Latest news with #Buthelezi
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KZN Cogta MEC demands clarity from eThekwini Municipality on R30 million matter and legal costs
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. Image: KZN Cogta / Facebook The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has written to the eThekwini Municipality, demanding a full breakdown of the costs related to the legal matter between the eThekwini Municipality and company, Daily Double Trading. In the letter, MEC Buthelezi stated that the expenditure, especially on litigation regarding this matter, was reckless. The eThekwini Municipality and Daily Double Trading have been involved in a protracted legal battle that was finally resolved by the Constitutional Court about a week ago which dismissed the City's appeal against an earlier ruling. At the centre of the dispute was a settlement agreement entered into between the company and officials of the municipality. Daily Double Trading had been one of the service providers for the municipality. However the municipality terminated the contracts it had with the company. The company challenged this decision in court, and an out of court settlement was then agreed upon between the officials of the municipality and the representatives of Daily Double Trading. The settlement was worth about R30 million. Later, the municipality attempted to disown the settlement agreement, arguing that the officials who authorised it had no power to do so. However the company challenged this in court and the court found in the company's favour. The municipality fought the matter all the way to the Constitutional Court, which dismissed the City's application for leave to appeal the judgment that had found in favour of the company. This ruling means that the City is now liable to pay approximately R30 million of the original amount and R23 million in interest. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In his letter, MEC Buthelezi said, "A report is requested within 7 days, providing the total contractual losses suffered and the total legal costs incurred by the City in defending this matter, which proceeded to the Constitutional Court and was dismissed with costs." "Such a report should also clearly indicate what disciplinary action is being taken by the City. Furthermore, it must outline the oversight taken by the council in embarking on this reckless and costly litigation," said the letter. The MEC's letter comes after the City held a media briefing last week to discuss the court case and other legal matters. At the meeting, senior City officials said an employee who issued an illegal instruction to offer the settlement will be dealt with. THE MERCURY
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
KZN dealing with severe weather destruction: infrastructure and homes damaged
A screengrab taken from a video shows the snowfall in Kokstad on Tuesday. Image: Supplied by Greater Kokstad Municipality There was damage to infrastructure, homes and power outages across parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday due to the severe weather conditions. In a disaster management update on Tuesday, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, warned that the situation remains serious. 'As the inclement weather continues, we can confirm that six of our eleven districts have been affected, with moderate to severe disruptions recorded by our disaster teams,' he said. Power outages are widespread. According to Eskom KwaZulu-Natal, there were electricity outages across the province. Impacted areas included Empangeni, Melmoth, Mtubatuba, Ulundi, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Nongoma, Eshowe, Bergville, Ladysmith, Ixopo, Kokstad, Cedarville in the Eastern Cape, Franklin, Umzimkhulu and Harding. 'Public infrastructure, especially electricity lines, has been severely affected. In some areas, power lines were damaged by snow and strong winds, which left residents and businesses in darkness,' Buthelezi added. Eskom noted that restoration efforts are underway but were hampered by road closures. 'We understand the inconvenience and frustration this situation causes and appeal to our customers for patience and understanding.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In Kokstad, municipal officials confirmed around 3pm on Tuesday, 'Full restoration of electricity in the CBD and surrounding townships. Outstanding areas without power include the route to Pakkies Farm and Ekuthuleni, and the route to Makhoba Trust via Franklin.' Access to several key routes remains difficult. 'Several roads, particularly in the far south of the province, remain closed due to heavy snowfall, making driving extremely dangerous,' Buthelezi said. Roads closed include N2 Ingeli, R617 Kingscote, R56 Droewig and N2 Nolangeni. 'All access roads into Kokstad are currently closed.' Gale-force winds uprooted trees in Montclair on Tuesday. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers Buthelezi said that disaster management teams remain fully activated. 'Immediately after receiving [weather alerts], we developed a comprehensive disaster management plan, working closely with various stakeholders to minimise the impact and, most importantly, to save lives.' Since the weekend, teams have responded to numerous incidents. 'Ugu District, in the south of the province, has been the hardest hit. A number of households, schools, and public infrastructure have been severely damaged by strong winds,' he said. In Umuziwabantu Municipality, 'strong winds and hailstorms damaged 47 households, affecting 277 people. A total of 50 structures were totally destroyed, while 29 were partially damaged. Fourteen people were left homeless. Three injuries were reported due to structural collapse.' Four learners from a high school in Harding were injured after strong winds blew away part of the school's roof. Two learners were rushed to a local clinic, while the other two were taken to St Andrews Hospital for further treatment. Other schools in the province also sustained infrastructure damage. 'At Taylors Primary School in Taylors Halt, a roof was blown away, disrupting learning activities. At Wohlanga Primary School in Mooi River, significant portions of roofing were also torn off by the strong winds.'In addition, 28 households were left roofless after strong winds damaged their homes in Mooi Mpofana Municipality in the KZN Midlands, where disaster relief teams have provided emergency supplies.
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
KZN ready to tackle weather threats during Comrades Marathon
KZN Cogta is ready to respond to weather emergencies as thousands gather for the Comrades Marathon this weekend. The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has assured the public that the department is prepared to respond to any weather-related challenges this week. As KZN welcomes thousands of Comrades Marathon runners, the MEC said that public safety remains the department's top priority. Comrades Marathon weather warnings The South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned runners to expect predominantly mild to warm and windy conditions, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies. 'However, runners should be aware of a cool change in the weather later in the day when a coastal low and cold front are expected to move northwards up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, introducing colder, more moist conditions to the coast and adjacent interior,' Saws warned. There will also be a risk of showers or thunderstorms developing over the Drakensberg, spreading to the coast in the evening. ALSO READ: Comrades Marathon: Top five men's and women's contenders Amid weather warnings, KZN Cogta announced that it has mobilised disaster management teams to ensure a coordinated response. 'Our teams will be closely monitoring routes starting from today, especially as runners on Sunday and spectators begin their journeys from Sunday evening after the conclusion of the race,' Buthelezi said in a briefing on Friday. KZN's preparations The MEC outlined the province's preparations for the Comrades Marathon, including stockpiling relief supplies such as blankets, mattresses, and non-perishable foods. Buthelezi emphasised that provincial centres and public facilities stand ready to provide temporary shelter. He also urged road users to exercise caution due to the forecasted weather conditions. Municipalities will monitor road conditions and announce closures and traffic redirects if necessary. ALSO READ: Here's when snow could fall in your province 'Our social partners are also ready to deploy relief to strategically identified high-risk areas, especially along major travel routes,' the MEC said. Buthelezi explained that the focus extends beyond the immediate cold front to the broader winter season, with a well-developed and regularly updated winter contingency plan. Winter plan The province's plan includes conducting proactive risk assessments to identify areas most vulnerable to winter disasters such as floods, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold. The MEC affirmed the provincial government's commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of communities throughout the winter season. 'We have immense confidence in our dedicated disaster management teams and our valued partners who work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of severe weather,' he said. NOW READ: Five tips for novices from Comrades Marathon legend Louis Massyn
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Comrades Marathon 2025: MEC Buthelezi's action plan for extreme weather conditions
Runners taking part in the 2019 Comrades Marathon. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media As thousands of runners and spectators make their way home after the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon, KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has announced a comprehensive action plan in preparation for a cold front expected to sweep across the province. Beginning Sunday evening and lasting through Tuesday, the cold front threatens to bring extreme weather conditions, impacting not just the participants of the 89.98km down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, but also residents and motorists across the region. Scheduled to begin with two start times at 5.45am and 6am at Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the Comrades Marathon down run will conclude 12 hours later near Durban's People's Park. In a special briefing held on Friday, MEC Buthelezi relayed critical information from the South African Weather Service (Saws), highlighting that KZN is among eight provinces predicted to experience disruptive snowfall, particularly affecting traffic flow over mountain passes like the N3 highway at Van Reenen's Pass. The MEC said strong, damaging surface winds are expected over large parts that may cause a high risk of wildfires, especially in grazing land and densely populated areas. 'These extreme conditions will persist across various parts of our province, with strong winds expected along the coast until Tuesday.' Buthelezi said as the department responsible for disaster management in the province, it is important to provide an update on the state of preparedness for the extreme weather conditions expected over the weekend as the hosts of thousands of runners and spectators for the Comrades Marathon. He said soon after receiving alerts from Saws, all disaster management centres were activated to ensure a coordinated response and issued the early warning notifications. 'As a department, we would like to reassure all runners, spectators, visitors, businesses, motorists, and residents that our disaster management teams are fully prepared to respond to any incidents that may result from the extreme weather.' Buthelezi said the Joint Operations Cluster (JOC), comprising law enforcement agencies, emergency services, municipalities, and social partners, has also been activated. 'Our teams will be closely monitoring all routes, especially as runners and spectators begin their return journeys from Sunday evening after the conclusion of the race.' The MEC said the department is relieved that Saws has forecast predominantly mild to warm and windy conditions with partly cloudy to cloudy skies for the duration of the Comrades Marathon itself. He added that through the department's partnerships with non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and sister departments, relief supplies including blankets, mattresses, and non-perishable food items have been stockpiled. All centres and public facilities stand prepared to offer temporary shelter should the need arise, he stated. Buthelezi appealed to all road users to exercise extreme caution this weekend, especially when driving in windy, rainy, or snowy conditions. 'Municipalities will continue to monitor road conditions, and where necessary, closures will be announced, with traffic redirected to safer routes. Our social partners are also ready to deploy relief to strategically identified high-risk areas, especially along major travel routes.' Saws stated on Thursday that while these predominantly mild to warm and windy conditions are expected during the race, runners should be aware of a cool change in the weather later in the day, when a coastal low and cold front are expected to move northwards up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, introducing colder, more moist conditions to the coast and adjacent interior. 'Moreover, there will be a risk of showers or thunderstorms developing over the Drakensberg, spreading to the coast in the evening,' warned Saws. The MEC said the department is not only responding to an immediate cold front but also extending the focus to the broader winter season, encompassing all potential eventualities.
TimesLIVE
06-06-2025
- Climate
- TimesLIVE
KZN disaster management teams on alert for disruptive snow on N3 after Comrades Marathon
Disaster management teams have been activated in KwaZulu-Natal to respond to rain and extreme cold conditions expected at the weekend, and snowfall predicted on Monday. KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to be vigilant for inclement weather predicted from Sunday, adding department teams had been prepped for disaster management protocols. Buthelezi said: 'This is particularly important for our province as we are hosting thousands of runners and spectators for the Comrades Marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban on Sunday. 'According to information from the SA Weather Service, KwaZulu-Natal will begin experiencing extreme cold weather from Sunday night through to Tuesday. The province has also been cited as one of eight where disruptive snowfall is expected, which may affect traffic flow over mountain passes, particularly the N3 highway at Van Reenen's Pass, from Monday to Tuesday,' he said. 'Strong, damaging surface winds are expected over large parts of the province that may cause a high risk of wildfires, specially in grazing land and densely populated areas. The extreme conditions will persist across parts of our province, with strong winds expected along the coast until Tuesday. 'As a department, we would like to reassure all runners, spectators, visitors, businesses, motorists and residents that our disaster management teams are fully prepared to respond to any incidents that may result from the extreme weather.
