Declaration of interest forms are crucial in maintaining transparency and accountability within organizations, including municipalities. By requiring individuals to declare their interests, organizations can identify and manage potential conflicts of interest, ensuring that decisions are made objectively and in the best interests of the organization. Therefore, it is essential that individuals comply with the requirement to declare their financial interests to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making

In summary, signing declaration of interest forms is essential for maintaining good governance, preventing conflicts of interest, and promoting transparency and accountability within organizations.

On Friday the 4th of October, the mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Cllr. Thobani Shandu led Operation Siyahlola of the KwaDukuza Bulk Sewer Mains Replacement and Upgrade to assess the progress made in upgrading the bulk sewer mains. Shandu was happy to witness that the project is 44% towards completion and is expected to be completed in May 2025. This project will address the ongoing concerns about the state of sewer network, which has been an eyesore for KwaDukuza Municipality’s scenery. The project encapsulates wards 05, 16, 17 and 18. The was accompanied by his Deputy Mayor, EXCO Member – Cllr. Zondo and Councillor Singh.

Later in the day the Mayor launched the Southern Regional Bulk Water and Sanitation Scheme (SRBWSS) project at the Snyman Hall in Ward 20. This project will provide essential Bulk and Secondary Bulk Sewer Infrastructure, including pump stations and necessary building works, to ensure efficient sewage conveyance from various wards to the Sheffield Waste Water Treatment Works. The project encapsulates wards 07 and 20. The was accompanied by his Deputy Mayor, EXCO Member – Cllr. Zondo and Councillor Singh as well as the Ward Councillors for Ward 07, Cllr. Fakazi and Ward 20, Cllr. Bhengu.

The mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Cllr. Thobani Shandu accompanied by the Council Speaker (also the SALGA Women’s Commission KZN Provincial Chairperson), Cllr. Dolly Shandu, EXCO Members and Councillors received the first consignment of 11 of the 30 water tankers today that the District Municipality has procured directly in an effort to reduce reliance on contracted services (outsourcing).

The current Council whose tenure began in November 2021, inherited an institution where there was a contract with a private service provider to supply the municipality with a total of 106 vehicles. This included 30 water tankers. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Council took a decision to insourcing the fleet, where it sought that in two (2) years the entire fleet should be owned by the municipality, as opposed to being leased.

As a start, the municipality procured 65 bakkies from Isuzu which were delivered in December 2023. Today’s addition of 30 water tanks that will all be delivered by the end of October 2024 will bring total of insourced vehicles to 95.

In welcoming the consignment of tankers, Shandu thanked the administration for delivering on the Council decision thereby ensuring that water provision is done responsibly and sustainably “This will save Council funds enormously, the R18 million we had budgeted for the 2024/2025 financial year has been depleted just three (3) months into this financial year, clearly indicated that we could have possibly spent in region R100 million at the end of the financial year.”

“We will still use contract services to plug gaps where there is a dire need, however, it is important to note that the monies that the District Municipality will be saving now that the decision to insource is being implemented will be reinvested into service delivery projects that will ensure water is delivered through yard connections for every household in the iLembe District.” Concluded Shandu.

The thirty (30) 16,000 Water Tankers have been procured at a once-off cost in the region of R95,3 million including VAT.

Today the 18th of September 2024, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Cllr. Thobani Shandu had the honor of kicking off the 5th Urban Agri World Summit 2024, hosted by Enterprise iLembe in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, and the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau.

In his opening address, Mayor Cllr. Thobani Shandu highlighted the pivotal role of the Urban Agri World in fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the agricultural sector. He emphasized the strength of iLembe District in agriculture, known for its fertile land and robust infrastructure, and the exciting potential of vertical farming to revolutionize traditional practices.

Key points from the address:

• Resilience and Growth: iLembe’s agriculture sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, as reflected in the latest Business Confidence Index.

• Intra-Africa Trade: Leveraging agricultural strengths to enhance trade and investment within Africa.

• Vertical Farming: A paradigm shift in agriculture, addressing climate change, urbanization, and food security.

• Call to Action: Encouraging farmers to embrace new technologies and innovation, and inspiring the youth to participate in agriculture.

Shandu fortified the prayer for stakeholders to work together to build a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive agricultural future!

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