching some of the world’s best marine life is recommended.

What’s the weather like?
The rainy season runs May to August, so travel in early September is drier, with average temperatures hovering between 28 and 32C.

The deal:
Hayes and Jarvis (0870 850 3565;Hayes and Jarvis) offers a 14-night b&b break at the four-star Bandos Hotel from £1,099 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights with First Choice Airways from Gatwick and transfers, departing 27 August.

Make BA and Rio your goal
If you haven’t tired of the footie, this new tour takes in La Bombanera stadium, in Buenos Aires and tickets to a game at the famous Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Start by following in the footsteps of Diego “Hand of God” Maradona at La Bombanera, known as the Chocolate Box, and enjoy a tour of the fascinating
Boca Juniors

Museum as well as tickets for a match. In Rio, take a guided tour of one of the most famous stadiums in the world and the spiritual home of Brazilian football legend Pelé, and take the chance to see the Jules Rimet Trophy, presented to Brazil when they won the World Cup for the third time in 1970.

What’s the weather like?
In Rio, summer temperatures edge up to the 25C mark, while Buenos Aires further south is a cooler 18C.

The deal:
Sunvil Latin America (020-8758 4744;Sunvil) offers a seven-night b&b Football Legends tour from £1 843 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes return flights via Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires and back from Rio, internal flights, private transfers, b&b accommodation, tickets to the football matches and guided tours.

Indulge your senses in Phuket
Some of Thailand’s most exclusive hotels are a much more attractive option during the summer, when low season means bigger discounts.

The Evason Phuket Resort on Rawai Beach is set among 64 acres of lush tropical gardens and has a wide range of facilities including a volleyball court, tennis courts, three swimming pools, a fitness centre and the highly regarded Six Senses Spa.

It has its own private island, Bon Island, which is a 10-minute boat ride from the hotel and offers more powder beaches and clear waters for snorkelling and swimming. Canoes, Hobie cats and windsurfing equipment can all be hired at the dive centre. There are daily excursions, such as snorkelling trips to Phi Phi and nocturnal long boat fishing trips.

What’s the weather like?
Temperatures hover about 30C with sudden short sharp showers cooling everything.

The deal:
Only Exclusive Travel (0161-233 0110; Only Exclusive Travel) offers a two-week half-board break for the price of one week from £4 563 per family (two adults, two children), based on four sharing two studio rooms, including return British Airways flights, internal flights and all transfers.

Some like it hot in Cape Verde
West of Africa and east of Brazil, the Cape Verde islands are on the same latitude as Barbados and are well on the way to becoming one of this year’s hottest new destinations. Each of the archipelago’s 10 islands has its own distinct personality, as well as being relatively untouched by mainstream tourism. You’ll find time-warp towns, unspoilt beaches and a heady African-Brazilian cultural heritage. A flight time of under eight hours also means minimum jet lag, and a stop in Lisbon, means fidgety kids have less chance of getting bored. Sal is flatter than the rest and one of the most popular islands for visitors. Club Hotel Riu Funana is a Moroccan casbah-style, all-inclusive hotel on a white sand beach, just 2 km from the lively bars and restaurants of the island’s principal town Santa Maria (think impromptu street dancing and samba). The hotel’s Magic Castle offers a range of day-time activities and entertainment for children aged four to 12.

What’s the weather like?
Dry and warm, similar to the Canary Islands, with temperatures at 29C.

The deal:
Holiday Options (0870 420 8372;Holiday Options) offers 14 nights at the five-star Club Hotel Riu Funana in Sal from £3 994 based on a family of four sharing, including return flights from Heathrow via Lisbon, transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, in August.

Go exotic in Brazil
Inject the exotic into your summer plans with a stay in Guarajuba, a small resort south of Costa do Sauipe in Bahia, just 30 minutes from Salvador airport. It has one of the coastline’s most beautiful beaches, lined with coconut palms and protected by reefs. Guarajuba offers a good selection of restaurants and bars, but is small enough to retain an authentic Brazilian atmosphere. Day trips to the region’s capital, the Unesco World Heritage-listed Salvador, are available for those interested in exploring the area’s colonial history. Youngsters can be kept amused by the hotel’s free snorkelling equipment, bicycle hire and a playground. Other activities include archery and volleyball.

What’s the weather like?
Good all year round, with the lowest rainfall between May and September, when temperatures average 26C.

The deal:
Thomas Cook (08701 111 111; Thomas Cook) offers a 14-night half-board break at the Villa Gala Mares in Guarajuba from £932 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes return flights from Gatwick and transfers, departing on August 24. Child prices start from £699.

The best for surf lovers

Go on, get ‘Lost’ in Hawaii
Glued to Channel 4’s hit Lost? Then discover the charms of Oahu, where much of the drama was filmed. Hawaii’s best-known island offers everything from the flashy resorts of Waikiki to quiet, deserted beaches. There are also volcanoes, jungles, scuba-diving, snorkelling and surfing. For culture visit Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Bon Voyage (0800 316 0194; Bon Voyage) offers 10 nights in Waikiki from £1 250, including flights and transfers.

The best for festivals

Party party in Barbados
For three weeks in July and August Barbados is awash with events as it celebrates its annual crop-over festival.

The four-star Almond Beach Village, on the west coast, offers various programmes for children and water sports with free tuition. Virgin Holidays (0870 220 2757; Virgin Holidays) is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive break from £969 per person, based on two sharing, with a “kids stay free promotion” thrown in. Book by 15 July.

The Independent on Sunday

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=420&art_id=iol1152098065807G320

romanSA

July 7th, 2006, 02:11 PM

More news on next year's A1: Seems that unlike the proposed Master's Grand Prix, the A1 route will stay the same....

---------------------------

SA committed to A1 GP by John Oxley

07/07/2006 12:24
The executive director of the A1 GP championship has told Wheels24 that South Africa plays a vital role in the success of the event.

Cape Town - South Africa is still very much a part of the A1 GP single seat motor racing championship - dubbed the World Cup of Motorsport - and the Durban race will go on as planned in February next year.
That's the news from Richard Dorfman, executive director of A1 GP.

In an exclusive telephone interview from London, Dorfman told me the Durban street circuit would essentially be the same as last year's, with any alterations aimed purely at improvements.

Dorfman said the A1 GP series was this year expected to be a lot more exciting following changes that had been made to its format.

Principally these would mean the extension of the Feature race from 60 minutes to 70 minutes, with a commensurate reduction of the Sprint race from 30 minutes to 20 minutes.

To make racing closer there will also be a change in the points system, allocating points to the top six finishers only in the Sprint race.

But the points system and prize money for the Feature race will remain unchanged.

Race changes

A major change is that the time between the Sprint race and the Feature race will be increased to nearly three and a half hours, allowing for scrutineering, the lodging of any protests, and technical adjustments to the cars.

This will mean more chance of cars which are damaged or have mechanical problems in the Sprint race being fully competitive for the main event.

Last year this would have particularly helped the South African team, which encountered niggling problems in some of the Sprint events that couldn't be fixed in time for the Feature race.

Dorfman said one of the most important changes taking place this year was a move into a period of financial stability which would ensure the future of the A1 GP series.

While refuting claimed losses of $200-million last year - Dorfman said it was closer to $100m - he pointed out that any business required a capital startup phase.

Cars and equipment had to be bought, for instance, and these expenses would not be required this time around.

"It's a normal startup cost, you amortise it over a number of years," he said.

"We would not expect to make losses anywhere near that this year," he said.

Equipment

Dorfman said one of the problems with A1 GP was that it had been conceived and brought to fruition in a very short time, and this had resulted in quotations being accepted and equipment bought without going through normal business practices, such as tendering.

"For instance, we quickly discovered we didn't need four hoists in each pit garage. And travel costs were a big problem," he said.

"In the beginning we were travelling three 747s to each race with all the equipment, but by the end of the season we had cut this down to two.

"There has been a lot of trimming."

Moves to increase the capital foundation of the A1 GP company were also very positive.

Wheels24 has already reported on this here but to paraphrase, it means cash to cover debts is being raised ahead of flotation of the company on the London stock exchange.

Financial security

This should add $500 - $600m to the coffers.

"This is all about funding the series and ensuring its financial security," said Dorfman.

This was one of the reasons why the A1 GP company had been restructured.

Dubai's Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, is the enthusiastic founder of the series, but now there's a board of directors, including non-executive members, headed up by South African Tony Teixeira, formerly A1 GP deputy chairman and co-founder of the series.

"We are now a more professional operation," Dorfman said.

"When you make plans to go public you have to follow certain business practices," he said.

"Major decisions are voted by the board."

One criticism of the upcoming A1 GP series has been that the race calendar appears to clash with some Formula One races.

This is seen as difficult for fans who follow both series, especially since A1 GP was initially punted as filling the "dead season" when F1 races aren't taking place.

However Dorfman disagreed with this.

Time zones

"Where there appear to be clashes it must be noted that the races take place in different time zones.

"And in any case we have to work with the availability of the circuits," he said.

Another gripe with the series has been that drivers have been largely unsung heroes in a series that puts national pride foremost.

Dorfman disagreed.

"They are part and parcel of the same thing," he said. "If you have good drivers coming out (of the series) the public will follow the team and follow the driver.

"This will give more impetus to the team as long as the driver is still racing under his national flag".

Apart from the involvement of Teixeira, South Africa has other strong connections with the A1 GP series.
As a "seat holder" for Team South Africa businessman Tokyo Sexwale has a say in how things are run, and he also heads up a team which races the South African car, Vulindlela.

Most of last year's races were driven by "rookie" Stephen Simpson, who acquitted himself extremely well and was rewarded by gaining the title 'Most Improved Driver' in the inaugural series.

In addition Sexwale won an award for 'Most Supportive Franchisee' along with Colin Giltrap from A1 Team New Zealand and Emerson Fittipaldi from A1 Team Brazil.

And Team South Africa's CEO Dana Cooper collected the award for 'Best Presented Event' in recognition of the first A1 GP street race in Durban.

South African companies are also involved in the series in terms of sponsorship, particularly ABSA Bank, SABC 3 Sport and Soviet Clothing.

The A1 Grand Prix World Cup of Motorsport is the first opportunity in any area of motor sport for nations to compete with other nations on an equal basis.
More than 20 national teams race identical cars with identical engines and no electronic driver aids.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/A1_Grand_Prix/0,,1369-1949_1964409,00.html

Mo Rush

July 7th, 2006, 04:47 PM

thats good

dysan1

July 8th, 2006, 02:40 PM

The main problem with the Mr Price Pro is a conflict of event ownership. Mr Price believe that they should control the entire beach festival due to the surfing event and hence that they should be recognised as the main brand. The city has however signed contracts with Vodacom and SABC for the festival of which the Mr Price Pro is but one event.

At the end of the day both teams are being arrogant and demanding it done their way and they need to get around a table and meet. The city has attempted on numerous occasions to talk to Mr Price about a win win situation, but they refuse to comprimise.

If Mr Price do move the event it will more than likely move to Umhlanga, Ballito or Toti...however, the event then will potentially lose its WQS status and no longer offer as much of an incentive for the worlds top surfers to make the trip to SA.

Alot of meetings need to take place. Its not as simple as the pathetic media try make it out

Mo Rush

July 8th, 2006, 05:32 PM

GregPz

July 9th, 2006, 11:01 AM

The main problem is that whenever a private company makes a success of a big event Durban Africa tries to takes over and rebrand it as a multicultural festival. As far as I'm concerned the city would be better off without those dimwits who seem to have no idea how to market the city but are more interested in their own agendas.

dysan1

July 9th, 2006, 04:39 PM

^^ Greg i do agree with what u say...

BUT

Mr Price dont own the event. ASP Africa own the event and Mr Price merely have the rights to host it until 2007.

The Beach Festival did build up around the surfing, BUT from 2000 when Mr Price gained control of the surfing, they told the city that they wanted no involvement in the festival and they were purely concerned with the surfing. The festival and all event besides the surfing have been organised by a separate body than the surfing. Mr Price have continuously attempted to have total control, but dare i say that they dont deserve it.

Yes the surfing is the main reason of the festivals existance, it is the main reason people go down for the 10 day event, BUT that doesnt give Mr Price the power to dictate to everyone what should happen. They REFUSE to discuss anything and hence dont deserve much respect. after the 2007 event, Mr Price have to reapply for the rights to be the ASP events title sponsor.

I totally disagree with you on the issue of Durban Africa. Yes their marketing campaigns leave alot to be desired, but they have a clearly focussed agenda. They did not take over the beach festival, they own it.

Both parties need to sit down and discuss...Mr Price are the ones refusing to do so..acting like a stubborn child, acting just like they treat their product suppliers...with contempt.

The festival and surfing are about positioning Durban, and should not be dictated to by a sponsors and they own agenda's which frankly are after profit first and Durban second. Why else is Mr Price upset? they wont to get as much focus on Mr Price as they can, and dont want other sponsors, but dont want to pay the extra money these sponsors are contributing

Durbsboi

July 10th, 2006, 07:53 AM

Scrap the Tobacco advertising law & BRING BACK THE GUNSTON!

romanSA

July 10th, 2006, 02:50 PM

Scrap the Tobacco advertising law & BRING BACK THE GUNSTON!

Um, no to bringing back anti-tobacco laws. I'd rather do without the Gunston 500 / Mr Price Pro than have disgusting cancer-inducing smoke blowing in my face in enclosed SA public spaces for the rest of my life. :runaway:

Mo Rush

July 10th, 2006, 06:28 PM

http://static.flickr.com/60/184656051_c908233a44_b.jpg

GregPz

July 10th, 2006, 08:20 PM

Mr Price dont own the event. ASP Africa own the event and Mr Price merely have the rights to host it until 2007.

The Beach Festival did build up around the surfing, BUT from 2000 when Mr Price gained control of the surfing, they told the city that they wanted no involvement in the festival and they were purely concerned with the surfing. The festival and all event besides the surfing have been organised by a separate body than the surfing. Mr Price have continuously attempted to have total control, but dare i say that they dont deserve it.

Yes the surfing is the main reason of the festivals existance, it is the main reason people go down for the 10 day event, BUT that doesnt give Mr Price the power to dictate to everyone what should happen. They REFUSE to discuss anything and hence dont deserve much respect. after the 2007 event, Mr Price have to reapply for the rights to be the ASP events title sponsor.

I totally disagree with you on the issue of Durban Africa. Yes their marketing campaigns leave alot to be desired, but they have a clearly focussed agenda. They did not take over the beach festival, they own it.

Both parties need to sit down and discuss...Mr Price are the ones refusing to do so..acting like a stubborn child, acting just like they treat their product suppliers...with contempt.

The festival and surfing are about positioning Durban, and should not be dictated to by a sponsors and they own agenda's which frankly are after profit first and Durban second. Why else is Mr Price upset? they wont to get as much focus on Mr Price as they can, and dont want other sponsors, but dont want to pay the extra money these sponsors are contributing

Mike I agree Mr Price may have been a tad arrogant in the way they've handled this but I think it comes as a reaction to the way they've been treated by Durban Africa. I don't know a much about this issue though - only what I've read in the papers. Seems that the concerts are now largely run by uKhozi fm which has no beach association and thus dilutes the success branding of the event and will do little to attract tourists. Anyway...

Regarding Durban Africa in general though I do have major concerns. I'm glad you agree that their marketing campaigns are pretty awful. Problem is their main function is to market the city. Let's face it the city remains hugely underated and unknown. Surely the city's marketing body should be doing something to address this. Instead they present amateurish drivel which is of no benefit to Durban. It was interesting to see in this morning's paper that beach traders are complaining about the poor way in which Beach Africa has been marketed. I just wish they'd do their job properly and if they're unable to do so (and nothing indicates they are capable) then someone else needs to do it.

dreadathecontrols

July 10th, 2006, 11:31 PM

Umhlanga

July 11th, 2006, 12:22 AM

Mo Rush

July 11th, 2006, 03:09 AM

You don't have to be indoors by sundown in Durban. But you don't want to be outdoors in a bad area - then again, why would you be in a bad area after dark? Your friends are spot on about the public transport. Don't use it. Hire a car. Period.
stick to areas that are pretty safe to be in...dont walk alone at night...and dont advertize your personal belongings

Durbsboi

July 11th, 2006, 08:06 AM

Ok not to envoke fear into you, but you can use a bus, its pretty dodgy & you could be the only white on the bus, but they wont hold you up. Dont take a minibus taxi rahter stick to a private taxi cab. You can go where ever you want after dark, but just like how every other city in the world has dodgy area's, Durban has its own, so if it looks dodgy , dont go there. Also as Mo said, dont advertise your belongings, you can have a camera in your hand & what not, but just make sure you have a firm grip on it when in the CBD.

Regarding Bus trip to Mozambique, we have private bus company's that do long distance travelling so you can book a caoch via them, try www.greyhound.co.za they prob the best bus around to do travelling in.

Durbsboi

July 11th, 2006, 08:09 AM

Um, no to bringing back anti-tobacco laws. I'd rather do without the Gunston 500 / Mr Price Pro than have disgusting cancer-inducing smoke blowing in my face in enclosed SA public spaces for the rest of my life. :runaway:
I know, I dont smoke either

GregPz

July 11th, 2006, 09:33 AM

mike2005

July 11th, 2006, 12:38 PM

indoors by sundown? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! are you scared of vampires and warewolves or something?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suretrack

July 11th, 2006, 12:52 PM

Dude, you are not helping.

romanSA

July 11th, 2006, 02:33 PM

hi folks.
(this is completely off topic but still about durban, mods)
greetings from (not so ) sunny brighton UK.
A Q?
my better halves' family r moving to hillcrest, bout 20 km outside durban town.
We're gonna visit them this winter(UR summer)
So the q is.All there expat type freinds are saying that the buses around and in & out of town are unusable.( they see a white face & it gets held up & robbed type of thing).
AND that u have gotta be indors in Durban by sun down .Is this true?
I've seen the mini buses & they look OK in the photos, much like any developing world public transport.
Dont realy wanna hire a car just to go in to town now & then.(Though we will be for the time when were going around the country.)
Also whats the bus like to mozambique?heared theres agood inter-city service.
cheers.
dread

Expats are the worst ambassadors for the country.

You will have a perfectly great holiday in Durbs, dreadathecontrols; don't worry about the doomsayers. *Every* city has crime and a visitor to any city worldwide needs to be alert but not paranoid. The same applies to Durban.

There are parts of the city center that are perfectly safe, and others that are more dodgey. Avoid the Warwick Ave area (tourists never go there anyway; its just a large transport hub), Point Rd near the Wheel Mall (Durban's red light district, although its current being transformed by a waterfront development much further down the road), and some parts of the old non-white area of the downtown (Leopold St, Grey St, etc), Albert Park (residential area in downtown Durbs).

I have taken many international visitors to the city centre and they not only felt safe, but had a great time too (esp around the city hall etc).

Re: transport - I'm not sure what cr*ap the doomsayers are talking about; the city council buses are perfectly fine (Mynah buses etc) and are very well used by people of **all** races (particularly those that run on the Berea). Hillcrest is pretty far from the city centre so I'm not sure what the frequency of those buses are. As Hillcrest is a more affluent area, it has relatively poor public transport as most people have their own cars. You will, however, find minibus taxis that operate in the area (primarily for the benefit of domestic workers etc who work there). It is unusual to find white people using minibus transport, although I suspect that if you do, the taxi drivers (and commuters) will probably take extra care of you. There a number of private operators in Durban. Some of their buses may be old. However, I doubt any of them service Hillcrest and surrounds.

My suggestion: unless you're living on the Berea or beachfront, both of which are well serviced by buses, hire a car. Roads and markings in SA are world-class and you will easily find your way around once you get used to the lay-out of the city.

It is absolutely untrue that you have to stay indoors once it gets dark. That's just utter rubbish. The main entertainment spots in the city are always buzzy at night. These include:

1. The Berea (Musgrave Rd [incl. Musgrave Centre]), Essenwood Rd, Silverton Rd). Lots of restaurants etc. Popular by day or night.
2. Glenwood (south of the Berea) - Davenport Rd and immediate surrounds - great up and coming areas. Better by day (I think some of the restuarants close at night).
3. Morningside (north of the Berea): Florida Rd, Windermere Rd, and Stampford Hill Rd (all virtually parallel to each other, stemming from Argyle- Springfield Rd). These roads are undobtedly the most popular hotspots in Durban and contain tons of bars, coffee shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Florida Rd, by far, is the most buzzy and beautiful (Victorian and Edwardian buildings abound).
4. Beachfront (Golden Mile) - much nicer during the day than at night. This strip contains bars, restaurants etc, although the most popular still remains Joe Kools (near North Beach). Beware of streetkids in this area, particuarly at night (although I've hosted overseas friends who went out every night on the beachfront and never had anything happen to them).
5. Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World - a large and popular complex on the Durban beachfront housing cinemas, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and a nightclub (and of course, a casino). Very popular at night.
6. Gateway Mall - MASSIVE mall in Umhlanga (biggest in the Southern Hemisphere); popular by day or night, particularly over weekends. Has tons of shops, restaurants, cinemas, etc, etc. Great place.
7. Pavilion Mall - Durban's 2nd biggest mall - lots of great food and entertainment spots, day or night.
8. Ushaka Marine World - biggest marine park in Africa and 5th biggest in the world. Situated on Durban's beachfront, its far better (and buzzier) by day than at night (esp over weekends).
9. Wilson Wharf (Durban bay waterfront). Lots of shops, restaurants, bars, etc, and one of the best views of the Durban skyline. Good by day or night, although Mon and Tues nights are probably slower nights. I suggest Fri and Sat nights, and Sun afternoons.
10. Sibaya Casino - restaurants and a club. Stunning architecture. Popular at night.

These are just some of the great and buzzy entertainment night spots in Durban.

I hate it when dimwits who know little to nothing about a city condemn it. They are the types who are better off staying indoors when it gets dark.

mike2005

July 12th, 2006, 12:30 AM

fantastic post. Sometimes I hear the horro stories bitter expats tell about SA and it mnakes me wonder if I live in the same country!!! In Durbs just use common sense. None of us say there is no crime but if you go to the right places and stear clear of the wrong ones you will be more or less safe.

Mo Rush

July 12th, 2006, 12:48 AM

Durbsboi

July 12th, 2006, 07:58 AM

Whats with the Power cuts in the Morningside Area? Are we the CT of Durban? Total wasted day yesterday!

Mo Rush

July 12th, 2006, 03:07 PM

Whats with the Power cuts in the Morningside Area? Are we the CT of Durban? Total wasted day yesterday!
shame. havent had a power cut here since beginning of the year.

Durbsboi

July 12th, 2006, 04:08 PM

Lies

Mo Rush

July 12th, 2006, 05:36 PM

Lies
?? u mean about the power cuts? the only power cut i personally remember was at UCT during my statistics exam on the 9june. not fun.

Mo Rush

July 12th, 2006, 05:48 PM

Durban streets in grip of robbery sprees

By Rivonia Naidu and Bhavna Sookha

Business owners and people who frequent Durban's city centre are calling on police to stamp out crime plaguing the area.

Reacting strongly to the escalating crime rate in the CBD, role players questioned whether police would be able to control crime when the Soccer World Cup is held in 2010.

"If police cannot effectively control the present crime situation, how will they cope in 2010?" said Eugene Boulton, manager of Jolli Cash and Carry in Victoria Street.

Shoppers ducked for safety and ran into side streets
He said a gang of armed men robbed his store at the weekend. Boulton said crime was a very big problem in the area and that police were clearly not doing enough.

"Our store is robbed at least once a month and sometimes twice. We need more visible policing, or they need to build a satellite police station in Victoria Street or near the market. Something needs to be done.

Business owners and residents said crime had increased drastically, with organised groups roaming the city centre and robbing stores.

There is allegedly a group of young men operating in certain parts of the city centre who are responsible for smash and grabs, muggings and cellphone and or bag snatchings.

Another shop owner, who did not want to be named, said business owners as well as their staff feared for their lives.

"Armed robberies have become so frequent that people are scared to come to work. There are so many shops being hit," he said.

According to other shop owners in the area, the CBD has been a crime hotspot for "quite some time now".

Two months ago brazen robbers fired shots in Victoria Street while they were making their escape after robbing a store. During the chaos a passer-by was shot in the arm and shop owners closed their doors for nearly half an hour to allow things to settle down.

At the time of the incident shoppers ducked for safety and ran into side streets to escape the bullets flying all around them. When asked where the hotspots were, Nicky Gounden, chairman of the Nicol Square Community Policing Forum (CPF) said "town itself is a hotspot".

He said people were more vulnerable on Fridays and Saturdays, in the mornings as well as evenings and during peak periods. Gounden said business owners in the area were in the process of signing a petition regarding crime that will be delivered to the police.

He said another problem was that the number of police officers in the area were not enough to police the number of people living in town.

Another issue he touched on was that people were too afraid to report crimes, saying that nothing can be effectively done, if the public do not come forward and report crimes when they happen. Police spokesperson Director Bala Naidoo said a satellite police station would not help as it would require more manpower.

"The important thing is to have the manpower walking the streets, where they can be more effective" he said.

He said that business owners as well as residents might not always see police officers as there were different modes of operations, with police patrolling in civilian clothing.

Hotspots to watch out for are:

# The corner of Russell and West streets, Commercial Road and Grey Street as well as Commercial Road and Queen Street.

# The Warwick Avenue Triangle, Old Dutch Road, intersections in Pine Street, Smith and Field Street.

# The Ordnance Road intersection is also notorious, for muggings and smash and grabs.

Note: The intersections of all roads are possible hotspots.

dysan1

July 12th, 2006, 06:23 PM

Umhlanga

July 12th, 2006, 07:04 PM

The Mynah buses are nice, and have been for a long time. I remember my gran talking about them..must've been almost 20 years ago.

But the original question invovles a man in Hillcrest. If he has to rely on public transport to get from Hillcrest to a Mynah in the CBD or Berea, he'll spend ages waiting around for buses in Hillcrest (are there even buses to/from Hillcrest?). Minibus taxis should be avoided. Sure the drivers and passengers might take extra good care of you. But what about the rare rival taxi operator out for blood? The iol.co.za site has stories about renewed 'taxi war' violence today, in both Durban and Cape Town. Why risk it?

But, set safety aside. The odds are very good that your journey will be incident-free (if a bit crowded!). Convenience must count for something. Affluent areas in SA, such as Hillcrest, aren't public transit-oriented. Poorer areas, while better served by public transport, are not perfect either, or else the minibus taxi networks never would've developed in the first place. Public transport is simply an inconvenient way to travel from most suburbs to the CBD, unless you're either A.) very patient or B.) a committed and dedicated tree-hugger :) . Car is definitely the way to do it.

Best regards,
Umhlanga

Mo Rush

July 12th, 2006, 07:43 PM

I use the Mynah buses all the time and u will find more whites on those buses than anyone else!! most of them are brand spanking new and cover the areas well!! you can go anywhere across the berea and inner city on them for only R3!! (25p)

Good post jerome!! must see u again soon my mate!

Mo u funny...u said u hadnt had a power cut since the beginning of the year, then said u had one on 9 June....lol big difference between those dates. is june the start of the year now?
dysan. i wasnt referring to cape town in general
1. at my home there hasnt been a power cut since the ones earlier this year
2. in cape town as a whole there have been power cuts im not sure where though since i havent had my friends complain really about them
3. 9 june was at uct..thats the only one ive personally experienced since the ones much earlier in the year.

Harkeb

July 13th, 2006, 08:14 AM

Mo, please change the colour of your signature. It's hurting my eyes.

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 09:27 AM

?? u mean about the power cuts? the only power cut i personally remember was at UCT during my statistics exam on the 9june. not fun.
Lies

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 09:30 AM

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 09:32 AM

Mo, please change the colour of your signature. It's hurting my eyes.
I second that, no offence Mo, not like everyones reading the dam thing :scouserd:

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 09:33 AM

dysan. i wasnt referring to cape town in general
1. at my home there hasnt been a power cut since the ones earlier this year
2. in cape town as a whole there have been power cuts im not sure where though since i havent had my friends complain really about them
3. 9 june was at uct..thats the only one ive personally experienced since the ones much earlier in the year.
Lies

Mo Rush

July 13th, 2006, 09:57 AM

Lies
i give up.:bash:

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 09:59 AM

i give up.:bash:
Lies

Mo Rush

July 13th, 2006, 10:09 AM

Lies
*points gun to head* BANG

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 10:12 AM

*points gun to head* BANG
Lies :scouserd:

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 10:28 AM

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Pier-big.jpg
By Michelle Govender

The Umhlanga Rocks promenade is in for a major revamp as construction of a ‘21st century pier’ begins this month. The project, which is important to redirect the storm water off the beach into the sea and maintain the Blue Flag status of Umhlanga Rocks beach, is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

This will contribute to maintaining the Blue Flag status of the beach by reducing one of the unsightly pools of stagnant water that sometimes forms on an otherwise pristine beach.

According to the Engineers assigned to the project, the pier will be unlike any constructed in the region with long span sections on columns to permit continuous access along the beach. “The architectural styling has been a very important element of the design and is in keeping with the proposed improvements to the promenade. The pier will have a ‘whale-bone’ theme that has received favourable public comment.” said Randeer Kasserchun, Deputy Head: Coastal, Stormwater and Catchment Management.

For further added that seating for the public will be made available along the pier with the latest trends in lighting for illumination at night.

The Coastal, Stormwater and Catchment Management Department of eThekwini Municipality has awarded two contracts for construction of major stormwater improvements at Umhlanga Rocks.

The first contract is for construction of a large underground box culvert from the intersection of Tanager Road and Lagoon Drive to the promenade at the lower end of McCausland Crescent, and the second is for construction of the new Umhlanga pier.

The pier is in fact a continuation of the culvert and will extend approximately 80 metres across the beach to a deep -water channel to ensure maximum dispersal of stormwater into the sea. Much of the stormwater that is presently discharged onto the beach at Granny’s Pool will be rerouted to the new system and while the Granny’s Pool outlet can never be completely eliminated, the quality of the beach in this area should be greatly improved.

Public access along the promenade will be kept open during construction but it will be necessary to temporarily close off a narrow strip of beach for safety reasons while heavy overhead concrete work is in progress.

For more information on this project in the future, keep an eye on the Coastal Engineering Department

Mo Rush

July 13th, 2006, 10:35 AM

Umhlanga

July 13th, 2006, 04:04 PM

I like it. That will definitely be a unique structure for Umhlanga. I do wish that the render included the buildings, though. It would be nice to see how the pier actually will fit in with its surroundings, because Umhlanga hasn't looked that rural in...forever! :)

Best regards,
Umhlanga

Durbsboi

July 13th, 2006, 04:27 PM

So where they going to get a blue whale for its ribs?
& the buildings are there, but they kinda smashed into the ground

Umhlanga

July 13th, 2006, 06:17 PM

& the buildings are there, but they kinda smashed into the ground

That's one way to help those who complain that new beachfront construction blocks their existing views! :)

As far as starting a tram service in Umhlanga, don't look to me, I'm poor because I just bought a house! I do think that developers could be 'forced' to pay for infrastructure improvements by employing the 'exactment' mechanism. In fast-growing areas of the US, the local governments often grant development approval for a project only if the developer agrees to provide the infrastructure improvements which will be required because of the new project. For example, the city approves Pearls, but only if the developers agree to widen roads, pay for shuttle buses, improve sewers, and even build more classrooms for the local schools.

Some local governments have even attempted to link approval to a promise by the developer that x percent of all new residents in the proposed development will make y percent of their daily trips using public transit. Obviously this is not an effective solution, because it is impossible for the developers to force residents to take a bus instead of their own car.

Does anyone know if South African municipalities attempt similar programmes?

Best regards,
Umhlanga

romanSA

July 13th, 2006, 06:28 PM

So where they going to get a blue whale for its ribs?

Well, if they were using a real whale's ribs (which, of course, they're not), they could always turn to the Japanese and Norwegian sh#ts who kill whales by the thousands each year for 'scientific purposes' (yeah, right). I wish someone would harpoon them. Bastards.

Mo Rush

July 14th, 2006, 12:15 AM

CBD Shopkeepers Under Crime Siege

Sunday Times (Johannesburg)
NEWS

By Divania Timmal
Johannesburg

DESPITE the end of the three-month strike by security guards this week, businesses in the Durban CBD still feel trapped by crime.

Shopkeepers in Grey, Victoria and Queen streets continue to feel vulnerable to armed robbers.

In the latest incident,

a shop in Grey Street was held up by six men who emptied the cash register and made off with most of the takings.

They also took the owner's cellphone and thousands of rands worth of airtime vouchers.

The owner, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he was now planning to erected a steel cage through which he serves his customers.

He said his shop had been robbed twice in the past month, but he could not afford to move elsewhere.

"We do not feel like doing business here. There is no law in this country. It is the next Zimbabwe," he said.

Ismail Bassa of Bassa's Fashion Fabrics said that, as a result of crime, his shop had lost custom-ers, most of whom now opted for shopping malls rather than risk being mugged in the city centre.

Bassa said that his business was started by his grandfather 80 years ago.

During the security strike, criminals broke into his shop and left with several cartons of sewing thread, a radio, TV and microwave. He has now employed a nightwatchman and a daytime security guard.

Another shopowner, Dennis Patel of Mani's Radio, said his family business had been in the city centre since 1929.

He said the area had stagnated in the past 12 years because of crime.

"People are so scared, they'd rather pay R250 extra at a mall than come to town," he said.

Another shopowner said that he had been robbed by brazen criminals who then casually sauntered into the street as though they were customers.

Businesses blame the lack of visible policing for the increase in crime in the CBD.

Some expressed concerns over the recent closure of the Commercial Road satellite police station.

Police spokesman Director Bala Naidoo said that the police had launched Operation Dudula in an attempt to reduce crime in the city centre.

"We have got several task teams now that are homing in on the city centre to look at particularly robberies," said Naidoo.

Strike has made Durban a 'looter's paradise'

By Sharlene Packree and Rivonia Naidu

Looting, anarchy and assault. Durban supermarket owners are counting the cost of the protracted security strike as hordes of opportunistic looters have struck at shops throughout the CBD.

In the ensuing madness, working security guards, staff and management are being attacked by robbers who loot and trash the stores.

Paul Beltramo, general manager of Cambridge Foods, said they had more than 12 robberies at their eight stores over the past month. He said that on several occasions a large group of men had entered the stores and made off with food items and electrical appliances.

"The Berea Station, Umgeni Road and Warwick Triangle stores were the worst hit," he said.

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In the latest attack, a group of 30 to 40 men, armed with guns and knobkieries, entered the Cambridge store in Umgeni Road and stole bulk food and appliances.

"We noticed by viewing our CCTV footage that the men entered the store and filled their baskets and then left the store," he said.

Beltramo said the men ignored the security guards and chose whatever goods they wanted.

"The robbers are very selective about what they take. They usually take bulk food items and then casually walk out of the store."

He said the group came in during busy periods, usually between 5pm and 6pm, when many people were shopping on their way home. Apart from robbing the store, the criminals also beat up female staff, trashed the store and seriously injured a security guard by stabbing him in the abdomen.

Beltramo has now resorted to hiring four private security guards at a cost of R500 a day to guard the Umgeni Road store. Wearing combat gear and carrying rifles, the men are stationed outside the store and monitor those who enter and leave. Beltramo said the robbers also smashed cash registers to gain access to the cash during some of the robberies.

The frustrated Beltramo believes the robbers are cashing in on the current security strike.

"I'm very frustrated because I have to deal with this on a daily basis. These criminals need to be stopped and I'm not going to take this lying down," he said.

Another concern was that the majority of his staff - mostly young females - are now terrified to work after the spate of robberies.

"I'm more concerned about my staff. How do I explain to their families if they are killed during these robberies?"

Stores in Russell and Alice streets have also been held up by armed men. The men stormed into the stores and made off with R67 000 and R40 000 respectively.

On Tuesday, the Game store on West Street was robbed by 50 men who smashed the glass cover of the jewellery counter and made off with the jewellery. Police spokesperson Captain Gugu Sabela said although no arrests have been made, police were doing everything in their power to deal with the problem.

"There are ongoing investigations and police are attending to every complaint. We are working with statements from witnesses and camera footage from the CCTV cameras.

"The challenges we are facing is that some stores do not have CCTV cameras and it's difficult to gather information," she said.

Sabela said police would not pre-empt the situation and link the ongoing security strike to the shops being robbed in central Durban,

"What we have found is that shops whose security guards are on strike are being targeted," she said.

Last week, staff at Desai's Meats in Prince Edward Street were held up by seven armed men. The men locked the staff in the cold room and then ransacked the butchery, making off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Staff at the Checkout Supermarket in Victoria Street were also held up by armed men who took money from the tills, groceries and electrical appliances.

Professor Bonke Dumisa, chairman of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "This is totally unacceptable. We have received passionate pleas from our members to address the problem of crime affecting business."

Dumisa said a meeting with major stakeholders would be called to find a solution to the problem.

"All those who were involved in the looting of stores will be held accountable."

The provincial secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu), Joseph Dube, said he could not understand why people continuously blamed security guards for the current crime situation.

"How can people believe that the men and women who are usually responsible for their safety turn into criminals when they are fighting for something they really need?

"Satawu members in KZN have decided to stay at home and only meet once a week. We haven't even met this week. The criminals are hiding behind the strike and police need to root them out," he said.

Meanwhile, security bosses and security unions will meet informally on Thursday and formally on Monday in an attempt to resolve the strike. Hopes of an end to the national strike were dashed on Tuesday when no agreement was reached by Satawu, the Transport and Allied Workers' Union of South Africa (Tawusa) and the South African National Security Employers Association.

Dube said the strike would continue until an agreement was reached. Security employers had revised their offer of an 8.3 percent increase to a three-year deal with a 9.25 percent pay hike in the first year, 7.25 percent in the second year and 7 percent in the third year.

Satawu and Tawusa members were not impressed by the revised offer and continue to demand an 11 percent increase. Meanwhile, it is believed that a cash and carry store in KwaMashu was also robbed by a group of about 60 men on Wednesday.

Police could not confirm the incident.

romanSA

July 14th, 2006, 01:06 AM

Mo, why are you posting OLD news stories here? The 2nd article, in particular, was published on June 14 (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20060615131741316C471627), more than a MONTH ago. The 1st article was also published weeks ago.

The end result is that your actions are coming across as rather petty and malicious. This is not the first time you've resorted to publishing crime-related stories in the Durbs discussion thread. Despite serious crime in CT featuring almost *daily* on E-TV news (as headlines) and in the press (and CT having one of the highest murder rates in the world) you don't see Durbs forumers posting these stories or alluding to them in the CT thread. Before you say you are simply posting news items about Durban, do you also deliberately search for crime stories about CT and post them on the CT (or any other) discussion thread? I didn't think so.

It's patently clear that you didn't come these stories by accident in the last few minutes. Instead, it's disappointing (and revealing) that you have resorted (stooped in a more appropriate word)) to specifically searching for Durbs crime stories on the Net and posting them here. You're basically doing the same thing, albeit on a smaller scale, that that other Capetonian is doing on on his website about crime in SA, except that your agenda seems to be to deliberately defame Durban.

We know you have an anti-Durban agenda but this is low, even by your standards. It takes years to build up a good reputation but only seconds for that person to lose it. Very sad.

Durbsboi

July 14th, 2006, 08:14 AM

I know most of those guys in that article Mo posted, they all shop at my dads shop :D

Durbsboi

July 14th, 2006, 11:56 AM

FAG Utd are coming to town, they should be landing in 20min,
They will officialy unviel their new home kit in Durban.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/stort-mu-preorder-jpg.jpg

mike2005

July 14th, 2006, 01:16 PM

SA BOY

July 14th, 2006, 01:42 PM

That's one way to help those who complain that new beachfront construction blocks their existing views! :)

As far as starting a tram service in Umhlanga, don't look to me, I'm poor because I just bought a house! I do think that developers could be 'forced' to pay for infrastructure improvements by employing the 'exactment' mechanism. In fast-growing areas of the US, the local governments often grant development approval for a project only if the developer agrees to provide the infrastructure improvements which will be required because of the new project. For example, the city approves Pearls, but only if the developers agree to widen roads, pay for shuttle buses, improve sewers, and even build more classrooms for the local schools.

Some local governments have even attempted to link approval to a promise by the developer that x percent of all new residents in the proposed development will make y percent of their daily trips using public transit. Obviously this is not an effective solution, because it is impossible for the developers to force residents to take a bus instead of their own car.

Does anyone know if South African municipalities attempt similar programmes?

Best regards,
Umhlanga
Yip when I have developed propery in SA the local council always hit you up for bulk services contribution (a road widening, increade sewer reticulation, a park etc). Its park of doing business in the modern world. Our new development put pressure of road network and existing undersized sewer lines , so why should the local council (read rate payers) have to help me make money from my development when my development is causing pressure of the existing infrastructure.
I have done the same in Poland(moved a tram line), new zealand( refurbished a park), Australia( widened municipal road) and Dubai ( just paid 15 million ) for a dedicated off ramp from a bridge to service our site.

SYDNEY

July 14th, 2006, 01:45 PM

Yip when I have developed propery in SA the local council always hit you up for bulk services contribution (a road widening, increade sewer reticulation, a park etc). Its park of doing business in the modern world. Our new development put pressure of road network and existing undersized sewer lines , so why should the local council (read rate payers) have to help me make money from my development when my development is causing pressure of the existing infrastructure.
I have done the same in Poland(moved a tram line), new zealand( refurbished a park), Australia( widened municipal road) and Dubai ( just paid 15 million ) for a dedicated off ramp from a bridge to service our site.

Which park did you refurbish in NZ ?

SA BOY

July 14th, 2006, 01:45 PM

Durbsboi

July 14th, 2006, 01:47 PM

durbs got that CCTV camera's all over the show, its just that most of the cops are lazy idiots!

SA BOY

July 14th, 2006, 01:48 PM

SYDNEY

July 14th, 2006, 01:52 PM

the client at the time BNZ bank wanted to do all sorts of things to the bank building in Keri keri up in the bay of islands and the local council said OK if we help them clean up some park and contribute to the cleaning of the place, paid for new street furnitre and improved the lighting.
the bank saw it as a great marketing oppotunity and called them selves good corportre citizens

Believe it or not, I haven't been to The Bay of Island yet, a shame really. Your resume just keeps on growing and growing. I think that it is a good thing that developers pay for the infrastructure in the surrounding area, considering the profits some of these boys make.

GregPz

July 14th, 2006, 02:21 PM

Roman sa you response is uncalled for. I dont think Mo has an anti Durbs agenda and it was avaluable post. Those things do not happen in CPT CBD and Durbs cannot hope to become a world city like Cape Town untill the crime on the southern beachfront and the CBD is sorted out (I love Durban but the seeming lack of action on crime in those areas is frustrating) Why have you guys not got the cctv/ CCID scheme that cape town has? It does not cost all that much and it has worked wonders for cape town.

Mike I think the issue is that this thread is not about posting crime stories (especially old ones) but rather focusing on development. Yes, I realise that crime may be an issue that affects development but posting random incidents is nonproductive. The problem is that Mo is only posting Durban crime stories which seems strange considering he doesn't live here and there's similar incidents taking place in his own city and every other major SA city. I'm sure CT guys would have a problem if I kept posting crime reports in the CT thread - just glancing at today's headlines an upmarket guest house owner was found murdered and a tourist was left paralysed after being stabbed near her hotel in CT. Granted crime problems do exist in Durban but to no greater extent than other cities. We had a thread a while ago about crime and it ended in people running down others cities so I think it's a topic best avoided unless it directly affects development (preferably in one's hometown). :)

And Mo thanks for the great Durbs pics you've been posting :okay:

SA BOY

July 14th, 2006, 05:00 PM

Thanks enigma, one must remember that BAC (business against crime) was the founder of the CCTV systems in the CBDs of all 3 major cities, so big business is putting its money where its mouth and profits are

romanSA

July 14th, 2006, 05:49 PM

Roman sa you response is uncalled for. I dont think Mo has an anti Durbs agenda and it was avaluable post. Those things do not happen in CPT CBD and Durbs cannot hope to become a world city like Cape Town untill the crime on the southern beachfront and the CBD is sorted out (I love Durban but the seeming lack of action on crime in those areas is frustrating) Why have you guys not got the cctv/ CCID scheme that cape town has? It does not cost all that much and it has worked wonders for cape town.

Mike2005, I don't retract a thing I said. As SABOY pointed out there are high profile crimes that take place in CT all the time but we don't see Mo posting them. Talk about censure. Moreover, we conventionally post current, timeous issues, not issues from weeks ago. What's the value of doing so unless its aimed at stirring? If you stir and your underhanded tactics are exposed then you deserve to face the critics. If you're going to resort to such tactics (deliberately digging up old stories about a city you openly love bashing) it speaks volumes of your character and motives. As far as I know none of the JHB or DBN posters have stooped as low as deliberately looked for old crime stories on CT (and there are plenty to go around) and posting them. If we were to stoop that low -- which hopefully we won't ever have to -- we'd dig out those horror stories of the muggings and murders of tourists on Table Mountain that made headlines around the world last year. Or, as SABOY pointed out, the trashing of CT CBD by striking guards last month, or the murder of a tourist this morning, or the housebreaking and killing of a Capetonian or.... etc etc. Aren't those equally 'valuable' posts too??

SA BOY

July 15th, 2006, 06:26 AM

OK guys easy now, let it be. we are all passionate about our home cities

romanSA

July 15th, 2006, 02:00 PM

Making the headlines in Durbs today, some yummy construction news!! This is so exciting....

-----------------

City's new waterfront

Esplanade's the place to be
July 15, 2006

By Mbulelo Baloyi

Durban is poised for a major new waterfront development on the Esplanade.

The R100 million development will include a world-class marina, boutique hotel, Miami-Beach style boardwalk, updated yachting facilities and other large-scale recreational and retail developments.

The multi-nodal development will be a joint venture between eThekwini Municipality and the national transport parastatal Transnet through its subsidiary, the National Port Authority (NPA) which owns the land on which the envisaged development will take place.

The land that has been earmarked for development is the 20 000m sq piece of land between Wilson's Wharf and the Bat Centre.

Presently, part of the land is being leased from the NPA by the Point Yacht Club and the Royal Natal Yacht Club. The NPA is leasing the land from the municipality. The land on which the development will take place will be reconfigured to accommodate the envisaged facilities. eThekwini City Manager Mike Sutcliffe confirmed that a recreational waterfront is to be built on the Esplanade.

"We are in discussions with Transnet over the tender documentation which we hope will be put out in the next month or so. There will be retail space, recreational facilities and commercial opportunities," he said.

He said the municipality wanted to develop the area to be a recreational facility for the residents living on the Esplanade and Albert Park who have no recreational facilities in their vicinity.

"The aim is to ensure that the area remains very accessible from the public's point of view and also that it consolidates the yachting area to ensure it is the best facility of its kind in South Africa.

Yachting
"The yachting community can rest assured that they will be factored in any future development to take place there," said Sutcliffe.

Some of the tenants currently leasing the land have also confirmed that a waterfront marina has been proposed for the area.

Point Yacht Club general manager Terry Flynn said his club has been aware that the city wanted to develop the area.

"There has been ongoing discussion for quite some time but we have not been privy to the actual progress yet. We know that there have been drawings and some schematic presentations. We are leasing the land from the port authority and we will like to have a presence in the future. We have been here for more than 80 years," he said.

Royal Natal Yacht Club Commodore Chris Frost also confirmed that his club has been aware of the pending development.

"We understand the EIA was done several years ago and we have adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

"We are the oldest yachting club in the province as this is our 148th year, and we have been in the area for the past 16 years after we relocated from our previous premises across the Esplanade in 1990. It is a good spot and we will be happy if we are factored in any future developments envisaged for the area," said Frost.

Durban, according to Sutcliffe, is hoping to host a world-class yachting event in two years' time and the pending development will go a long way in consolidating the city as the premier yachting destination in the country and in Africa.

He also confirmed that an environmental impact assessment study has been approved for land reclamation on the yacht basin. The municipality will soon invite tenders for expression of interest for development proposals from developers and the R100 million development could start before the end of the financial year.

http://www.tios.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3339637

SA BOY

July 15th, 2006, 02:14 PM

not big at only R100 mil, for that you would get another shitty wilsons wharf which is a joke

GregPz

July 15th, 2006, 03:16 PM

Good news for a hugely underutilised area. The Esplanade offer some of Durban's most beautiful views. Hopefully this'll also revive the BAT centre which has been too isolated.

romanSA

July 15th, 2006, 07:36 PM

not big at only R100 mil, for that you would get another shitty wilsons wharf which is a joke

Not big, true. But it's better than nothing at all. Will hopefully lead to more serious development along this strip. Have to start somewhere.

mike2005

July 16th, 2006, 12:59 AM

ok guys. I love durbs and CPT and wish both cities well etc etc. I agree that we should stick to development topics.

romanSA

July 16th, 2006, 11:34 AM

Did you guys see the article in today's Sun Tribune about Bill & Melinda Gates and Bill Clinton dining on Florida Rd on Wed evening? Pretty cool that two of the biggest names in the world were hanging (and chatting) with the locals like regular folk in good ol' Durban. (Mike [Dysan], do you recall that coversation I had with you a few months ago about who was hopefully going to visit Durbs in July?? Hehe. We have to catch up soon mate...)

With the recent Paul Allen and guests visit, it seems as if Durban is now on the map with big name celebs. On that note, some of the BIGGEST names in Bollywood are in Durbs at the moment shooting a major action movie (the biggest being the stunning Ashwariya Rai, former Miss World and star of Bride and Prejudice, and named last year as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine). Many scenes will be shot in downtown Durbs, harbour, Shongweni etc. Hopefully we'll get some great skyline scenes from the harbour shoot, which will be great exposure for the city. Bear in kind that Bollywood totally eclipes Hollywood in terms of size so its the equivalent (and more) of having Hollywood's biggest stars like Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, and Brangelina shooting in Durbs at same time.

Durbsboi

July 17th, 2006, 08:05 AM

Umhlanga

July 17th, 2006, 05:01 PM

I can't access the Sunday Tribune article. Which restaurant(s) did they eat at?

romanSA

July 17th, 2006, 06:31 PM

First, Spice (dinner), then Spigas (for coffee or more food, perhaps??) :eat:

Durbsboi

July 18th, 2006, 07:56 AM

Well Clinton had orderd a Lamb Curry from Spice, & Gates had the Chicken Curry, then they went for coffee (i think ) at Spiga's (perhaps some bites?)

hsark

July 18th, 2006, 01:35 PM

talking about bollywood whats going on with the new movie complex thing by anant

Durbsboi

July 18th, 2006, 02:02 PM

Who was talking about Bollywood :?

Anyway since you brought up the topic, they were fliming on the N3 ramp coming past the Vic Street Market, down to commercial Rd on Sunday, helicopters & the whole shibang, I heard it was great.

romanSA

July 18th, 2006, 04:36 PM

Caisson Boy

July 18th, 2006, 05:16 PM

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Pier-big.jpg

This thing is f*cking scaring me man!

Durbsboi

July 19th, 2006, 08:16 AM

why?

Caisson Boy

July 19th, 2006, 09:32 AM

Well, because it looks skeletal to me. Like some reptilian skeleton and I hate reptiles, especially snakes. To me, this looks like people have been swallowed by a huge snake on legs. It freaks me out. I don't like it.

Durbsboi

July 19th, 2006, 11:34 AM

Hahaha, Im sure its meant to be like elephant tusks or some african safari thing

Pule

July 19th, 2006, 11:54 AM

^^I'm sure by the bollywood crew shooting their film in Durbs will attract more bollywood producers to film in Durban, then maybe some hollywood producers? who knows the possibilaties are endless, & about the Bill & Bill on Florida Rd, I didnt hear anything about them being in the area, & I practically work on Florida Rd! Well those restaurants they visited are going to get busy now, people will prob even order the same dish's that the 3 orderd!

On Fri some big shots were at Butcher Boys, all 5 of them pulled in their Ferrari's & Lambo's, the whole road was roaring with their engines when they left.

Yeah, when we were in Durban over the weekend, we were looking for accomodation but couldn't get any until Blue4u, Standard bank's specialised services, told us that there was no accomodation except for backpackers and the reason, what the Vodacom Soccer Challange, Bollywood movie being shot and that there was a huge conference at Durban's ICC.

Guys you must go to Durba, there are developments everywhere you go. Come 2010 people will be taling Durban only. By the way Manchester United guys only flew to CT on tuesday evening, I guess they couldn't resist Durban like me.

hsark

July 19th, 2006, 11:55 AM

i was in durban last week anything good happening in the cbd? i mean behind the vic and the gold mile the buildings in the center are awful really rundown but there sooo beautiful coz u got loads of art deco buildings like the ones at suncoast plus it seems the durb cbd is still in the same group as the joburg cbd "well the joburg cbd is better" ....but then again i cant fault the local gov they've done a great job at the point n the icc n absa but i really think the durb cbd could be up there with the cape town cbd coz it has the best skyline in the country(surrounding by stadiums best golf courses,parks and entertainment) by far but before anyone answers the question of development is it a lack of private funding in durbs e.g i dont see the likes of any pacerez ,urban ocean , eurocape etc

GregPz

July 19th, 2006, 01:27 PM

I assume the area you're talking about is between the beach/esplanade and the CBD cause the CBD proper (area around city hall) is pretty well maintained with buildings in good condition (some recently refurbished) and major brand stores. This area is definitely nothing like Jo'burg's CBD. And it won't be like CT's either because the residential component will be at the Point.

Anyway the area between beach/CBD is an eyesore at the moment and needs a lot of work. Dysan would be able to tell you more of what's planned there. He made a list a while ago adding up the value of developments currently under way in Durbs and it came to around R36 billion so I wouldn't say there's a lack of funding. It's all a work in progress :)

hsark

July 19th, 2006, 03:05 PM

joburg

July 19th, 2006, 03:26 PM

the question of development is it a lack of private funding in durbs e.g i dont see the likes of any pacerez ,urban ocean , eurocape etc

They have Moreland.. that company is so powerful it could run an entire city if it wanted to. :D

GregPz

July 19th, 2006, 05:39 PM

ya but i havent seen anything(no post about anything for the cbd) "36 billion ??" when i was around there though the moyeni is very impressive saw the location its going to add alot of vaule to area and its more like central beach than south ,i was also thing that the cbd should have a precinct like newtown or something but a car district where u can buy cars i know u have one already but its a great growth opportunity

There are precincts in the greater CBD. There's the Point with stacks of leisure and residential development, the ICC area (conference) where several hotels are to be built (some ugly warehouse type buildings will be demolished) and the ICC itself currently undergoing a big expansion. Kingsmead area with lowrise offices and vehicle retailers being built. Grey Street which needs some TLC but major development would spoil the character of our "little India". Then there's the CBD proper around the city hall. This is where most of the current highrises are. Was there yesterday and saw that more concrete pavements are currently being replaced with bricks and mosaics. Lots of new shop too. ABSA building redevelopment is here. That leaves the problem area between south beach and the CBD. Not sure what's happening here but the 40F esplanade proposal is in this area so I assume something's going on. Will leave someone else to fill in details but you get the idea. Things are just getting better and better at the moment.

dysan1

July 19th, 2006, 10:23 PM

ok...here is where i come in :)

I totally agree that the area behind south beach, leading to the cbd is a shocker. there are 3 key urban framework plans for this area, which are not in the public realm, but are known by some in the construction and engineering industries.

the first relates to the back of the beach area of light industry near the ICC. This entire area is to be redeveloped into a pedestrian friendly mixed use development. The dev that DB was speaking about a few weeks back will be the first component of this urban redevelopment and will set the tone for the development to come. a pedestrian boulevard will run from the icc right down to the beach.

the second area is the low lying space in the cbd directly east of city and abutting the Embassy building. Many car dealers are in this area (as well as adult world, hustler, score....). This will be a natural expansion of the commercial district with highrise surely being the main components, but only once sufficient demand is created for new space in the cbd.

the third element is the one is think hsark was mainly refering to. the area along point road (towards the beach and cbd). This is the main problem node. The city has a framework plan that aims to rejuvenate the area by radiating from point road out. if u consult the deeds regestra u will see the great volume of transactions that have been occuring in this area. If you look very closely, you will notice that the city and 3 investment groups are the ones buying up all the buildings.

Nothing major is going to change overnight.

dysan1

July 19th, 2006, 10:27 PM

and regards the pier...GUYS!!! READ!!! Its not tusks or reptiles! its supposed to look like a whale skeleton!! my word...things go in one ear and out the other...

dysan1

July 19th, 2006, 11:02 PM

also...there was a good article in last weeks iWeek magazine (www.iweek.co.za) on the Durban ICT hub next to the DEC. its locked on the net, but try get the mag to read it.

Basically it stated that over R1 billion will be invested in the hub and that the city has already rolled out its rival broadband network to telkom and will make sure that by 2009 every citizen in Durban can access broadband internet.

the article gives very good indepth info on how the city is far ahead of the competition in becoming a smart city. only wish i could post it!!!!

Durbsboi

July 20th, 2006, 08:15 AM

Well its about time I say, every single relative of mine over sea's has wireless broadband in their house, & use programs such a msn messenger & skype to video conference with each other, but only we got this dumbass dail up shit thats so crappy.

Durbsboi

July 20th, 2006, 08:16 AM

They have Moreland.. that company is so powerful it could run an entire city if it wanted to. :D
Morelands like Satan, they own everything, point, umhlanga, ballito, mt edgecombe, south coast too! I wish I was the CEO

Durbsboi

July 20th, 2006, 08:17 AM

and regards the pier...GUYS!!! READ!!! Its not tusks or reptiles! its supposed to look like a whale skeleton!! my word...things go in one ear and out the other...
Oh ya whale skeleton,

romanSA

July 20th, 2006, 12:20 PM

and regards the pier...GUYS!!! READ!!! Its not tusks or reptiles! its supposed to look like a whale skeleton!! my word...things go in one ear and out the other...

LOL! You sound like and would make a great school teacher!

mike2005

July 20th, 2006, 12:45 PM

I have to say I agree that the tusk thingie is a bit scary!!

dysan1

July 20th, 2006, 02:27 PM

LOL! You sound like and would make a great school teacher!

LOL...i dont know if i should say thank you or ask u to write me 500 lines on respecting your superiors...haha :)

Durbsboi

July 20th, 2006, 04:00 PM

What makes you think you superior ? :)

dysan1

July 20th, 2006, 08:56 PM

lol...no reason...jerome...drinks on me next week

romanSA

July 20th, 2006, 09:20 PM

Cool, buddy. Lots to catch up on. Will be in touch.

SA BOY

July 21st, 2006, 07:39 AM

geez been away on Business for 2 weeks and not much announced or new lately in Durbs.
Anything new in Moringside/Glenwood at +-mil per 2 bed? need another unit

Durbsboi

July 21st, 2006, 10:38 AM

^^Nope, none that I know of, besides that Innes one thats coming up....
if you want I can find out the prices on that Stevedores development
coming up in the point area, there also 2-3 bedroom & are reasonbly priced.

dysan1

July 21st, 2006, 11:32 AM

Giles there are 9 developments i have seen in the morningside/essenwood area, but none have boards up saying who the sales are thru or what they are called!! its annoying, cos most of them are in very good positions with great views and all look at least 5F

SA BOY

July 21st, 2006, 12:27 PM

cool mate, back in Durbs next month with a mission to get anothger Durban investment property. We are in the process of buying a farm in the cape as well as partnering to develop a spec house high above Hout bay with a mate from Dubai.

hsark

July 21st, 2006, 01:27 PM

u seem to have alot of money to through around good thing some of your hard earned cash is ending up back home in sa ;)

SA BOY

July 21st, 2006, 01:35 PM

it is my home after all

1/4pounderwithcheese

July 22nd, 2006, 02:39 PM

What a load of crap! Is this a joke? A huge stormwater pipe
discharging into grannies pool with some pathetic afronised
horns on its back, whoever designed this monstrosity as well as the
perspectivist should be sent back to Gauteng. Stop the madness,

joburg

July 22nd, 2006, 02:58 PM

Oi! A person from Gauteng would NOT design a monstrosity like that!

1/4pounderwithcheese

July 22nd, 2006, 03:07 PM

Well, if you are right, then we are in deep trouble.

Mo Rush

July 22nd, 2006, 03:13 PM

dysan1

July 22nd, 2006, 03:59 PM

lol what an interesting response!

personally i love it and couldnt give a toss what u think. If you dont like it, go join the moaners at URAG who are the self appointed ambassadors of the people of umhlanga...(and also the most stuck up, narrowminded residents of umhlanga).

If you listened carefully enough you would know that it is discharging over 90m out at sea, so that is hardly in grannies pool.

Secondly, do u want it to discharge on the beach like it does sometimes at present? which destroys the beaches and leaves a terrible smell?? i dont think so.

And for the last F***ing time its not HORNS!!! its a skeletal figure and was designed by a top urban design house that has won countless international awards for their work, and they are based right here in Durban.

Mo Rush

July 22nd, 2006, 04:59 PM

dysan1

July 22nd, 2006, 11:44 PM

skeleton...ocean..tied up in one. true if u dont like it its cool, but it is being built as we speak, so deal

1/4pounderwithcheese

July 23rd, 2006, 12:14 AM

What a disgrace!
Moby Dick's carcas up ended on an elevated concrete platform is the probably the most ironic reminder of Durban's own bloody whaling industry. Talk about environmental sensitivity, well I hope your international design house gets what it deserves from the international comunity.

What about the loss of views of the sweep of the bay of Durban to the Bluff?
i would rather have the stormwater discharging as it has always done
than to have this ecological monstrosity thrust on us.

Has anyone counted the cost to the image of Umhlanga?

Stop it now!

dysan1

July 23rd, 2006, 12:35 AM

how on earth is this damaging umhlanga as u put it? i take it that u are also against the pearls, probably were against the oysters too. I'm sure u dont like the impilo development that will take over the umhlanga country club land and stretch the village north. Gateway and the NTC are prob also not on ur "like" list. as for the marriot tower...that also ruining things?

If you read the EIA on the pier u would know that the present damage from the storm water opening on the beach is leading to erosion, polluting the water and leading to a general downturn in the quality of the beaches.

and how the hell are views being lost?? apartments look over the pier, so it will not impede any view. i believe the pier will be a great addition to the umhlanga coast while fulfilling a very important purpose

1/4pounderwithcheese

July 23rd, 2006, 01:20 AM

To believe that the beaches are eroded by the stormwater discharge
is naive. Beaches are created by the litoral in-shore current. An EIA can
be written to serve the desired outcome.
Views? what about the view from the surf? the view from the beach and the
promenade?for us ordinary people on the ground not the residents of the pearls and oysters living in air conditioned cocoons. More development at any cost stuff the rest.

dysan1

July 23rd, 2006, 01:15 PM

u seem to be sticking to a specific ideal yourself, one of nothing must change. If the present situation were to remain, the umhlanga beaches would no longer provide any attraction to residents or holidaymakers. The outflow from the present stormwater system is harmful to bathers, ruins the atmosphere at the beach and is a total eyesore.

Umhlanga is not a village, its a thriving region in the Durban municipality and as such will grow. Umhlanga needs investment, it needs major work to the promenade and beaches. Failing to accept that is failing to accept that all areas change. umhlanga is chaging, and rapidly so. To you it may be a bad thing if u hold onto memories of days past, but i think the present change is the best news out, for what was once a haggard "village" is now starting to gleem.

And if you honestly think that this pier is going to affect views from the surf and promenade u are obviously desparate to find reasons to halt it, which u will fail to do.

giles...i think we found one of your favourite type of people...

Umhlanga

July 23rd, 2006, 04:50 PM

As someone who has walked the Umhlanga beach more times than I can count, let me weigh in on this.

The design is...unique. :) The more I look at it, I'm not wild about it, but it's not hideous. Would I have chosen it? No. I would've buried the pipe under the beach and seabed, and preserving the rocky area as is. (However a buried pipe is much harder to maintain.) But I can live with the pier.

Secondly, as this thread shows, at first glance to the totally uninformed observer (i.e., most people looking at it), it's not apparent what the thing is (elephant tusks? whale bones? incisor teeth?). Once they figure out what it is, only an absolute eco-freak would look at the pier and see an horrific reminder of a bloody industry that peaked more than 75 years ago, and hasn't operated in any form in 31 years. I doubt most people today even know that Durban once had a whaling industry. What's more, actual whaling artifacts and infrastructure are part of thriving tourist attractions in, among other places, the New England area of the United States. As long as there isn't a trawler off of Umhlanga harpooning whales, the 'international community' won't be appalled by this pier. (Again, they'll be too busy figuring out what the f%@k the thing is! :))

Third, any lost view from the beach is insignificant compared to finally getting rid of that unsightly stormdrain pipe. (If international reaction is a concern, then see how your average European tourist takes to finding a stormpipe leading into the ocean!) Note, any blocked views will be from the beach itself. And even there, the loss of view won't be significant, because there's very little view of Durban from the Umhlanga main beach in the first place. The rocky headlands near the lighthouse project too far out into the sea, obscuring all but the Bluff and part of the Point from view for those people actually sitting on the beach itself.

Fourth, if one's view from the beach is blocked, even to a small degree, then all that is necessary is to walk south, around the rocks and lighthouse headland, and...voila! No more pier! On a related note, if you live along the beach, your view will not be blocked at all, unless you live in the lowest of the Pearl Tides. Every other flat block and hotel is located on the hill, which means that even lower floor units will look over the pier. So, Umhlanga residents' views won't be degraded, and the ordinary man on the beach only needs to walk a hundred metres south to get around the pier.

Fifth and finally, people will use this thing, no matter what it looks like. People won't come to Umhlanga specifically so see the pier, but those people already in the town will walk out onto it and...enjoy even better views! (of the rocks, of the shoreline, of the lighthouse, and of even more of the coastline between Umhlanga and Durban.) People love walking on piers all over the world. Umhlanga visitors and residents will be no different - even if the pier on which they're walking doesn't look very loveable.

Best regards,
Umhlanga

Durbsboi

July 24th, 2006, 02:38 PM

finaly this place is up & running! trying from 8 in the morn!

SA BOY

July 24th, 2006, 03:12 PM

NIMBY?

Durbsboi

July 24th, 2006, 03:34 PM

whos a NIMBY?

dysan1

July 24th, 2006, 07:45 PM

my feeling giles...

dysan1

July 24th, 2006, 07:47 PM

and thanx umhlanga for ur very balanced view, i never even thought that the view would be better from out on the pier...for once people will actually be able to look back on the buildings or umhlanga, which at present u battle to really get a good look at from the beach

Mo Rush

July 24th, 2006, 10:48 PM

Gang shatters Durban reputation
23/07/2006 22:29 - (SA)

Durban - Four delegates attending the International Sociological Association's world congress in Durban were beaten, assaulted and mugged hours of arriving in the city on Saturday and Sunday.

Three of the four delegates are foreigners, but the nationality and identity of the fourth delegate has not been determined.

The three foreign delegates were attacked barely hours of arriving in the city and within metres of each other.

A Polish delegate to the conference was mugged on Durban's Point Road on Saturday afternoon.

An hour later, another two delegates, Mexican sociologist Daniel Gutierrez Martinez, 33, and Belgian sociologist Delphine Resteigne, 28, were attacked by at least 10 youths who tried to mug them.

Sapa has learnt that a delegate was mugged on Durban's Golden Mile on Sunday morning as he was waiting for his room to be prepared by hotel staff.

Nose was broken

Martinez and Resteigne were trying to find a taxi on Saturday night to take them back to their hotel, the Road Lodge, when they were surrounded by the youths, some of whom they believe were as young as 15.

Martinez's nose was broken, eye vessels were ruptured and he had severe bruising.

Resteigne, who lost her glasses and a necklace, had a bump on the head.

Martinez said that in the struggle he lost sight of Resteigne and eventually managed to free himself from his attackers and fled to the nearest hotel.

Police were called and they found Resteigne safe in a nearby fast-food shop.

On Saturday night, the Beach Hotel's assistant food and beverage manager Owen Lloyd confirmed the attack.

At the same time that Martinez was waiting for police to arrive, a couple, whom Martinez believes were from the United States, arrived at the hotel seeking help.

They, too, had been mugged.

Lloyd said there had been a spate of attacks in Durban's West Street recently.

Resteigne, who works for the Belgian Royal Military Academy in Brussels, said she had been pushed to the ground when she refused to hand over her handbag.

"It happened so fast. I couldn't see him (Martinez) so I just ran."

She managed to get help from a nearby fast food shop.

Martinez, who is due to present a paper at the congress, said: "How are they going to handle this when they hold the world cup (in 2010)."

He said he never had felt unsafe at the recent (soccer) world cup tournament in Germany.

Martinez said he would be staying for the congress, which started on Sunday.

Have a lot to do before world cup

However, Resteigne was not so sure: "I want to go home. I will sleep and see how I feel in the morning. On the one hand, I want to present my paper, but if I stay my family will worry about me.

"If I think of the (Soccer) world cup, they will have a lot to do."

Attempts to contact police spokesperson Gugu Sabela were unsuccessful. More than 4 000 delegates are attending the conference.

mike2005

July 24th, 2006, 11:34 PM

before the durbs boys attack Mo for posting this can I just ask why on earth the city built the convention centre in what is clearly not a nice part of town ie: CBD/ beachfront when they could have built it in umhlanga ? Anyone who is stupid enough to walk round the beachfront/gillespie road twighlight zone is asking for trouble but overseas visitors dont know this and they keep getting done over with little or no reaction from the city authorities. And now they are putting the WC stadium there as well!!!!!! So all the fans will be encouraged to stay on the 'golden' mile!! The mind boggles!! Perhaps a deployment for the SANDF along the beachfront for the duration of the cup? They should have built it in the umhalnga new town centre or something like that. Then the fans could have had a safe,awsome time and seen what a awsome place durbs is.

mike2005

July 24th, 2006, 11:37 PM

BTW I do like the new 'dead whale pier' in umhlanga. I think it will be a good addition to an already bloody awsome place.

1/4pounderwithcheese

July 25th, 2006, 12:23 AM

Well you lot wont be able to say " Umhlanga, without pier, the best in the world".
I I still beleive that the solution and the design are overkill, the catchment is the very urbanised east face, (Gateway etc all discharge inland to the Umhlanga lagoon)
educate the residents about litter and encourage more on site capture of rain water and the run off can be changed dramatically.
nuff said.
On the issue of the ICC location, Durban city centre flanked by the beaches and the bay with 150 years of development is still the rightful place and will in due course be reclaimed from the violent elements that rule the streets today. Umhlanga, NTC etc., will only be a suburban caricature of a real city at least untill the trees have matured and that will take at least 30 years, so enjoy the benefits of living in a frontier town,
lots of work for architects ,but no soul only cheap, poorly built instant architecture in a poorly executed attempt at new urbanism.

SA BOY

July 25th, 2006, 07:46 AM

cheesburger have you introduced yourself to us with some history about who you are and what you do?
Remember that Sandon was a "frontier town,lots of work for architects ,but no soul only cheap, poorly built instant architecture in a poorly executed attempt at new urbanism" and has for all its troubles become the most expensive and sfisticated area in Africa. the 8th biggest stock excange, nedcor HQ, more multinationals than you can shake a stick at and in all honesty excatly what JBH CBD needed - A wake up call. 30 years later Santon is a rival to its bigger sister and keeping Jhb on its toes .that what NTC will become to Durban-an Alternative.Lets hope it will be the catalist for the city elders to clean up durban CBD, redevelop run down areas, be pro active in development and visionary . Its what created the point development, the area around the convention centre and the kings mead presinct.
I personally dont like the NTC as it feels to sterile and repetative but it serve a function and I suppoet anything to devlop durban to its full potential
One hates to think that there arent options in life

Durbsboi

July 25th, 2006, 07:57 AM

I agree with Giles, Durban had to rejuvinate the CBD, & by building the ICC, & new stadium & all that in the CBD will do no harm to it at all, but just incourage development to the surroundings, as it is we are seeing progress made, the "dodgy" areas around the ICC are going to make way for new hotels & offices blocks, & the surrounding Point area is booming with all the property prices skyrocketing.

We do not want to be anohter Joburg by shoving everything in NTC (as is Santon), we want to keep our CBD alive. Plus, NTC is like a fake city, its not a proper buisness district.

hsark

July 25th, 2006, 10:37 AM

i agree... i just have to say the icc is in the best place in the durban cbd i mean everythings there hotels ,point , racecourse rugga i could go own plus it adds to the skyline i would be so pissed of if the put it in some place like umhlanga "okay its not as fake as sandton but still" just imagine if all the private investment went in the durbs cbd than umhlanga "**!"
ps theres nothing to see in umhlanga the real deal is the beach front/point/cbd area half the people i asked in durbs told be to go to the cbd ,its really nice ,vibrant(north and central beach)

oh and can some one take a pic of the mini-cbd toy thing @ central beach i hope the expand it to include the point

SA BOY

July 25th, 2006, 10:55 AM

mini town has been due to close for years. I still remeber the old mini town down by the now gone dolphineriam.
Any pics of the what replaced the aquarium and dolpinariaum?
I have been reading about this new durban development on the central site (next to workshop and park) where these is a giant parking lot. Best bit of underveloper CBD fringe land in SA. there was talk of a IT thingy?

1/4pounderwithcheese

July 25th, 2006, 11:46 AM

What about Uitenbougart's winning musem/library scheme? Council should dust off the plans (full documentation was completed and paid for) it would still rank as one of Durbans best and lay the foundation for the implementation of the central park masterplan.

p2bsa

July 25th, 2006, 11:51 AM

Durban could be excluded as venue for Confederations Cup

Outrage at soccer showpiece snub
July 25, 2006 Edition 2

MATTHEW SAVIDES & JERMAINE CRAIG

Durban and KwaZulu-Natal officials have reacted with anger and disbelief to suggestions that the city might not host any matches in the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, the curtain-raiser to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Described by the head of Fifa's South Africa office, Michael Palmer, as a "hugely important" trial run, the Confederations Cup is an eight-team tournament which will feature 2006 World Cup champions Italy, 2010 hosts South Africa and the winners of the next European, South American, Concacaf, African, Oceania and Asian championships.

However, Durban and Cape Town are set to miss out on the Confederations Cup. South Africa's 2010 Fifa World Cup local organising committee has earmarked Gau-teng's Soccer City, Ellis Park and Loftus stadiums, North West's Royal Bafokeng Stadium and the Free State Stadium as the venues for the tournament.

All those stadiums are already in place and will only need upgrades before 2010, whereas new stadiums are to be built in Durban and Cape Town.

Local organising committee Chief Executive Danny Jordaan said the five stadiums chosen for the Confederations Cup met Fifa requirements for the World Cup dress rehearsal.

"If any new stadium is completed in time, the locality can argue for inclusion, but, at the moment, that's the position. The Confederations Cup will be a test event for the 2010 World Cup. We have to have five stadiums and we've provided that," he said.

However, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo said the new King Senzangakhona Stadium would be ready in time for the Confederations Cup and the city would push to be one of the hosts.

"We've been quite clear on this; we are ready to meet all deadlines. We think we're well ahead of schedule and we want to be hosting some of the Confederations Cup matches," he said.

Naidoo added that, in the event of the new stadium not being ready on time, the Absa Stadium, which had hosted high-profile soccer matches in the past, would be put forward as an alternative venue, which, he said, the local committee and Fifa were aware of.

"The biggest turnouts for soccer matches in the country are here, so I can't understand anyone talking about excluding Durban. To exclude Durban would be an absolute disaster," he said.

The head of KZN government communications, Selby Khumalo, said: "Premier S'bu Ndebele, the government of this province and the city are on record as having said that the stadium will be ready by December 2008. We will ensure that everything will be in place for us to achieve this."

Demolition

He added that the final stage of the demolition of the old King's Park soccer stadium, which paved the way for construction of the new stadium to begin, would be completed this afternoon.

Khumalo said all major soccer matches in Durban were played in front of capacity crowds and that the city was an important sports node in the country.

"There is no reason, considering all these things, to exclude Durban (as a host city)," he said.

KZN Sport and Recreation MEC Amichand Rajbansi said the city would fight to be one of the hosts.

"The Durban stadium has been programmed to be finished in 30 months. If they start (construction) in January, they will be finished in time for the Confederations Cup. We're going to fight to be one of the host cities," he said.

Germany's 2005 Confederations Cup attracted 575 000 spectators and 3 200 journalists and was beamed live to 170 countries.

http://www.themercury.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3354341

SA BOY

July 25th, 2006, 11:55 AM

fucking ploitics AGAIN in SA sport

Mo Rush

July 25th, 2006, 03:23 PM

fucking ploitics AGAIN in SA sport
its not politics. stadia take 30-35months months to complete 24 months is being optimistic.it would of course be a great loss..if ellis park is "ok" to be used..then newlands and kings park shud also be used..however only kings park would help to prepare the kings park area for matches as its basically next door to the senz stadium..newlands wont help.

romanSA

July 25th, 2006, 04:20 PM

Durbsboi

July 25th, 2006, 04:38 PM

Bunch of dumbass!

I heard a faint rumble in Ballito at 3:13, was that the stadium explosion?

Mo Rush

July 25th, 2006, 05:52 PM

What a bloody disaster and disgrace, leaving out DBN and CT. What are they thinking? Goes back to the same stale mentality: everything of importance must happen in Gauteng and surrounds, regardless of the (lack of) atmosphere there. Yuck.

As Mo pointed out, DBN's case is diff. ABSA stadium could easily host one of the matches and could provide valuable indication for how the city will manage 2010 as the location for matches (as well as the testing of related infrastructure) is virtually the same as the ABSA stadium.
i think if we're being optimistic (both stadia starting construction in january) may 2009 both stadia could be complete...any time before then IMO is being overly optimistic. confed cup is june july 2009..its possible though

dysan1

July 25th, 2006, 10:57 PM

i do understand the thinking about using stadia they believe will be ready...but saying soccer City will be ready and durban and ct will not be is pushing it...cos i think that place will be far from ready too...it also needs alot of work and its plans arent passed either

Mo Rush

July 26th, 2006, 01:54 AM

Durbsboi

July 26th, 2006, 08:26 AM

Well I dont see them doing anything at soccer city as yet?

Durbsboi

July 26th, 2006, 08:33 AM

I just heard this on the radio, Im sure I heard about it before, but must have not interested me, but I find it bloddy fascinating now. To think the ship just vanished. ok you guys have no idea what Im on about, here have a read.

The Waratah 1908 - 29 July 1909
The Waratah was a luxury steamer, built by Barclay Curle & Co in Whiteinch, Glasgow (Scotland) and destined to be the flagship of the Blue Anchor Line. It was named after the emblem flower of New South Wales, Australia. The ship was supposed to serve as a passenger and cargo liner to Australia. It boasted 100 first class cabins, eight state rooms and a salon whose panels depicted the Waratah flower.

On 5 November 1908, the Waratah set sail on her maiden voyage from England, with 689 passengers in third class accommodation and 67 First class passengers on the luxurious upper decks. Her captain was Joshua E. Ilbery, a sailor with 30 years navigational experience. The ship experienced no problems on her journey to Australia.

On 27 April 1909, the Waratah set out from Australia on her return maiden voyage. She was bound for the South African ports of Durban and Cape Town and was then to return to London. The Waratah reached Durban, where one passenger, Claude Sawyer, an engineer and experienced sea traveller, got off the ship and sent the following cable to his wife in London:

"Thought Waratah top-heavy, landed Durban"

The Waratah left Durban on 26 July 1909 with 211 passengers and crew. On 27 July 1909, it passed the Clan McIntyre. On the evening of the same day, the Union Castle Liner Guelph passed a ship and exchanged light signals, but was only able to identify the last three letters of her name (T-A-H).

The Waratah was expected to reach Capetown on 29 July 1909. It never reached its destination, and no trace of the ship was ever found.

The Search for the Waratah
Initially, it was believed that the Waratah was still adrift. The Royal Navy deployed the cruisers HMS Pandora and HMS Forte (and later the HMS Hermes) to search for the Waratah. On 10 August 1909, a cable from South Africa reached Australia, reading

"Blue Anchor vessel sighted a considerable distance out. Slowly making for Durban. Could be the Waratah."

It is reported that the speaker of the Australian Parliament halted proceedings to read out the cable. In Adelaide, the town bells were rung. However, it turned out that the ship in question had not been the Waratah.

In September 1909, the Blue Anchor Line chartered the Union Castle ship Sabine to search for the Waratah. The search of the Sabine covered 14,000 miles, but yielded no result.

In 1910, relatives of the Waratah passengers chartered the Wakefield and conducted a search for three months, which again proved unsuccessful.

An official enquiry into the fate of the Waratah was held at London in December 1910. Among others, Claude Sawyer gave testimony on that occasion.

In 1925, Lt. D. J. Roos of the South African Air Force, reported that he had spotted a wreck while he was flying over the Transkei coast. It was his opinion that this was the wreck of the Waratah.

In 1977, a wreck was located off the Xora River Mouth. Several investigations into this wreck, in particular under the leadership of Emlyn Brown took place. It is however widely believed today that the wreck off the Xora River Mouth was that of one of many ships which had fallen victim to German U Boats during the Second World War. It has proven particularly difficult to explain why the Waratah should be found so far to the North of her estimated position. Further attempts to locate the Waratah took place in 1991, 1995 and 1997.

In 1999, reports reached the newspapers that the Waratah had been found 10 km off the Eastern coast of South Africa (Addley). A sonar scan conducted by Emlyn Brown's team had indeed located a wreck whose outline seemed to match that of the Waratah. In 2001 however, a closer inspection revealed differences between the Waratah and the wreck. It appears that the team had in fact found the Nailsea Meadow, a ship which had been sunk in the Second World War.

In 2004, Brown, who had by now spent 22 years looking for the Waratah declared that he was giving up the search: "I've exhausted all the options. I now have no idea where to look".

Theories
The most popular theory advanced to explain the disappearance of the Waratah appears to be that of a 'freak wave' in the ocean off the South African coast. This theory was given credibility through a paper by Professor Mallory of the University of Cape Town (1973) which suggested that waves of up to 20 meters in height did occur between Richards Bay and Cape Agulhas.

Some have also suggested that instead of sinking, the ship was incapacitated by a freak wave and, having lost her rudder and without any means of contacting land, was swept southwards towards Antarctica to either be lost in the open ocean or foundering on Antarctica itself. No evidence except the absence of the wreck supports this theory, however.

Several supernatural theories were also put forward to explain the disappearance of the Waratah. Claude Sawyer reported to the London inquiry that he had seen on three occasions the vision of a man "with a long sword in a peculiar dress. He was holding the sword in his right hand and it was covered in blood." This vision was one of the reasons why he decided not to continue the voyage on the Waratah.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle held a seance to establish how the Waratah could have vanished.

Source: www.answers.com

& the last city to see was Durban

romanSA

July 26th, 2006, 02:54 PM

Freaky!

Maybe it ended up at Ushaka Marine World??? :eek:

dysan1

July 26th, 2006, 07:29 PM

^^ LOL...maybe thats the story they used for the ship...it got lost cos no one ever wanted to go near the point...

dysan1

July 26th, 2006, 07:32 PM

soccer city should be complete before the dbn and ct stadium.

I see no proof of that! Nothing has started...planning is incomplete on it and its upgrade is basically like building a new stadium cos the existing stadium is worse than a public bog during a diahorea epidemic.

romanSA

July 26th, 2006, 10:22 PM

Mo Rush

July 26th, 2006, 10:56 PM

I see no proof of that! Nothing has started...planning is incomplete on it and its upgrade is basically like building a new stadium cos the existing stadium is worse than a public bog during a diahorea epidemic.
well basically every other stadium has to start from scratch...soccer city has the basic lower tier of 75,000 seats or less...whether its a shit hole or not doesnt matter...the durban and cape town stadium will of course have various levels below the stadium which needs to be prepared before they can actually start building..soccer city has the foundation...improving the area around the stadium is important but wont take forever...renovating and improving the existing seats and its concourse or lack of a concourse etc..as well as other facilities can take place while the new tier is being constructed...the roof based on the initial design or rendering is far from being as "complicated" as the arch concept for the senz stadium...

i know no solid plans have been released but being realistic and assuming construction on each stadium takes place at the same rate IMO soccer city would be complete before the senz stadium...is that such a bad thing?

the FIFA headquarters seems to be coming along well, im sure as its the venue for the final they would be going all out in terms of labour and planners etc. to costruct the stadium ...ellis park needs no major work so the entire joburg basically can give attention to the new stadium...

mike2005

July 27th, 2006, 01:46 AM

wow thats a cool story. am reading a book at the moment about shipwrecks of the cape. its really good. so many stories in this country that are never told. we have such a rich and varied history in this country. I love south africa.

Durbsboi

July 27th, 2006, 08:41 AM

What if the aliens took it? U know how many sightings we have in SA, esp KZN, we like the Roswell of SA

Mo Rush

July 27th, 2006, 03:05 PM

u guys heard about this?

DURBAN
86 hurt as Durban train derails

Thu, 27 Jul 2006

A train derailment in Durban has left 86 people injured, Metrorail said on Thursday.

Netcare 911 spokesman Chris Botha said a coach left the tracks near the Duffs Road Railway Station in KwaMashu.

It appeared most of the injuries occurred when passengers tried to jump from the coach. There were no major injuries.

"It seems there was a panic attack on the coach. It was quite high and some people also got trampled."

Metrorail spokesperson Thandi Mkhize said she would comment on the accident only once she had all the details.

Umhlanga fire station commander Bradley Hatfield told the SABC that the injured had been taken to hospitals in and around Durban.

Uninjured passengers were being transported to KwaMashu by bus

Durbsboi

July 27th, 2006, 03:13 PM

No, all I heard was something about a guy being thrown out his room at westville campus residence

mike2005

July 28th, 2006, 12:45 AM

thats terrible. hope evryone is ok. not as bad as that terrible crash in spain this winter. trains are dodgy. give me a car any day!!!

Mo Rush

July 28th, 2006, 12:53 AM

thats terrible. hope evryone is ok. not as bad as that terrible crash in spain this winter. trains are dodgy. give me a car any day!!!
i feel really bad for people who rely on public transport...im so sick of metrorail getting away with providing a shit service...they need to be sued again...or just get an international company to run the service and kick out all the fat cats who just sit back and eat up the profits instead of improving the service...i bet gvt owns most of metrorail as well.

Durbsboi

July 28th, 2006, 08:04 AM

True, the conditions of the trains are pathetic! Metro Rail & some of the comuters are to blame for this, some comuters do damage the trains, but metro rail should have security guards or some sort of surveylance system to ensure that nothing happens to their vehicles. Even the crime that takes place on the trains are pretty serious. Government better start investigating metro rail to make sure that their services step up alot of notchs before 2010.

p2bsa

July 28th, 2006, 12:48 PM

What if the aliens took it? U know how many sightings we have in SA, esp KZN, we like the Roswell of SA

ALIENS!!! this is interesting...

The part in bold I mean...
But, also, even though I don't support Zuma, if he does become president, It might be good for KZN and Durban... Maybe that is why Sbu Nedbele has changed his tune about supporting Zuma... and Even Zweli Mkhize is a well known Zuma supporter....

Just think about it, ACSA is spending R11 billion of Jozi Airport (in next 5 years) but the KZN provincial gov might have to fit the bill for King Shaka International...

And did you ever think about the question on when was the last time Finance Minister Trevor Manuel spoke in KZN ...
He does not take this province seriously, even though it is the 2nd largest GDP contributor...

And this is just the top of the iceberg!
(Sorry, I kind of when on a tangent here...)But here's the interesting story from the net...

>>>>>>
Zuma is next president - psychic
'While the crime rate is high in this country, the worst of it is behind us'

July 20, 2006 Edition 1
Rivonia Naidu
Jacob Zuma will be the country's next president, South Africa will surpass expectations in the 2010 Soccer World Cup and while the crime rate is at its peak, it will not increase.
This is what American psychic and spiritual teacher for over 32 years, Sonia Choquette, has foreseen for South Africa.
Choquette is in SA to promote her books and conduct workshops to help people develop their sixth sense.
"I've spent most of my life helping people on a psychic level to realise that we're all spiritual beings endowed with six, not five senses. And, more importantly, we need that sixth sense, our psychic sense, to fulfill life's purpose and be peaceful and happy."
Speaking about the future of SA, Choquette said within the next 10 years the country would become a front runner in trend setting.
"The world is undergoing a radical change of consciousness and SA is going to be influential in terms of leadership and doing things differently.
"However, as the country moves into this positive phase and progressive cycle, in the next 18 months, there will be this explosion of bad things. But people must understand that the country has already been through its worst and is currently in its healing stage."
Regarding the country's high crime rate, she said although things were really bad, "the worst of the crime is behind us".
"Crime in SA will serve a purpose and lead to a greater movement to help the poor in the country. There will be changes in government policy that will aid the poor and help reduce crime," she said.
She said Zuma, despite the controversy surrounding him, appeared to be the most powerful and strongest person to lead SA in the next presidential term.
"He definitely loves the country and has a tremendous amount of support.
He might actually be good, as I see SA experiencing prosperity through him. He would have to watch his health though as he might suffer from chronic digestive illnesses," she said.
She said there would be no woman president in the immediate future. On the sport side, Choquette said the next time SA wins a world sport cup would be in 2012.
"The soccer team will surprise people in 2010, the cricket team will have a good run in the World Cup next year, but I'm not so positive about the rugby team. The players are not quite together yet.
"However, the Sharks are expected to win the Currie Cup this year, if they don't sabotage themselves before their breakthrough," she said.
She said the sardines would not grace the east coast this year, and there would also be between four and 10 UFO sightings in KZN this year.
"In the next five years, somewhere in SA, there will be direct contact with extra terrestrials, so your government should prepare for that," she said.
Speaking about natural disasters, she said: "there won't be any real problems, but in KZN in 2007, there will be more drought than usual."
And about the petrol price?
"It's going to increase by a further 25% this year, but the good news is that another two types of fuel will be developed within the next three years, that will become more common," she said.

http://www.dailynews.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3347866

romanSA

July 28th, 2006, 01:23 PM

IF we assume all this is credible and not hogwash, my 2 cents bit on this is as follows(to the sound of 'the Twilight Zone' as background music...):

I also think Zuma will be good for KZN and Durbs. This is where his greatest support lies and I am sure he will make the city and province more prominent if he becomes president. I also think that he will be open-minded and will bow to expert opinion on a range of issues (unlike Mbeki who is insulated in his opinion and irrational on certain issues).

I like the bit about crime not getting any worse (although I hope it means that it drops and doesn't stay at current levels)

I like the bit about the Sharks!!

I like the bit about close encounters of the 3rd kind in SA (perhaps it will happen April 27; then Anant Singh can make a SA version of 'Independence Day'. LOL!

Which World Cup is scheduled for 2012??

Mo Rush

July 28th, 2006, 01:40 PM

ALIENS!!! this is interesting...

The part in bold I mean...
But, also, even though I don't support Zuma, if he does become president, It might be good for KZN and Durban... Maybe that is why Sbu Nedbele has changed his tune about supporting Zuma... and Even Zweli Mkhize is a well known Zuma supporter....

Just think about it, ACSA is spending R11 billion of Jozi Airport (in next 5 years) but the KZN provincial gov might have to fit the bill for King Shaka International...

And did you ever think about the question on when was the last time Finance Minister Trevor Manuel spoke in KZN ...
He does not take this province seriously, even though it is the 2nd largest GDP contributor...

And this is just the top of the iceberg!
(Sorry, I kind of when on a tangent here...)But here's the interesting story from the net...

>>>>>>
Zuma is next president - psychic
'While the crime rate is high in this country, the worst of it is behind us'

July 20, 2006 Edition 1
Rivonia Naidu
Jacob Zuma will be the country's next president, South Africa will surpass expectations in the 2010 Soccer World Cup and while the crime rate is at its peak, it will not increase.
This is what American psychic and spiritual teacher for over 32 years, Sonia Choquette, has foreseen for South Africa.
Choquette is in SA to promote her books and conduct workshops to help people develop their sixth sense.
"I've spent most of my life helping people on a psychic level to realise that we're all spiritual beings endowed with six, not five senses. And, more importantly, we need that sixth sense, our psychic sense, to fulfill life's purpose and be peaceful and happy."
Speaking about the future of SA, Choquette said within the next 10 years the country would become a front runner in trend setting.
"The world is undergoing a radical change of consciousness and SA is going to be influential in terms of leadership and doing things differently.
"However, as the country moves into this positive phase and progressive cycle, in the next 18 months, there will be this explosion of bad things. But people must understand that the country has already been through its worst and is currently in its healing stage."
Regarding the country's high crime rate, she said although things were really bad, "the worst of the crime is behind us".
"Crime in SA will serve a purpose and lead to a greater movement to help the poor in the country. There will be changes in government policy that will aid the poor and help reduce crime," she said.
She said Zuma, despite the controversy surrounding him, appeared to be the most powerful and strongest person to lead SA in the next presidential term.
"He definitely loves the country and has a tremendous amount of support.
He might actually be good, as I see SA experiencing prosperity through him. He would have to watch his health though as he might suffer from chronic digestive illnesses," she said.
She said there would be no woman president in the immediate future. On the sport side, Choquette said the next time SA wins a world sport cup would be in 2012.
"The soccer team will surprise people in 2010, the cricket team will have a good run in the World Cup next year, but I'm not so positive about the rugby team. The players are not quite together yet.
"However, the Sharks are expected to win the Currie Cup this year, if they don't sabotage themselves before their breakthrough," she said.
She said the sardines would not grace the east coast this year, and there would also be between four and 10 UFO sightings in KZN this year.
"In the next five years, somewhere in SA, there will be direct contact with extra terrestrials, so your government should prepare for that," she said.
Speaking about natural disasters, she said: "there won't be any real problems, but in KZN in 2007, there will be more drought than usual."
And about the petrol price?
"It's going to increase by a further 25% this year, but the good news is that another two types of fuel will be developed within the next three years, that will become more common," she said.

http://www.dailynews.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3347866

2nd largest GDP contributor definitely..with close to 10 million people in the province it has numbers on its side...cyril ramaphosa for preZ!! :)

mike2005

July 28th, 2006, 02:07 PM

Cyril Ramaphosa would be an AWSOME president. Zuma is a fucking disgrace.

dysan1

July 30th, 2006, 12:48 AM

Mo Rush

July 30th, 2006, 02:39 AM

Cyril will never be prez...i dont think it will take a rocket scientist to realise the huge support zuma has... i mean people are paying for his trial, giving donations...it speaks volumes. yes he is scum, but he is popular, and i really dont see him getting convicted, money talks in every walk of life, it can buy freedom. the only way he wont be the next prez is if there is a serious breakaway in the anc, like it or not.
of course cyril wont be prez..the same reason sexwale wont be prez..its called making money and making lots of it..they dont need the spare change of a presidents salary..

p.s. dysan u shud be out partying..shame on u, camps bay was being rocking.

mike2005

July 30th, 2006, 01:08 PM

...

mike2005

July 30th, 2006, 01:08 PM

.....

mike2005

July 30th, 2006, 01:12 PM

dont be so sure. most of the anc is using zuma to knock mbeki. Outside of KZN most of the structures want a comprimise. And COSATU does not actually vote for the leader of the ANC. Amongst the rank and file membership (note most are not actually members of unions) cyril is very popular (go check out the last NEC election results when he came top by a clear margin. Also Zuma does not have that much money: his camp is running out of cash whereas ramaphosa has unlimited sums at his disposal. There are some v v v powerfull people who dont want zuma to get it in SA and I dont think he will. Cyril might not win it but it wont be zuma.

dysan1

July 30th, 2006, 04:53 PM

of course cyril wont be prez..the same reason sexwale wont be prez..its called making money and making lots of it..they dont need the spare change of a presidents salary..

p.s. dysan u shud be out partying..shame on u, camps bay was being rocking.

got back from a quality nite out with someone and was typing stuff and checking mail. i had a hectic few days and partying is far from the top of my agenda now...

But glad u had a good nite. had dinner in florida road and i swear it was show off your car nite. I saw 3 ferrari's parked next to each other and wierder than that, i saw a Limo Pajero and a Limo Hummer! so arb

Mo Rush

July 30th, 2006, 05:53 PM

got back from a quality nite out with someone and was typing stuff and checking mail. i had a hectic few days and partying is far from the top of my agenda now...

But glad u had a good nite. had dinner in florida road and i swear it was show off your car nite. I saw 3 ferrari's parked next to each other and wierder than that, i saw a Limo Pajero and a Limo Hummer! so arb
hope the someone was awesome.

dysan1

July 30th, 2006, 09:21 PM

^^ more than that

Mo Rush

July 30th, 2006, 10:24 PM

^^ more than that
schweet. make love not war.

Durbsboi

July 31st, 2006, 08:00 AM

Durbsboi

July 31st, 2006, 08:03 AM

schweet. make love not war.
:doh: Hippy

romanSA

August 2nd, 2006, 03:36 PM

dysan1

August 2nd, 2006, 07:24 PM

^^ Good news!!! Always thought they would aim for it since we already have a leg of the FINA short course championships.

I would love to see the proposal for the redevelopment of the Aquatic centre...jerome this is one thing we forgot about when we were deciding where the R3,5bn the city is investing in the Kings Park precinct will go.

Lets hold thumbs :)

dysan1

August 2nd, 2006, 07:31 PM

Durban’s super luxury market holds firm

(Residential) Reports of a national cooling down in the top end of the residential property market may be true, but in the case of Durban’s super luxury markets of both Kloof and Umhlanga the recent decrease in sales volumes appears relatively minor, only apparent in certain price categories and not a result of bubble condition or even waning market faith.

Estate agents this week unanimously blamed the slowdown in the shrinkage in the number of active investors; market rebellion peaking at over pricing and the slowdown in upgrading particularly among middle management or small business owners nervous of rate hikes. The emphatic general consensus was not that of a slowdown in the two suburbs, but of a market settling into normal trading patterns.

Some psychological rather than financial influence was believed by Tony Dennyschene, principal of Acutts Umhlanga, to be having a minor negative effect but this was on knock on effect from the June 8 interest rate increase. Although well off the market highs of two years ago when some property prices doubled in 18 months, Dennyschene says the market is still very active below R1 million and only a little less so throughout the price spectrum. Only resistance he cites is in the mainly mortgage driven R1,8 million to R2 million price range – “but if priced right they sell.”

In the R5m to R6m price range Umhlanga’s turnover shows no slowing with the customary high percentage of cash sales just as firm as banks willingness to grant bonds of R70 000 monthly repayments.

Greg Harris of Lighthouse Properties reports a slowdown in demand but activity still firm in the prime beachfront apartments with deals requiring more effort to close. In keeping with other holiday periods he anticipates a market improvement at Christmas.

June’s Umhlanga sales of 14 units ranging in price from R735 000 to R9,8 million for the local Sotheby’s franchise set another record for that office. Further sales valued at R12 million await confirmation for the same month. Franchisee William Campbell, who reports a 400 percent first half increase in sales over the same period of last year, dismisses any suggestion of a slowdown noting that any property perceived as being well priced will sell.

Pricing, at least of brand new units, could become even more competitive according to Dennyshene who expects more boom driven investors to start offloading as their units are readied for them to take transfer.

The bandwagon rush of a year or so ago has given way to greater selectivity by purchasers in Kloof, but the desire to reside in the well-wooded swanky suburb has lost little of its traditional eagerness.

As in Umhlanga, purchasing decisions are taking longer, especially in the R2 million to R3 million, which is driven to some extent by self-employed upgraders, but interest up to and at the super luxury end remain active. Clarke, who concluded sales of R3,5 million and R3,9 million in recent weeks and a R10,5 million transaction in April, says Kloof’s buyer appeal remains in its older homes, large stands and good schools.

Dave Jones of Acutts Hillcrest also reports good activity above the R4 million mark in Kloof and Hillcrest, but a slowing down, or “normalising” in the R2,8 million second hand market. A recent trend is that of people relocating to Hillcrest from Umhlanga, La Lucia and Mount Edgecombe targeting upmarket cluster homes in the R1,8 million to R2,5 million.

Townhouses in the R1,5 million price, according to Jones, are still in over supply. With an average of 80 showhouses every weekend in the second hand market on show every weekend in Hillcrest and Kloof, Jones says sellers should note that comparison of product is a key driver in buyer decision making. Pricing is therefore critical as is the general condition properties.

The delivery frequency of new developments has slowed although interest in the area is now being shown by ex Ballito developers, some of whom, Jones says, appear more adventurous than local developers. He forecasts an average year on year price growth of 12 to 14 percent for the area.

SA BOY

August 3rd, 2006, 08:01 AM

its scary how many people can afford R70k bonds on a SINGLE property. I could handel that If I had like 10 of them and there was 10 rentals comming in. However I supose Ill expect someone to pay like R55k for the house I developing in Hout bay. Bring on the big spenders!!!!

Mo Rush

August 3rd, 2006, 12:51 PM

Durban bids for 2011 Swimming Championships

August 02 2006 at 02:04PM

Lausanne - Six countries have entered bids for their cities to host the 2011 Swimming World Championships, the governing body Fina said on Wednesday.

Fina said that Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Madrid (Spain) and San Francisco (United States) were bidding alongside China and Japan, who had yet to select a city.

The 2011 host city will be elected next March by Fina at the March 17-April 1 World Championships in Melbourne. - Sapa-dpa

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=3020&art_id=qw1154520180323S163

Its by time, their bid should include visuals of a proposed upgrade to the current aquatic centre...durban is up agains tough competition..i hope they build something new...the current aquatic centre is the best in RSA IMO..but shockingly far from being great..bash it down..and build something new....even if its not the most elaborate design..montreal hosted the champs without a roof..and 90% temporary seating...or instead..durban shud construct the 10,000 + arena in the sporting precinct and use it as the main pool venue.Melbourne will use the rod laver arena in 2007. manchester will use the MEN arena for the 2008 short course champs..

Mo Rush

August 3rd, 2006, 02:18 PM

SA seeks World Aquatic Champs
Brad Morgan

3 August 2006

The coastal city of Durban has submitted a bid to host the fourteenth FINA World Aquatic Championships in 2011. It will face competition from five other cities.

Going up against Durban are Madrid (Spain), Doha (Qatar) and San Francisco (United States), while China and Japan are also in the running, but have yet to name their candidates.

It is a major and massive event which will draw about 3 000 competitors to compete over 15 days in swimming, open-water swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo, and diving.

World Cup host
In the recent past, Durban has successfully hosted a leg of the Swimming World Cup in 2003, 2004, and 2005. That will help the city's bid, but hosting the World Aquatic Championships would be a totally different kettle of fish – a competition on a far greater scale.

To put it into perspective, the competition is swimming's version of the FIFA World Cup – which is coming to South Africa in 2010 – or the equivalent of the IAAF World Track and Field Championships.

The World Championships are held every two years, with Montreal hosting the champs last year. Melbourne will have the honour of hosting the event in 2007, followed by Rome in 2009.

The hosts of the 2011 World Aquatic Championships will be decided in Melbourne, which will host the world's best swimmers in April and May next year.

Schoeman a star in Montreal
In Montreal, Roland Schoeman, Swimming South Africa's Athlete of the Year for the past three years, distinguished himself, winning two gold medals and a silver medal.

He twice cracked the world record in the 50 metres butterfly, winning the final in 22.96 seconds.

In addition, Schoeman won the 50 metres freestyle in a championship record 21.69 seconds and finished second in the 100 metres freestyle. Ryk Neethling captured third in the same event and took bronze in the 200 freestyle.

dysan1

August 3rd, 2006, 10:31 PM

i look forward to a design or something, cos they will most definately have to have some plan up there sleave to do their best to clinch it. Article today said that Durbs was rated as one of the top three venues of the world cup circuit, so that will stand us in good stead.

Mo Rush

August 3rd, 2006, 11:01 PM

dysan1

August 3rd, 2006, 11:17 PM

^^excuse me?

Mo Rush

August 3rd, 2006, 11:24 PM

^^excuse me?
they are reworking the format. the world cup circuit will only return next year october november but under a different name. its for the best, surely the venues/cities will remain the same.

FINA cancels swimming's world cup circuit

The World Cup, a windfall for competitors like Roland Schoeman and Ryk Neethling, will not be held this coming season as the International Swimming Federation (FINA) strives to find a more successful formula. Largely ignored by most of the leading names in swimming including Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Ian Thorpe, and Grant Hackett, the series has struggled for relevance throughout its decade-long history.

At a meeting of the Cup host nations in Shanghai, China last month, it became apparent that the format was unsupportable as hosts of the eight-round series revealed losses of up to $500,000 (US).

“It costs a lot of money to put on and none of the hosts are recouping that money through the gate,” said Swimming Australia chief executive Glenn Tasker, adding that Australia’s loss was “under six figures”.

The United States, the sport’s dominant nation, was one of those who had concluded the event was commercially unviable and announced that it would no longer host a spot on the circuit. Tasker said the host nations were in favour of a leaner, richer, more compressed series at a more favourable time of the year, given the growing pressure on the international calendar.

The last Cup series visited eight countries - South Africa, Australia, South Korea, Sweden, Germany, Russia, the United States, and Brazil - and was held between November and February. Those nations have agreed on a preferred time frame of October-November and to postpone the revamped competition until next year to give FINA 15 months to organize it.

FINA has appointed a working committee of chief executive Cornel Marculescu, Tasker, American executive director Chuck Wielgus, and British chief executive David Sparkes to design the new series.

There was strong support for reducing the number of meets in the series to between five and seven and to hold them within a six- to eight-week time frame. The competition also needed to offer incentives to ensure that the world’s greatest swimmers supported the event.

“FINA’s proposal is to contract a number of stars and have them made available to the host nations,” Tasker said. “There would be a pool of athletes and if one meet wanted, say Pieter van den Hoogenband, they would have to pay his expenses and an appearance fee. One of the biggest complaints of the host nations at the moment is that there is no guarantee of who’s going to compete.”

Initial thoughts are that it would take substantial incentives, either in appearance fees or prize-money, to attract the top notch swimmers such as Michael Phelps or Grant Hackett.

FINA has engaged a new marketing agent, who will be charged with the task of finding an overall sponsor for the revamped series and selling television rights. The working party will also consider a new name for the series. “Calling it the World Cup is a bit passe, there are a lot of different world cups out there so we need a point of difference,” Tasker said

dysan1

August 3rd, 2006, 11:35 PM

Well that sounds like its for the best then. there is no point running something at a loss. Hopefully Durban can stay on an improved calander. Thanx for that mo

romanSA

August 4th, 2006, 07:32 PM

CONGRATS, Durbs!!

----------------------

Durban ‘squeezes out’ Cape Town as top spot
Edward West

KwaZulu Natal Correspondent

DURBAN — Tourism KwaZulu-Natal says a survey conducted by it shows that Durban now has the edge over Cape Town as the top holiday destination in the country for domestic travellers.

As a result, the provincial government’s tourism promotion agency has started a campaign to increase the number of domestic arrivals to the province 9,5% to 12,7-million visitors by 2010, up from 11,6-million last year.

KwaZulu-Natal dominates other provinces in terms of the market share of local tourists. But a more powerful marketing campaign was necessary to maintain and to grow the market, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal marketing manager Nomasonto Ndlovu said.

The survey, conducted in November in Gauteng, found most respondents were seeking a family-orientated beach experience for their holiday. For example, they considered Cape Town’s waters too cold for swimming, making KwaZulu-Natal’s warmer coastline more attractive.

Respondents with young children said they wanted trampolines and mini-towns, while those with older children wanted activities such as volleyball, surfing lessons and music on the beach.

Some spontaneous responses indicated that people wanted to “get away from the concrete jungle, that is, Johannesburg”. They viewed Cape Town as having a wide set of attractions, such as the wine route, Table Mountain, the waterfront and some indoor attractions.

The survey also found that shopping in Cape Town was considered more upmarket than in Durban.

However, Durban was viewed primarily as an outdoor city. Most local tourists spend 10-14 days in KwaZulu-Natal, with their primary needs being relaxation, fun and family bonding.

The respondents said beaches in Durban, the north and south coast were their favourite places. They said the province had great summer and winter weather, the survey found.

Black Gauteng respondents wanted “vibe and action with a beach experience” when going on holiday.

However, the survey also found that, in general, consumers were not aware of the improved facilities in Durban and its surrounds, such as the Gateway shopping mall and Wave House, and the uShaka Marine Park.

Many respondents were unaware that Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg was in KwaZulu-Natal. The Drakensberg resorts and KwaZulu-Natal game reserves were largely unknown among respondents and many thought that lions were only found in the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.

Most respondents admitted they did not research their holiday activities in advance and would have liked to have known more about the main attractions of the province.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/national.aspx?ID=BD4A244485