As part of the transport month activities, the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) held its 8th Annual Conference at the Durban International Convention Centre on Tuesday, 19 October 2021.  This year’s conference was hosted under the theme: New World Transportation: Resilient, Efficient and Innovative through leadership and collaboration.

Led by the Head ETA, Thami Manyathi, the multi-seminar and networking conference was attended by approximately 130 ETA staff members. 

The conference provides the opportunity to reflect on the unit’s achievements and successes, as well as some of the challenges and service delivery issues that are being addressed in very creative and innovative ways. This platform is a safe environment for staff across all levels of the ETA to exchange ideas and impart knowledge so we can advance delivery in the city

Thami Manyathi

The programme responded to challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, economic growth, social change, demographics and the need to become more sustainable.

Staff deliberated on a range of topics presented by their colleagues including: Traffic Signal Innovations; Incident Management for GO!Durban; Transit-Oriented Development; Second Access to the Port of Durban; The Impact of Covid-19 and 4th Industrial Revolution on Transport and Road Safety for scholars.

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Ten students from the GO!Durban Academy in Inanda received their national colours at the South African Championships of the Performing Arts (SACOP) held in Rustenburg, in the North West from 1 to 10 October.

The talented students performed in the categories of singing, dancing, and acting and returned home with a tally of 20 medals (15 gold, four silver and one bronze). They also won the highest award of the competition, the Grand Champion Group Award. Furthermore, they have all qualified to be part of Team South Africa to represent the country at the World Championships in Los Angeles in July 2022.

These young stars from Inanda have been trained and developed by the GO!Durban Musical Theatre Programme, a youth development initiative by the eThekwini Transport Authority. The programme is a branch of the GO!Durban Academy and offers free weekly classes in singing, acting, and dancing in the communities of Inanda, KwaMashu and KwaDabeka.

Since starting in 2018, the programme has grown from strength to strength, unearthing new talent and producing stars in the performing arts. There are currently 85 youth enrolled across the three locations. The programme employs 20 local coaches, administrative staff, and interns.

In addition to musical theatre training, the Academy also stages bi-annual performances in communities.

Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority Thami Manyathi said the team’s achievement is testament to the hard work over the past three years to build the programme into the successful youth development academy that it is today.

“These young stars are ambassadors not only for the City, but KwaZulu-Natal. We are extremely proud of them. Their triumph will serve as a beacon of hope in their community and will pave the way for future students who aspire to be part of the performing arts,” he said.

Issued by eThekwini Communications unit. For media enquiries contact Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela 060 966 4220

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