...Durban *Discussion* (Closed april 2008) [Archive] - Page 4

p2bsa

January 25th, 2008, 12:40 PM

Its good publicity for Durban, but got to agree with Greg, Leon Schuster movie wont get you raring to go to the cenima to see it, but seeing that the shooting will be around our business district, you might just see me in it. lol

Love him or hate him - Schuster's movies are some of SA's biggest commericial success stories locally and internationally -

Mr Bones - made more than R32 million rand locally - and yes locally means only in SA... add international takings, DVD sales, and then the film subsequently premiering on satellite and general TV... that's massive publicity...

AND, I think Mr Bones 2 will be an even bigger commercial success -
forget the storyline - the simple fact is that because of the Indian link to the sequel - the movie is also targeting the world's biggest cinema market ... bollywood... could easily = $$$$

Also the local/SA Indian community - will have more reason to watch it... becuase of the cultural link - & the 'charou' community are often willing to watch anything - even if it is drivel... - just look at how they queue for some really cheesy bollywood stuff

& you will not believe the DVD success of Broken Promises II - the local Indian budget flick shot in Durban and Joburg, which secured shelf space at CNA... for R30 bucks...

On the whole - we South African's accross the spectrum - are all for quality... - that is why we often punch above our weight on the world stage on many levels...

But, it is not always good to be too critical - and compare local stuff to say US standards... for one thing we don't have big bucks

We must remember this is how budding industries start off... - modest & sometimes cheesy - but imagine where the industry will be in say 20 years...

- sorry this is another rant of mine - I have other thoughts but will keep it for another time....

Mo Rush

January 25th, 2008, 12:46 PM

Leon Schuster isn't gonna make international headlines. I'm suprised more Bollywood movies are being shot in Cape Town than Durban. Thats one market Durban should secure, because Cape Town has quite a few international movies being produced/filmed , they are usually hush hush.

Mo Rush

January 25th, 2008, 12:53 PM

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/durbanstadium.jpg

Durban Stadium, Competition Entry.

dysan1

January 25th, 2008, 01:37 PM

Pule

January 25th, 2008, 02:22 PM

That roof could be stunning on Wanderes Cricket Stadium. I like that roof.

Lydon

January 25th, 2008, 03:17 PM

I like that roof too...

Anyway, Mr. Bones is one of Leon's movies I can actually digest. The reason for that being that it isn't "fake" in the way that that didn't dork it up for the most part.

Durbsboi

January 26th, 2008, 08:44 PM

^^ thats rather eeew and disjointed.

Regards Mr Bones 2... no matter what we all say, it will make loads of money because there is a market for those type of films amoung a large sector of the sa population. lets remember now that we really arent the target for it

absoultley, he'll still rake in the cash, the people around the vaal will love it. Hopefully Videovision can use its oversea's based friends to market the movie off shore as well.

romanSA

January 28th, 2008, 07:42 PM

Good news for Durban's CBD. The Warwick Triangle Mall sounds intriguing...

----------------------
DURBAN
R1bn for Durban CBD

Mon, 28 Jan 2008

At least R1-billion worth of investments has been pumped into Durban's inner-city Urban Development Zone (UDZ), contributing to the restoration of the city's high-profile business and residential status, the eThekwini Municipality announced on Monday.

Head of eThekwini Municipality's Strategic Projects Unit (SPU) Julie-May Ellingson said: "It has been a tremendous success in Durban to date, attracting some R1-billion in capital investment within the city's UDZ and this has had the effect of attracting further additional investment in areas outside the zone, supporting initiatives already in place such as uShaka Marine and the booming Point Development."

The municipality said investors were taking advantage of the UDZ tax-break scheme and linking with the city to change the face of Durban's central business district (CBD).
"The legislation was introduced to regenerate the CBDs of South Africa's cities and calls are being made to extend the scheme's March 2009 cut-off to maximise the benefits of inner-city regeneration."

It further stated that Durban would see an improved inner-city transport system and development of related infrastructure.

Many investors were set to benefit from the incentive scheme, including leading financial institutions. ABSA had contributed R82 million contribution for the renovation of 291 premises on Smith Street.

Ellingson said a mall costing R400-million would also be constructed at Warwick Junction, near the notorious taxi rank.

Sapa

http://iafrica.com/news/sa/834800.htm

romanSA

January 28th, 2008, 07:47 PM

More....

-------------------
Investors Commit R1b To Durban CBD Upgrade

Submitted by MyPressportal Team
Monday, 28 January 2008

[Pressportal.co.za] Investments valued at R1 billion have been pumped into Durban's inner-city Urban Development Zone (UDZ), eThekwini Municipality announced on Friday.

The investments will go towards preventing the decay of Durban’s inner city and contributing to the restoration of the city's business and residential areas, thus changing the face of Durban’s Central Business District (CBD).

Investors participating in restoration projects will benefit from the eThekwini Municipality’s Urban Development Zone tax-break scheme which has released certain strategic land parcels for development.

Building upgrades are being undertaken at a number of sites on West Street, the city's central arterial, including the re-development of retail space in both the Colonial Building and the JBS Building.

In addition, developers are benefiting from the strategic release of council-owned land, inclusive of Kingsmead Office Park, Hoy Park and areas close to Durban's international convention centre (ICC), opening the door to the emergence of a new business hub on the north-east fringes of the CBD.

Head of the municipality's Strategic Projects Unit Julie-May Ellingson said "The successful regeneration of Durban's CBD has been, and continues to be, a partnership between the private and public sectors and clearly indicates the confidence investors and developers have in our city."

A black-owned development company will be taking on the large scale projects of transforming the depressed Warwick Junction area through the Junction Precinct Plan. The R400 million development plan includes the construction of a new mall in the area.

Other black investors have focused on property upgrades within a number of the inner-city's most notorious buildings. Such re-development is creating new liveable space for students and family units.

Another private small-scale investor has transformed an over-crowded slum close to the city's international convention centre into middle-market bed-and-breakfast accommodation. The bed and breakfast is aimed at the business tourism market, generated by the adjacent ICC.

The eThekwini Municipality believes that these and other projects reflect the city's dedicated approach to CBD regeneration and will ultimately see Durban emerge as a hub of business activity.

http://www.pressportal.co.za/content/view/1084/56/

Pule

January 28th, 2008, 08:10 PM

Roman already posted, thanx bro.

Durbsboi

January 28th, 2008, 08:13 PM

I posted the image of this in the Durban transport thread

Pule

January 28th, 2008, 08:13 PM

I wonder what are those projects "large scale projects of transforming the depressed Warwick Junction area through the Junction Precinct Plan".

GO DURBAN!!!

Pule

January 28th, 2008, 08:15 PM

I posted the image of this in the Durban transport thread

Thanx DB.

Durbsboi

January 28th, 2008, 08:17 PM

^^The going to add new flyovers on the N3 leading into the city, therefore minimising the traffic flow in the Warwick Junction area. The new flyovers will bypass the area completely & therefore only Taxis & Buses will be going down to the junction. They will there after reduce the number lanes in the area make the pavement more prominent by widening them & paving them. The area will be a major public transport hub. hopefully good policing in the area will make sure that the area will be kept safe.

These fly overs are going to be a massive new addition in the Durban skyline, Im shocked no one as yet managed to get pictures of how the flyovers will look, esp the one coming straight from Leopold street onto the N3. Nothing major like this has been built since EB Cloete & that too only Giles must have been around to see it being built :jk:

Mo Rush

January 28th, 2008, 08:29 PM

Durbsboi

January 29th, 2008, 06:50 AM

I @DB:
As for: "The successful regeneration of Durban's CBD has been"...where is it? Sure there are good changes and improved security along the beach area, but a "successful regeneration"?

Did I say that? because if I did, Im not sure what I was smoking. Most parts of the CBD is still quite shocking, esp with the litter. West & Smith Str & the area around the ICC are on the up, but for the rest of the CBD its still a shit hole. Yes policing has been stepped up & the amount of crime is on the decrease but Im not seeing them do anything about the street vendors & litter.

Mo Rush

January 29th, 2008, 12:41 PM

Did I say that? because if I did, Im not sure what I was smoking. Most parts of the CBD is still quite shocking, esp with the litter. West & Smith Str & the area around the ICC are on the up, but for the rest of the CBD its still a shit hole. Yes policing has been stepped up & the amount of crime is on the decrease but Im not seeing them do anything about the street vendors & litter.

Julie May Ellingson said it. The same chick that said Durban will definitely bid for 2016 Olympic Games, even though the application date was last September.

p2bsa

January 29th, 2008, 04:28 PM

Julie May Ellingson said it. The same chick that said Durban will definitely bid for 2016 Olympic Games, even though the application date was last September.

That chick is doff sometimes... too quick with the tongue...

BUT, she is also one of the sharpest and most intelligent female urban planning bosses in SA... in Durban she is probably the most powerful woman!

She is a visionary, just like Sutcliffe - BUT they both have their faults ... that impacts and often conceals their successes... (not to good at communication)

Ellingson and Sutcliffe make a powerful team

RE: the Olympics... she may have said that in-just within the context that Durban has been quitely considering bidding for the Olympics for a while... ie...2016, 2020 (best potential year), or 2024 if its previous bid fails...

ANYWAY... here's some more detailed stuff on the UDZ thing...
I aggree with the former posts here ... while R1 billion is good... Durb's CBD has not had the success of CT or Jozi.... but big things are coming online to bolster this modest start...
the word 'staggering' here is going overboard...

Durban's Billion Rand Urban Development Zone Success
29 Jan 2008 - eThekwini Municipality - Ms Fikile Ndlovu

Intro
Investments valued at a staggering R1 billion have been pumped into Durban's inner-city Urban Development Zone (UDZ)

Investments valued at a staggering R1 billion have been pumped into Durban's inner-city Urban Development Zone (UDZ), arresting decay and contributing to the restoration of the city's high-profile business and residential status.

A number of investors, taking advantage of the Government's Urban Development Zone tax-break scheme, have linked with the eThekwini Municipality, which has released certain strategic land parcels for development, to effectively change the face of Durban's Central Business District (CBD). The legislation was introduced to regenerate the CBDs of South Africa's cities and calls are being made to extend the scheme's March 2009 cut-off to maximise the benefits of inner-city regeneration.

The eThekwini Municipality regards the investment turn-around in Durban as indicative of the success of the of the UDZ incentive scheme in the city. Head of eThekwini Municipality's Strategic Projects Unit (SPU), Ms Julie-May Ellingson, said of the scheme: "It has been a tremendous success in Durban to date, attracting some R1 billion in capital investment within the city's UDZ and this has had the effect of attracting further additional investment in areas outside the zone, supporting initiatives already in place, such as uShaka Marine and the booming Point Development."

Durban has emerged as a hub of investment activity, driven by the city's dedicated approach to CBD regeneration and its events-led strategy, geared toward attracting major sports and tourism events, improving inner-city transport systems and developing related infrastructure.

Ms Ellingson added: "The successful regeneration of Durban's CBD has been, and continues to be, a partnership between the private and public sectors and clearly indicates the confidence investors and developers have in our city."

Many investors are set to benefit from the incentive scheme, including leading financial institutions, such as ABSA, Standard Bank and Old Mutual Properties. Impressive building upgrades are being undertaken at a number of sites on West Street, the city's central arterial, including the re-development of retail space in both the Colonial Building the JBS Building. In addition, developers are benefiting from the strategic release of council-owned land, inclusive of Kingsmead Office Park, Hoy Park and areas close to Durban's international convention centre, opening the door to the emergence of a new business hub on the north-east fringes of the CBD. Inner-city regeneration has been greatly strengthened by ABSA's decision to retain its KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office in the city centre. The financial institution has committed an estimated R82 million to upgrading its 291 Smith Street premises.

Mr Alan Botha, KwaZulu-Natal Regional Manager for ABSA REAM Property Solutions, said: "The project commenced in January 2005. The final product will see ABSA Bank accommodated in an `A-Grade' ABSA Regional Office building. Not only will ABSA Bank be prominently and proudly visible in the CBD, but we will also be able to control such issues as rentals, security, maintenance and cleaning."

The upgrade included external building refurbishment, construction of a new parking garage, provision of additional floor space and foyer and office floor renovation. Critical to the city's regeneration is the transformation of the depressed Warwick Junction area. At the heart of the city's Warwick Junction Precinct Plan is a R400 million investment for constructing Warwick Mall, a private development, complimented by an eThekwini Municipality contribution of a comprehensive taxi rank. The project is to be developed by Warwick Mall (Pty) Ltd, a Durban-based Black empowerment company specialising in property. Company Chief Executive Officer, Mr Carlos Correia, said: "Warwick Mall, which will straddle the railway lines at Berea Station, is the catalyst for the entire precinct plan and introduces a vast new retail element to the Warwick Junction inter-modal transport node."

The 22 000 square metre mall is a bold and aesthetically pleasing use of space and will be conveniently located between the railway lines below and a 500-bay taxi rank above. eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Obed Mlaba, commented: "The time is right for investors to buy buildings in Albert Park and Warwick Triangle. I would like to see more buildings being sold to African people who, in spite of constituting 70% of the population, were sidelined from the economy."

A number of Black-owned development companies are successfully taking on the ambitious residential property upgrades of a number of the inner-city's most notorious buildings in the Warwick Triangle area, including Hampson Court and semi-detached housing in Bentley Road. Such re-development is creating new liveable space for, especially, students and family units. Meanwhile, another private small-scale investor has transformed an over-crowded slum close to the city's international convention centre into middle-market bed-and-breakfast accommodation aimed at the conference market generated by the adjacent ICC.

A further success is the JBS Building which had fallen into disrepair. The building has been renovated, bringing on stream retail space on the first two floors and attracting Mr Price as a retail tenant. Developer Mr Ivor Smith said: "The first four storeys will be commercial and the rest of the block will be renovated to house residential tenants. The first phase is complete."

A number of role-players in the UDZ scheme, from local government to developers, have, however, voiced concern that projects with lead times in excess of a year can no longer take advantage of the tax incentive currently on offer by Government. The present scheme expires in March next year. City representatives from across the country, National Treasury, the South African Revenue Services and SAPOA are meeting at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban today to workshop the impact of the UDZ scheme to date and, critically, to discuss its future.

Ms Ellingson said: "We hope that recommendations generated at this workshop will result in an extension to the UDZ tax-break scheme expiry date, so allowing developers who have committed to enterprises in Durban, and cities around the country, to complete their projects and still qualify for the tax incentives for which the scheme provides and for which it was introduced."

For more images, copy of the workshop presentation or more information on the UDZ scheme, contact:

Ms Fikile Ndlovu
eThekwini Municipality
Strategic Projects Unit, Loram House, 70 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue,
Durban
Tel: 031 311 4731
Fax: 031 311 4727
Email: ndlovufikile@durban.gov.za

SOURCE: http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=9766

Mo Rush

January 29th, 2008, 04:39 PM

I'm sure it will exceed the R1 billion mark..thats just the start

romanSA

January 29th, 2008, 06:35 PM

Looks like Durban's Toyota plant is ramping up production, despite the power cuts.

------------------
Toyota committed to SA growth
29/01/2008 08:10
Wilmer Muller

Toyota South Africa is confident that the slowdown in vehicle sales won't hurt the company. In fact the carmaker believes that it will grow its market share.

At a media conference in Cape Town, Toyota's vice-president of marketing, communications and planning, Ace Dube, said that the carmaker's forecast for 2008 is to increase sales from last year's 152 821 units to about 162 000.

In 2007 South Africa was the 9th biggest world market for the Japanese manufacturer.

Models that will drive the growth are the Hilux, Quantum, Yaris and Corolla. Newcomers such as the Avanza Panel Van will also help to boost the brand's overall appeal. Furthermore there will be eight spec changes and facelifts to current models.

"We are not participating in the (automotive) recession," Dube said. "Toyota is a trusted brand and our January sales are already ahead of sales recorded in the same period last year."

Toyota also wants to increase production at its Prospecton plant near Durban where it produced 145 213 vehicles last year, of which almost 60 000 were destined for foreign markets.

This year Toyota plans to build 205 000 vehicles at the Prospecton facility. According to Dube the aim is to export about 50% of these units.

Dube also said that South Africa's current energy crisis has not affected manufacturing yet. "It has had no impact on our production, however, some of our suppliers have suffered," Dube said.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/News/Industry_News/0,,1369-1372-2095_2260145,00.html

romanSA

January 30th, 2008, 09:01 PM

Solar-powered traffic lights for Durban?
Sapa Published:Jan 30, 2008

At least 170 councillors of the eThekwini Municipality today passed a motion to consider solar panels for street and traffic lights throughout the city.

The motion was agreed to at the first full eThekwini council meeting in Durban.

Councillors said they had taken into account the current power failure crisis in South Africa.

Democratic Alliance councillor Peter Davis said the municipality had been tasked to investigate the feasibility of the solar panels, their cost and how much electricity they would save the city.

"And if it’s viable, it will be put into operation," said Davis.

The municipality has been given three months to complete its investigation and if the motion is passed, it would take three years to set up the plan throughout the city.

In its agenda, the council said it wanted to conserve the use of electricity for the benefit of the entire municipality.

http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=695007

Mo Rush

January 30th, 2008, 09:12 PM

Lydon

January 30th, 2008, 09:59 PM

It's a risk that needs to be taken imho. Regardless of whether the power crisis will be over by then or not, we should be using renewal energy sources as much as possible.

Durbsboi

January 31st, 2008, 08:01 AM

With rate Durban drivers knock down traffic lights, I suggest they keep the actual panels far, far away from the lights itself.

romanSA

January 31st, 2008, 08:02 PM

Gasp! The governing and opposition parties agreeing with each other?? What's this world coming to?? Could lead to good times for Durbs, if this persists....

------------------------------------
ANC adopt DA power ideas

January 31 2008 at 05:53PM

By Heinz de Boer

In a landmark move, the ANC caucus has adopted three Democratic Alliance notices of motion making council history and leaving opposition politicians more than a little shocked.

Sporadic applause and bewildered looks from opposition benches soon turned to unrestrained calls of "What's going on?", as jubilant ANC councillors supported opposition motions, which could result in the face of the city changing forever.

The ANC's apparent change in political tactics flies in the face of previous heated council meetings in which the ANC shot down all opposition motions no matter how good.

'They were right, so we agreed with them'

Asked about the party's change of heart after the meeting, a senior ANC member said: "They were right, so we agreed with them. It's a new leaf, hey?"

The adoption has now paved the way for officials to investigate and possibly implement the use of solar panels to power street lights and traffic lights.

The council's executive committee will lead a feasibility study into the project and, if approved, authorise the implementation in stages over the next three years.

Meanwhile, drunken beach parties that have marred the festive season could also be a thing of the past thanks to another DA motion calling for alcohol to be completely banned on beaches.

Tabled by prominent Blue Flag beach supporter Geoff Pullan and supported by the ANC, the motion could lead to additional signage being posted and strict enforcement directives and powers being given to Metro Police officers.

'It's a new leaf, hey?'

A public education programme detailing the dangers of drinking and swimming, and the effects of broken bottles on the sand, have also been called for by Pullan.

Confusion over Durban's valuable Don Africana and Reference libraries may soon also be cleared after the ANC supported DA caucus leader John Steenhuisen's call for urgent action to preserve their valuable documents.

Exco is also to investigate why its standing committees were not informed of the library's closure.

Speaking of the extraordinary turn of events, Steenhuisen said he liked to think the motions were supported because they were well drafted.

"The motions address pressing issues in the city. The ANC would have put themselves in an uncomfortable position had they not supported them. But we welcome the change of attitude," Steenhuisen said.

ANC caucus leader S'bu Sibiya said it was not the first time the party has worked with the opposition.

"It all depends on the content of the motions.

"These are issues we are all concerned with and need answers for from executive level," he said.

"Nothing will stop us from working with other parties, but there are times when we will agree to disagree."

This article was originally published on page 2 of Daily News on January 31, 2008

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080131101602359C186484

Lydon

January 31st, 2008, 10:06 PM

Lmfao. Shock! Horror! Run for the first world countries!

Durbsboi

February 1st, 2008, 11:15 AM

lol,

Pule

February 1st, 2008, 04:44 PM

Survey Reveals Growth Prospects 25 January, 2008

On a route towards business growth: SDB Manager Lee D'eathe, MD of Elcon Crane Hire, Davide Wilkinson and DIPA's Russel Curtis during a BR&E feedback sessions at coastal FET college.

Story And Picture By Derrick Dlamini
Businesses in the South Durban Basin (SDB) begin the year on a positive note, as they remain optimistic about the next three years and expecting an increase in their sales, a survey suggested.

The survey, conducted in Maydon Wharf, Bayhead, Rossburgh, Bluff and Congella formed part of a Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) programme, which intends to assist local businesses become more competitive by improving their business environment.

The initiative is a brainchild of Durban Investment & Promotions Agency (DIPA), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management, and the DBN Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A cross-section of companies, representing various types of businesses operating in the SDB area, was visited. About 32% of businesses visited are in the transport and communication sector, followed by another 32% in the manufacturing industry. More than 60% of businesses were reported to have been in the area for more than a decade. At a recent feedback session, Russell Curtis of DIPA, described the findings of a survey as a giant leap. “ It was not designed to be scientific, but rather a means of having an effective communication with local businesses.” However, more than 60% of companies felt that improved staff skills would assist business performance over the next twelve months.

Business environment

However, the survey cited grave concerns emanating from poor infrastructure and road networks, traffic congestion, damages of sidewalks and pavements by illegal parking of heavy vehicles. This, businesses felt, contributed to the negative image of the area. A suggestion to install CCTV cameras, especially on Bayhead Road, was made. Despite such concerns, most companies listed customer loyalty, low crime rate and close proximity to the port as the main advantages in the area.

Proposals for action

An interim mechanism to ease congestion, manage infrastructure, address skills shortage and improve communication was indicated as a grave requirement. A joint task team of local businesses and authorities would drive this. SDB Area Manager, Lee D’eathe said: “ These proposals should be viewed as a starting point for permanent solutions in the longer term action.”

DIPA’s Russell Curtis, assured businesses that a Task Team “would receive immense administrative and networking support to ensure its success.” Several businesses expressed their willingness to become involved. A networking database is being compiled to keep businesses and residents informed of the progress. Another major boost to this is a telephone-call system for fault-reporting that will be launched soon. Initiated in 2005, the programme was first piloted in the greater Pinetown area, and has since proved a success.

Deputy City Manager, Siphiwe Madondo said the municipality is fully behind the programme. In a country governed by market changes, the BR&E programme remains a crucial element towards reversing the frontiers of poverty and creating much-needed jobs.

crazyloca

February 5th, 2008, 05:19 PM

Just read an article in the shipping section of the paper saying TNPA has put expansion plans for Durban container terminal on hold...! Are they completely nuts? The place is booming and there is a permanent queue of ships waiting to come in. Explanations please?

Umhlanga

February 5th, 2008, 06:25 PM

^^ See my reply in the Durban Harbour thread.

dysan1

February 5th, 2008, 07:12 PM

ya i responded in durban harbour section too

crazyloca

February 6th, 2008, 05:29 PM

Hadn't noticed that thread before... THANKS! :)

romanSA

February 7th, 2008, 09:19 PM

Resort plan for Virginia Airport

February 07 2008 at 12:17PM

By Matthew Savides

Virginia Airport is being eyed as an upmarket holiday resort, possibly incorporating the neighbouring Beachwood golf course.

According to eThekwini deputy mayor Logie Naidoo, the Durban North area is "prime land" - and the city does not want to miss out on potential developments.

The biggest consideration, Naidoo said, was whether to incorporate the airport into the new King Shaka International Airport or move it to a new location, probably at Cato Ridge. The move to King Shaka appears to be favoured.

Linked to this was whether the move should happen before the facility's lease expiration in 2011.

Opposition parties said Naidoo's statement was premature because the matter should be dealt with by the economic development and planning committee, which he chairs.

His comments come six months after the tabling of a report on the future of the airport which recommended that it remain at its present location.

The six options were that Virginia Airport: remain as it was; remain where it was with an extended runway; move to King Shaka International Airport; move to Durban International Airport once the King Shaka airport opened; move to an entirely new general aviation airport at Cato Ridge; be closed.

It said closing the airport or moving it to Cato Ridge were "not viable" because none of the operators would move, nor would they agree to closing the facility. Durban required a general aviation airport.

It also suggested that moving to the Durban International site would be difficult to achieve, as competition for the property was fierce.

At the meeting last July, the committee had declined to make a decision.

Naidoo said the issue was being dealt with by the municipality's economic development department.

He said it was likely that the facility would be incorporated in the King Shaka complex to free up the "strategic" piece of land.

While an environmental impact report was not completed for the incorporation of a general aviation facility in King Shaka, it would not be difficult to add it to the plans.

It was not clear whether the incorporation would take place during the first or second phase of construction, but Naidoo hinted at the latter.

If we leave the airport as it is, then we will have it for private aeroplane use during the 2010 World Cup, and we know there will be a lot of this type of air traffic. Also, the leases expire in 2011 and this coincides with phase two at King Shaka."

The proximity to Beachwood would allow for a holiday estate which could, provided the developer and the private club agreed, incorporate a top golf course.

Nothing had been decided at this stage, he said, but it was an option the municipality was seriously considering.

DA caucus leader John Steenhuisen said he was not against developing the land, but he was concerned that Naidoo had commented before there had been any consideration by the committee.

Steenhuisen said there were social, economic and environmental factors to consider, and this could only be done after a proper investigation and subsequent report.

IFP Exco member Gladwin Ndlela agreed. He was shocked by Naidoo's statement.

matthew.savides@inl.co.za

This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on February 07, 2008

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=vn20080207062736156C331708

Durbsboi

February 8th, 2008, 07:11 AM

Not exactly the best place for a resort, but it is prime land.

romanSA

February 8th, 2008, 05:02 PM

Umhlanga Rocks set for facelift

February 08 2008 at 01:13PM

Umhlanga Rocks is set to become Durban's "premier beach resort destination" if the eThekwini Municipality's ambitious plans to develop the area are approved.

The area is already considered key from a local and international tourism perspective, and the latest plans are expected to boost this reputation further.

Massive road and sewerage infrastructure upgrades have been proposed, as have "intensification" plans, which involve increasing available activities, amenities and developments in the area.

This would see the density of the Umhlanga node increasing by more than double, from 33 units a hectare to 70 or 80 units a hectare.

Hotels, flats and other building developments are to be used to increase the density. Public parks would be incorporated and a host of other activities catered for.

This information was contained in a report tabled before the municipality's economic planning and development committee on Thursday.

In presenting the report, Vicky Sim, a senior planner in the development planning department, said the current developments and interest shown in potential future developments boded well for the area and presented a massive opportunity for the municipality.

What was important, she said, was that the developments should not detract from the area's feel as a coastal area.

To this end, building plans would be passed only if they did not block views of the beach when visitors drove into the area from the main entrance at Umhlanga Rocks Drive.

Artists' impressions showed that having the occasional high-rise building, such as the Pearls development, would not entirely restrict views. However, the heights of certain buildings would be limited.

Sim said the recommended development direction of the Umhlanga node was formulated in consultation with all key shareholders and further consideration of national coastal policy.

Development would include giving visitors options when in the area, with activities not confined to the beach. To this end, a street market - complete with street vendors and coffee shops - was planned.

Accessibility to the area would be vital, the report said.

Umhlanga Rocks Drive could be extended to six lanes, and the M4 freeway would also be significantly widened.

DA councillors were concerned that there could be knock-on effects as a result of the developments.

While extra road infrastructure was considered for the node, DA caucus leader John Steenhuisen said there were already traffic backlogs on the M4 during peak hours, and that the increased density in Umhlanga would worsen the situation.

Therefore, he said, developments needed to take place on the area's access roads to ease the congestion.

No decision was taken on Thursday, with committee chairperson and deputy mayor Logie Naidoo saying the report needed to be presented to concerned parties at a public meeting at the end of the month before any action was taken.

He said all comments would be included in another report, which would be presented to the committee by the end of March.

If accepted, the report would go to the executive committee and full council for ratification.

matthew.savides@inl.co.za

This article was originally published on page 3 of The Mercury on February 08, 2008

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=vn20080208042915835C634700

romanSA

February 8th, 2008, 05:11 PM

Wow! Durban has been featured in the latest issue of the prestigious journal Science.

Science 8 February 2008:
Vol. 319. no. 5864, p. 739
DOI: 10.1126/science.319.5864.739

INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL ISSUE
Reimagining Cities
Caroline Ash, Barbara R. Jasny, Leslie Roberts, Richard Stone, Andrew M. Sugden

CREDIT: GETTY
Cities are now home to half of the world's 6.6 billion humans. By 2030, nearly 5 billion people will live in cities. This special issue explores the enormous implications of the mass embrace of city life. News articles offer a look at how cities are tackling specific problems, a set of Reviews and Perspectives examines trends and demographics arising from the urban transformation.
As Grimm et al. (p. 756) show, cities are hot spots of production, consumption, and waste generation. Already, according to the United Nations, cities are responsible for 75% of global energy consumption and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. Without careful investment and planning, megacities (those with more than 10 million inhabitants) will be overwhelmed with burgeoning slums and environmental problems. There are advantages to city life, such as the relative proximity of health care (Dye, p. 766) and jobs. However, Mace (p. 764) describes continuing costs in terms of fertility, and Bloom et al. (p. 772) challenge a commonly accepted perception that urbanization fuels economic growth.

ONLINE EXTRAS
Watch a video introduction on the problems, prospects, and science of cities, featuring researchers Michael Batty, Nancy Grimm, and Jesse Ausubel, as well as Science Asia News Editor Richard Stone.

Lower-bandwidth version of video
The 8 February Science Podcast includes an interview with researcher Ruth Mace on patterns of reproduction in modern cities.

Cities have taken novel approaches to dealing with urbanization. A News article (p. 740) explores how the Chinese government is encouraging a variety of schemes, including the development of "eco-cities." Other News items highlight success stories, including Bogotá's reduction of traffic fatalities (p. 742), London's reduction of traffic jams (p. 750), and Mexico's efforts to alleviate urban poverty (p. 754).
The pace of urbanization is accelerating throughout the developing world (Montgomery, p. 761). One of the most pressing issues for these cities is the provision of clean water and sanitation. News articles feature three cities with different solutions: Durban (p. 744), Salvador, (p. 745), and Phnom Penh (p. 746). Sometimes, however, a lack of money and powerful lobbies can thwart the best intentions, as people in Kolkata have learned as they try to clean up their city's foul air (p. 749).

How will cities evolve? Batty (p. 769) shows that in spite of the apparently amorphous growth of urban sprawl, resilient patterns emerge. He advocates the use of complex systems analysis in future urban planning. Preparing for natural disasters, and recovering from them, will also challenge planners--especially because many of the world's largest cities lie on coasts and are vulnerable to flooding as the climate warms (p. 748).

Someday, cities may grow their own crops and raise their own livestock in vertical farms (p. 752). Next-generation hybrid cars could help cut greenhouse gas emissions (p. 750). A more distant dream is a "supercity" that relies on superconducting electricity cables and liquid hydrogen for its energy needs (p. 753). Futuristic concepts, perhaps, but the time has come for a radical rethink of our concept of cities and their place in the global environment.

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/319/5864/739

romanSA

February 8th, 2008, 05:13 PM

Text is password accessible so can't post the article but it revolves around initiatives by the Municipality to provide access to water to the poor. Here's the brief synopsis...

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

Science 8 February 2008:
Vol. 319. no. 5864, pp. 744 - 745
DOI: 10.1126/science.319.5864.744
Prev | Table of Contents | Next
NEWS

Durban's Poor Get Water Services Long Denied
Robert Koenig

By providing clean water and improved toilets in "township" settlements, Durban is tackling one of the remaining vestiges of apartheid.

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/319/5864/744

dysan1

February 9th, 2008, 11:28 AM

Not exactly the best place for a resort, but it is prime land.

It would work perfectly as a resort destination. great highway links and public free beaches.

The value of homes in glenashley beach will sky rocket!

SA BOY

February 9th, 2008, 05:06 PM

I disagree completly, there is a un swimmable beach at virginia due to deep rips and severe wave action. Would be best suited for an extention of beach wood golf course (ie take 9 holes away at current course and replace with residentail and like wise at airport)and making it a cosatal golf estate

Umhlanga

February 10th, 2008, 09:12 PM

Agree about the Virginia beach. I did a sunrise New Year's swim there twice, and it was awful. I can think of much more pleasant ways to drown.

Golf, it's the way to go for this land. SABoy is absolutely right. Build some houses, expand the course, put up a small hotel, and let guests golf at Beachwood and DCC.

Pule

February 11th, 2008, 08:50 AM

romanSA

February 11th, 2008, 04:18 PM

Durbanites want more expo lolly

February 11 2008 at 12:28PM
By Heinz de Boer

Durban is diversifying and could be in for a massive financial boost thanks to mounting interest from alternate lifestyle and art event organisers.

Hundreds of millions in cash investment is being predicted by city fathers, who last week cautiously embraced the hosting of the controversial Sexpo at the ICC.

A hot topic of conversation, Sexpo is being seen as a watershed exhibition event in a city that has traditionally been relatively conservative.

City manager Michael Sutcliffe said the city would "take whatever the market brings us (the city)".

"It's obviously good that the ICC centre is being utilised and I think we are increasingly going to get diversity in the events being hosted in the city.

We are already seeing many sports events, especially with all the focus being on the country ahead of 2010," Sutcliffe said.

"But now we will get a greater number of art and music events."

Meanwhile, local and national businesses have earmarked Durban and its exhib-itions as the ideal marketing platforms.

Chantal Edouard-Betsy of The Bedroom, specialist interior designers, said Durban was "so ready" to host shows and events that did not strictly conform to the norm.

"People say Durban is conservative, but people are becoming increasingly open minded. Especially when they can go somewhere that is not sleazy. Durban has been ready for this for a long time," Edouard-Betsy said.

Visitor and financial figures back her up.

According to organisers, Sexpo Durban had attracted record numbers of visitors, with more than 15 000 delegates through the turnstiles by Friday night. This figure had doubled by yesterday evening when the show closed.

More than 3 000 "naughty" movies were sold, while "several thousand" adult toys had been snapped up.

Surprisingly, 54 percent of visitors were female and visited with their partners.

Durban's deputy mayor, Logie Naidoo, who briefly celebrated his birthday at Sexpo last Thursday, said "times had changed".

"We certainly are an international destination and need to cater for all tastes," Naidoo said.

"The ICC is the best venue in Africa and over a 12-month period brings in hundreds of millions into the local economy.

In the tourism industry these exhibitions will be used to obviously prepare for 2010, but we also hope they will lead to the direct employment and further training of people locally," he said.

This article was originally published on page 2 of Daily News on February 11, 2008

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3045&art_id=vn20080211102104538C597283

dysan1

February 11th, 2008, 04:24 PM

There's a guy who just came back from a holiday in Durbs and he told me that the mess at Ballito is not cleaned and apparently the municipality is not even prepared to fix it. He says that the municiplaity say that the owners of peoperties must do the fix. Is this true?

The Ilembe municipality that runs ballito has been in talks for ages with the national and provincial government for funding and it has not been forthcoming. They were the worst affected, and made the damage in durban look insignificant.

Yes ballito is still a mess in places.

romanSA

February 12th, 2008, 05:59 AM

Those who are in Durbs, check it out...

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

Big, wide World docks in Durban
Nivashni Nair Published:Feb 12, 2008

Rental prices start from $1300 to $4000 a night

The world’s largest residential ship docked in Durban this week carrying hundreds people who see the world from the luxury of their own homes.

The World, a giant ship that was built in 1997 to serve as a holiday home to those wanting to travel without leaving the convenience and comforts of their own homes, arrived in Durban from Cape Town and will sail to Mauritius next week, before it continues its round trip to the US.

Since its launch, the ship has sailed to 114 countries and has visited 516 ports across the globe.

Boasting 12 decks that house studio apartments to two-bedroom apartments, the ship has covered every continent and in 2006 every apartment was sold out.

Studio apartments cost from $825000 (R6.4-million) upwards and two-bedroom apartments cost about $3.5-million (R27.8-million).

Rental prices start from $1300 to $4000 a night.

Each apartment was designed to suit the owner. Interior designers were called in to set up state-of-the- art kitchens and to create lavish interiors, while families add their personal touched by putting up photos and heirlooms.

Shopping for necessities is done at each port or at the floating market in the ship, which even has fresh fruit on sale.

Due to the ship’s extensive worldwide itinerary, it is able to sail the globe every two to three years and travellers are given the choice of where to start and terminate their global voyage.

It has not yet been established whether any South Africans are on board. However, those at the dock in Durban were in awe of the floating apartment block.

http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=703573

Durbsboi

February 12th, 2008, 07:09 AM

^^ I heard about this, its visiting most of SA's ports, stayed 6 days in Cpt.

http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newpictures02/the_world-profile9-16-02.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/24bmg7a.jpg

GregPz

February 12th, 2008, 07:53 AM

I saw it in port yesterday docked alongside another cruise liner.

Mo Rush

February 12th, 2008, 12:55 PM

^^ I heard about this, its visiting most of SA's ports, stayed 6 days in Cpt.

http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newpictures02/the_world-profile9-16-02.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/24bmg7a.jpg

The World in Cape Town

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jan-krux/2237572006/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jan-krux/2236713737/

It has been in Cape Town and RSA before. I think back in 2004/2005

GregPz

February 14th, 2008, 08:11 AM

This sounds big!

Billions to be pumped into KZN
14 February 2008, 08:01

KwaZulu-Natal's strategy of wooing investors to the province was beginning to pay off with a multi-billion rand tourism investment to be made north of the uThukela River, Premier S'bu Ndebele announced in Pietermaritzburg during his state-of-the-province address on Wednesday.

Ndebele told the legislature that a memorandum of understanding had been signed between the provincial government and an international developer based in Dubai earlier in 2008, paving the way for the investment.

"On February 20, the CEO of the investor group will be visiting our province to finalise the master plan that will be presented by the end of March 2008. We expect work to start soon thereafter," said Ndebele.

"The project involves a multi-billion rand investment on the northern side of the uThukela River in the Macambini area (near Gingindlovu). The project will be implemented in phases, and will create tens of thousands of permanent jobs."

He said this would be the fifth project of its kind in the world based on the concept of a "city within a city".

"As added value, an imposing statue of King Shaka will be erected as part of this project through private funding. The Ingonyama Trust has made an in-principle agreement to this initiative," he said.

Ndebele said the investment presented the province with an opportunity to implement a policy to encourage the development of integrated resort communities and tourism attractions.

"The social and economic benefits to our people include skills training, employment, improvements to infrastructure, educational, health, vocational and commercial opportunities as well as specific economic benefits to the local community and the province from the revenues generated.

"The project will be a fully integrated tourist destination located on approximately 7 500ha of land. It will comprise a variety of market-segmented residential communities, entertainment attractions, hospitality, education, health care, leisure, retail and commercial offerings," he said.

Ndebele added that his government had managed to reduce the unemployment rate from 33 percent in 2004 to 29,2 percent in 2007.

"The province's own economic development strategy, which was developed over the past three years, aims to transform the structure of the provincial economy and narrow and eventually eliminate the gap between the first and second economies, increase investment in the province, build skills and capacity, broaden participation in the economy, and increase competitiveness," he said.

Ndebele also announced that the fund investment committee of the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund had approved projects worth about R414-million.

These, he said, were spread across key economic sectors such as manufacturing, transport and logistics, and agri-processing.

Ndebele told the House that his government had embarked on a comprehensive anti-corruption drive, focusing on the area of security and access to computer systems.

"We have implemented a comprehensive biometric access system to combat computer password fraud," he said, adding that the province was co-operating with law enforcement agencies.

"Since the inception of the investigation of more than 500 000 grants in 2007, more than 200 000 of them have either been cancelled or have lapsed," he said, adding that the exercise had saved the taxpayer millions of rands.

Ndebele's speech is to be debated by the legislature on Thursday.

This article was originally published on page 2 of The Mercury on February 14, 2008

SA BOY

February 14th, 2008, 11:14 AM

intresting but whats in Ging to woo investors apart from shit loads of arrable land? close proximity to RB and Durban? too far from the new airport so what is the driver?

Pule

February 14th, 2008, 11:53 AM

How close it is to Durbs CBD?

SA BOY

February 14th, 2008, 01:19 PM

on the N2 about an 45-60min to the city fringe say the spagetti junction and then who knows how long to do the last 15km

water rat

February 15th, 2008, 07:33 AM

for the life of me i cannot find the link that dealt with the possibility of a Varsity College Campus being developed at Gateway,Umlanga. Please could someone give me some directions.

thanks!

Durbsboi

February 15th, 2008, 07:58 AM

^^I think its in the projects section prob in the Umhlanga new town center thread.

Durban In Top Gear For A1
11 February, 2008

ZIG-ZAUGG: Adrian Zaugg of team South Africa leads Sergio Jimenez of Brazil in the Sydney leg of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. Zaugg went on to take the feature race last Sunday and is now well set for a win on home turf when the series comes to Durban from 22 February

Picture by A1 GP.com
Story by Siyabonga Maphumulo

The Durban A1 Grand Prix is just two weeks away, and with preparations in overdrive, civic leaders are confident of another “roaring” success. The three-day event, the only street race in the 12- country A1 GP calendar, is run on a twisty 3.2km stretch along Durban’s golden mile. This will be the third time Durban hosts the South African leg of the series. City Manager Michael Sutcliffe said the 40 000 spectators expected at the race could look forward to a “very well planned event. Everything is going as planned and the valuable lessons learnt from hosting the past two races have assisted us to better plan for this year’s event,” he said.

Milllions
Mayor Obed Mlaba said spectators and millions of television viewers around the world would catch a glimpse of the Moses Mabhida stadium, under construction nearby, and the Point Waterfront, providing invaluable marketing exposure for the city.

Lunga Lamula, from the city’s Strategic Projects unit, said race preparations were 80% complete with spectator stands, route markers and crash barriers already erected along the route. He said there would be some local traffic restrictions and road closures in the build up to, and over the three days of the race, but everything possible would be done to minimise inconvenience to motorists. This race has received the all important green light from the provincial environmental watchdog. The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs has approved an environmental management plan for the event that takes into account its social and environmental impact. Department spokesman Mbulelo Baloyi said: “We have accommodated (public) concerns about noise, particularly in the vicinity of the racetrack, but unfortunately because of the nature of motorsport this is really inevitable.”

Noise
Baloyi said organizers would be required to provide a shuttle service for affected residents and accommodation for frail and vulnerable people who might not be able to tolerate the noise during the main events. “Special precautions have been taken to ensure the dune vegetation is not interfered with during the race,” said Baloyi.

Stringent conditions on the storage and handling of dangerous substances have been put in place and the department has asked the A1 GP team to provide weekly construction environmental audit reports. Special arrangements have again been made for the disabled, with wheelchair access to some of the best viewing points, and ablution facilities.

The A1 GP has firmly established itself as the World Cup of motorsport. Unlike the better known Formula 1 series, drivers race for their countries instead of for corporate teams.

Mo Rush

February 15th, 2008, 01:04 PM

there is hope..!

Film studio 'still on the cards for Durban'

By Ntokozo Mfusi

Durban is still going to get a chance to be one of two cities in South Africa to have a world-class film studio.

This was the reassurance given by filmmaker Anant Singh who said plans to build a Durban film studio had not been abandoned but were delayed because of legal matters regarding the relocation of the defence force from its present site in Marine Parade.

"The Durban studio has been delayed by legal issues and the relocation of the defence force from the site. The defence force has committed to move off the site in the next few months while the legal process is now progressing and our lawyers, and those of the city and province are confident that this will be finalised in the next few months," said Singh.

'Durban is able to offer filmmakers just about any location in the world'
Singh said that once issues had been resolved, the development of the studio would start.

He said he saw the Durban and Cape Town studios working in synergy and complementing each other, as is the trend in many countries such as Germany, Australia, United Kingdom and Canada.

"Durban and Cape Town have unique and different offerings to filmmakers, giving them a wider choice of locations.

"The city, provincial government and the national government are committed to further development of the film industry in South Africa and this is clearly demonstrated by the Department of Trade and Industry's revised film incentive scheme, which was announced two weeks ago," said Singh.

City manager Michael Sutcliffe said the council had agreed to sell the venue to Singh to build a studio. However, this was challenged by a Durban businessman who insisted that the council had not followed the proper process in selling the site to Singh.

"The matter is with the high court now, and as far as we are concerned we did follow due process according to the old legislation, which allows the council under the private treaties to grant permission for special projects such as the building of the studio," he said.

Durban Film Office spokeswoman Toni Monty said although there were legal delays in the construction of the studio, it was an exciting development for the city to have a studio.

"Durban is able to offer filmmakers just about any location in the world but, to date, studio space and post production facility has been a problem.

"The studio will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Durban film industry and increase our competitive edge as an international film destination tremendously," she said.

Monty said that the studio would play a key role in encouraging serious film investment in the region.

Pule

February 15th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Dbn CBD grows as investment option
2008/02/15

The Durban CBD as an investment destination has been a hot topic of discussion for many months.

With the rapid emergence of South Africa's middle-class and the overwhelming influx of inhabitants moving into the CBD, availability of accommodation is being placed under severe pressure.

A decision by national Treasury to implement a progressive tax incentive (the UDZ Tax Incentive) in selected cities is finally producing the desired results with developers and building owners upgrading both commercial and residential properties across Durban. Currently, the city's iTrump department is driving inner city regeneration, and combined with the above tax incentives, the city's landscape is finally showing signs of returning to its former glory.

Economic fundamentals regarding this segment of the property market remain extremely strong. An insatiable rental appetite for quality accomodation from city workers provides the cornerstone, ensuring a strong yielding investment, whilst the many refurbishment projects are beginning to take shape and blue chip corporates turn their eyes back to the possibility of operating out of the CBD.

78 on Field is the latest Durban CBD residential refurbishment project to come to the market.

Durban developers Strathmore Developments have already upgraded the commercial element to the building and have new large tenants in both Mr. Price (1,500sq m) and ABSA (965sq m) on ground through to the third floor.

Situated on the corner of West and Field Streets, the residential component consists of 108 apartments over nine floors, a combination of bachelors, one bedrooms and two bedrooms starting from R320k or R9,500 per sq m.

Attention to detail and quality of finishes have not been compromised with granite tops as standard in the kitchens, built-in cupboards, back-up generators in the building and 24-hour security access control. This level of specification is a first in the Durban CBD and highlights the increasing sophistication of what is regarded as the entry-level market.

The refurbishment started in July 2007, with occupation scheduled for April 2008.

With the Durban CBD finally receiving the attention it has needed for so long, one can only be positive about the future of the area.

dysan1

February 15th, 2008, 03:25 PM

for the life of me i cannot find the link that dealt with the possibility of a Varsity College Campus being developed at Gateway,Umlanga. Please could someone give me some directions.

thanks!

Its not varsity college, but will be University College of Umhlanga. There is a thread for it. go to the list of developments, it will be on it under umhlanga

water rat

February 16th, 2008, 06:26 AM

Its not varsity college, but will be University College of Umhlanga. There is a thread for it. go to the list of developments, it will be on it under umhlangathanks !

joburg

February 16th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Has anyone picked this up yet? I think it's a magnificent idea!

R200m statue of King Shaka for KwaZulu-Natal

Johannesburg, South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=332496&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/

16 February 2008 09:53

A 106m statue of King Shaka Zulu ka Senzangakhona will be built on the banks of Thukela River north of Durban, the Weekender newspaper reported on Saturday.

The statue would cost R200-million to build and was expected to be 13m higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York.

In his state of the province address, KwaZulu-Natal premier Sbu Ndebele announced a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai based developer for the erection of the statue.

He suggested that the statue would become a tourist destination like the Statue of Liberty or the Arc de Triomphe.

In addition to the Dubai developers, the project has the support of the Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the province's heritage body, Amafa and the Ingonyama Trust, which administers traditional land.

The support was premised on the idea that the R200m project would deliver significant benefits for the tourism sector, the newspaper reported.

The feasibility study estimated that the statue would attract 4 000, presumably paying, visitors a day.

The statue will be built near the resort village of Blythedale, 90km north of Durban, which may be inaccessible to the millions of tourists who visit the province each year, said the Weekender.

It was not clear why an alternative proposal to build the statue at the mouth of Durban harbour was turned down.

The provincial government funding the project.

"[The] imposing statue will be erected through private funding," said Ndebele.

A concept proposal from his office suggested private funders could expect a 25% return in the first year. - Sapa

Mo Rush

February 16th, 2008, 02:28 PM

thats a lot of money for a statue.

p2bsa

February 16th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Has anyone picked this up yet? I think it's a magnificent idea!

R200m statue of King Shaka for KwaZulu-Natal

Johannesburg, South Africa
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=332496&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/
...

A concept proposal from his office suggested private funders could expect a 25% return in the first year. - Sapa

This is not new but... with Dubai partners it's def going to work and is going to be a much bigger and ambitious overall project than I had anticipated....

anyway, here's more news on the development - nothing new but interesting national coverage nevertheless...

Shaka statue to outstrip Lady Liberty DAVID CHRISTIANSON

FEW would suggest there is anything wrong with reclaiming African traditions from the distortions of colonial and apartheid historiography. But the plan to build a “colossal” statue of King Shaka ka Senzangakhona on the banks of the Thukela River may be a step too far.

The statue, which will cost R200m to build, will be 106m high — 13m higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York.

While Shaka is undoubtedly a massive figure in Zulu — indeed, in African and anticolonial — history, the motives behind this project have become a decidedly confused mix of ideology and economics.

In his state of the province address this week, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele not only restated his intention to see the project through, but announced a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai-based developer for the erection of the colossus.

Ndebele suggested that the statue would “become a tourist destination (like) the Statue of Liberty and the Arc de Triomphe (in Paris)”.

Although Ndebele believes it will be “the biggest iconic statue in the world”, this is not true. The Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan, a bronze-plated depiction of the Amitabha Buddha, is 120m high .

Among the justifications given for the project are economic considerations. In addition to the Dubai developers, the project has the support of Tourism KwaZulu- Natal, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the province’s heritage body, Amafa, and the Ingonyama Trust, which administers traditional land .

The support is premised on the idea that the R200m project will deliver significant benefits for the tourism sector. The feasibility study estimates that the statue will attract 4000, presumably paying, visitors a day.

It will be built near the resort village of Blythedale, 90km north of Durban, which may be rather inaccessible to the millions of tourists who visit the province each year. It is not clear why an alternative proposal to build the statue at the mouth of Durban harbour was turned down.

The provincial government will not be putting up any funding for the project. “(The) imposing statue will be erected through private funding,” says Ndebele.

A concept proposal from his office suggests private funders can expect an extraordinary 25% return in the first year.

But the project is also part of the process of counterbalancing the established icons of the province’s colonial history.

A bronze statue of Zulu king Dinizulu has been erected alongside that of Gen Louis Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of SA, in central Durban.

Dinizulu was arrested and incarcerated in 1908. However, says Ndebele, “a reconciliatory tone” was evident when Botha released Dinizulu in 1910. “The statue is a symbolic gesture to signify reconciliation,” he says.

Dinizulu was significant as “the first Zulu king to pray to a Christian God, and the first King to be subjected to a trial under colonial laws” .

Shaka has been portrayed in history as a “bloodthirsty tyrant”, a reputation that was a creation of Port Natal settlers who were eager to convince a disinterested Cape Colonial government that they needed support and protection.

Some African historians have worked extremely hard to balance these skewed accounts.

Ndebele says Mazisi Kunene’s book, King Shaka the Great, counteracts the “distortions” of writers who presented Shaka “in all negative terms — as a blood-thirsty tyrant, dictator, murderer, etc, as if Alexander the Great and Napoleon used cakes and chocolate to fight their enemies”.

But the truth is that there is not a great deal of hard historical knowledge about Shaka.

All illustrations that exist are based on the image produced by one of the original settlers, Nathaniel Isaacs — who undoubtedly met Shaka — 18 years after the king’s death.

That image, which is the basis of the statue of Shaka Zulu in front of the former legislature in Ulundi, has been described by author Dan Wylie as entirely ideological — “an inverse representation of who the ‘European’ thinks ‘he’ is”.

Reproducing a classic colonial image doesn’t sit easily with a desire to reform history.

There is another concern. Art professor Juliet Armstrong of the University of KwaZulu-Natal worries about the quality of the workmanship of the statue.

“It has to be done by someone who is classically trained,” she says. “Otherwise we’re going to end up with something that’s all out of proportion, like the image of Nelson Mandela in Sandton Square which has a head about one-third the size it should be .

“I’m worried that we’ll end up with a concrete monstrosity with bits that keep falling off,” Armstrong says.

SOURCE: http://www.businessday.co.za/weekender/article.aspx?ID=BD4A707555

Lydon

February 16th, 2008, 03:18 PM

That's so randomly cool! =D

SA BOY

February 16th, 2008, 03:51 PM

A concept proposal from his office suggests private funders can expect an extraordinary 25% return in the first year.

So this will make R50 PROFIT a year on a R200mil investment
What absolute bullshit and n oway 4000 people a day will Pay to go a statue like this to look at cane fields

dysan1

February 17th, 2008, 10:49 AM

Well if the dubai people involved and its part of the wider R1,5billion project then i'm sure there are many other elements that have yet to be put into the public domain. and lets be honest here, they would not be funding the development if they didnt see a profit in it for themselves

Lydon

February 17th, 2008, 11:46 AM

Agreed. I'm sure there's something else that will lure people towards the statue that we don't know about, or some element we haven't considered yet.

Durbsboi

February 18th, 2008, 07:43 AM

Well I can tell you that we've havent heard from the architects about the statue yet. Last meeting I attended they said they were waiting for the go ahead from the Royal house hold, & now with the Dubai company coming in I think I could be phased out of this project, lol.

GregPz

February 20th, 2008, 10:36 AM

Seems the statue has been exaggerated a bit...

106m Shaka Zulu statue a tall story
February 19 2008 at 06:19PM

A statue of King Shaka Zulu to be built north of Durban will be "very high" but not 106m, the kwaZulu-Natal premier's office has said.

Logan Maistry, spokesperson for premier Sbu Ndebele, said on Monday that the exact height and cost of the statue could not be determined until architects had completed the design.

On Saturday it was reported that the statue would cost R200-million and was expected, at 106m, to be 13m higher than New York's Statue of Liberty.

Maistry said this was incorrect and that there was as yet no cost estimate.

"All I can say is that it's going to be a very high statue," he said. - Sapa

This article was originally published on page 9 of Cape Argus on February 19, 2008

Durbsboi

February 20th, 2008, 08:46 PM

Yes our prelim designs were about 50meters, nothing over 60.

romanSA

February 22nd, 2008, 03:35 PM

A won...derful weekend
Barbara Cole
February 22 2008 at 12:03PM

All roads, even the congested ones, lead to Durban this weekend, and the eyes of the world will be on the action as the A1 Grand Prix comes to the city once again.

An international safety expert, who flew in from Europe, checked out the street circuit on Thursday, gave it the nod and now "it's A1 for away", said Mark Woolley, the project manager.

After weeks of activity at the track, "the place is now buzzing with excitement", he added.

South African driver Adrian Zaugg on Thursday walked the track instead of racing around it, with commentator John Watson explaining the different corners.

This detail from the driver's perspective will be broadcast on Sunday in the build-up to the afternoon's big feature race.

The A1GP cameras went up around the track on Thursday, ready to televise the action around the globe. SABC has also set up a studio at nearby Suncoast.

The world-class event, which gets going on Friday, is the third to be held in Durban and is worth a massive R240-million to the region and city and provincial leaders want to keep it.

Other countries, especially in the Far East, also want it, however.

Acting premier Dr Zweli Mkhize said last night, "We are negotiating to get it again."

"As far as we are concerned, it is a very positive partnership, which lets us showcase the province."

Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo said that the one week of inconvenience was by far outweighed by the international exposure the city received.

Local hotels have been filling up all week (there are still beds available, however), as drivers, teams and racing fans converge on Durban.

More than 4 000 people will be working behind the scenes, while some 27 000 spectators will pack the grandstands on Sunday, with 12 500 others in the general picnic areas and 5 000 guests heading for the hospitality suites.

And, in view of the road closures around the track which will start to be dismantled within five minutes of the race ending spectators are being urged to arrive early, as there is plenty to keep them entertained until the feature race.

Zaugg said that everywhere he went in Durban people were wishing him good luck, and he was hopeful of doing them proud.

Meanwhile, French driver Loic Duval will tonight make a dash for Durban from Japan, where he is involved in another championship this season.

He will land on Saturday morning and go straight to the circuit to drive the A1 Team France car for the rest of the weekend.

While the weather will not be as blisteringly hot as last year, it could still reach 28C and is expected to be partly cloudy and humid.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping has offered to shuttle race fans to the track over the weekend.

This article was originally published on page 1 of Daily News on February 22, 2008

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=180&art_id=vn20080222111545153C713529

romanSA

February 22nd, 2008, 11:26 PM

Not sure if anyone has flown on SAA in Feb. The latest issue of the in-flight Sawubona magazine has a story on the Point Waterfront and other developments in the Durban CBD. I was particularly interested to see the Deputy Mayor, Logie Naidoo, being quoted as stating that there would 10 new hotels in DBN (presumably CBD area?), including a R350 m hotel near the Elangeni before 2010. Methinks this is on the Pavallion site. I like that figure and hope it translates into a highrise development (Spinnaker cost about R250 m, I think, and sits at 29 floors). I think the plan is to develop a mall / hotel on that site so may be shorter but still great to hear about.

dysan1

February 23rd, 2008, 09:07 AM

hmmm...interesting. wanna see some renders and developers noise, cos the deputy mayor does talk alot, but action is better

Durbsboi

February 23rd, 2008, 02:12 PM

Guys I hope you watching the A1 coverage on TV, not of the racing though, but the views!!! The weather is awesome Blue Skys sunshine & the heli cam was giving some beaut's of views zoomed into the new stadium!!!

Lydon

February 23rd, 2008, 03:02 PM

I must watch that tomorrow!

Mo Rush

February 24th, 2008, 12:39 AM

why was someone on the radio talking about having to try and keep the A1 in durban or at least south africa? i thought durban had a contract

romanSA

February 24th, 2008, 02:56 AM

Contract was for 3 years. And Asian countries are clamouring to host the A1. And money talks, sadly. If Durbs were to lose it, I hope it stay in SA and goes to CT (which has also been chomping for a piece of the action) for a street circuit. Tele-broadcasts will at least get images of CT skyline and Table Mountain. Only major downside is the associated traffic chaos and noise, which residents in CT will likely freak out about. I could hear the cars over 5 kms away! Literally!

By the way, saw some of the footage this afternoon. The track and city looked stunning. Also showed diff parts of the city in the promo ads (which i think was sponsored by the A1 as it had an American voiceover and didn't seem local. I got the feeling it was made weeks ago and was broadcast internationally). Great publicity for the city.

Lydon

February 24th, 2008, 09:09 AM

I really hope it stays in SA. We are the only African country to host it...I don't think taking it out of Africa will do much variety-wise for the season.

GregPz

February 24th, 2008, 09:18 AM

There's been talk of it possibly going to Kyalami which is crazy considering the Durban race has been such a big success.

jetjunky

February 24th, 2008, 09:26 AM

^^ It would be an odd decision considering its one of the most successful races on the calendar. It won the award for the best run race last two years IIRC ?

Lydon

February 24th, 2008, 05:33 PM

Kyalami would be sad I agree.

dysan1

February 24th, 2008, 08:24 PM

Gotta agree that Durbs did look great on TV, and those chopper shots flying over the track and beach in one go were priceless. and finally the bright durban sun played its part! and the stands looked packed! great advert for the city

ToxicBunny

February 25th, 2008, 06:40 AM

Absolutely awesome advert for the city....

I just hope SABC weren't responsible for the international feed, because they would interrupt coverage for the most inane things.

Durbsboi

February 25th, 2008, 07:33 AM

^^SABC's coverage was absoloutly shocking! & dont worry, their feed wasnt being broadcasted internationaly, they were tapping into the International feed. I mean they didnt show the winning car cross the line, because they were more worried about talking in the studio, then they didnt show the presentation & Champange celebrations because their numbnut pit interviewer was too busy asking the Team boss of SA the most stupidess questions!!! I mean she couldnt even speak to save her life! where on earth do they find these people, even when she was interviewing the models holding the team poles she was getting tounge twisted & forgetting her questions??? They should have rather had the girl that was going around in the stands in the pitlane & this nut arse in the stands.

Other than SABC screwing things up for South African viewers the whole event was brilliant. That camera shot from above Suncoast Towers over looking the start/ finish stretch & the beach all the way up to the harbour mouth was breathtaking, searching the web to see if its up on any website & the weather was perfect, blueskys hardly any clouds & wonderfull sunshine!!!

Pule

February 25th, 2008, 10:23 AM

I ony saw the reapeat today, I was dissapointed when I watched the sprint race as there were few people on the stands but during the main race all the stands were packed. I LOVED the way the showcased Durban and I must say that since I have been watching A1, Durban on is the best in terms of views. It was BEUTIFUL and I think think they deserve to host it for another 3 years.

romanSA

February 26th, 2008, 10:48 AM

I am not a motor racing fan by any stretch of the imagination but because it was in Durbs, I actually watched the whole feature race on TV. The stands were packed, the atmosphere buzzing, and the city looked AMAZING!! As someone who travels overseas practically every month to different parts of the world, I was so impressed with how the city looked. Easily comparable to some of the best beach cities worldwide. Loved that the city greened out more spaces this year; everything looked lush.

The race itself was just spectacular. Thrills and unpredictable excitement until the end. I think that Ferraris were racing made a big difference re: branding and attraction. The drivers also had very good things to say about the track with the Toronto driver who won the sprint race saying it was the best street track he had driven on. I seriously do hope the city (or CT) gets the race next year. To take it to Kyalami would be a pity. I ran along the beachfront at sunset and there were thousands of people from the A1 still hanging around. The atmosphere was fantastic. JHB and Kyalami won't be able to match that.

romanSA

February 26th, 2008, 11:10 AM

Seems as if there was a sell-out crowd for the A1, which is just fantastic.

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

SA A1 organisation a success despite loss

Team SA's Adrian Zaugg beams with confidence

February 25, 2008, 21:00

Despite the poor showing of Team SA in qualifying yesterday, the A1 grand prix on the streets of Durban proved to be a success.

Tickets were sold out late yesterday afternoon and despite the heat the large crowd was treated to a racing spectacle - the streets of Durban resembled Monte Carlo and a festive atmosphere reigned as spectators sought every vantage point to view the action.

SA driver Adrian Zaugg managed to overcome his midfield starting position and gave the crowd something to cheer about, but with six laps to go he crashed out and the race was stopped.

Team RSA once again failed to score points in Durban and will go to the next race in Mexico hoping for a change of luck.

http://www.sabcnews.com/sport/other/0,2172,164830,00.html

Mo Rush

February 26th, 2008, 08:33 PM

would rather have ct host F1, something with better tv viewership and better returns that hosting an A1, which im not sure has made a profit for durban, except for exposure.

dysan1

February 26th, 2008, 09:31 PM

^^ yes but getting F1 will also be a pipedream and a financial disaster

Mo Rush

February 27th, 2008, 12:00 AM

yes,,thats why cities are lining up to host it.

if funding is fully covered by private investors I dont see how this is a disaster for the city, who would only gain from the exposure. would like to know what the city of durban ploughs into A1 and what it actually gets out financially.

Mo Rush

February 27th, 2008, 01:39 AM

Durbsboi

February 27th, 2008, 07:28 AM

^^Sounds like all the usual niggles we've heard over the years.

ToxicBunny

February 27th, 2008, 07:36 AM

Yeah...

I am fairly confident after this race that the organizers of the A1 will want to keep it in Durban, its a showcase event for the series which gets the city and the series lots of publicity.

Pule

February 27th, 2008, 09:09 AM

Info from Marco

"Listen buddy, tell Dysan Im trying to find a render for the Arabella Sheraton for Umhlanga, will try my best.
"

romanSA

February 27th, 2008, 09:51 AM

Doubtful Future for Durban's A1 Grand Prix

Business Day (Johannesburg)

NEWS
22 February 2008
Posted to the web 22 February 2008

By David Christianson
Durban

While preparations for "SA's Monaco" -- the Durban leg of the A1 Grand Prix series -- gain speed for this weekend, the future of the event is far from clear.

Durban and its co-host, the province of KwaZulu-Natal, initially signed a three-year deal, which ends this year. The next cycle has, however, yet to be negotiated.

Although economic returns generated by the event have come under criticism, Durban metro employees have stoutly defended the A1 Grand Prix's record.

Durban's s trategic p rojects director, Julie- May Ellingson, said last year's A1 weekend resulted in R155m being spent in the province.

"That's a pretty good return for a R12,5m outlay from each of province and metro," she said.

The "total indirect" economic effect of the event in Durban alone last year was R183m, she said.

That figure "takes into account media coverage" -- which boils down to a reputational effect. A direct effect figure for Durban was not available.

The entire cost of organising and hosting the race is about R100m, 70% of which is paid by the A1 Holding Company. Despite the good run, the company has yet to make a profit on the series.

Last year critics suggested a large number of empty seats in the grandstand were a sign of "failure" of the series.

Ellingson conceded that too many tickets -- 55000 -- were made available last year.

"This year we're offering 39000 grandstand and 4000 hospitality seats," she said.

Ticket prices have also been slashed this year to make the event more accessible to locals.

City manager Michael Sutcliffe said yesterday that the lessons learned from hosting the past two races "have helped us plan better for this year ".

Ellingson said: "We're learning as we go. Numbers and prices are things that have to be fine tuned over time."

Ellingson was optimistic that the A1 series was likely to become profitable "far faster than Formula One managed".

The A1 is "definitely more economically efficient", she said.

Nevertheless, the A1 is still widely regarded as the junior version of international motor racing.

But the different concept -- A1 drivers represent countries instead of corporate teams and the cars are all identical, which offers a truer test of drivers' abilities -- may be gaining popularity among audiences.

In Durban there is no doubt that the sparkling performances of the South African Adrian Zaugg has greatly increased interest in the event.

Profitability might be the main stumbling block in future negotiations.

"On the terms we have at present there is no doubt the A1 works for Durban," said Ellingson. "But we'll have to see what contractual issues come up for the future."

Other possible threats were environmental considerations and community concerns. Organisers have provided a shuttle service for residents affected by street closures, and accommodation for frail and vulnerable people "who might not be able to tolerate the noise during the main events".

That's an article from last week. A bit outdated now. Thankfully the crowd attendance was great so should strengthen's Durban's case for hosting next few races (although some DBN residents don't want to hear of the A1 again given the noise and traffic chaos it caused!). Also, I don't think adding another track race (Kyalami or elsewhere) is going to do anything for the A1. Last year, given Durban's success in 2006, China tried hosting a street race and it was a dismal failure (manhole covers were sucked up by the cars etc). Thus, Durban was again given the sole privilege of hosting the only street race of the circuit in 2008 given it's proven capability of doing so, which again brought attention to the A1 and made the event worth watching. Kyalami is going to find it tough to match the level of novelty and excitement of Durban's race. However, the big bucks are in Gauteng (and to some extent in CT) so you never know. CT, in particular, will have to do major planning around traffic if it wants to host the event and have a street race circuit. The traffic is already chaotic there at peak times without the necessary road closures a street race will necessitate and this weekend's fiasco in CT with the Celine Dion concert showed how bad things can get there for major events without proper planning. JHB may not have as much of a problem as Kyalami will not require street closures, unless organisers are planning on racing through the streets of Sandton!

dysan1

February 27th, 2008, 02:25 PM

Info from Marco

"Listen buddy, tell Dysan Im trying to find a render for the Arabella Sheraton for Umhlanga, will try my best.
"

Cool thanx! If he can find the new render for the Marriot too that would be fantastic...and hey marco, why dont you post too :)

SA BOY

February 27th, 2008, 02:32 PM

he has firewall issues or something

Pule

February 27th, 2008, 03:14 PM

It will be nice if he post so that we can intercat properly with him.

Mo Rush

February 27th, 2008, 07:17 PM

Durbsboi

February 28th, 2008, 07:34 AM

I think next years A1 season could be hitting another level with Ferrari taking over for supplying the cars. They dont do things on small scale & they will surely be bringing their ideas to the table on how they want to market the sport. They'll prob have Ferrari greats testing the cars at the different tracks, perhaps our old legend Jodie could be giving the car test runs around the circuits or even the likes of Eddie Irvine or Micheal Schumacher!

romanSA

February 28th, 2008, 02:46 PM

road closures or not, the race should not come to cpt or joburg if the returns from hosting it arent good. while durbs can do with all the exposure it can get, cape town needs to consider if hosting A1 really provides a real benefit financially. while A1 is growing somewhat, hosting at the right time could be more beneficial than just retaining the race for the sake of hosting something

Durban's hosting of the event was not only about exposure; it was about gaining valuable experience and padding its resume re: hosting major events, which will help in any future bids for major sporting events (letter of intent to host the 2020 Olympic Games have to be in by 2011; 2011 is also the year applications have to be submitted to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games; thus, Durban should have as much event hosting experience on its plate before then to strengthen its chances of bidding for either of those events, or others. Hosting the A1, and to some extent, the Clipper Round the World Race, not the mention the upcoming 2010 WC, will help in this regard.

Now back to CT:

While CT may not need any more exposure (I beg to differ as a city probably can't have enough good exposure) the city has openly stated its desire to host a F1 grand prix. In 2004 Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, announced that SA (CT) would host a F1 race within "three years, tops" (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=756&fArticleId=2287068). So much for that. Then in 2007, reports emerged that the city would host a F1 race by 2009 (http://motoring.iafrica.com/formulaone/648147.htm). Even that looks unlikey to happen given the 2009 F1 race venues have already been announced and CT is not amongst them (never mind that the track probably won't be ready by then). In fact, its looking increasingly likely that CT won't even host a F1 until at least 2013 as the confirmed / potential 2010, 2011, and 2012 host cities have been named and CT is not even listed amongst the potential host cities. In this respect, San Marino Grand Prix, which was dropped in 2007, is rumoured to be making a comeback in 2010 based, to some extent, on its successful experience of hosting such events. That's the factor that CT would have over bidding Asian nations if it hosted a major motor race. Currently, CT has no experience hosting a major motor race. In my opinion, hosting the A1 (on a street or dedicated circuit) would go a long way to addressing that concern. That's the value hosting the A1 event will bring to CT.

In short, I think it would be great if CT got a F1 race but think the city's case would be much stronger in the face of competing bids if it had some actual experience in hosting such races.

dysan1

February 28th, 2008, 05:28 PM

he has firewall issues or something

ok, i dont understand, but cool cool, thanx for the input

dysan1

February 28th, 2008, 05:36 PM

Durban's hosting of the event was not only about exposure; it was about gaining valuable experience and padding its resume re: hosting major events, which will help in any future bids for major sporting events (letter of intent to host the 2020 Olympic Games have to be in by 2011; 2011 is also the year applications have to be submitted to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games; thus, Durban should have as much event hosting experience on its plate before then to strengthen its chances of bidding for either of those events, or others. Hosting the A1, and to some extent, the Clipper Round the World Race, not the mention the upcoming 2010 WC, will help in this regard.

Now back to CT:

While CT may not need any more exposure (I beg to differ as a city probably can't have enough good exposure) the city has openly stated its desire to host a F1 grand prix. In 2004 Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, announced that SA (CT) would host a F1 race within "three years, tops" (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=756&fArticleId=2287068). So much for that. Then in 2007, reports emerged that the city would host a F1 race by 2009 (http://motoring.iafrica.com/formulaone/648147.htm). Even that looks unlikey to happen given the 2009 F1 race venues have already been announced and CT is not amongst them (never mind that the track probably won't be ready by then). In fact, its looking increasingly likely that CT won't even host a F1 until at least 2013 as the confirmed / potential 2010, 2011, and 2012 host cities have been named and CT is not even listed amongst the potential host cities. In this respect, San Marino Grand Prix, which was dropped in 2007, is rumoured to be making a comeback in 2010 based, to some extent, on its successful experience of hosting such events. That's the factor that CT would have over bidding Asian nations if it hosted a major motor race. Currently, CT has no experience hosting a major motor race. In my opinion, hosting the A1 (on a street or dedicated circuit) would go a long way to addressing that concern. That's the value hosting the A1 event will bring to CT.

In short, I think it would be great if CT got a F1 race but think the city's case would be much stronger in the face of competing bids if it had some actual experience in hosting such races.

Very valid points. All cities need exposure and experience in event hosting to pad their resumes. And we all very clearly know the mission of Durban, as the boards at the A1 stated "Durban - Africa's sports capital" - so the city knows where it is going. And has finite goals. Sometimes i dont know what CT wants to be, it almost comes across as if it wants to be everything all in one, and to me as a vision that needs to be worked on.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/0U74DMO0BSLSAP0WREM0W0PZ57CW_600.jpg

Mo Rush

February 28th, 2008, 08:10 PM

Very valid points. All cities need exposure and experience in event hosting to pad their resumes. And we all very clearly know the mission of Durban, as the boards at the A1 stated "Durban - Africa's sports capital" - so the city knows where it is going. And has finite goals. Sometimes i dont know what CT wants to be, it almost comes across as if it wants to be everything all in one, and to me as a vision that needs to be worked on.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/0U74DMO0BSLSAP0WREM0W0PZ57CW_600.jpg

i disagree. cape town wants to the the tourism jewel and everything that comes with that, and that message is def not clear enough, BUT visible in tourist numbers and its aggressive strategy to market itself at major expo's and touristy events abroad.

i think durban doesn't know what it wants to be. fine great ...sports capital..but does that mean south africa's sports event capital or just one of three sporting centres in south africa, does it mean hosting world cup finals? guaranteed boxing day matches? does that mean it has the best attendances for cricket, rugby etc?

is the durban brand tropical or zulu?

i think the 2010 city logo clearly presents this confusion.

while cape town has a long way to go, there is no reason why its cant simply be an "events city" including sport, culture and business..and most certainly tourism. he numbers certainly back up the success. labelling a city as a sports/events capital doesn't necessary imply it is.

wrt to F1, CT shouldnt be added to the list of cities unless the private backing is secured. The city shouldn't be pumping money into it but rather providing infrastructure around the site

romanSA

February 28th, 2008, 11:07 PM

i think durban doesn't know what it wants to be. fine great ...sports capital..but does that mean south africa's sports event capital or just one of three sporting centres in south africa, does it mean hosting world cup finals? guaranteed boxing day matches? does that mean it has the best attendances for cricket, rugby etc?

... labelling a city as a sports/events capital doesn't necessary imply it is.

Leaving aside cricket, soccer and rugby (which all 3 major cities play host to), it's quite clear that Durban is more than "one of three sporting centres in SA", it is *THE* sports capital of the country and Africa. It certainly hosts far more high profile, historic, and iconic sports events events than JHB and CT, including World Cup events, and this has been true especially in the last few years. Off the top of my head:

- Most historic and prominent horse race in the country and Africa: Durban July Handicap

- Most prominent marathon in SA (and largest ultra marathon in the world): Comrades Marathon

- Most prominent canoe marathon in SA and considered the toughest in the world: Dusi Canoe Marathon

- Biggest surfing contest in Africa (and oldest professional surfing tournament in the world): Mr Price Pro

- Biggest beach festival in the world (incorporating several sporting codes equivalent to a beach Olympics, annually): July Beach Africa Festival

- Multiple host of regional Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers (and possible host of 2011 Beach Soccer World Cup final)

- Multiple host of FINA round of World Swimming Championships (and only venue in SA capable of hosting such an event)

- Multiple host of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

- Mutiple host of A1 Grand Prix

- Durban Country Club: Most frequent host of the SA Golf Open (and highest rated golf course in SA)

- Midmar Mile (biggest inland swim meet in the world; just outside Durban but most visiting competitors stay in Durbs)

- Host of ARB Surf Ski World Cup (2007)

- multiple host of the SA half-marathon championship

- multiple host of SA swimming championships

The above is not perception; it's FACT. This list excludes many, many, many other major events (local and international) that Durban has hosted / hosts / will host. JHB and CT don't even come close in terms of hosting major world class sporting events of the above nature. The only prominent iconic sporting events that CT hosts are the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and Two Oceans Marathon, and even the latter is nowhere as iconic as the Comrades Marathon. CT may even play ad hoc host to other major events, but not many are as high profile and iconic as those listed above hosted by Durban, and because of its infamous weather, CT cannot play host to outdoor sporting events all year round even if it wanted to.

Given the above, I don't see how there's any doubt which is SA's sports capital.

Pule

February 29th, 2008, 06:59 AM

Statue 'To Be Unveiled Soon'
The statue of King Dinizulu on Berea Road will definitely be unveiled this year, says KwaZulu-Natal Premier S’bu Ndebele.

http://www.ethekwini.org.za/durban/discover-durban/news/statue-to-be-unveiled-soon/view

Durbsboi

February 29th, 2008, 07:22 AM

^^Oh yeh, read about that, just to add to the little fiasco from the above posts. A1 was added another the FIA inorder for it to be recognised as an official world motor, now we all know who run the FIA, Max & Bernie, reports were that last year Bernie actually attended the Durban Street race & he was impressed with the layout althought crowd levels were dissapointing he felt the city managed it quite well & if he watched this years one he would have been even more impressed. He was actualy the reason Ferrari has bought into A1.

romanSA

February 29th, 2008, 03:49 PM

Blue Train has added Durban to its routes. Trip will meander through Valley of a Thousands Hills...

----------

South Africa's Blue Train reveals new services
28 February 2008

South Africa's Blue Train service has announced that it will operate two new excursions this year.

The operator, which described itself as a five-star hotel on wheels, will offer the packages in addition to its regular trips between Cape Town and Pretoria.

First up is a golfers trip that that will be available from 11 to 15 September and 13 to 17 November.

The four-day excursion will include two rounds of golf at Zimbali golf estate and two nights spent at the Zimbali lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.

A safari package is the other new option, with Blue Train offering trips from 24 to 27 September and from 29 December to 1 January.

This trip will take passengers to the Bakubung Bush Lodge in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, including two nights' accommodation at the lodge and one guided game drive per day.

The Blue Train's regular services run between Cape Town in south-west South Africa and Pretoria in the north-east, with packaged routes also running to Durban on the east coast.

dysan1

February 29th, 2008, 04:32 PM

i disagree. cape town wants to the the tourism jewel and everything that comes with that...

Mate thats anything but a targetted marketing campaign

jetjunky

March 1st, 2008, 12:10 PM

Mo Rush

March 2nd, 2008, 12:38 AM

Leaving aside cricket, soccer and rugby (which all 3 major cities play host to), it's quite clear that Durban is more than "one of three sporting centres in SA", it is *THE* sports capital of the country and Africa. It certainly hosts far more high profile, historic, and iconic sports events events than JHB and CT, including World Cup events, and this has been true especially in the last few years. Off the top of my head:

- Most historic and prominent horse race in the country and Africa: Durban July Handicap

- Most prominent marathon in SA (and largest ultra marathon in the world): Comrades Marathon

- Most prominent canoe marathon in SA and considered the toughest in the world: Dusi Canoe Marathon

- Biggest surfing contest in Africa (and oldest professional surfing tournament in the world): Mr Price Pro

- Biggest beach festival in the world (incorporating several sporting codes equivalent to a beach Olympics, annually): July Beach Africa Festival

- Multiple host of regional Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers (and possible host of 2011 Beach Soccer World Cup final)

- Multiple host of FINA round of World Swimming Championships (and only venue in SA capable of hosting such an event)

- Multiple host of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

- Mutiple host of A1 Grand Prix

- Durban Country Club: Most frequent host of the SA Golf Open (and highest rated golf course in SA)

- Midmar Mile (biggest inland swim meet in the world; just outside Durban but most visiting competitors stay in Durbs)

- Host of ARB Surf Ski World Cup (2007)

- multiple host of the SA half-marathon championship

- multiple host of SA swimming championships

The above is not perception; it's FACT. This list excludes many, many, many other major events (local and international) that Durban has hosted / hosts / will host. JHB and CT don't even come close in terms of hosting major world class sporting events of the above nature. The only prominent iconic sporting events that CT hosts are the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and Two Oceans Marathon, and even the latter is nowhere as iconic as the Comrades Marathon. CT may even play ad hoc host to other major events, but not many are as high profile and iconic as those listed above hosted by Durban, and because of its infamous weather, CT cannot play host to outdoor sporting events all year round even if it wanted to.

Given the above, I don't see how there's any doubt which is SA's sports capital.

and does that sports capital status see durban hosting the cricket world cup final? rugby world cup final/opening match?? opening cricket world cup match? opening football world cup match? final world cup match? has anybody else besides durban considered itself as the sports capital? should this status not guarantee the city first preference when it comes to big events?

is that reflected in attendances at cricket and rugby matches? has this status secured it the boxing day match?

You're of the opinion that cape town/jhb doesn't come close, which is untrue.
The rugby, cricket and football world cup certainly classifies as an "iconic" event. As the sports capital with this "iconic" status, you'd think they would let durban feature more prominently. Sports capitals don't get given fewer matches than PE.

Durban has and still does host fantastic, and major sports events, but I don't see it being leaps and bounds ahead of cpt or jhb, or even ahead for that matter. The ICC, IRB and FIFA seem to agree.

Mo Rush

March 2nd, 2008, 12:51 AM

To me, it seems that Durban actively seeks out events that it wants to host. There is an undeniable deep level of planning evident here. It was the first city to recognise the value of a convention centre etc. Durban knew without a question of a doubt that it wanted to be a 2010 host venue - Cape Town waited until the 11th hour to commit. Cape Town seems to take a back seat with an attitude of "lets see how it goes and if its successful we will show an interest". Durban can't afford to take this approach, however Cape Town assumes that all it needs to do is put the citys name in a hat to be selected - because its Cape Town.

I disagree that Cape Town waited to commit. Cape Town inherited a decision made by FIFA, a 3.5bn rand decision while everybody else was happy with 1.6 billion estimates e.g mm stadium, which will now in fact cost 3.1bn. cape town was always part of the world cup whether it was newlands during the bid phase or athlone stadium put forward by the previous ANC run city and province.

The problem and its a big problem has been the sports department of the city. If they had the same aggressive strategy as the team behind the CTICC has, then they would too see the sporting equivalent of the 11 major conferences the CTICC has booked for 2010 alone.

That said Cape Town does feature on the global sporting map and still bids for sports events regardless of its size.

-Argus Cycle Tour (worlds largest time cycle race)

- Absa Cape Epic ( worlds largest mountain bike stage race)

- 1997 and 2008 Junior Cycling World Championships.

-J&B Met

-Two Oceans Marathon

- Women's World Cup of Golf and other major golf tournaments

- Berg River Canoe Marathon

2007 Olympic Cycling Qualifier at the Velodrome, Olympic Hockey Qualifier at Hartleyvale

- World Championships in :
*Fencing
*Cross Country
*Weightlifting
*Canoeing
*Mountain Bike
*Modern Pentathlon

- Junior Championships
* 2011 Junior World Softball
* 2011 Table Tennis

- Volvo Ocean Race 2004-2008
- FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2004-2006

Opening match:
*Cricket World Cup (incl opening ceremony)
*Rugby World Cup (incl opening ceremony)

Pule

March 3rd, 2008, 07:13 AM

Pule

March 3rd, 2008, 07:14 AM

As for me, I go to Durban for Sport and CT for a relaving vacation. If I had to choose then Durban will be a Sporting city for me.

romanSA

March 3rd, 2008, 08:44 AM

and does that sports capital status see durban hosting the cricket world cup final? rugby world cup final/opening match?? opening cricket world cup match? opening football world cup match? final world cup match? has anybody else besides durban considered itself as the sports capital? should this status not guarantee the city first preference when it comes to big events?

is that reflected in attendances at cricket and rugby matches? has this status secured it the boxing day match?

You're of the opinion that cape town/jhb doesn't come close, which is untrue.
The rugby, cricket and football world cup certainly classifies as an "iconic" event. As the sports capital with this "iconic" status, you'd think they would let durban feature more prominently. Sports capitals don't get given fewer matches than PE.

Durban has and still does host fantastic, and major sports events, but I don't see it being leaps and bounds ahead of cpt or jhb, or even ahead for that matter. The ICC, IRB and FIFA seem to agree.

Um, the reason why Durban (and CT) have never hosted WC finals is because they have smaller venues (cricket, rugby and soccer), and because spending and GDP per Capita is the highest in Gauteng, which increases the likelihood that tickets will be sold. The latter factor will still be true post-2010, regardless of the new CT and Durban stadiums. THOSE are the main reasons, not because Durban and CT don't want to or can't host those events. If FIFA loves CT so much, why didn't CT get the WC final? Fact: CT has no entrenched soccer culture.

Re: match attendance-

Soccer is SA's largest sport and CT hasn't even hosted major international soccer matches in years because it can't even fill half a stadium. You can't say the same for Durban as stadiums are packed for major local and international soccer matches and the city has been the host city of choice for such matches by local soccer administrators. Let's not forget that local soccer started in Durban. FACT, not perception.

Cricket attendance depends on who is playing. We have sell-out crowds for ODIs when major cricket powers (Australia, England, India, Pakistan) take on SA and generally good attendance for 5 day matches when these teams take on SA.

Rugby is the same. We have excellent crowd attendance for most Shark matches and the team has the best track records playing Aus and NZ teams. International matches hosted at ABSA are generally sold out.

romanSA

March 3rd, 2008, 09:05 AM

I disagree that Cape Town waited to commit. Cape Town inherited a decision made by FIFA, a 3.5bn rand decision while everybody else was happy with 1.6 billion estimates e.g mm stadium, which will now in fact cost 3.1bn. cape town was always part of the world cup whether it was newlands during the bid phase or athlone stadium put forward by the previous ANC run city and province.

The problem and its a big problem has been the sports department of the city. If they had the same aggressive strategy as the team behind the CTICC has, then they would too see the sporting equivalent of the 11 major conferences the CTICC has booked for 2010 alone.

That said Cape Town does feature on the global sporting map and still bids for sports events regardless of its size.

-Argus Cycle Tour (worlds largest time cycle race)

- Absa Cape Epic ( worlds largest mountain bike stage race)

- 1997 and 2008 Junior Cycling World Championships.

-J&B Met

-Two Oceans Marathon

- Women's World Cup of Golf and other major golf tournaments

- Berg River Canoe Marathon

2007 Olympic Cycling Qualifier at the Velodrome, Olympic Hockey Qualifier at Hartleyvale

- World Championships in :
*Fencing
*Cross Country
*Weightlifting
*Canoeing
*Mountain Bike
*Modern Pentathlon

- Junior Championships
* 2011 Junior World Softball
* 2011 Table Tennis

- Volvo Ocean Race 2004-2008
- FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2004-2006

Opening match:
*Cricket World Cup (incl opening ceremony)
*Rugby World Cup (incl opening ceremony)

The only major iconic names from the above regular events CT hosts are:

(1) Argus (Amashova marathon in Durbs plays 2nd fiddle);
(2) Two Oceans (plays 2nd fiddle to Comrades); and
(3) J+B Met (plays 2nd fiddle to Durban July).

Distant 4th: Berg River canoe marathon (plays 2nd fiddle to Dusi)

Getting down to the big three sports (soccer, rugby, and cricket) in SA and CT:

Soccer - I've already covered poor soccer attendance of soccer matches in CT so won't revisit that again.

Cricket - Newlands is SA's oldest cricket grounds so *should* host opening, closing and finals (the latter of which it hasn't. Why not?). However, as we all know, Newlands is also renowned internationally for having the most shocking pitches in the country.

Rugby - CT is home to SA's oldest rugby grounds so *should* host opening, closing, and final matches (the latter of which it hasn't. Why not?). However, soon even this historical and hallowed ground will be no more if rugby authorities move to the new stadium.

As for the WC of Golf for women, last I knew it was hosted in George, 4 hours away from CT.

romanSA

March 3rd, 2008, 09:11 AM

Travel Channel on DSTV had a couple of seconds review of Durban yesterday and they clain that Durban is the Sporting capital of the African continent. Lets hope they will one day have a full feature so that you guys can stop these argument.

Thanks, Pule. It doesn't matter which independent party says what. Some people will believe what they want to believe, unfortunately.

romanSA

March 3rd, 2008, 09:17 AM

Following the trend from last year, Durban is getting increasing attention in UK media...

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

Durban regenerated

Karen Robinson

Ellmarie Spencer has a potential customer on the phone with 5m rand (£330,000) to spend. The Durban estate agent is blunt: “You won’t get beachfront for that – houses are all 15 million and upwards.”

The conversation over, she fills me in on property prices on her beat: the upmarket residential and holiday enclaves of La Lucia and Umhlanga Rocks, on the northern edges of South Africa’s busiest port city.

“In the past three years, prices have gone up, but before that it was static, so all we’ve done is play catchup,” Spencer says. “Building costs go up by 20% a year, so property prices should double every five years.” She believes a rise of 15% a year is a reasonable prediction.

All the way from the Point, an area of ambitious but as yet unrealised regeneration of the “crime and grime” inner city by Durban’s docks, via the thriving new business parks and seafront flats of Umhlanga (pronounced “Umshlanga”), to the acres of sugar cane being razed in favour of “lifestyle” developments with Indian Ocean views, South Africa’s subtropical northern coastline is starting to rival the property scene in the Cape, until now the destination for most British buyers.

The infrastructure improvements that form part of the nationwide preparations for the 2010 World Cup have much to do with it. A new stadium is ahead of schedule; even better, a new airport, also due to open in time for the footie fest, will allow direct flights from Europe, making the area more accessible to British and Irish holidaymakers – and more attractive to investors.

There is a “huge” domestic population movement into the area, according to Peter Cameron, a sales executive at Elan, a local developer. “Jo’burgers move their families here and commute.” A more efficient airport will aid that process: the breadwinner can head to work on a Monday happy that his family is in a more secure environment than the crime-ridden economic capital.

But just how secure? For a visiting Briton, the dominant feature of the properties, from seafront flats to golf-course developments, is the level of security in place. Electric fences, guarded gatehouses, ferocious dogs, rigorous monitoring of the small army of domestic workers and all manner of fancy alarm systems speak of a level of threat way beyond our comfort zone: the inequalities of the apartheid era still loom large in the Rainbow Nation.

Once past the security cordon, though, one could easily be seduced by what is on offer. There’s the luxurious Villa Venestia’s 1,400 square metres of living space, on a double beachfront plot, for £2.5m. Or what about a beachfront home with a magnificent, antebellum-style portico and bachelor-pad specifica-tions? For £1.05m, you get two pools and an open-plan living space; the “bar kitchen” has a large utility room behind it, for hiding the real mess (a popular feature in newer homes here).

Or there are the apartment blocks on the seafront at Umhlanga Rocks. Spencer’s agency, Pam Golding Properties, is selling “sectional title”, a version of shared freehold, on a fourbed, four-bath duplex with large terraces and direct beach access in one of these, the Waterfall, for £785,000. “A lot of the buildings, like this one, don’t allow holiday rentals,” Spencer admits. “But you could do three- or six-month corporate rentals for about £2,000 a month.”

As more and more businesses, including branches of international consultancies and finance corporations, move into the Ridge area of Umhlanga, this market is growing, but the pace of development seems to be keeping up. Near the Waterfall, the enormous Pearls scheme is taking shape: five blocks of flats, some already occupied, including a shiny 23-floor blue tower that looks like a slice of Dubai in Durban, with landscaped roof gardens and a huge tank of tropical fish in the lobby.

A few British buyers have already invested in the first phases, where it’s now resales only. In one such transaction, a flat that was bought for about £330,000 in 2005 sold for almost £450,000 in December.

Another agent, Wakefields, is selling a 250-square-metre home with a wrap-around terrace on the 10th floor of the tower for £650,000, and is preparing to launch 80 flats in phase five, ranging in size from 100 to 250 square metres. Prices are still to be announced.

In downtown Durban, rather less glamorous options are available just beyond the derelict, dodgy-looking buildings at the end of Mahatma Gandhi Road – a no-go area after dark. This is the Point, the target of that regeneration effort: a shopping, restaurant and theme-park area, known as uShaka Marine World, in homage to the great Zulu king, is already drawing tourists.

You can see the performing dolphins doing their synchronised routines from a £420,000, 540-square-metre flat on the 22nd floor of the Spinnaker, a 26-floor development where units are still available. Two-bedders cost £112,500; three-bedders £180,000. Other new apartment blocks and hotel development sites cluster around canals, part of the intricate water engineering needed to keep the dolphins and other aquatic residents of uShaka happy, and a marina is planned.

The area ticks several investment boxes: waterfront living, lots of public investment, gentrification (some charming Victorian clapboard houses have been restored into pleasant homes priced from £240,000), a decent supply of professional renters and 24-hour dedicated policing. Even so, the Spinnaker, which was launched four years ago, still has properties available, so owners looking to sell on are competing with new-build deals.

Other developers, meanwhile, are looking to the open spaces of the north coast, where it is predicted that 21,000 new homes will be built within the next decade. One place they routinely cite as inspiration is Zimbali, urging potential buyers for their own schemes to look at this upmarket coastal resort, near Ballito, which includes a boutique hotel, a golf course and private homes and is already a well-established community. They are particularly keen to emphasise the phenomenal market performance there since its launch in 1997: prices have risen by 30% a year. Building is still going on at Zimbali, which will have 1,800 homes on 700 hectares once completed. Those coming up include flats from £396,000 and 1,000-square-metre beach villas from £1.98m, which will be marketed in conjunction with the forthcoming Fair-mont hotel.

On two miles of virgin beach north of Ballito, now that a complex Zulu land claim has been resolved, Elan is building Blythe-dale, which will have 1,000 freehold plots and 2,200 flats, some on an Ernie Els-designed golf course. Its hotel and leisure facilities, Cameron says, include “the biggest swimming pool in Africa – even if it is only by a centimetre”.

It is hoped that the scheme will rival Zimbali, and an Anglo-Irish consortium has paid just under £400,000 each for 21 1,000-square-metre frontline beach plots to develop. Two-bedroom flats will start at about £65,000, Cameron estimates, and you could buy a plot and build a three-bedroom house (with project-management services) from about £150,000.

Throughout the area, prices are tempting, and the size and scale of the properties, when compared to, say, a standard seaside villa in Spain, are impressive. The endless beaches and warm cobalt waters are also seductive. The security, though, will remain in place as the growing number of “haves” try to protect themselves from the “have-nots”. Land claims affect farmers and some new development sites, not individual homeowners, and developers are trying to resolve them and release more sites for building.

Ian Fife, a property writer with South Africa’s Financial Mail, says prices in the Durban area have slowed, and some developers are being overly ambitious, especially since high domestic interest rates and political insecurity have slowed the overall market. He predicts this will remain sluggish for a year or so – which might, he says, make now a good time to buy.

“Durban is Johannesburg at play, and income and wealth there are predicted to treble or even quadruple. Those people will want to buy or rent for holidays, and that will underpin demand. The prime places will equal, if not exceed, Cape Town.”

http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/overseas/article3451477.ece

dysan1

March 3rd, 2008, 06:46 PM

Well put together article

dysan1

March 3rd, 2008, 08:53 PM

capdog

March 3rd, 2008, 09:41 PM

Hello everyone, I wasn't sure whether I should make a new thread for this, but here goes:

I do a form of downhill skating in Durbs, kinda like an extreme sport in a way :nuts: ... hehe... ;) We generally hit roads like Old Main Road in Botha's Hill, or the road from the Umhlanga Ridge to La Lucia Mall (past Derivco and Crawford)... only at night though when there's no traffic.

I'm trying to locate quiet, smooth, steep, wide, long, well tarred roads in the greater Durban area... that I can ride during the day. It's proving to be a bit more difficult that I suspected... :<

Do any of you development fundies know where road resurfacing is going on? Or even better, where there are any good smooth tar roads? An example of a good road would be say up in the hills somewhere, farmlands around, little traffic and a constant downhill slope (steep).

Here's a hill by the Inanda Dam Wall, which would be perfect. The Google Earth images indicate that it's dirt, but I have my doubts because the pics are old and further along the road it looks like it's tar:

http://lh3.google.com/durbanscouts/R8xh4w-DuqI/AAAAAAAABPM/1uKr2uNKx_4/s800/inanda.jpg

The road leading to Inanda from Waterfall is also amazing (the really windy one along the cliffs), and it would be perfect except there are rumble strips and quite a bit of traffic during the day.

I just thought I'd ask you guys if you have any info, cause I know you're the ones in the know about construction in Durban!

Thanks,
Mark
:banana:

Durbsboi

March 4th, 2008, 07:48 AM

This got me trawling the property websites and what did i find...this wonder cheap home over 8000m2 in central Morningside Durban...a steal at R125million

Helipad... my god, who lives here???

http://www.pamgolding.co.za/property_search/property_detail.aspx?onshow=&cboProvince=KWANA&propertyid=/90/455/176588&Start=&Offset=10&lstProperties=C_3574,R_18603,R_18601,R_18602&cboMinPrice=0&cboMaxPrice=500000000&cboBedrooms=0&cboBathrooms=0&chkAmenities=|&txtResType=Residential&strComplexTypes=

Others of note were two homes on the beach in Umhlanga at R42million and R40m respectively, and buckets of cheapies in La Lucia, Umhlanga, Mt edgecombe and Umhloti for R25million...when you see how many are on sale at those prices, the ones that are R10m seem almost cheap

So I see you found my house, lmao.
Theres another one up the road from here near mitchel park thats about 2000sqm that sold for 32 million, it had 5 bedrooms all unsuites, 4 lounges, 1 TV room, 2 entertainment areas, pool, gym 2 kitchens, plus the servants quarters was another house all together with rooms for the garden worker aswell. Madness I tell you

romanSA

March 4th, 2008, 09:12 AM

romanSA

March 4th, 2008, 09:27 AM

I think this is good news....

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

Council plans to take over bus service

March 03 2008 at 01:17PM

By Ayanda Mhlongo and Bongani Mthembu

The eThekwini Municipality is planning to take back the city's privatised bus service from the embattled Remant Alton management as soon as June this year.

Millions of rands from the city's ratepayers and from provincial taxpayers have been poured into keeping the troubled bus company afloat and making it more efficient.

Instead, there has been a rising tide of criticism of the poor service from the company, including the use of unroadworthy vehicles, rude drivers and failure to keep to schedules on many routes.

'It may take a little bit longer to arrive at that conclusion'

The city is now racing against time to provide efficient public transport before the prestigious soccer Confederation Cup next year and the Soccer World Cup in 2010.

Since the council privatised former Durban Transport in October 2003, the bus service has been plagued by problems; one being that it has failed to maintain its once reputable service to the Durban community.

In the latest development, the Daily News can reveal that there have been numerous meetings between Remant Alton's management and officials from the city to discuss the "takeover".

Victor Baloyi, the head of the eThekwini Transport Authority, the municipal department that handles the city's transport matters, confirmed on Sunday that they were looking at various options, including taking over the service.

"It may take a little bit longer to arrive at that conclusion. We are trying to make sure we improve our transport service, because there have been a lot of complaints from the commuters," said Baloyi.

He appealed to the public and the bus company employees not to panic. "We are on top of the situation. We will update all the stakeholders about every step we will take," he said

Attempts to get hold of Remant Alton's operations manager Paul Rush failed on Sunday.

While Baloyi was cautious about the time frame for the takeover, sources in the council and Remant Alton predicted that it could take place as soon as June.

Sources say city fathers and the provincial department of transport are not happy that the company is failing to deliver, despite the fact that millions of rands have been injected to bail it out.

Council and the province forked out R20-million to Remant Alton two years ago. The company surprised and angered many by announcing four months later it would terminate the discounted fares to school children and tertiary students, only months after it was bailed out.

The service was brought back after the provincial department of education announced that it would also pour millions into subsidising the service.

Sources say the bus service will need to acquire at least 200 more buses and replace its 15-year-old fleet of Mynah buses.

"There are at least 600 buses, many of which are not in a good condition. The problem of breakdowns is still ongoing and we have been unable to service certain of the routes."

In April 2006 a fire at a company bus depot in Umlazi destroyed and damaged 59 buses worth R20-million. The company struggled to overcome that setback. According to sources within Remant Alton and the council, the municipality is expected to take over the operations and the company.

And according to a senior executive who asked not to be named: "There have been concerns raised by members of the boards and shareholders but, at the end of the day, this is a sinking ship which we can no longer hold on to.

"The council's interest is to provide a safe and efficient service to the community. And with 2010 around the corner it has become quite clear that the company will not be able to fulfil its responsibility."

This article was originally published on page 1 of Daily News on March 03, 2008

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=181&art_id=vn20080303111418242C510486

ToxicBunny

March 4th, 2008, 10:16 AM

R125m?!?!?!

That is complete madness... I still shudder when I see houses in the R5m bracket... jees.

Its got an awesome view though.

romanSA

March 4th, 2008, 01:34 PM

Will add nicely to Durban's GDP

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

Toyota annual exports to reach 147 000 units in '08

By: Irma Venter
Published: 4 Mar 08 - 13:57

Vehicle manufactures Toyota South Africa (TSA) has initiated export of the Corolla model from its Durban plant to Europe and the rest of Africa.

The addition of Corolla exports will see annual exports from TSA increase to 147 000 units in 2008. Together with components exports the potential value of Toyota’s exports for the year is around R20-billion – a number that is close to 1% of South Africa’s gross domestic product, says TSA president and CEO Johan van Zyl.

TSA’s exports programme will assist in boosting total vehicle exports from South Africa to more than 250 000 units for 2008, with Toyota accounting for close to 60% of this number.

The local value add across the Hilux and Corolla models produced at and exported from the Durban plant is more than 60%. This makes both of these models compliant with the requirement of the European Free Trade Agreement with South Africa and, thus, eligible for importation into Europe duty free, says Van Zyl.

TSA has more than doubled production at its Durban plant from the 100 000 units a year recorded in 2002, to reach an anticipated 220 000 units this year.

The total investment to achieve this, inclusive of gearing up for exports, numbers around R8-billion.

“This investment was made not only to increase annual production volumes…, but also to ensure that this volume is achieved in accordance with the strictest global quality standards defined by Toyota Motor Corporation,” says Van Zyl.

Almost 50% of the total investment has been spent with local suppliers, with established black economic-empowerment credential.

The export programme has resulted in the creation of 4 000 new job opportunities.

State-owned Transnet will R495-million this year to facilitate Toyota’s increased production and export programme, says Transnet COO Louis van Niekerk.

“Were investing in the harbour, rolling stock and the rail terminal,” he says.

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=128407

capdog

March 4th, 2008, 02:56 PM

Hi there Mark. Welcome to the boards!!

I concur with you that the most dramatic (and steep!!) well tarred road in the greater Durban area is the road leading to Inanda Dam from Hillcrest / Waterfall. There are several dramatic hairpin bends on the road, but traffic is sometimes heavy. Nandi Drive between North Coast Road and the N2 is also a very nice (but not that steep), wide tarred road. Will keep you posted if I come across any others.

Thanks romanSA.

Eventually curiosity got the better of me and I took a quick drive from Wyebank (New Germany) through the Inanda Valley right up and around past the dam to Waterfall. It's absolutely stunning! This quiet little road, awesome scenery and literally nobody else around. I can't believe how beautiful and untouched it is, and how close to the city.

http://lh4.google.com/durbanscouts/R81S0mDUqoI/AAAAAAAABPs/1Pd6GLHwowA/s800/inanda%20zoomed%20out.jpg

You cross over the Umgeni river a number of times on little one lane causeways. The road is in perfect condition, until you get right up to the dam wall (where Google Earth shows dirt tracks), and they have just re-tarred it... but problem is, they've done the WORST job of tarring the road in the world! It looks like it's so fresh that it's still melting off in the sun, with loose black gravel all over the surface.

Maybe they are still going to do another coat?

Anyway, here's pics from the top of that:

http://lh3.google.com/durbanscouts/R81RdWDUqnI/AAAAAAAABPk/mZF1ZWZ1xA4/s800/IMG_6026.jpg

http://lh6.google.com/durbanscouts/R81RdGDUqmI/AAAAAAAABPc/uke9bpMFjLQ/s800/IMG_6024.jpg

Pule

March 4th, 2008, 05:19 PM

Wrong post.

dysan1

March 4th, 2008, 07:00 PM

So I see you found my house, lmao.
Theres another one up the road from here near mitchel park thats about 2000sqm that sold for 32 million, it had 5 bedrooms all unsuites, 4 lounges, 1 TV room, 2 entertainment areas, pool, gym 2 kitchens, plus the servants quarters was another house all together with rooms for the garden worker aswell. Madness I tell you

That is still a quarter of the price of the R125m one!!! and R32m is by no means cheap

dysan1

March 4th, 2008, 07:04 PM

Thanks romanSA.

Eventually curiosity got the better of me and I took a quick drive from Wyebank (New Germany) through the Inanda Valley right up and around past the dam to Waterfall. It's absolutely stunning! This quiet little road, awesome scenery and literally nobody else around. I can't believe how beautiful and untouched it is, and how close to the city.

http://lh4.google.com/durbanscouts/R81S0mDUqoI/AAAAAAAABPs/1Pd6GLHwowA/s800/inanda%20zoomed%20out.jpg

You cross over the Umgeni river a number of times on little one lane causeways. The road is in perfect condition, until you get right up to the dam wall (where Google Earth shows dirt tracks), and they have just re-tarred it... but problem is, they've done the WORST job of tarring the road in the world! It looks like it's so fresh that it's still melting off in the sun, with loose black gravel all over the surface.

Maybe they are still going to do another coat?

Anyway, here's pics from the top of that:

http://lh3.google.com/durbanscouts/R81RdWDUqnI/AAAAAAAABPk/mZF1ZWZ1xA4/s800/IMG_6026.jpg

http://lh6.google.com/durbanscouts/R81RdGDUqmI/AAAAAAAABPc/uke9bpMFjLQ/s800/IMG_6024.jpg

wow fantastic post mate!! and welcome to the boards! That area is a totally untouched gem, i shudder too when i see it, its so damn beautiful.

I'm intriued by your sport tho, always thought its incredibly dangerous!! but looks freaking fun, but i would not even know where to start to try it

Pule

March 5th, 2008, 05:52 AM

Durban is a key growth node

2008/03/04

The Durban metropolitan area has been highlighted as a key strategic growth node.

"As a major port and with the new airport and tradeport on the horizon, Durban is strategically well-placed for future growth, while the city centre has considerable potential for the redevelopment of commercial properties into residential developments," says Patrick Maingard, managing director of Pam Golding Franchise services.

"We market homes across a broad price range and variety - from a one-bedroom apartment of around R200k to mansions in excess of R12m. In this regard, a R12,8m top price was achieved in January (2008) for the sale of a luxury six-bedroom, four bathroom, double-storey home offering expansive views and prime position in sought after Morningside."

Commenting on the marketplace, Pam Golding Properties (PGP) KZN regional manager Barbara Becker says The Point Waterfront is now seeing prices appreciating with luxury apartments selling between R2m and R7m. "This is in line with global trends, as prices of waterfront homes anywhere in the world come with a premium price tag," she says.

In sought after St Thomas Road on the Berea, a new development with units priced from R1,4m to R2,4m are being marketed.

"Across the Berea, including Overport and the North Ridge Road area, there's a definite trend towards homes being purchased for redevelopment - for the construction of upmarket new apartments - given the fact that there is no land available for new development. The tranquil leafy suburb of Glenwood is in high demand among purchasers seeking good value and convenience, offering a range of homes across a wide price range, including quality student accommodation.

"Glenwood and the Umbilo area offer affordable options for young couples buying their first home. Properties are larger, offering value for money, while character homes offer heightened appeal, and schools are conveniently accessible. In addition, they vary from student flats to luxury homes."

Becker adds that Durban offers a good market for investment properties, with rentals ranging from R3k per month.

Durbsboi

March 5th, 2008, 07:46 AM

http://lh3.google.com/durbanscouts/R81RdWDUqnI/AAAAAAAABPk/mZF1ZWZ1xA4/s800/IMG_6026.jpg

http://lh6.google.com/durbanscouts/R81RdGDUqmI/AAAAAAAABPc/uke9bpMFjLQ/s800/IMG_6024.jpg

Looks amazing Capdog! shows how we city dwellers dont even know whats on our door step!

capdog

March 5th, 2008, 09:30 AM

Yeah I couldn't believe it either. There are no "valley of 1000 hills" signs or anything even indicating that this road exists. It is a tad hectic in the first bit when you drop down the New Germany side, like 1 lane, very narrow and like going down the side of a mountain!

Anyway I will keep you guys informed, laters.

ToxicBunny

March 5th, 2008, 09:42 AM

I love that part of the world.

Used to drive through there just because I could....

Also very tempted to buy a house in the area even though it isn't such a lekker residential area just because of the views some of the places have. I actually reckon in 10 or 15 years it will be prime residential property.

capdog

March 5th, 2008, 11:13 AM

Yeah, while browsing Google Earth I found this pic of a house in Cresthome:

http://lh5.google.com/durbanscouts/R85xyJQe_EI/AAAAAAAABP0/aoQoFxlKouk/s800/1215346.jpg

It's on the top of the ridge looking out over the dam... I'd call that PRIME residential ! Haha... ;)

Check it out on Panoramio:

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1215346

ToxicBunny

March 5th, 2008, 01:00 PM

*blink*

Ok, serious blast from the past... I know that house.... house ain't so special, but man oh man the views from that plot are incredible.

romanSA

March 5th, 2008, 02:00 PM

KZN's 'tsunami' revisited

March 05 2008 at 12:29PM

By Arthi Sanpath

It was almost a year ago that something dramatic was brewing in the Indian Ocean, an event that was to leave people stunned and awestruck.

On March 19, 2007, monstrous waves, more than eight metres high, lashed the coastline. So powerful were the walls of water that pounded the shores of KwaZulu-Natal that many people, particularly those who witnessed the devastation, still describe the event as "close to a tsunami as we have ever been".

On that day, a tranquil morning in the province quickly turned into dramatic as residents were evacuated from their low-lying coastal homes and emergency workers helped those caught facing the rising swells.

Initial media reports didn't do justice to the giant waves that were laying waste the shoreline. But, as the hours went by, reports of swimming pools, retaining walls, homes, roads and even golf courses succumbing to the mountains of water, were pouring in. We soon realised that this was a catastrophe the likes of which we had never seen before.

Although many reasons were touted for the freak waves, the general consensus was that storms and unusual pressure systems combined with an equinox that saw the sun and moon exerting pressure on the earth, caused the high swells and heavy winds.

The total cost of the damage to private and public property had been estimated to about R250-million.

On Tuesday, the Daily News visited some of the most severely affected beaches where positive signs of development were noted.

At Amanzimtoti, where much of the infrastruture was swallowed by the sea, residents were enjoying a sunny day at the beach, the severe damage to this part of the coast covered up after months of intensive repairs.

The lifeguard tower that crumbled into the sea hours after the waves hit has been rebuilt and a new pavement area is being built.

At the time of the wave damage, council workers tried to protect two threatened dunes to prevent further erosion.

Sandbags, however, are still evident at the main beach, placed there in the latter part of 2007 when fears that a second and possibly more severe equinox storm was on its way.

Also on the South Coast, engineering work on storm-water outfalls, canals, car parks and pump stations had to be carried out.

Isipingo Beach remains a testament to the work that the eThekwini Municipality still has to complete.

Isipingo residents awoke to an unbelievable sight water had submerged their roads and many residents had to seek refuge on the roofs of their homes while emergency workers rallied round to evacuate them.

While Amanzimtoti's lifeguard tower has since been rebuilt, the lifeguard building at this popular local fishing spot stands abandoned and broken still awaiting repairs.

Frustrated members of the local lifeguard association say they have no place to keep their rescue craft and other equipment.

However, repairs to the damaged roads and parking areas at the beach have been completed, allowing residents to access the beach once again.

Reports that emerged after the freak waves estimated the damage to Umdloti, Umhlanga, Amanzimtoti and Bluff beaches to be about R50-million.

Consequently, Umhlanga beach now has a unique pier and repairs to the damaged areas have been completed.

Other beaches along the coast have mostly been repaired, if just for the easy access of residents to the recreation areas.

To the delight of tourism authorities, many of Durban's central beaches did not suffer severe damage, and minor repairs were undertaken in time for the holiday season last year.

The main point arising out of the freak incident was whether it could happen again.

Homeowners with property on the seashore are thinking twice about the risk of having homes so close to the water and coastal municipalities are reviewing their emergency response protocols.

Damage to private property soared to millions of rands, and homeowners whose yards extended onto beaches were locked in battle with their insurance companies over the damage.

Reports in the media captured the province's attention as everyone wanted to know the cause of the waves, whether a tsunami was imminent and whether this could become a regular occurrence.

Many people flocked to coastal areas to witness "the most violent sea they had ever seen" instead of heeding safety warnings.

This article was originally published on page 6 of Daily News on March 05, 2008

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=481721&page=45

romanSA

March 5th, 2008, 02:03 PM

Engineers seeking answers to sinking road

March 05 2008 at 12:09PM

KwaZulu-Natal engineers are investigating the cause of a sinking road between Umdloti and Umhlanga, the province's transport department said on Wednesday.

A huge portion of the M4 has already sunk.

Spokesperson Rajen Chinnaboo said the department had undertaken to try to have the road re-opened within a month's time.

"Engineers will assess the situation and investigate the cause of it.

'Engineers will assess the situation'
"Once the cause is determined, it will take at least a month to repair," he said.

Motorists, meanwhile, have been urged to use alternate routes to avoid traffic backlogs as only one lane is in use. - Sapa

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=481721&page=45

romanSA

March 6th, 2008, 01:39 PM

Mr Bones 2 reels in cash for Durban
Barbara Cole
March 06 2008 at 11:20AM

The action is under way, the cameras are rolling and Durban and district is the backdrop to what promises to be another Mr Bones blockbuster movie.

And 800 local people have landed "extra" work on the set of Mr Bones 2, now being shot in Durban's streets, as well as at Umhlanga, Blue Lagoon, Absa Stadium as well as the Dakota informal settlement at Isipingo.

An Indian fishing village is also going to be created at the La Mercy lagoon.

With 100 stars and crew (headed by funnyman Leon Schuster) staying in Durban for 17 days, it means some 1 700 bed nights for the local hospitality industry, with a R10-million to R12-million ripple effect for the economy. The movie will also do wonders for Durban tourism.

'Leon was keen to do a movie in Durban'
Just about every South African has seen the first Mr Bones, shot at Sun City. Another Leon Schuster movie, Mama Jack, was filmed in Cape Town.

"Leon was keen to do a movie in Durban and this one will help put the region on the map more than ever," said movie-maker Anant Singh, boss of Durban-based Videovision Entertainment.

The filming of a hilarious chase scene unfolded at the Dakota informal settlement yesterday where some residents got work as extras.

Others watched spellbound as cameramen sat perched atop big ladders, make-up artists fussed around Mr Bones and his tuk-tuk reversed down a hill into a passing make-believe funeral procession.

A special screening will be held for residents when the film comes out. The premiere will be shown on November 28.

Among its stars are Durban actors and actresses Leeanda Reddy, Meren Reddy and Kaseran Pillay.

This article was originally published on page 2 of Daily News on March 06, 2008

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=180&art_id=vn20080306110124528C201829

romanSA

March 6th, 2008, 02:31 PM

Quiksilver Pro Durban

Presented by Virgin Mobile
WQS 6 Star Prime Mens Event
Cave Rock/New Pier Durban South Africa
13 - 20 April 2008

Live Coverage | Results/Photos/Videos etc

Quiksilver Pro Durban highest rated WQS in South Africa

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 March, 2008 : - - Quiksilver Pro Durban Presented By Virgin Mobile In Association With Resolution is a World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfing event, a surf event that is part of a qualifying series for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour (WT).

This event is rated Six Star Prime, and is the highest rated WQS event in South Africa. It offers a massive 3000 points for the winner, a great boost for a surfer aiming to qualify for the World Tour.

The inaugural event took place last year, 2007. The event enjoyed excellent waves throughout the contest period and the event was well-attended by spectators. Many competitors commentated that it was one of the friendliest and most enjoyable events on the tour, with Quiksilver South Africa looking after the competitors every needs.

During the event Kieren Perrow and Chris Davidson both scored ten point rides in early round heats. Travis Logie from Durban won the Best Wave Award in the Virgin Mobile Expression Session in 2007. The final was run off in good surf at New Pier and was won by Australian Luke Munro from local surfer Jordy Smith

The primary venue for the Quiksilver Pro Durban is the New Pier on the Golden Mile of Surf City. It is the best wave in Durban, and the event takes place during the best season for waves and epic conditions at the New Pier.

The secondary venue is The Bluff, from Ansteys to Cave Rock a prime surfing locale and another stretch of coast that comes to life during April. It is the very inclusion of The Bluff as a secondary location that gives the event its Prime status.

The event in totality is a 10-day event. This 10-day period is from Friday 11 April to Sunday 20th April. However, the contest is divided into 4 separate events, the Komunity Project Future Stars, the Quiksilver Pro Junior, the Virgin Mobile Trials Event and the Main Event, the Quiksilver Pro Durban.

The surfers are from all around the world, including Australian, American, Hawaiian, French, Spanish, Brazilian and South African surfers. The majority of surfers competing will be WQS competitors, but there will be plenty of ASP World Tour surfers competing as well. The points are a massive attraction, and there is great prize-money. An entry of over 200 open surfers and 64 junior surfers is expected.

The total prize pool for the event is US$250,000, which is close to R200,000, and is broken down as such.
1st prize is US$15,000 (R120,000)
2nd prize is US$ 7,400 (57,000)
3rd prize is US$ 4,500 (R35,000)
Equal 5th is US$ 2,600 (R20,000)
There is also US$10,000 (R78,000) in the Quiksilver Pro Junior.

The event has a website from which live webcasting is beamed onto computers and laptops around the world. the webcasting team is anchored by former world champion Martin Potter who learned to surf in Durban. The website has live feed, live results, profiles, press areas, downloads and much more. It goes live on 1 April 2008.

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=33054

SA BOY

March 9th, 2008, 10:37 AM

BAd news for Durban beachfront towers
Sun to keep shining on Durban's beaches

March 07 2008 at 08:38AM

By Matthew Savides

New building developments on beaches in the eThekwini Municipality will not be approved unless the developers can prove that the buildings will not cast shadows on the beach until the late afternoon.

This is one of the stringent requirements contained in the municipality's proposed Minimisation Of Shadows On Beaches Policy, which was contained in the agenda of yesterday's economic planning and development committee meeting.

However, the meeting was cancelled and the matter will now be discussed at its next meeting, the date of which has still to be announced.

'This study and policy is well-founded and is a positive step'
If accepted, it will be tabled before the executive committee for approval and, thereafter, go to full council. The policy would be implemented if ratified there.

The report outlining the policy says that rules governing shadows are already in place at Umhlanga, and should be used across the municipality.

The Pearls development in Umhlanga triggered controversy when it was discovered that the tall structures would cast shadows on the beach. The proposed policy stemmed from this controversy.

"The beachfronts of eThekwini are collectively one of the municipality's key tourism assets and any future development... needs to ensure that this asset is not undermined. The recreational use of any beach is highly dependent on direct sunlight, and therefore the position of developments close to the beach can compromise beach amenity through overshadowing," the report states.

To ensure that overshadowing does not take place, the policy would ensure that new developments do not cast shadows on to beaches before 3pm in midwinter.

Developers would also have to ensure that shadows cast do not overly impact on neighbours.

The proposed policy states that "all new buildings in the coastal zone... ;

"... will be required to undertake shadow impact assessments;

"... that may cause shadows on beach amenities will not be approved unless it can be shown that the shadows are not apparent on the beach before 4pm in midwinter (swimming beaches) and 3pm in midwinter (all beaches);

"... will be required to undertake shadow impact assessments that indicate impacts on southerly neighbours"; and

"... should minimise overshadowing on southerly neighbours and the beach through attention to orientation and the situation of tall buildings. Associated relaxation of development controls such as side space and building lines should be considered in order to facilitate minimised shadow impacts on beach amenity."

If adopted, the policy would impact more heavily on areas that are underdeveloped and in close proximity to the beach.

The built-up Durban beachfront would not be affected too much because room for development is limited, and a road separates buildings from the beach.

However, areas such as Umhlanga and Amanzimtoti would be affected.

DA caucus leader John Steenhuisen said the policy was a step in the right direction, and was in line with international norms.

"This study and policy is well-founded and is a positive step. It is important that we take these things into account right up front. As a young democracy and with the recent development boom, we must manage things like this well," he said.

South African Property Owners' Association council member T C Chetty said the intention of the policy was good, but distinctions should be made in its implementation. It would be "ludicrous" to expect people building low-rise buildings or housing developments on the coast to supply the municipality with shadow impact reports as their buildings were unlikely to have an impact.

"My gut feel is that a distinction should be made that any high-rise building of five storeys or more should provide shadow impact reports. If there is no distinction then it will make building really tough, not just for developers," said Chetty.

romanSA

March 10th, 2008, 02:25 PM

Durban Holocaust Centre opens its doors

South Africa's second holocaust centre became operational yesterday

March 10, 2008, 06:00

The Durban Holocaust Centre, housed at the Durban Jewish Centre in Old Fort Road, opened its doors to the public yesterday. It is South Africa's second holocaust centre. The first was opened in Cape Town.

The centre, which focuses on educating learners about the holocaust, also seeks to provide curriculum support material and daily school group tours. Other human rights abuses and contemporary genocide will also feature in the curriculum.

The horrors of the holocaust, which cost six million Jews their lives, can now be viewed by the public and is expected to become a "must-see" local tourist attraction. The history of the holocaust, which has many parallels with South Africa's apartheid era, begins with outlining details about racism, then anti-semitism.

The history of the holocaust and of Nazi Germany is now also part of the school curriculum and it is expected that about 700 pupils a month will visit the centre.

The centre cost more than R1 million and was financed by benefactors from the local Jewish community, There are plans to build two more centres in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,165586,00.html

romanSA

March 10th, 2008, 02:26 PM

Township gets facelift

10 March 2008
Mhlaba Memela

Residents of Lamontville township, south of Durban, tasted the fruits of freedom when a R224million urban renewal programme was unveiled.

The programme is aimed at changing the face of the township, which is regarded as a monument to the abhorrent policy of separate development.

The project entails the building of 2500 new houses and giving refurbishing 1500 flats.

The township is not only famous for being a melting pot of anti-apartheid resistance in the pre-democratic era, but is also regarded as one of the cradles of some of the fearless antiapartheid stalwarts.

Addressing residents on Friday KwaZulu-Natal MEC for local government, housing and traditional affairs Mike Mabuyakhulu said the programme was also aimed at promoting home ownership.

One of the beneficiaries, Noni Zulu, 75, said she had been living in the township flats since 1954.

“I have paid rent for years without owning the place,” she said. “I’m delighted to own this house in my last days.”

Bheki Cele, MEC for transport, community safety and liaison – who grew up in the township – said he was over the moon that the lives of people will change for the better.

http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=723368

Durbsboi

March 11th, 2008, 09:09 AM

Went through town this morning, & saw they were shooting for Mr Bones 2, couldnt take any pics because I was rushed off the road by cops whom were clearing the place out for the shot.

Mo Rush

March 12th, 2008, 09:02 PM

http://www.flickr.com/groups/capetown2010/

starting a 2010 photo bank for durban 2010 soon, to include all images of construction at the stadium, the station, transport upgrades, the airport etc. ive started one for cape town and when thats done will add one for durban with all the renders of the stadium etc.

Pule

March 13th, 2008, 07:57 AM

eThekwini welcomes urban renewal
2008/03/11

The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed the extension of the inner-city Urban Development Zone (UDZ), which has proved most successful and beneficial to the city.

The urban renewal tax incentive scheme, originally set to expire in March 2009, has been extended by government for a further five years to enable the private sector to play an increasingly significant role in assisting with the development of South Africa's inner cities.

The scheme was launched in 2004 by the National Treasury to encourage the refurbishment and construction of commercial and residential properties in South Africa's 16 major cities.

The municipality's Strategic Projects Unit's Head, Julie Ellingson, said since the inception of the scheme, the city had received more than 350 enquiries from prospective investors.

She added that the forthcoming developments qualifying for the depreciation allowance would bring the total value to some R1,2bn, which is likely to be significantly exceeded now that the scheme has been extended.

"I believe this to be a tremendous boost for our city and one which will greatly assist in rejuvenating both the business and residential elements which make-up the Central Business District (CBD) and its immediate surrounds," Ellingson said.

She further said that the scheme extension meant that projects regarded as being under threat of the scheme's cut-off, would now qualify, while others in the pipeline are set to proceed, giving further impetus to the city's regeneration.

She said Durban, in particular, appeared to have emerged as a hub of investment activity driven by the city's dedicated approach to CBD regeneration.

The city's sport and tourism events-led strategy is also moving towards improving the inner-city transport systems and the development of related infrastructure.

Ellingson said the success of the incentive is evident by the development of the new Standard Bank regional offices at Kingsmead Office Park, the recently launched ABSA building in Gardiner Street, the JBS building housing a Mr Price shop, and the Olwandle Guest House in Stalwart Simelane Street, among others.

City Manager, Michael Sutcliffe, said it had taken a few years for the municipalities to understand the potential impact of the scheme and to optimise take-up by private investors.

"Most cities are now seeing accelerated numbers of applications, there are also indications that the larger property owners, financiers and investors are more aware of the scheme and are beginning to plan large-scale property developments and refurbishments that will take advantage of the depreciation allowance.

"The extension to the UDZ tax-break scheme expiry date will now allow developers who have committed to enterprises in Durban and cities around the country to complete their projects and still qualify for the tax incentives," said Mr Sutcliffe.

He added that this will have the effect of ensuring a marked increase in overall inner city development, which would have been impossible.

Investment valued at more than R1bn has been committed to Durban's inner-city UDZ, assisting in the arrest of urban decay and contributing positively to restoring the city's business and residential status, Sutcliffe said. – Gabi Khumalo, BuaNews

Luf

March 14th, 2008, 11:18 AM

Some Bad News for Durbs im afraid:
http://www.sabcnews.co.za/south_africa/general/0,2172,165873,00.html

Durban beaches in serious trouble

Durban has lost the majority of its "blue flag" swimming beaches, the Mercury newspaper reported today.

The city has already lost four out of six flags, and one of the remaining two flags is likely to be pulled soon because of unacceptable faecal pollution readings.

The South African co-ordinator of the international Blue Flag beach scheme, Allison Kelly, said there was no clear explanation for the sudden deterioration in beach water quality. "It appears that there could be many factors causing the problem, from polluted rivers, illegal connections between sewage and storm-water systems, or possibly huge sewage spills.

"But whatever the cause, we are really concerned about the water quality on the eThekwini beaches."

Officials working on the problem
eThekwini official Andrew Mather said: "We are trying to find out what the problem is as quickly as possible, and then rehabilitate our blue flag programme."

The first two blue flags were withdrawn last year after it was unable to comply with World Health Organisation and South African standards for recreational water quality.

Blue Flag gives local and foreign visitors the knowledge that their beaches are clean, environmentally sound and adhere to international safety and other tourist standards.

Under the blue flag system water samples are collected fortnightly, and both Addington and North beaches had a 50% failure rate between October last year and the end of February.

The only remaining beach with consistently high water quality was Umhlanga main beach. - Sapa

:(:(

dysan1

March 14th, 2008, 06:21 PM

^^ that article hides some of the things that another mentioned. This one doesnt mention that two of the beaches have lost their blue flag due to the major damage the storms last year inflicted on the beaches, and hence the major work that is required to bring them back up to standard. So not really something in anyones control until changes can be made.

but yeh they need to act quick

romanSA

March 17th, 2008, 07:24 PM

Geez, how was that storm from last week? One meteorologist quoted in the Mercury said it was a one in 50 year or one in 100 year storm! 17 cm of rain in just 2 hours is unreal!

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

Durban counts the cost after heavy storm

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

2008/03/14

DURBAN’S disaster management team and city officials are calculating the cost of damage caused during a heavy downpour on Tuesday night that continued into the early hours of Wednesday.

The electric storm caused havoc in areas including Merebank, Umlazi, Isipingo, Amanzimtoti, Chatsworth, Pinetown and Lamontville.

Two oil refineries, hospitals, courts, homes, shacks, railway lines, buildings and roads were damaged by the storm.

“The damages were vast and the city infrastructure damage has not yet been calculated,” Mark te Water, deputy head of the city’s Disaster Management Team, said yesterday.

He said officials had also visited the 2010 Moses Mabhida Soccer Stadium to check if it was affected by the storm. “Luckily, there was no damage reported at the stadium,” he said.

The priority of Disaster Management was to provide immediate relief to those who had been displaced, provide short-term feeding, and to assist with blankets.

However, Te Water could not say how many families had been displaced as he did not have the figures with him.

Henry Manzi, the city’s Emergency Services head, said he believed the damage could possibly run into millions of rands.

Ebrahim Shaik, Merebank ward councillor, said he was very disappointed in the City’s disaster management team.

“Damages in Merebank alone have run into millions of rands and yet the disaster management team did not even bother to visit this area,” Shaik said.

He said six families whose homes were flooded had been displaced and that several other structures had been severely damaged.

An official at the bureau said 166.8mm of rain was recorded within two hours. — Sapa

http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=182842

romanSA

March 17th, 2008, 07:27 PM

A city in constant motion
Barbara Cole
March 07 2008 at 05:25PM

The history of transport in Durban is always evolving and is always on the move.

The city is even going to get a cable car at the top of the new Moses Mabhida Stadium.

And this week it was revealed that the municipality was considering taking back the local transport "hot potato" the former city-owned Durban Transport, now owned and run by Remant Alton, after endless complaints about the service and condition of the buses a pilot e-Research initiative has been launched tracing the history of transport in the city.

It is entitled Durban In Motion. Instead of appearing in a conventional book form, all the themes of local transport including rickshas, trams, ferries and cars that trace progress and the passage of time are now contained in a digital archive and virtual exhibition on the web.

It is a project that brings science and cutting-edge technology together

It is a project that brings science and cutting-edge technology together, guests heard at the launch event at the Killie Campbell Museum.

It is hoped that students, teachers, academics and tourism authorities will benefit from the project.

"The project is creating a virtual exhibition and digital archive, documenting how people use transport in the city, how that has changed over the years, and the social impact of transport on its people, its environment and the local economy," according to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which is behind the project.

The visual history, which boasts "superb photographs" is funded by McCarthy Ltd, the local automotive company that has grown from a family business to become the largest motor retail organisation in the country, and has been organised under the auspices of Digital Innovation South Africa.

Acclaimed international photographer Paul Weinberg, author of the best-selling Durban: Impressions of an African City (now out of print) came up with the concept, and was involved in it with photographer Jeeva Rajgopaul and Prof Bill Freund.

"There are so many stories to tell about Durban, and this was an opportunity to return to the archives. We live in a sort of post-apartheid moment and it's a period to reflect on our past and understand our history … you know the saying: 'if you don't know where you come from, you don't know where you are going to'."

The material came from the Killie Campbell Collections and the Local History Museum.

Check out Durban In Motion on www.disa.ukza.ac.za

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=105&art_id=vn20080307092932286C222424

dysan1

March 19th, 2008, 08:26 PM

interesting piece mate, does raise some interesting things and makes me wanna check it out

Pule

March 20th, 2008, 06:55 AM

Mike, Do you know anything about Solaris Development in Amanzimtoti? If so please give details.

That's the question from Marco.

Durbsboi

March 20th, 2008, 08:11 AM

Sounds very interesting, would like to see whats its all about when the websites up.

Pule

March 20th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Umhlanga suburb launches 1st phase
2008/03/20

The first phase of the Umhlanga suburb of Izinga has just been launched and sites are now on sale.

"With sites ranging from approximately 700sq m to 1,500sq m, Izinga will feature homes within a broader price range," said THDev development director, David Jollands.

This open residential suburb, comprising an estimated 1,923 units and a convenient shopping and service node for residents, lies just North of Prestondale, West of Izinga Ridge and fronts onto part of the Hawaan forest. Sectional title development sites are designed to include residential densities of 20 to 40 dwelling units per hectare.

Currently under sugar cane, Izinga consists of a series of ridges and wetlands. "A generous portion of the development will be rehabilitated to a natural state with indigenous planting. Much of the so-called wetland areas become wet only every now and then, and provide attractive recreational space. These open spaces will be accessed via gently sloping walking, jogging and cycling paths.

"Izinga will be an open suburb with security through urban design as an integral part of the design and planning of the neighbourhood. Proposed security managed features include a camera surveillance system, mounted horse or quad bike patrols for the large open areas, as well as street patrols on car, bike or foot, " added Jollands.

The eThekwini Municipality and THDev are partnering to upgrade bulk services such as road improvements, sewerage and storm water management systems. A new substation was recently completed and a new reservoir is planned to service Izinga, as well as neighbouring communities.

Access to Izinga was a key consideration in planning, and thoroughfares will be via Mahogany Drive, Campbell Drive, Wager Avenue and Preston Drive. Improvements to the road infrastructure, including the Herrwood Drive/Autumn Drive and Herrwood Drive/Umhlanga Rocks Drive intersections, will help to relieve congestion. "They will also improve access to and from the rapidly growing Umhlanga College," Jollands said.

The architectural style for Izinga uses an earthy African colour palette, combined with Mediterranean/Balinese forms. Like all THDev developments, Izinga will have its own management associations to take care of issues such as security and maintenance of public spaces.

romanSA

March 20th, 2008, 02:40 PM

The website is running. The reporter typed in the incorrect address.

Contains some really interesting info like Durban's first airport was near Stamford Hill Road, before moving to its current site in south Durban! Also, there used to be a direct flight from London to Durban which lasted 6 days and landed in Durban harbour. There are also some fantastic photos. Worth checking out:

http://www.disa.ukzn.ac.za:8080/disa/DIM/slideshow/index.html

romanSA

March 20th, 2008, 02:48 PM

Live coverage of Beach World Cup

by Press Release 20 March 2008

In support of Durban’s bid to host the 2011 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup, SuperSport will have extensive live coverage from the coastal city of next week’s Africa qualifier for the 2008 edition of the tournament in Marseilles in mid-July.

The African qualifier is the first of the five continental qualifiers, giving the two African teams that secure the berths in Marseilles more time to prepare for the annual global showcase.

The top eight teams in Africa have been confirmed for the six-day event, which gets under way at the New Beach stadium on Tuesday, March 25,headed by last year’s champions Nigeria, who beat Senegal in the thrilling final in Durban.

The Beach Eagles went on to star at the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, dumping the high flying Argentinean side 5-3 in their opening match and then sneaking past France and the UAE in penalty shoot-outs. Nigeria lost their quarterfinal to Uruguay.

Senegal finished their World Cup pool section at the top of their group, having beaten Uruguay, Italy and Japan, before falling in the quarterfinals 6-3 to the powerful French team 6-3.

South African fell tantalizingly short of qualifying last year, and with their local supporters rallying behind them at the purpose-built stadium at New Beach, they will be eyeing a berth in the finals, and with it the tickets to Marseilles in July.

The tournament begins with the group round-robin matches, which will take three days. Friday, March 28 will be a rest day for the competing teams, with the semifinals taking place on Saturday, March 29, and the finals on Sunday, March 30.

Teams contesting the qualifier are Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.

The television coverage of last year’s tournament in Durban drew praise from Fifa, with SuperSport’s broadcast being singled out by the controlling body of world football as “the best they had seen”.

SuperSport will have live coverage from 10.45am on SuperSport 3 from Tuesday to Thursday. Coverage of Saturday’s semifinals begins at 12.30pm on SuperSport 3, with Sunday’s third-place playoff also on SuperSport 3 at 12.30pm and the final on SuperSport 5 at 2pm.

http://www.newsonline.co.za/article_detail.asp?Article_ID=1247

romanSA

March 20th, 2008, 02:57 PM

Busy long weekend ahead for KZN resorts

March 20 2008 at 08:19AM

By Lyse Comins and Sipho Khumalo

Coastal hotels and resorts are anticipating a bumper long weekend with most establishments filled to capacity with visitors from Gauteng and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands flocking to the province to enjoy a seaside break and a host of beach activities planned for the Easter holiday festival.

The Vodacom Easter Adrenaline Festival, driven by the transport department, will provide entertainment for visitors from on Friday through to Monday with surf and sand entertainment.

The Oakley Pro Junior Grade Two ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) international surfing event with a $10 000 (R78 900) prize purse will take place at New Pier from on Friday until Sunday.

Beach activities include performances by the country's top surfers, jet ski pilots and local and international skate boarders as well as BMX riders, motorbike stuntmen and freestyle motorcross stars. Free water safety and surfing clinics will also be held.

Protea Hotels and Inns spokesman Alan Duke said the group was expecting the Easter weekend to be busier than usual, despite the downturn in the global economy.

One reason was the high cost of international travel and the global trend showing that many people were opting for shorter breaks to recuperate from high levels of work stress, rather than the traditional three-week holiday.

"There is a big group of the emerging black middle-class market who have adapted to domestic tourism over the past three or four years and they are sustaining it," Duke said.

"To a degree, the exchange rate also makes it a little more difficult to travel internationally and we think we are going to find a trend that people will be taking more domestic holidays especially with the coming of age of low cost airlines."

"There is also a stronger emergence of demand for extreme adventure and wellness travel, with many hotels adopting a thrill or chill option, such as going shark diving or just sitting back and being pampered with massages to forget about the rest of the world," he said.

Southern Sun group operations director John van Rooyen said guests from Gauteng, Ladysmith, Newcastle and Vryheid were arriving tonight and departing on Monday.

He said the group was expecting a busy weekend.

"The weekend looks good. We are not running at full capacity occupancy so there are still rooms available for the weekend," said Van Rooyen.

Brisk trade

Kwababa Bed and Breakfast Association chairman Heather Hunter said members were enjoying brisk trade for the weekend.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesman Geoff Gaisford said the organisation had managed to find places for most of the 200 guests who had been booked into the temporarily closed Didima Camp at Cathedral Peak.

"We have been getting calls from owners and managers from other resorts in the Drakensberg area saying that guests have been calling them wanting to cancel their bookings," he said.

However, Gaisford said it was unnecessary for holidaymakers to cancel their bookings because the unrest that led to the camp's closure was localised on the route between Winterton and Cathedral Peak.

The Cathedral Peak Hotel would remain open for the weekend and a strong police presence had moved into the area to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, peace and unity will be the theme of the inter-denominational Easter service and Human Rights Day event to be held on Friday at Umlazi's Glebe Stadium.

Hosted by the office of the premier, the event will be attended by religious leaders and their congregations from in and around Durban. Government departments and members of the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet would also participate in the event.

"The purpose of the celebrations is to have different faiths congregating together over this Easter weekend and praying for peace and unity," said Jeff Hassan, spokesman for the office of the premier, on Wednesday.

This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on March 20, 2008

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=180&art_id=vn20080320081230560C510466

romanSA

March 20th, 2008, 03:00 PM

Beach stadium ready for action

19/03/2008 12:44 - (SA)

Durban - The state-of-the-art beach soccer stadium that has sprung up on the New Beach Precinct on the southern end of Durban's golden mile, will be completed on Thursday ahead of the start of next week's Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2008 Qualifier.

The first of the teams will be arriving in Durban at the weekend ahead of the official practice day on Monday, and the start of the tournament on Tuesday.

The stadium will once again accommodate 3500 spectators, with a new section close to the pitch included this year to afford prime seats to the hundreds of youngsters taking part in the Ilanga development programme that precedes the tournament.

The stadium will also provide facilities for the fans unable to secure seats in the stadium, to allow them to watch all the action on a big screen erected facing the grass banks outside the stadium.

The stadium has received widespread acclaim, and in some cases has been recognised as the best beach soccer facility in the world, eclipsing the facilities at the fabled Copacabana beach in Rio that played host to the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup last year.

The event starts on Tuesday at 11:00, and admission is free to the first 3500 spectators. The tournament features the top eight African beach soccer playing nations South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Mozambique (all in Pool A), and the defending champions Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Cape Verde (in Pool B).

http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Soccer/0,,2-9-840_2290909,00.html

dysan1

March 20th, 2008, 04:52 PM

yeh, look forward to getting down to catch some of the games again this year, cos last year it was great to watch

romanSA

March 20th, 2008, 05:13 PM

There's more top level sport in Durbs this weekend....

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

Pinetown host to BMX nationals - \

Own Correspondent
Thursday, March 20, 2008

It’s the newest and most exciting Olympic sport and this weekend BMX racing brings its fast-paced, colourful, thrill-a-minute action to Durban at the first three rounds of the 2008 MTN South African Championship Series.

More than 200 of the country’s top racers will gather at the Giba Gorge Bike Park just outside Pinetown to do battle for podiums, national ranking points and provincial pride. KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are the traditional powerhouses in BMX racing and a large Zimbabwean contingent will add some international flavour to the action.

This is the first major race meeting to be held at the Giba Gorge track, which is a relatively fast track by virtue of it being built on a gradual slope.

“The first section is quite fast, followed by a tight middle section where passing is tricky and then an open, quick final section,” explained Kim Stiebel, Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal BMX Commission, the hosts of the prestigious event.

Interestingly, the sport’s biggest names among the Elite Men are currently competing internationally and will miss the first event in the national championship series, opening the door for a new crop of riders to rise to prominence.

“The racing will be no less exciting as it’s only four or five of our top Elites missing,” said Stiebel.

Likely visitors to the Elite men’s podium are local hero Deon Mulder (Cycle Crazy) with Craig Eustace (Intense) and Brett Becker (Jeep) leading the upcountry charge for the blue-ribband category title.

But one of the great things about BMX racing is that it incorporates all ages into two levels – Novice and Expert – which means there’s a full racing programme over the two days.

Other high-profile riders on the start list are Teagan O’Keefe (Team Red) in the 15-year Expert, Kyle Dodd (Intense) in the 14-year Expert, and the Eggar siblings, Kayla (11-year Expert) and Dylan (9-year Expert), both racing in the Redman USA colours.

Official practice starts at 14h00 on Friday. Round 1 of the national championship starts at 10h00 on Saturday with Round 2 kicking off at 13h30. Round 3 begins at 09h00 on Sunday.

http://www.cyclingnews.co.za/Pages/Default.asp?More=Pinetown%20host%20to%20BMX%20nationals&FeatureID=2759&SectionID=2

romanSA

March 20th, 2008, 05:17 PM

And yet more....

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

Vodacom Easter Adrenaline Beach Fest

TOP SURFERS, SKATERS, MX STARS AND JET SKI PILOTS CONVERGE ON DURBAN BEACHFRONT OVER EASTER

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 March, 2008 : - - World class surfers, skateboarders, freestyle motocross stars, Jet Ski Pilots and touch rugby players will converge on the Durban beachfront for the sixth annual Vodacom Easter Adrenaline beach festival from March 21 to 24, 2008.

The inaugural Oakley Pro Junior will take centre stage from March 21 to 23 when over 35 of the nation’s finest U20 surfers go head to head in one of the richest Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Africa Pro Junior events ever held in South Africa.

The Oakley Pro Junior carries an ASP International Grade 2 Pro Junior rating and boasts a total prize purse of $10 0000 (R70 000) with US $2500 (R17 500) going to the winner. Bluff resident Rudy Palmboom is the top seeded surfer but will be given a run for his money by Oakley team surfers Chad du Toit (Berea), Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay) and Lungani Memani (Port Alfred).

Gauteng-based Ride Authority will be back in action with their breathtaking Freestyle Motocross (FMX) shows to be held daily on the Bay Lawns. Alastair Sayer, 2007 SA Champion and first African to win an X-games medal, will join Ryan Ronacher one of the pioneers of the sport in SA and top technical rider Hein Fick.

The public can look forward to seeing various versions of the spectacular FMX tricks with spine chilling Trains as well as the Tsunami, Rocksolid, Scorpion and the Sideways Heart Attack.

Reigning SA Freestyle Jet Ski Champion Wayde Staphorst, will take on fellow Durbanites Sally and Andrew Ensor-Smith as well as Welcome Radebe in the explosive Vodacom Freestyle Jet Ski performances held at Bay beach. The Jet Ski pilots will be going for big tricks such as no hand backflips, barrel rolls, cliff hangers as well as some powerful wave riding.

The Vodacom Skate Park will be packed to capacity with SA’s top skaters and BMX pro’s who will be taking part in the lucrative national event. For the first time ever, an international contingent will be taking part with several skateboarders flying out from Germany to take on the locals at the skate park.

Free Ocean Experience water safety clinics will be held twice daily on North Beach to educate beachgoers about potential hazards like rips and currents. Vodacom will also showcase its latest technology and services with Vodacom promoters on hand to answer any queries festival goers may have.

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=33267

dysan1

March 26th, 2008, 11:30 AM

DB...whats with the thing in your tag? "the block on florida"?? hmmm...

Durbsboi

March 26th, 2008, 12:24 PM

Click it & see, lol

Its just 1 of my designs, one bloke from the creative corner said I should add to my signature, lol, like advertising.
Who knows, if I get prospective buyers we could actualy build it :D

Sand-Shark

March 26th, 2008, 01:02 PM

Back in London from a weekend in Durban.

Wow, the weather was spectacular. Durban at this time of year cannot be beaten.
We had a great lunch at the Royal Hotel and Durban centre is cleaner and in better shape than I've seen it in years.

dysan1

March 26th, 2008, 01:39 PM

^^ did you go to top of the royal? its in gleaming tip top form now :)

Sand-Shark

March 26th, 2008, 02:45 PM

Yup, the top. It was great. Have a pic I will post soon.

p2bsa

March 27th, 2008, 05:51 PM

intresting but whats in Ging to woo investors apart from shit loads of arrable land? close proximity to RB and Durban? too far from the new airport so what is the driver?

BIGGER THAN WE EVER IMAGINED!!!!

p2bsa

March 27th, 2008, 06:00 PM

This is not new but... with Dubai partners it's def going to work and is going to be a much bigger and ambitious overall project than I had anticipated....

anyway, here's more news on the development - nothing new but interesting national coverage nevertheless...

Shaka statue to outstrip Lady Liberty DAVID CHRISTIANSON

FEW would suggest there is anything wrong with reclaiming African traditions from the distortions of colonial and apartheid historiography. But the plan to build a “colossal” statue of King Shaka ka Senzangakhona on the banks of the Thukela River may be a step too far.

The statue, which will cost R200m to build, will be 106m high — 13m higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York.

While Shaka is undoubtedly a massive figure in Zulu — indeed, in African and anticolonial — history, the motives behind this project have become a decidedly confused mix of ideology and economics.

In his state of the province address this week, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele not only restated his intention to see the project through, but announced a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai-based developer for the erection of the colossus.

Ndebele suggested that the statue would “become a tourist destination (like) the Statue of Liberty and the Arc de Triomphe (in Paris)”.

Although Ndebele believes it will be “the biggest iconic statue in the world”, this is not true. The Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan, a bronze-plated depiction of the Amitabha Buddha, is 120m high .

Among the justifications given for the project are economic considerations. In addition to the Dubai developers, the project has the support of Tourism KwaZulu- Natal, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the province’s heritage body, Amafa, and the Ingonyama Trust, which administers traditional land .

The support is premised on the idea that the R200m project will deliver significant benefits for the tourism sector. The feasibility study estimates that the statue will attract 4000, presumably paying, visitors a day.

It will be built near the resort village of Blythedale, 90km north of Durban, which may be rather inaccessible to the millions of tourists who visit the province each year. It is not clear why an alternative proposal to build the statue at the mouth of Durban harbour was turned down.

The provincial government will not be putting up any funding for the project. “(The) imposing statue will be erected through private funding,” says Ndebele.

A concept proposal from his office suggests private funders can expect an extraordinary 25% return in the first year.

But the project is also part of the process of counterbalancing the established icons of the province’s colonial history.

A bronze statue of Zulu king Dinizulu has been erected alongside that of Gen Louis Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of SA, in central Durban.

Dinizulu was arrested and incarcerated in 1908. However, says Ndebele, “a reconciliatory tone” was evident when Botha released Dinizulu in 1910. “The statue is a symbolic gesture to signify reconciliation,” he says.

Dinizulu was significant as “the first Zulu king to pray to a Christian God, and the first King to be subjected to a trial under colonial laws” .

Shaka has been portrayed in history as a “bloodthirsty tyrant”, a reputation that was a creation of Port Natal settlers who were eager to convince a disinterested Cape Colonial government that they needed support and protection.

Some African historians have worked extremely hard to balance these skewed accounts.

Ndebele says Mazisi Kunene’s book, King Shaka the Great, counteracts the “distortions” of writers who presented Shaka “in all negative terms — as a blood-thirsty tyrant, dictator, murderer, etc, as if Alexander the Great and Napoleon used cakes and chocolate to fight their enemies”.

But the truth is that there is not a great deal of hard historical knowledge about Shaka.

All illustrations that exist are based on the image produced by one of the original settlers, Nathaniel Isaacs — who undoubtedly met Shaka — 18 years after the king’s death.

That image, which is the basis of the statue of Shaka Zulu in front of the former legislature in Ulundi, has been described by author Dan Wylie as entirely ideological — “an inverse representation of who the ‘European’ thinks ‘he’ is”.

Reproducing a classic colonial image doesn’t sit easily with a desire to reform history.

There is another concern. Art professor Juliet Armstrong of the University of KwaZulu-Natal worries about the quality of the workmanship of the statue.

“It has to be done by someone who is classically trained,” she says. “Otherwise we’re going to end up with something that’s all out of proportion, like the image of Nelson Mandela in Sandton Square which has a head about one-third the size it should be .

“I’m worried that we’ll end up with a concrete monstrosity with bits that keep falling off,” Armstrong says.

SOURCE: http://www.businessday.co.za/weekender/article.aspx?ID=BD4A707555

RE:(MY WORDS)
"This is not new but... with Dubai partners it's def going to work and is going to be a much bigger and ambitious overall project than I had anticipated...."

IT IS NOT BIG ...

IT IS A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR DUBAI MEGA PROJECT!!!!

DID YOU GUYS CATCH THE SNIPPET IN THE MERC THIS MORNING...

WILL FILL YOU IN TOMORROW... BUT SBU IS IN DUBAI!!!

dysan1

March 27th, 2008, 09:31 PM

^^ lol i love how excited u always get!! fill us in on more :) i am thinking resort hotels on the beach, well thats what i wanting to hear

Durbsboi

March 28th, 2008, 07:58 AM

Yasslike p2b! BIG NEWS indeed!!! cant wait to hear more, my firm canceled the Mercury subscription :(

p2bsa

March 28th, 2008, 09:30 AM

At 'more than $2 billion' - it's more than double the original purchase price by DubaiWorld of the V&A in Cape Town...

+$2 billion = +R16 billion

This is so big... hope the Dubai people press ahead with it despite eskom or any other stuff...

VVV

PR-NDEBELE-DUBAI
SAPA PR -- MORE THAN TWO BILLION US DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR KZN

Issued by: Office of the Premier KZN
Attention: News Editors
For immediate release:
26 March 2008
MORE THAN TWO BILLION US DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR KWAZULU-NATAL

Dubai: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele today (26 March 2008)
met with the management team of the Dubai-based company involved in the
more than two billion US dollar investment on the North Coast of
KwaZulu-Natal.

During his State of the Province Address on February 13 this year,
the Premier announced this major project which involves a multi-billion
rand investment on the Northern side of the uThukela River, in the
Macambini area, which is expected to create thousands of permanent
jobs.

The finer details of the project were concluded today (26 March
2008).The Chief Executive Officer of the investor group is expected to
visit the province towards the end of April this year to finalise the
master plan and thereafter work will commence.

The KwaZulu-Natal government delegation led by Premier Ndebele to
Dubai included Ilembe District Mayor Councillor S W Mdabe, Mandeni
Mayor Councillor B L Magwaza, provincial Director-General Dr. Kwazi
Mbanjwa as well as officials from the provincial departments of Local
Government and Traditional Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and
Environmental Affairs and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

On Friday (28 March 2008) Premier Ndebele will be in Spain where he
has been invited by the Premier of Asturias, Vicente Alvarez Areces, to
strengthen partnerships between KwaZulu-Natal and Spain, particularly
in the areas of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, soccer development, tourism,
economic development, agricultural development, poverty alleviation and
culture and heritage. Premier Vicente Alvarez Areces will be visiting
South Africa shortly. Whilst in Spain, Premier Ndebele will also be
meeting with the management team of Real Madrid Football Club.

ISSUED BY:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 083 6444 050
Email: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za

SOURCE: http://www.link2media.co.za/PrView.cfm?id=2503259

sorry it's come only now by my mates at the Merc ... did not come back to me ... so after searching and searching... I found this on the web!

SA BOY

March 28th, 2008, 10:28 AM

lets see what ist all about one premier stops jaunting around the world

dysan1

March 28th, 2008, 10:48 AM

very interesting and potentially very exciting stuff!! we need to hear more!!

p2bsa

March 28th, 2008, 11:53 AM

^^ lol i love how excited u always get!! fill us in on more :) i am thinking resort hotels on the beach, well thats what i wanting to hear

CM'ON THIS IS GARGANTUAN ...
you can't blame me for the my excitement... I only pray things are fast-tracked and some main aspects can be ready for 2010...
Hell maybe it's also so much cos a billion or two will be spent on a small power station to supply the development with its own electricity... like the eLan guys have for Blythedale, which is touted to generate power from wave action of the nearby beach...

Anyway this could be an even bigger catalyst factor than the KSIA for 'skyrocketing' North Coast property prices into who knows where....

Dysan I know as much as you now on this... I don't know exactly where the site is or if it has beach access but... besides the statue I can't stop thinking of what this is going to become with more than R16 billion being invested....

Spoke to my friends in the media and they say there is no info...
that is why the Merc ran it as a small story... some of them think it's April Fools joke :-) ...

On a serious note, they say Sbu's people are keeping it very close to their chest because of the magnitude of the project and the fact that they and the Dubai group probably want to have a big publicity launch or press conference (with local, national and international media) as this will be one of the biggest overall FDI's in SA and the biggest single tourism investment in probably Africa ...

If this project pans out... just imagine....
Just connect the dots... that is why Emirates want to fly into KSIA... as soon as its online perhaps more than any other airline...

dysan1

March 28th, 2008, 12:57 PM

p2bsa

March 28th, 2008, 02:18 PM

^^ yes it is indeed hecticly exciting stuff. if its next to the river, then its definately going to have alot of water coverage and therefore beach areas. the only concern we always had was the remoteness of the development, however if it is be developed into basically a new resort town then it will survive quite well...hmmm, wonder if the club med will be close by....

Remote or not - they will come... especially growing and (SA) targeted tourists from the Middle East and Asia, who are sometimes shunned in the US and Europe... since 9/11...

Regarding remoteness ... since this is a much more massive development, I think the adage 'build it and they will come' is perfect cos that's what the Dubai oil & property tycoons have been believing in their country for almost two decades now...

Yes it will be a new resort town... in their words 'a city within a city'...
I think, this new resort town will become the most popular resort town along SA's coast....

don't think club med is involved... they have not made a decision yet and have had a tough financial year last year so don't know where their plans are sitting at the moment... (and eskom and the US turmoil does not help!)

jetjunky

March 28th, 2008, 07:21 PM

A possible way to make a major development out there work would be to market the statue as the gateway to the Zulu Kingdom. There are a lot of battlefields and historic tourism destinations like Stanger etc in the region. Offering well organised guided tours with good accomodation in the area could be a winner, after all it is Africa that the tourists have come to see.

dysan1

March 28th, 2008, 08:32 PM

^^ thats all a nice to have extra imo, its a beach resort that will keep the place busy with the local market i'm sure being a key aspect to continual success

Pule

March 28th, 2008, 09:44 PM

R20m lease for revamped Dbn complex

2008/03/28

A leading lady's clothing retailer is the latest business to give the thumbs up to a renovated complex and its extensions in Durban Umgeni Road following a R20m lease deal over 7 years.

Milady's was housed at the station complex in NMR avenue but needed to move due to the growth and expansion of the group, but to stay in close vicinity of their head office building.

The Lion Match complex houses a number of listed buildings. The conversion of the low yield factory space provided the Jonsson Group, whose head offices have been in the main Lion Match building for six years, with an annex for subsidiary Jonsson Workwear. In total - together with Milady's who are next door – this added 5,000sq m to the 20,000sq m business park.

"With the ongoing concerns regarding successfully sourcing power for new developments and the growing trend towards sustainable developments, the rejuvenation of the old warehouse buildings has been particularly inviting," explains Dean Jay of Jay & Nel Architects.

"By adapting older buildings to meet the needs of the current market, and rejuvenating and refurbishing what exists rather than constantly creating new, as professionals in conjunction with developers, we are moving in tandem towards a more sustainable built environment" he adds.

Freer adds that the problem for some years was the shortage of quality space in and around Umgeni Road, as many of the buildings are older and lower grade. "However, the Lion Match Renovation and other upgrades in the node are changing the perception of the area," she says.

"We are still experiencing huge demand in the commercial sector, from smaller users to large corporates and blue chip business, which reinforces confidence in the marketplace that demand for good quality buildings, still exceeds supply.

GregPz

March 29th, 2008, 04:31 PM

The North Coast things sounds like it's going to be hugely impressive! Can't wait for some details!!

Had a great time at Cubana last night! A great addition to Florida Rd which is looking better than ever.

dysan1

March 30th, 2008, 11:22 AM

^^hmmm...was there too :)

there are two other venues about to open in florida road too. One up near mitchell park and the other in the old Tribeca venue...

Also have you guys seen the second "Quarters hotel" opening up on argyle, just 100m up the road from Quarters on Florida road? impressive

GregPz

March 30th, 2008, 01:21 PM

lol Were you the guy who spilt his drink down the back of my shirt? That lower part of Florida Road is really coming alive (not sure if the guests at Quarters and Benjamin hotels get much sleep). I had some visitors from the elsewhere in SA who couldn't believe the great vibe. We spent the night hopping between Cubana and Casablanca. I love the fact that more and more venues are spilling out onto the street. I'd like to see Florida Road semi pedestrianised (something like the Pmb CBD where vehicles can still drive but have to do so slowly and pedestrians get priority).

Good to hear about the Tribeca venue as it's a prime spot. And the new Quarters is looking pretty close to completion.

dysan1

March 30th, 2008, 01:28 PM

yeah that end is developing a great vibe, and no it wasnt i who dribbled on your shirt :)

Think some of those business on the otherside of florida road need to start making way for more cafes/bars/restaurants, cos down that lower end the road is very one sided.

Durbsboi

March 30th, 2008, 04:11 PM

oh dam cubana opened this weekend, will try n make a plan to go there tonight, the scottish folks wanted to see how us indians hang out on the weekend, so took them to Blue Lagoon aka "lugs" ,lol, havent been there for ages! bought bunnies & enjoyed the evening, Oh & I went to uShake too! finally! freeken awesome! wil post pics later on the week.

Plus was spining around in a prototype C350 USA export left hand drive, my word we had the folks confused!

dysan1

March 30th, 2008, 09:58 PM

lol why got a left in durbs?

Durbsboi

March 31st, 2008, 08:27 AM

It was a prototype, my cousin works for Merc so he was doing test's on it.

romanSA

March 31st, 2008, 08:29 PM

Walked past Cubana on Friday night and it had an amazing vibe. Ferraris and other fancy cars were parked outside. Will be very good for that area. Speaking of new viby places....

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

Cool cuisine in balmy Durban
March 30 2008
By Ingrid Shevlin

I like cafes. They start early, and stay open all day.

They're somewhere you can go for breakfast, a full meal, or for just an early morning espresso. More importantly, they're a place to relax and linger over the morning paper or ponder the meaning of life - and where they soon know your name. Because of this they tend to attract a regular clientele who see their favourite cafe as a home from home.

Judd Campbell, of the Corner Cafe in Glenwood, for instance, says about a third of their customers pop in every day.

Naturally, menus and ambience vary widely.

Menu options range from simple toasted sandwiches to the food offered by EatMe Gourmet Cafe in Clarence Road, which has a fine dining sensibility. As for the ambience, it can be canteen-like, or homely.

Your choice is likely to depend on the vibe and friendliness of the welcome - or simply its convenience to your home or office.

Two new cafes have opened recently, both focusing on healthy eating.

The first is reFresh (031 572 7006), a cafe tucked to one side of the new EverFresh store at La Lucia Mall. The second, mentioned further on, is in Glenwood.

While the ambience is more canteen-line than intimate at reFresh, the menu, created by Shaun Smith and Caz England of the Fusion Cooking School, is a winner for the health and taste conscious.

The menu offers food that is either low-fat, fat-free, reduced sugar, or gluten and dairy-free.

It includes breakfast options, a wide choice of juices and freshly-made smoothies, coffees and teas, including organic Hojicha green tea. There's also a children's menu. Breakfast options include eggs and bacon, a veggie breakfast of tomatoes, mushrooms, basil pesto and feta served in a phyllo basket, DIY fruit salads and low-fat muffins.

The main menu offers salads which can be ordered as a salad sushi (salad ingredients wrapped in cucumber or carrot slices, for instance), in a wrap, on a focaccia or with pasta.

Options are: Lebanese chickpea salad (chickpeas with brinjal, mint and humus), Thai-style chicken salad, Chinese orange and ginger chicken salad, and a beef carpaccio salad with slow-roasted baby tomatoes, basil pesto and parmesan shavings.

We started with a citrus crush (orange juice, lemon and mint) which was divine and a carrot/apple and ginger mix, R18 each.

For mains we ordered a warm, spicy Kashmiri potato salad with coriander, lentils, minted yogurt raita in a wrap, R28, which was very tasty.

A little bland was the Japanese sushi salad, which included avo, spring onion and sprouts rolled in smoked salmon and cucumber and drizzled with a wasabi sauce, R38.

Perhaps more wasabi sauce would have helped. Much better was the warm Thai Panaeng chicken salad with coriander and a spicy Thai cashew and coconut dressing served on pasta, R36. It was an interesting combination of flavours and textures.

They also have a daily selection of cakes and muffins. We ordered the low-fat spinach and feta muffin served with sweet chilli jam, R18, and the gluten-free pear and ginger cake which used a mix of potato and rice flour, R15.

The muffin was good and the cake sublime.

Still at La Lucia Mall, I can also recommended Deli-cious, which serves a wide variety of wraps and excellent coffee, and the Hans Vrolik bakery, an Aladdin's cave of baked treats. Their Dutch coffee is recommended, as are their lightly toasted wholewheat rolls topped with ingredients of your choice.

My favourite is thin slices of emmenthaler cheese, tomatoes and mustard. A simple but delicious treat. Both cafes have a friendly, homely vibe.

Another relative newcomer to the cafe scene is The Deli in Windermere Road, Morningside (031 303 8815).

Sharing premises with a paint shop (mixed retail is the trend these days), it's in what was once a home, and is pretty with a small garden where you can sit under the trees.

The extensive menu includes breakfast, open sandwiches and salad items as well as more substantial alternatives.

Interesting options include chunky fillet burger, a chicken schnitzel (crumbed, in polenta), toasted pinenut, butternut and sweet potato salad, and sweetcorn cakes interlayered with lettuce, avocado, bacon and toasted tomatoes.

I can highly recommend the leek/feta/tomato omelette, R38, and their smoked salmon and potato cakes served on a fennel salad drizzled with homemade lemon and garlic mayonnaise, R46. They also have cakes of the day - the chocolate is especially good.

To Glenwood. When EarthMother Organic moved to new premises in Bulwer Road (031 202 1527), it gave them the chance to expand not only their shop, but to include a small cafe which spills out into the back garden and offers a safe area for kids to play.

The proprietors, sisters Eva Muller and Doris Bye, both vegetarian since the age of 7, offer simple food that is not only healthy, but organic where possible. Vegetarian restaurants are as rare as, well, vegetarian cafes, so finding another also in Glenwood (the other is Dawn's place in Euforia, Davenport Road) is good news for non-meat eaters.

Options are simple. Salads or sandwiches with a variety of toppings and a choice of bread (ciabatta, rye or bread that is gluten and yeast free).

For example, you can have a salad topped with feta, pumpkin seeds, roasted veg and quionoa, or bread topped with avo, sprouts, sundried tomatoes, spring onion, olives and an omega seed mix. Or you can lash out on a mezze platter for two, R65.

The sweet of tooth can choose from a raw chocolate tart, banana, coconut milk and cardamom ice cream or a goji berry and banana icecream, R15 each. All packed with vitamins and guaranteed to keep your bowels moving. A nice, friendly place.

I've had a few disappointing meals recently at the Artscafe, at the KZNSA Gallery on Bulwer Road (031 201 9969), which discouraged me from returning.

But since I've always enjoyed the vibe - and chilling under the trees - I was happy to hear there was a new chef and menu.

We tried it last Sunday, on a beautiful warm day when all felt well with the world - a rare occasion.

The menu has now been reduced, which makes sense given the tiny kitchen. Breakfasts include the traditional farmhouse as well as French toast, skewered fruit with yoghurt, and ciabatta topped with beans and chorizo.

There are nine lunch options including lamb meatballs in tomato sauce, smoked salmon and potato fish cakes, a falafel wrap, salads and open sandwiches. There are also toasted sandwiches, scones, cheese blintzes and cakes of the day - mainly made in-house.

We were very impressed with our selection: penne topped with lemon pesto chicken and parmesan, R49; strawberry and leek risotto, R49, and citrus grilled whole chicken breast burger topped with coriander mayo, R49.

The risotto was an unusual combination but inspired, as it turned out, and the chicken elements of the remaining two dishes melt-in the-mouth tender.

We finished the meal with scones and carrot cake - both homemade and both good.

http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/4329546

romanSA

March 31st, 2008, 08:42 PM

I hosted a US government meeting last week. After careful consideration I decided to book the delegates into Royal Palm Hotel and the 1-1 Conference Centre at Gateway. In short, the delegates **loved** it. Most were from the US and UK and said it was one of the best settings / venues they had visited. Even the admin staff, who regularly travel around the world for such meetings, said they couldn't believe how amazing that area is and ranked as far better than our meeting venues in Washington, London, CT, and JHB. And we stayed at the President's Hotel in CT!

If anyone hasn't explored the area, do so soon. The new developments opposite Gateway on the Palm Boulevard strip are almost complete and are just amazing. All open into interlinked cobbled courtyards with fountains, and cobbled lanes that link to the main roads. Courtyards are now filling up with restaurants. I like how all the courtyards are interlinked and are lighted. Feels like you're in another country. Well worth a visit. Can't wait for the hotel at the end of the Palm Boulevard to open. Noticed it also has a courtyard that links to the others, and for more restaurants to open in those squares.

Well worth the visit.

Mo Rush

April 1st, 2008, 01:09 AM

Front Cover:

http://www.sadelivery.co.za/images/homepage/cover_14.jpg

Sa delivery magazine
www.sadelivery.co.za

Durbsboi

April 1st, 2008, 08:28 AM

dysan1

April 1st, 2008, 09:36 AM

ye we do take alot for granted. as for those developments around gateway. there are some great new places opening soon. There is a fantastic new deli that has opened in African palms (12 palm boulevard) which offers a great little cafe overlooking the boulevard. It is opposite AL63.

There is a new company, known as the Bellagio Investment Group, which have set up offices in the Royal Palm. They have been started by a group of Taiwanese businessmen that have emigrated to Durban.

The company is developing a rather diverse portfolio, but some of their key new developments that are coming forward are as follows:

Property Development

They have two mixed used developments in Parkside, The Bellagio Grand and Bellagio Square. They offer a combined 24 000m2 of predominently commercial space, with select penthouse units, opposite the the CJ Saunders park

In addition they are developing the new Porsche lifestyle centre opposite gateway and luxury homes of over 1000m2 each in Ilala Ridge, La Lucia.

New Media

This division is soon to release a top end 250 page property magazine aimed at the Durban/Johannesburg and internationals markets to showcase the Durban/KZN property market. it will be on sale from end April.

Bellagio Furniture

This division launches in April 2008 with a temporary showroom in Springfield, while the permanent 4500m2 retail space in Riverhorse valley will open in December 2008.

Bellagio furniture will offer top international branded furniture, the like of which has not been available in south africa before

Bellagio Lounge

The Bellagio Lounge is to open mid year in the Royal Palm in the NTC. It aims to offer unsurpassed levels of service, product offering, decor and atmosphere than any currest establishment in South Africa.

It will offer fine dining, a cigar lounge, bar and evening live entertainment.

more on this rather exciting company can be found at www.bellagiogroup.co.za

Pule

April 1st, 2008, 10:06 AM

I wish all these could be happening in Durbs CBD. I thinks Sandton and Umhlanga have been give more attending than Durbs and Jozi CBD.

dysan1

April 1st, 2008, 11:01 AM

its the way things are going to continue, for that is where the massive wealth sits. anyway, umhlanga is developing into a great city itself

dysan1

April 1st, 2008, 11:13 AM

Commercial property to sustain KZN property boom

(C and I) DURBAN (March 28) - Riding on the back of key infrastructural developments the KwaZulu-Natal commercial property is enjoying a sustained boom, according to Grant Visser, FNB Private Clients Regional Head in the province.

And he expects the buoyant property development to continue with the establishment of a new airport, development to the port of Durban and the construction of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Stadium.

“Sustained and significant investment in Durban as a key regional centre is providing a massive boost for local companies. While the immediate benefactors may be large building and infrastructure contractors, their extended supply chains are obviously seeing the results of these projects in many ways,” says Visser.

He says the boom for the building industry is likely to last, with the simultaneous 2010 Stadium and harbour widening projects acting as long term initiatives of strategic importance. “In terms of the port, its expansion coincides with free trade agreements, further expanding Durban as a key supply zone for the country and advancing the city’s economic status,” he says.

With the capacity of large developers spoken for by these major developments, Visser adds that small to medium contractors are well-positioned to stake a claim for peripheral projects. “The dynamic has changed. The big players are at the limits of their capacity, which opens opportunity for entrepreneurial construction businesses which have a unique opportunity to grow in status and stature as property developers must look elsewhere for delivery against their projects,” he says.

That said, Visser is not blind to the challenges faced by the province, which includes the impact of the countrywide electricity crisis as well as an oversupply of residential housing estates, particularly on the coast.

“Development has definitely turned away from the residential and towards the commercial. Property developers must be more circumspect and choose their projects wisely; considerable numbers of building plans have been approved by municipalities but will not get off the ground in the immediate future owing to the oversupply situation,” he says.

To the North and South of Durban, Visser says over-subscription of the residential property market is counterbalanced by opportunity in the commercial space. “Those looking to develop should focus on industrial and commercial park-type developments; there is little land for this purpose available, which means any space that does become available is taken up quickly and usually at a high price given the mechanics of supply and demand,” he explains.

A similar trend is emerging towards the Cato Ridge area as developers seek to meet demand for commercial ventures.

While the coastal boom may be limited to commercial property, there is an interesting new development, which has as its driver the same desire of Gauteng residents to enjoy country life KwaZulu-Natal style. Emerging as a new phase of demand are several areas of the Midlands, including Balgowan, Lions River, Nottingham Road, Mooi River and Underberg. Visser says interest from private buyers is at a high point. “From a farming point of view these areas are some of the richest in the country, offering a variety of uses including cattle, grain, trout and game farms,” he says.

“Development in the province over the past decade has been phenomenal and has yet to slow as demand for office parks, mini factories and warehouses continue to be strong. On the back of major projects and the growing stature of Durban as the choice port for import and export into South Africa bodes well for the medium and long term,” Visser concludes.

Submitted: 28 Mar 2008

clive3300

April 1st, 2008, 11:44 AM

its the way things are going to continue, for that is where the massive wealth sits. anyway, umhlanga is developing into a great city itself

A great city? Thats a little optimistic isnt it - its barely a small town.

Its certainly a lovely suburb with a smart office park and a largish but fairly mid-range shopping centre. I would hardly say "massive wealth" is obvious there either - maybe a couple hundred pretty cool McMansions with a view, but thats all. And to pre-empt your question - I was there a year ago.

dysan1

April 1st, 2008, 12:45 PM

ok maybe the city statement is a bit inflated, but in its own sense that is the way it is developing.

wont get into a slanging match on wealth and all, but everything in umhlanga is pointing that way

romanSA

April 1st, 2008, 04:00 PM

Durban says goodbye to potholes

April 01 2008 at 11:48AM

Fifteen new trucks, valued at over R3-million, have been acquired by the eThekwini municipality for pothole repair work around Durban, the city said on Tuesday.

Each truck is valued at R250 000 and the trucks are expected to be out on the streets by mid-April.

Ken Hobson, deputy head of the eThekwini Roads and Stormwater department, said: "The introduction of these vehicles and crews will allow us to do our work more effectively."

He said response times to pothole complaints would also be reduced considerably because of the new vehicles.

"Our current response time for potholes is in the order of 10 days and there is an intention to reduce this to 48 hours through the introduction of this system," he added.

He said the city had also embarked on an extensive resurfacing programme that would see the resurfacing of at least 500km of residential roads in all areas over the next nine to 12 months.

Those with complaints can call the 24 hour toll-free call centre on 0801313013.

The new trucks will be on display at the City Fleet workshop on Thursday. - Sapa

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=nw20080401114133313C479723

romanSA

April 1st, 2008, 04:07 PM

South Africans (particularly in the metro areas) have been complaining lately about an increasing number of potholes on our roads. Spare a thought for Toronto, where I'm currently at. This morning's news reported that the city had 53,000 potholes from Dec 07' - April '08. This is just Toronto alone!!! Granted Toronto has had terrible weather this last year, which exaccerbates potholes, but still! I don't think any SA city has experienced anything close. Most South Africans take our roads for granted. Potholes are also prevalent in first world cities.

romanSA

April 1st, 2008, 04:12 PM

City's plan to prevent load-shedding

April 01 2008 at 12:14PM

By Heinz de Boer

Durban's almost 500 000 households could within two weeks be excluded from load-shedding under a new deal with Eskom on condition that the city achieves a 10 percent electricity saving across the board.

The man at the centre of the revolutionary initiative, Durban Electricity head Sandile Maphumulo, on Tuesday launched his massive saving campaign, saying it was up to consumers to make shedding a thing of the past.

Speaking after an electricity executive committee meeting, Maphumulo said an application for Durban to be exempt from Eskom's shedding schedules would be made once the city could demonstrate a 10 percent overall saving.

'It will be very difficult to save 10 percent'

The city consumes an average of 1 200 gigawatt hours of power each year, and would have to prove a dramatic saving or face being shed again.

"Durban will be taken completely off the Eskom schedule if we can prove the saving within two weeks.

"At the end of the day we may have to quantify the month-on-month savings, but if everyone can use the energy saving tips it's an achievable goal.

If we are short, then we can obviously go back to the public and let them know how much we are missing," Maphumulo said.

Commercial power consumers and heavy industry the city's largest consumers could, however, prove to be a stumbling block in Maphumulo's plans.

Some of them have labelled his 10 percent proposal a "tall order" and predicted that such a large saving could eat into manufacturing time.

Maphumulo said experience had taught him that industry was usually extremely responsive, but that commercial business had yet to make some changes.

One of the city's largest consumers, the Engen Refinery, would not be able to save much without endangering its entire refining process.

"It will be very difficult to save 10 percent because the core process takes 95 percent of our electricity usage. But we are doing everything we can to reduce consumption," spokesman Herb Payne said.

A self-inflicted 10 percent saving would also "eat into the ability to manufacture" in the textile industry. Siyaphambili Clothing Manufactures director Dushan Govender said his company was already switching off lights, boiler, machines and all compressors after work or during lunch breaks. Despite this, a 10 percent saving would still be a hard target, he said.

This article was originally published on page 1 of Daily News on April 01, 2008

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080401111147673C953179

romanSA

April 1st, 2008, 04:27 PM

The biggest local swimming meet of the year is in Durbs. Those who can make it, do so. It will serve as our Olympic trials so fantastic performances will hopefully be the order of the day.

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

Time of reckoning for top SA swimmers

30 March 2008 (16:46)

With the Beijing Olympics foremost in their minds, South Africa's swimmers will be pulling out all the stops when they compete in the 2008 Telkom South African Aquatic championships at the Kings Park Aquatic Centre in Durban from Tuesday to Sunday.

The target for all serious minded competitors will be Olympic A level qualifying times.

It is expected that Africa 50 metres and 100 metres breaststroke record-holder Cameron van der Burgh will lead the charge.

Van der Burgh, a first year B Com law student at Pretoria University, has season best times of 27.74 secs and 1 min 01.93 secs respectively.

He will also be competing in the 200 metres breaststroke.

His chief rivals in the 100 metres breaststroke are William Diering (1:01.96 season best), Thabang Moeketsane (1:02.54 season best) and Neil Versfeld (1:03.28).

In order for swimmers to qualify for the possible Olympic Games selection, they will have to dip under the Olympic A qualifying standard of 1:01.57 (100 metres breaststroke) and 2:13.69 (200 metres breaststroke).

Dirk Lange, who is also Swimming SA's national coach, has put Van den Burgh on to the correct training programme which will ensure that 2008 will be a year of swimming achievements for the Pretoria star.

It will be business as usual as well for African butterfly record-holders Lize-Mari Retief and Keri Shaw.

Likewise there is the added attraction of the experienced swimming power of two-time Olympian Mandy Loots to guarantee an action-packed swimming programme.

Retief, holder of the African 50 metres butterfly record at 26.66 secs, and Shaw, whose 100 metres continental best in the butterfly stands at 59.17, are reportedly good friends. But with National titles and Olympic qualifying times the spur in Durban it will be a case of swimmer against the clock rather than against each other.

In the 50 metres butterfly, Retief heads the entries with her African record time, followed by Shaw (27.92).

Loots has a season best 100 metres butterfly time of 59.52 to her name. She has the fastest 200 metres butterfly time of the season in 2:11.10. This is a time KwaZulu Natal's Kathryn Meaklim (2:11.19) and Shaw (2:11.44) will be hoping to challenge next week.

Following the national showpiece in Durban, Retief, Shaw and Loots will be a part of the SA team that will compete at the FINA Swimming World Short Course Championships in Manchester England, from April 9-13.

The swimming leg of the Telkom SA National Aquatic Championships has morning session heats starting with evening session finals.

http://www.supersport.co.za/aquatics/article.aspx?id=249615&headline=Time%20of%20reckoning%20for%20top%20SA%20swimmers