Latest news with #MECforTransportandHumanSettlements
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
WATCH: Transport MEC inspects Mzimkhulu River bridge repairs
The Mzimkhulu River bridge project is a little behind schedule. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma conducted an inspection along with the speaker of Ugu, Sizwe Ngcobo and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor, Zodwa Mzindle earlier today. Duma's surprise visit was to ascertain the project's progress. The resident engineer, Vusi Dlamini, said they are not too far behind, they need to complete the investigation on the pillars. Dlamini also mentioned that due to last week's weather, they had difficulties because of the high tides. Duma told the contractor to make it a point that he prioritises this project because of the road closure, and the timeframe given to the public to use the N2. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
5 days ago
- The South African
KZN crash: 12 political party supporters dead, probe underway
Investigations into the deadly accident in KwaZulu-Natal that left 12 political party supporters dead are ongoing. Preliminary reports suggest that the accident was caused by a head-on collision involving a truck and a bus on the R34 near Vryheid. Ten passengers died on the scene, and two others succumbed to their injuries at about 2 am. The truck and bus drivers survived the crash and have been taken to hospital. About 32 other passengers also sustained injuries ranging from slight to serious. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said, 'Just after midnight, we received a report from our highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) informing us about a horrific head-on collision involving a truck and a bus. After the head-on collision, the truck struck the side of the bus.' The RTI team, together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the South African Police Service, are investigating the KZN crash further. Spokesperson for MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said that during winter, the country experiences many fatalities. He said this is due to reduced visibility at night. In an interview with eNCA, Sibiya said that as the school holidays begin on 21 June, traffic volumes will increase. As a result, the RTI are expected to intensify the road safety campaign. Sibiya also added that Duma will offer his condolences to the families of the KZN crash victims. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Motorists in KZN warned to stay away as snow forces N2 closure
Heavy snowfall has prompted the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements to close the N2 between Kokstad and Umzimkhulu, warning motorists and so-called 'snow chasers' to stay clear of the area amid dangerous driving conditions. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma announced the closure on Tuesday, citing severe weather that has already left trucks stranded and traffic severely congested. 'To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg and R603 Tacoma to Reit,' he said. Duma confirmed that the province has deployed more than ten motor graders along key routes to prevent snow buildup from exceeding 30cm. 'Drivers of motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove snow,' he explained. The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), in collaboration with local traffic police from Kokstad and Ray Nkonyeni municipalities, is actively managing the situation. Also, their teams are redirecting traffic, assisting stuck vehicles, and working to clear the snow from major routes. The department prioritises critical corridors, including the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone, the N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll, and the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg. These areas are among the hardest hit by the storm. KwaZulu-Natal has three Level 6 Orange warnings for disruptive snow, heavy rainfall, and gale-force winds across its southern regions. Duma is scheduled to meet with Ugu District Mayor Skhumbuzo Mqadi, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Mayor Zandile Mzindle, and other local leaders to coordinate ongoing responses. 'We therefore urge motorists and members of the general public to avoid that area at all costs by delaying their trips to Kokstad,' said Duma. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Three passengers missing after aircraft vanishes in KwaZulu-Natal
An aircraft has gone missing with passengers on board in KwaZulu-Natal. The Pyper Cherokee aircraft with the registration of ZSKFB was last seen on Sunday. It was carrying three individuals. The aircraft left the Virginia Airport at around 3pm and did not reach its intended destination and was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown. The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma has announced that he is in touch with experts and officials from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) following the disappearance. Duma said that understanding the severe weather patterns predicted by the SA Weather Services (Saws), he has decided to support ARCC with their search and rescue activities.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu Natal MEC Siboniso Duma promises to clear R1. 5 billion payment backlog affecting service providers
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma apologises to affected contractors, confirms R600 million payout this week, and promises a turnaround plan amid technical issues with the new accounting system. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has expressed deep concern over the delay in payments to more than 2,000 service providers, amounting to over R1.5 billion. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said the department remains committed to transparency and accountability and is working urgently to resolve the situation. 'In particular, we are extremely worried about the delays in the payment of service providers who are rendering services to the department across all corners of the province,' Duma said. The department revealed that R600 million is expected to be cleared this week, with the remaining R700 million scheduled for payment over the next two weeks. Many of the affected service providers have reportedly been waiting for payment since January 2025. These include: Construction companies working on roads and bridges, public transport service providers and other general suppliers.
