October
2018October
2018
Monday, 29 October 2018 marked a watershed moment for public transport in the eThekwini Municipality (ETM), as the City’s mini-bus taxi incentive programme “Moja Cruise”, a first for the country, went “live” with a parade of 150 branded taxis through the CBD.
October
2018
Introducing the completed Mount Edgecombe block interchange that will be ushering in better flowing traffic. It will also support economic development in the northern part of the city and make traveling in and around the area much more easier.
October
2018Monday, 29 October marked a watershed moment for public transport in the eThekwini Municipality (ETM), as the City’s mini-bus taxi incentive programme “Moja Cruise”, a first for the country, went “live” with a parade of 150 branded taxis through the CBD.
As part of the transformation of public transport, the Municipality started the construction of road infrastructure in its efforts to integrate public transport into a network of eight bus rapid transit lanes and a rail route across the City in its GO!Durban programme. As part of this programme, and prior to beginning construction in 2013, the City leadership, since 2009, has been engaging with the leadership of the mini-bus taxi and bus industry in an endeavour to bring these current public transport operators into a cohesive operation to provide safe, efficient and reliable transport for all. The aim has always been to ensure that they continue to have a stake in public transport into its transformation.
The Ethekwini Metro Taxi Council (EMTC), the leadership body of the mini-bus taxi industry, and the City have collaborated to develop this innovative pilot programme to “test the waters” for improved public transport system. The programme branded “Moja Cruise” was launched in October 2017, and the various stakeholders have been planning and preparing for the “go live” date this month.
Essentially the pilot programme includes 500 mini-bus taxis that will be branded as “Moja Cruise” taxis, with 150 taxis already enrolled in the programme. These taxis will adhere to certain criteria to offer a clean, safe, efficient, customer-oriented service to the public. The vehicles will be monitored to ensure that these criteria are met in order to qualify for the financial incentive.
Speaking at the “go live” launch, which was attended by the leadership of the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council and participants of the programme, the EXCO member and Chairperson for the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Mondli Mthembu said that the aim of the programme was to proactively empower the mini-bus taxi industry at all levels, to progress their businesses, and to support the development of the industry towards a more formal and scheduled service structure aimed at providing better levels of services and safety to commuters and improving overall public transport in the City.
Commenting on the EMTC’s collaboration with the city, the Chairperson of the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council, Mr B M Nzuza said, “Being experienced public transport operators, we understand and acknowledge the need for a more customer-orientated service that meets the needs of the commuters. By working in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality, we have been able to offer our expertise and understanding in a consultative and collaborative process, to find positive and workable solutions to the challenges that we face as businesses, and they face as government. We all look forward to seeing the programme work, and to an improved service and business model for our constituents.”
Giving a keynote address, eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Zandile Gumede congratulated eThekwini Officials and the EMTC, affirming the City’s vision of “Durban being the most caring and liveable City by 2030”. “It goes without saying that accountability and compliance in terms of moving forward with public transport is vital, however an improved customer-focused service means better business and stimulation for the economy. As government, the more we can drive the economy forward to create opportunities, the better it is for the citizens of this country.”
Affirming the bold move by the City and the EMTC, Cllr Zandile Gumede said, “National Government DOT and KZNDOT will be monitoring the progress of this innovative programme to bring the mini-bus taxi sector into the fold, and we have great hopes that it will significantly shift the current public transport offerings to our citizens, and act as a model that could be rolled out around the country.”
The pilot programme will run for six-months and will include 500 vehicles. The 150 taxis involved in today’s parade have already been enrolled in the programme. The number of taxis will increase to 6000 once the pilot is assessed and Council approves the full adoption of the programme.
The fees for trips in the taxis, will not differ from that of non-branded taxis, and they will continue to operate in their licensed routes as per usual.
Commuters will eventually be able to rate their trips in a Moja Cruise taxi as part of the overall offering to ensure that the relevant criteria are met by the taxi owner and the driver.
October
2018Formerly a professional rider for the Kargo Pro MTB Team, Siya has a wealth of racing experience. He has completed the gruelling Absa Cape Epic three times (2011, 2012, 2013), not to mention the Sani2C and a host of other marathons. As head coach of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy, Siya is able to transfer his knowledge and skills to the other coaches, as well as the young athletes.
“I have learnt a lot from working with Shaun (Peschl),” explains Siya. “He taught me how to wake up early and train every day before work.”
Siya oversees the general operations of the bike programme, ensuring that the bikes are functioning optimally and that there are sufficient spares for repairs, and supporting the coaches at each GO!Durban Cycle Academy bike park.
One of Siya’s big dreams for the future is to have our riders experience the Absa Cape Epic and someday win the Exxaro Development Jersey.
“I am very proud of our riders who are performing well at the races and even being selected to ride for KZN,” says Siya. “I am also especially proud of the girls who have started competing this year and winning races. They are great role models for the rest of the kids in their communities who can follow their example and also learn to ride a bike. It is exciting to have new female riders joining the academy and seeing their improvement every week.”
However, despite the great results on the bike, the most important thing for Siya is creating a safe haven for the kids in the community at the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.
“The academy is keeping the kids off the street and giving them a place to go that is like home; where they can be themselves and have access to opportunities.”
“My advice to the kids is to listen to their coaches when they offer advice, to learn from their own mistakes, ask questions and keep moving forward!”
October
2018
It’s a wrap on the 2018 Spur Schools MTB League and what a year it was!
Thanks to our new VW Crafter Van from Hoopers VW, we were able to transport more riders to the provincial races this year, including primary school kids and girls, which marked an important milestone for the academy. During the season we achieved seven podium finishes, five of those in the female categories.
Overall in the KZN series, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy was placed 3rd on the High School log and 6th on the Primary School log. Two of our riders, Mncendisi Mkhize (Northwood High School) and Sanele Mkhunya (Bheki High School) were selected to represent KZN at the national finals event in Magaliesburg on the 5th and 6th of October, which provided another great opportunity for the boys to be exposed to a national level of riding and also to socialise with riders from other schools and provinces.
“The Spur Schools MTB League is always a highlight on our calendar and we are very proud of all our riders who participated this year,” says Shaun Peschl, Programme Director of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy. “A huge well done and congratulations to our deserving coaches who work tirelessly throughout the season to get the riders race-ready and co-ordinate logistics on race day. We also wish to thank Tim Keep, KZN Schools MTB and Spur Sports for making the series possible and for sponsoring the entries for our riders this season,” Shaun concludes.
Race 1
Race 3
Race 4
October
2018It was an exciting day for four KwaMashu moms as they braved the Durban roads on two wheels for their first cycle race on Sunday, 21 October 2018. With the help of their Coach, Thobani Bhengu – who has been training them for two months leading up to the big event and riding the race alongside them on his BMX – the ladies successfully completed the 35km route of the Amashova Classic!
“One of the goals of the adult coaching programme is to build confidence in the riders to compete in races,” explains Thobani. “The ladies did very well for their first event, there were no mechanicals or injuries and we had a lot of fun along the route – they were even dancing when we stopped at the water tables!”
Their commitment to the classes and hard work is already paying off and, with a little bit more training, Thobani is confident that the riders will be able to take on longer and more technical races soon.
“I am so proud of the ladies for completing this challenge. Their fitness has improved a lot and we will continue training to be ready for the next one!”
October
2018
Businesses, residents, motorists and commuters in Durban’s central CBD are to be mindful that Dr Pixley KaSeme Street (formerly West) will be closed to traffic from Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (formerly Grey) where the N3 intersects, up to Samora Machel Street (formerly Aliwal) at the City Hall on Monday, 29 October from 8:30am to 09:30 . Thereafter, limited lanes on Dr Pixley Kaseme Street outside the City Hall will be available from 09:30 to 11:30.
The closure is to enable a parade of 150 Mini-Bus Taxis through the central CBD to the City Hall, to mark the beginning of the City’s public transport transformation.
Last year in October the Ethekwini Municipality launched its Taxi Incentive Scheme, named Moja Cruise, an innovative programme aimed at uplifting the Mini-Bus Taxi Industry and improving their business operations.
The scheme was designed in collaboration with the Ethekwini Management Taxi Council (EMTC) – the official partner of the programme, and includes, improved customer care, assures roadworthy vehicles and promotes better driving.
Whilst the parade is taking place, Metro police will indicate alternate routes for motorists, however, citizens should also be mindful of a longer commute time on the roads that the vehicles will travel on to get to Dr Pixley KaSeme Street. The route the vehicles will take to the start of the parade is from the ICC into Bram Fischer Road, left into Soldier’s Way, then right into Monty Naicker and left into Yusuf Dadoo and left into Dr Pixley KaSeme Street.
October
2018
As construction of another dedicated bus lane for the GO!Durban integrated public transport network starts this month (October 2018) on the M21 from the intersection with the MR577 in Newlands to Springfield Park, businesses, residents and schools are asked to take note of the areas under construction, and any traffic accommodation and deviations that may come into effect as a result.
This route, called Corridor 1 (C1) is part of the overall network that eThekwini Municipality is rolling out over a number of years to improve public transport for all. At present the first route, called C3, is nearing completion from Pinetown to Bridge City via the MR577 and this C1 route will eventually connect the MR577 to the CBD via Springfield Park. The C1 construction will be divided into two phases: C1A from the MR577 to Springfield and C1B from Springfield to the CBD. Construction will only begin this month on the C1A section, as is expected to take 24 months.
“We are asking people who live, work and visit this area to be mindful of the construction for their own safety and the safety of those working on the roads,” says Thami Manyathi, Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority. “Of course, we know that any construction on an existing roadway creates delays, and is often inconvenient and frustrating for those who use the roads, and live or work alongside. We ask for people’s patience, and understanding as we strive to improve public transport for all, and ultimately upgrade the existing roadway, which will undoubtedly have positive outcomes for all living and working here. We recommend that during this construction phase that people make plans to start their journey earlier, and to possibly look at alternate routes. We also recommend that all valuables are kept out of sight of opportunistic criminals, who often take advantage of the slow moving traffic to target unsuspecting commuters.”
Members of the public using the M21 between the MR577 and Springfield Park are advised that traffic will be slower than usual, roadways will be narrowed to allow for construction, and to be mindful that there are heavy construction vehicles in operation.
The eThekwini Transport Authority has already been engaging with affected wards to explain the plans, and will host two further community engagements. These take place on Sunday, 21 October from 2 to 4pm at the David Landau Hall, Asherville for Ward 25 and on Monday, 22 October from 10am to 12 noon at the Greenwood Park Hall, 726 Chris Hani Road, Greenwood Park for Ward 34.
For more information or to keep up to date on construction and road deviation/ accommodation plans go to godurban.local:8890 or follow us on Twitter/ Facebook and Instagram.
October
2018Construction to upgrade and expand the M13 and Essex Terrace interchange in Ward 30 in Westville will begin in October this year.
According to the eThekwini Transport Authority, traffic on this interchange has increased significantly due to new developments (residential, office and shopping) that have taken place and other future developments that will take place in this area. In order to support a more fluid and efficient traffic flow through this area, the bridge on the M13 over Lincoln Terrace will be extended on both east and west bound carriageways. The on and off ramps will also be upgraded, extended and realigned to accommodate current and expected increase in traffic.
Devon Terrace, Lincoln Terrace, Latina Place, and Essex Terrace will also be realigned and form part of this construction contract.
Traffic accommodation plans will be in place in order to minimize the inconvenience to those using the roads in the area, and some deviations are expected.
“We ask that people who live, work and visit this area be mindful of the construction for their own safety and the safety of those working on the roads,” says Thami Manyathi, Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority. “We ask for people’s patience, and understanding as we strive to improve our road infrastructure.”
The ETA advises that commuter/ drivers using these routes start their journeys earlier, and to look at alternate routes. Notifications of deviations will be posted on the GO!Durban and eThekwini Municipality Twitter and Facebook accounts.
A community engagement to explain and outline the construction plans will take place at the Truro Hall, Meerut Road in Westville on Tuesday, 16 October at 7pm. All are welcome.
Construction is expected to take around 20 months.
October
2018
Mncendisi Mkhize (Middle) with his aunt and uncle.
Mncendisi Mkhize produced stellar performances on the bike at this year’s KZN Spur Schools MTB League, which resulted in his selection to represent the province at the national finals in Gauteng on the 5th and 6th of October 2018.
On Tuesday night, he was awarded “Cyclist of the Year” for Northwood School in Durban North where he enrolled at the beginning of the third term on a scholarship from the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.
“I feel very happy to win this award, it means so much to me. I’m proud to be representing Northwood School and the GO!Durban Cycle Academy at the Spur Schools MTB League Inter-Schools Finals next week,” says Mncendisi.
Mncendisi says he wasn’t expecting to be selected this year because the competition during the season was much tougher than last year where he also qualified for the national finals. This is his first year competing in the Youth category (age 15 – 16), and he is both nervous and excited for the weekend of racing.
“I think I have an advantage now because I know what to expect at the finals. But I will have to stay focused and be mentally prepared for the challenge.”
Mncendisi will be joined by his GO!Durban Cycle Academy teammate Sanele Mkhunya from Bheki High School in Inanda. Sanele competes in the Sub-Junior boys category and this will be his first time racing in the national finals.
“It is very exciting for us to see Mncendisi continuing to excel in the sport, while also adjusting to his new school environment at Northwood,” says Shaun Peschl, Programme Director of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy. “We are also proud of Sanele’s selection to the Spur Schools MTB League National finals. This validates the success and sustainability of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy programme as we strive to give more riders the opportunity to be on the start line and to produce athletes who can compete at the highest level.”
Coach Siya Njiva will accompany the KZN contingent as a chaperone in the team support crew.
“Mncendisi is much stronger now than he was last year,” says Siya. “I’m excited for the finals, I think he’s going to do well and it’s a great opportunity for him to get more national racing experience. We are focusing on training for the next week to make sure he’s ready.”
After the school holidays, the focus will shift to his school work with the aim of successfully passing his Grade 8 exams in November.
