Celani Sikhakhane brings the latest news from Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Newcastle – The Alliance Secretariat led by the ANC in KZN is worried about the impending closure of the Newcastle furnace of ArcelorMittal (Amsa). They claim that the closure will result in the loss of over 1,300 direct jobs, with an estimated 2,200 indirect jobs at risk in the surrounding communities. “This will exacerbate the already dire unemployment situation in KwaZulu-Natal and particularly in the rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. The economic spin-offs of the closure will be felt far and wide, with local businesses, suppliers, and service providers also facing financial ruin,” the secretariat said.
Zululand – The Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, has visited several schools in Zululand district to witness first-hand the challenges facing rural schools. She was accompanied by MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane. The delegation visited Zamimpilo Special School and Ivungu High School in Ward 2 KwaCeza, under the uLundi Municipality, as part of the School Functionality and Monitoring Programme. Boyce said: “Part of the objectives of the programme is to identify and address functionality challenges facing our schooling system, and provide support in addressing the challenges facing specifically poor-performing schools.”
Msunduzi – The DA in the Msunduzi local municipality has submitted a motion calling for the municipality to review and ultimately terminate a R27-million sponsorship for the Royal AM football club. Councillor Reggie Khanyile said the municipality cannot continue supporting a business facing serious legal proceedings, including allegations of tax evasion. “Non-compliance with tax laws and deliberate tax evasion are criminal offences that should not be taken lightly by any municipal authority,” he said.
Pictured above: ANC KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo and SACP secretary in the province Themba Mthembu.
Source: X
