The building was built during the time of the now defunct KwaZulu-Natal government under the late Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, then the Chief Minister, and has been lying idle for decades since the ANC-led government immediately abandoned the structure after taking power from the IFP in 2004.


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However, KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer said it cannot be business as usual when such unused buildings drain the limited resources of the provincial government through rates and other related costs.

In a media briefing on Tuesday, the MEC said his department was busy finalising proposals which would be presented to the Cabinet on what to do with the building in order for it to be useful again.

“I think the media understands that this is a politically sensitive matter but I can confirm that in our proposal there are a couple of options that we will soon present to the cabinet for approval,” said the MEC.

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.

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

KwaZulu-Natal MEC Martin Meyer has opened a police case after a bullet was discovered at his office. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in the region.



According to Meyer, the bullet was found in his office, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of his staff and the public. He expressed his shock at the discovery, emphasizing that such incidents are unacceptable and must be addressed seriously. Meyer stated that he is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly.



The MEC highlighted the importance of creating a safe working environment for all public servants. According to him, the incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures within government offices to protect employees from potential threats.



Meyer also called for a collective effort to combat violence and intimidation in the political landscape. He noted that public officials should not have to fear for their safety while performing their duties. The MEC expressed hope that the investigation would lead to the identification of those responsible for this alarming act.



In conclusion, the discovery of a bullet in Martin Meyer’s office has prompted a police investigation, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding safety for public officials in KwaZulu-Natal. According to Meyer, it is crucial to ensure a secure environment for all employees and to address the broader issues of violence and intimidation in politics.