Public Notice:

The public is advised of construction activity in and around 11th Avenue, Clermont and at the off ramp. The construction work is on the south and north bound. This is to allow essential construction work on the GO!Durban C3 route and work is expected to be complete by February 2026.  

During the construction period road closures will be as follows:

• 11th Avenue on ramp will be closed.
• Cumnor Garden Road will be closed off at two intersections: Cumnor Garden and Chris Hani Roads intersection and White Horse and Cumnor Garden Roads intersection.

Motorists, commuters, public transport operators and residents are requested to please use alternate routes.

A new transformed public transport system is on the cards for eThekwini commuters as the city engages with the taxi and bus operators on the Tactical Adjustment Roadmap that will see a seamless transport network, automated fare collection and a single smart card ticketing system being implemented in the future.

EThekwini Municipality held an engagement with taxi and bus operators on 8 May 2024, to present the Tactical Adjustment Roadmap. This is a revised approach to implement the City’s Integrated Public Transport Network, GO!Durban. 

It involves optimising routes and integrating services of 16 existing citywide contracts currently running in the City to create on seamless network in line with the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN).

This includes the C3 route, Priority Feeder contracts, existing contracts, and the Inner-City Distribution System. 

This approach requires the taxi and bus industry to formalise their business operations leading to an improved public transport system.

“The Tactical Adjustment Framework aims to support the progressive transformation of the existing industry, maximise the supply of passengers to the IPTN corridors and ensure a single ticketing solution is applied across all road-based modes of public transport in the eThekwini region, said Thami Manyathi, Head of eThekwini Transport Authority.

“The commencement of Priority Feeder Route contracts is expected to be in June this year, while 12-month contracts are expected to be finalised by September, seven year contracts by October 2025 and five year contracts by November 2032. The City is committed to working with the transport operators on the implementation of this Tactical Adjustment framework,” he said.

Deputy Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Bheki Ngwengwe said: “For an Integrated Public Transport Networks such as GO!Durban, the city is required by law under the National Land Transport Act of 2009 to integrate the existing operators of the mini bus taxi and bus industries into the new system. The City could not achieve an agreement with operators despite numerous engagements and negotiations in the past. We have since amended the approach of how to implement the programme, which we have found to be more acceptable and suitable across many stakeholders.”

Councillor Mngwengwe added that the new system requires that they move from being an informal business operation to a fairly sophisticated operation. 

“The Tactical Adjustment contracts are complex and require adherence to things such as schedules, adopting different employment practices and general formal business practices. We are aware that this is a totally different world to the current practices hence we are conducting such engagements like today to support the sector during this significant transformation process,” he concluded.

The City continues its support for active mobility through fostering key partnerships with local and international partners. This comes as the City hosted the German Ambassador and his delegation at the KwaMashu Bike Park on 25 January.

KfW German Development Bank, on behalf of the German government, has invested R13.8 million into four of the six GO!Durban Academy Bike Parks in the previously disadvantaged communities of KwaMashu, KwaDabeka, Cornubia, and Wentworth.

Funding received through the German government partnership was channeled towards infrastructure development, the building and upgrade of asphalt pump tracks, and supporting infrastructure namely solar panels, classrooms, kitchens, workshops, bike storage, ablution facilities and the installation of two fully kitted Bicycle Empowerment Centres. Additionally, equipment such as bikes, helmets, stadium-style seating, and bicycle tracking units were provided.

During the site tour, the international stakeholders interacted with local beneficiaries and experienced firsthand the impact their investment has made on the children of KwaMashu.

EThekwini Transport Authority Head Thami Manyathi said the Municipality is grateful for the support. “The impact goes beyond cycling as the academies also offer educational, life skills and musical theatre programmes. These sites which have approximately 3 355 children benefi ting from various programmes also provide a total of 72 employment opportunities including 34 full time jobs that have been created and sustained. The bike parks are a beacon of hope in their communities,” said Manyathi.

Ambassador Andreas Peschke was thrilled to see local children making use of the facilities.

Walnut Road, in the Durban central business district was alive with fun, music and family activity  at the second Open Streets  festival on 10 December.  Open Streets: Walnut Road,  although rained out at lunch time, was a hive of activity in the morning that  brought a vibey atmosphere  to an otherwise quiet street.

Located between the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre,  the street is usually associated with conferences and  mega events held at those two venues. However, on 10 December, this road was transformed into a family-oriented precinct, displaying an array of cultures co-existing along the stretch.

Thami Manyathi, Head of eThekwini Transport Authority, said the Open Streets concept encourages the free and safe movement of people, enabling them to experience the inner-city space in an exciting, carfree way.

“The Open Streets concept also reduces dependence on motorised transportation and raises acceptance of cycling and walking as ways of getting around. It also creates a space for people of diverse backgrounds to interact and build social capital and increase neighbourhood awareness, connectivity, mobility, and liveability,” he said.

Manyathi said they want to shift the current dynamic and replace it with a proactive community that comes together on a regular basis to participate in active transportation, physical activity, cultural and artistic endeavors, and to enjoy neighborhoods and communities from a different perspective–from the street.

Walnut Road, between Bram Fischer Road and AB Xuma Road, will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Sunday, 10 December from 5am to 5pm. This will convert the street into a walkable, fun space for families during the Open Streets: Walnut Road event. Traffic from Masabalala Yengwa Avenue will be diverted towards Bram Fischer Road.

The occasion aims to encourage active mobility by hosting a bigger, more participatory event. The Open Streets concept encourages the free and safe movement of people, enabling them to experience the inner-city space in an exciting, car-free way. The City encourages the public to attend the fun, family event in their numbers.

Open Streets: Walnut Road will be transformed into a family-oriented neighbourhood, displaying an array of cultures co-existing.

Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority Thami Manyathi encouraged the public to support this free event. “Attendees can look forward to a cycle and fun walk/run, bike-share programme, local market, fashion, art, cultural and heritage exhibitions, family-orientated games, entertainment, food trucks and stalls, sports and much more. We are working with various stakeholders to ensure that attendees enjoy a pleasant, fun, and memorable experience that showcases what cities could be without vehicles.”  

Open Streets Cycle and Walk Routes

The Cycle and Fun Run/Walk will begin at 7am at the corner of Walnut Road and AB Xuma Road. While race routes will remain open, the public is urged to be aware of participants and take the necessary precautions in the vicinity. Metro Police will be on hand to guide motorists and participants so that a safe race will be held.  

Routes are as follows:  

Walk 5km
Walnut Road
Right into Monty Naicker Road
Left into Dorothy Nyembe Street
Left into West Street
Left into lower Marine Parade Street (Promenade)

Left into Pavilion Terrace
Left into Playfair
Right into KE Masinga Road
Left into Sylvester Ntuli Road
Right into Bram Fischer Road
Left into Walnut Road

Run 10km
Walnut Road
Right into Monty Naicker Road
Left into Dorothy Nyembe Street
Left into West Street
Left into lower Marine Parade Street (Promenade)
Left onto pedestrian walkway under M4 toward M12 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
Left into M12 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
Walnut Road


Cycle 20km
Walnut Road
Right into Monty Naicker Road
Left into Dorothy Nyembe Street
Left into West Street
Right into Mahatma Gandhi Road
Into Gate at NSRI Station 5 – Durban
Left along key eastwards
Left onto the new promenade
Promenade to Blue Lagoon
Left onto Umgeni River path under M4
Left at Kingfisher Canoe Club
Into Stiebel Place
Right into Athlone Drive
Left into M12 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
Walnut Road

-ENDS  

After the resounding success of the pilot Open Streets: Florida Road in March, the City is taking further steps in encouraging active mobility by hosting a bigger, better and more exciting Open Streets: Walnut Road on Sunday, 10 December.

The Open Streets concept encourages the free and safe movement of people, enabling them to experience the space in new and exciting ways – car free.

The one-day programme will see approximately one kilometre portion of Walnut Road, Durban CBD closed off to vehicles converting the street into a walkable space for families.

Open Streets Walnut Road will be family-oriented and neighbourhood, displaying an array of cultures co-existing along the stretch. By closing the street to cars and opening them to people, and coordinating an engaging programming, Open Streets Walnut Road facilitates the re-imagination of streets as places that are safe, healthy and fun.

EThekwini Transport Authority Acting Head, Bethuel Manthoadi encourages the public to support this free event and come out in large number. “Durbanites and visitors can look forward to a City cycle ride and walk/run, bike-share programme, local market, fashion, cultural and heritage tours, playground-style games, live music, food offerings, and public art and much more.”

“With the positive feedback received form the public on the pilot Open Streets, we have listened and we are working around the clock with various stakeholders to ensure that attendees receive yet another pleasant, fun and memorable experience”.

ENDS

Artists from Wards 11, 39, 40 and 104, along the GO!Durban Queen
Nandi station are invited to participate on GO!Durban Community Visual
Art Project.
GO!Durban in partnership with the Durban Art Gallery is introducing a
brand new art project aimed at making the stations unique and each to
celebrate the city’s distinctive urban cosmopolitan environment and that
of the surrounding township life, its people, architecture, colours, shapes,
textures and diversity.
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM:

• (Click here to Download the application form.
• K-CAP Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre.
  Additionally, attach a simple A4 sketch that is unique to
  community’s culture/ local history/ everyday activities/ religion.
  ART DISCIPLINES
  Paintings, Drawing, Printmaking, Mosaic, Pattern, Graphic
  Design and Illustration.
  APPLICATIONS MAY BE HAND DELIVERED AT: K-CAP Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre
• GO!Durban Queen Nandi station
  Or via email: info@godurban.co.za
• CLOSING DATE: 9 October 2023 at 16h00.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and jubilation at the King Shaka International Airport this afternoon, when Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and Councillor Thembo Ntuli welcomed home the Go!Durban Academy stars. 

The nine youth arrived back in eThekwini after participating in the World Performing Arts Championship held in Los Angeles.

The team scooped the Senior Grand Champions of the World for Group Vocal 2023 and the Senior Grand Champions of the World for Group Dance 2023 categories. 

They bring home 51 gold medals and 18 silver medals after competing against participants from 70 countries.

Mayor Kaunda said he was extremely proud of the youngsters. 

“These champions have raised our flag high and made us proud as they competed against other countries. These youngsters are proof that people of eThekwini can bounce back from adversity,” said Mayor Kaunda.

The Mayor encouraged the youth to ensure that they also excel in their studies and not let their socio-economic conditions define who they are. 

One of the youth from KwaMashu Sibusiso Msomi who won nine medals, said he was grateful for the opportunity afforded to them by the Go!Durban Academy. 

“The experience of competing overseas against other countries has enrich me and the other youth who participated. We now know the standard required for us to compete internationally and we have raised the bar,” said Msomi.

The City is extremely proud of their achievements and congratulates the team on their outstanding win. 

The City congratulates the Go!Durban Academy students who won two categories at the World Championship of the Performing Arts held in Los Angeles recently. 

The team won the Senior Grand Champions of the World for Group Vocal 2023 and the Senior Grand Champions of the World for Group Dance 2023 categories.

They bring home 51 gold medals and 18 silver medals. They competed against participants from 70 countries and made South Africa proud.

The young stars come from different schools including Mqhawe High School, JG Zuma High School, Northmead Secondary School, Crystal Point Secondary, and Mvaba High School. 

The GO!Durban Academy unearths and nurtures talent from the City’s most vulnerable communities, providing them with tools that foster confident, authentic, creative and environmentally aware future leaders.

The team will be arriving in Durban on 9 August. The City is extremely proud of their achievements.