The Department of Transport successfully launched the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week on Sunday, 11 May 2025, at Soldiers Way CBD Taxi Rank in Durban, KwaZuluNatal. The event, held under the theme “Make Walking and Cycling Safe,” focused on raising awareness about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, is actively participating in the UN’s Global Road Safety Campaign, which runs from Sunday, 11 May to Friday, 16 May 2025 in Durban.

As part of the campaign, this event at the taxi rank was aimed to educate taxi drivers and commuters on the importance of road safety when using public transport. The Deputy Minister was joined by officials from the Provincial Department of Transport, eThekwini MMC for Transport, Human Settlements and Engineering, Councillor Themba Mvubu, law enforcement officials, and representatives from various civil society organizations, including SANTACO and various stakeholders.

The launch marked the start of a week-long series of activities held in line with the global UN Road Safety Week, observed from 12 to 18 May 2025

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements will hand over a new home to a grieving Durban family on Mandela Day, offering them a chance for closure after a tragic loss during the February 2025 floods.



The family, who lost their matriarch, Zondeni Gcabashe, when she was swept away by raging floodwaters, has been in mourning. Of the five people lost in the disaster, Gcabashe’s body remains unrecovered, adding to the family’s pain. They were among the flood victims who were evicted from Bayside Lodge earlier in the week, leaving them temporarily without shelter before being moved to safer accommodation in Umbilo.



KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the family would receive a house on Mandela Day. According to Duma, while many flood survivors were impacted by previous events such as the 2022 disaster, this specific family—affected by the more recent 2025 floods—was selected due to their unique circumstances. He explained that the gesture would assist them in performing traditional rituals and aid their emotional recovery.



Duma noted that the family had been informed of the decision and had responded positively to the news.



Gcabashe’s daughter, Ntombikhona Mhlongo, described the emotional toll of her mother’s disappearance, stating that she had been crying daily and desperately seeking answers. She welcomed the news of the new house, saying it would allow the family to continue their mother’s spiritual rites in a more appropriate space. Mhlongo shared that, traditionally, they believe her mother’s spirit may not rest until a permanent home is found.



She expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the national, provincial, and local government authorities following their recent eviction, and said their temporary home in Umbilo was comfortable and peaceful.



Duma also visited other flood survivors now housed in Umbilo and said that most residents were satisfied with their improved living conditions. He reported that they felt safe and supported.



Meanwhile, Human Settlements head of department Max Mbili said that all three spheres of government are now working closely to ensure no further evictions occur from temporary shelters. He added that internal systems are being put in place to prevent a repeat of the recent displacements, and that current residents will remain housed until a long-term housing solution is secured.

MAHIKENG – North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has applauded Harmony Gold for
an investment of one-point five billion rand at its Stilfontein operations in the City of Matlosana
Local Municipality.
The investment is a culmination of ongoing efforts by Premier Mokgosi to lure investments and
address the scourge of unemployment afflicting the province.
Earlier this year Premier Mokgosi met with the company’s Executive Management on the sidelines of the Africa Mining Indaba to discuss a number of issues relating to diversification,
localization and SMME Development.
The initiative which will create several jobs opportunities for the people of the province adds to
seven-billion-rand worth of investment by the mine in 2022, which includes an extension of
Moab-Khotsong operations at Stilfontein.
Premier Mokgosi says the investment gives credence to government’s efforts of fostering
partnerships with the various stakeholders to create an enabling environment for investment
and job creation.
“This forms part of a broader strategy by government to encourage investments in the
province. I have no doubt that as more investments trickle in, several more job and business
opportunities will be created and this will help reduce the high unemployment figures afflicting
the province” Premier Mokgosi said.
Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Mr Beyers Nel maintains, the renewable energy
investment forms part of its long-term investment and diversification strategy.
“Through our seven-billion-rand investment in 2022, we managed to preserve six thousand
jobs for locals, extending the mines lifespan by twenty years. In 2020, we acquired Mine
Waste Solutions leading to an investment of over two billion rand and we have created close
to two thousand five hundred jobs, seventy percent of which are locals”.
Premier Mokgosi who was accompanied by the MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi and
Acting Director General, Ndlela Kunene lauded the mine for their investment initiatives and
have urged them to support the Province’s Development Fund, which is primarily aimed at
addressing infrastructure backlogs in the province.

ENDS

Issued by the North West Office of the Premier.
For enquiries, contact
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 064 756 2510 / 082 450 7842
E-mail: SITatai@nwpg.gov.za

Or

Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: BSetswambung@nwpg.gov.za

Ward 60 Councillor Fakazi Mdletshe during a site visit to the Redcliffe Housing Project to inspect progress made thus far. The R84 million housing project will change the lives of 600 families once it is complete. Picture: THEMBA KHUMALO

WORK to build more than 600 houses in Ward 60 has begun. The R84 million Redcliff Housing Project began last month following the introduction of the contractor to the community by Ward 60 Councillor Fakazi Mdletshe. He said following the introduction of the contractor, the infrastructure for services including water, sanitation and electricity was being implemented before construction started.

Councillor Mdletshe said the project will also bring the development of roads, passages, infrastructure upgrades and other developments. “Several people will also benefit from short-term employment. We also have many local companies who will be subcontracting in various stages of the project.”