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eThekwini Municipality Launches GO!Durban Cycle Academy in partnership with Kargo PRO Cycling Team

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In an unprecedented move to support the growing need for increased mobility, connectivity and dignity for all citizens in the metropole, the eThekwini Municipality, today (February 11), launched the GO!Durban Cycle Academy in a public-private partnership with the Kargo PRO Cycling Team with support from the City’s Durban Green Corridor.

The inaugural intake of young cyclists from the eNanda area, where the first site for the Academy at eNanda Adventure Park is being developed, were introduced as well as the 2016 Kargo PRO Cycling Team: its riders, coaches, mentors and managers who have designed and will implement the Academy’s development strategy and operational programme to be used as the template for 7 other sites around the city.

The GO!Durban Cycle Academy provides an environment for local cycling training which also aims to bring young people together to meet, play and engage with each other using the sport of cycling as the common focus, whether it be for recreational, commuting or sporting purposes.

Importantly the Academy, which will focus on individual growth, is linked as an official feeder for professional cycling teams like the Kargo PRO Cycling Team, and provides a developmental opportunity for potential cycling talent.

The programme planned for Academy members will include requisite athletic training, but will also include important life skills-, mechanical- and technical training. The recruits will be required to sign a pledge to commit to the programme, adhere to a code of conduct, and will be expected to set a good example for their peers. Training will take place after school, and the young athletes will be required to complete their homework at the Academy site, as well as ensure their equipment and cycling kit is clean and maintained at all times.

The Durban Green Corridor has identified locations that have potential as Academy sites, and eight are confirmed in KwaMashu, KwaDabeka, eNanda, Cornubia, South Beach, Glenwood, Umlazi and Amanzimtoti.

In partnering with the Durban Green Corridor, GO!Durban is able to reach into local communities throughout eThekwini in a practical and sustainable way to promote recreational and commuter cycling for a healthy lifestyle and to reduce the transport related carbon footprint of the eThekwini population. The Durban Green Corridor is mandated to develop outdoor adventure sports and related tourism through natural open spaces in order to promote local economic development and job creation in the neighbouring communities, and as such makes a natural partner to develop cycle parks to support the development programme of the Academy, as well as providing safe spaces for citizens to learn to ride.

Put in context, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy forms the foundation for the creation of a robust cycling culture, as the City forges ahead with its planned GO!Durban integrated rapid public transport network. Intrinsically linked to this is the provision of walkways, pedestrian bridges and cycling lanes primarily as a means to provide access to public transport, but also to make provision for those, who, through circumstance, were unable to afford it.

The 2016 Kargo PRO Cycling Team at the GO!Durban Cycle Academy launch that took place at the Gateway on 11 February. The Kargo PRO Cycling Team and coaches will mentor and coach the Academy cyclists.

The 2016 Kargo PRO Cycling Team at the GO!Durban Cycle Academy launch that took place at the Gateway on 11 February. The Kargo PRO Cycling Team and coaches will mentor and coach the Academy cyclists.

It was out of this that the Non-Motorised Transport  (NMT) network plan was born, and the City’s engineers have an extensive plan to create cycle lanes and walkways throughout the urban and peri-urban sectors of the city as part of the overall public transport plan.

In 2014, as part of a plan to promote the NMT network at the Sustainable Living Expo, GO!Durban created a Believe Tree – a tree made from old bicycle parts, asking visitors to the expo to write their hopes and wishes for the future of the City, on a paper leaf and hang it on this tree. GO!Durban promised to plant a tree for every wish hung, to offset for the negative impact that infrastructure may have on the environment such as the tons of concrete and asphalt laid, or the need to remove trees to make way for roads. More than 2000 leaves “wishes” were hung, with most expressing a desire for safer, greener, more sustainable and liveable City.

On the back of these wishes, a Ride for Life concept arose which would lead to the creation of cycle parks, in which these trees could be planted, fulfilling the promise GO!Durban had made, and at the same time providing citizens with the space and opportunity to cycle and learn to cycle.

From this foundation and thinking arose the GO!Durban  Cycle Academy. “To this end a number of green environments will be re-configured for the homing of Academy facilities and riders, to fulfill that original promise and to fully realize the goal that the City takes sustainability, and importantly, takes the creation of a better life for all very seriously.”  said the Speaker Cllr Logie Naidoo speaking on behalf of His Worship the Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo.

“One of the important cogs towards building a successful Non Motorised Network, is having it adopted and used.  As we do not have a rigorous culture of cycling, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy development programme speaks directly to addressing this obvious gap. And that is why through our Ride for Life programme, eight such spaces are being created to home the Cycle Academy in a variety of communities to encourage people to cycle.”

“These pioneering young Academy cyclists herald a bright future for others that will come after them. As they are mentored, coached and nurtured with dignity and respect, they will learn skills that will hold them in great stead for their adulthoods.

But it is not only this. As with the ethos of GO!Durban, which aims to bring dignity and connectivity to all through mobility, the Academy also aims to provide connectivity for young people by linking them with a professional cycling team so that they are able to cross the historical barriers of the past, and have access to a world and environment that would ordinarily have been inaccessible.”

“If we are indeed to be Africa’s most caring and liveable city by 2030, we need to ensure that there is improved mobility for all, and that transport is an integral part of the economic and social functioning that will move us all forward socially and economically. This is what GO!Durban seeks to address.”

“As other cities around the world have experienced, the growth of a cycling culture impacts positively on communities as not only does it provide an affordable means of commuting, but it promotes a healthy lifestyle and contributes towards creating a more sustainable city.”

“From an empowerment point of view, it is hoped that the Academy will create employment opportunities as well as stimulate entrepreneurial economic growth within the areas where they are established, as people recognize the need for repair shops, eateries, training schools and attendant services related to cycling both from a commuter and recreational perspective.”

“The GO!Durban Academy promises to create an environment for entrepreneurship and the stimulation for small business growth. We urge the eNanda community to get involved, and not to watch from the sidelines. Look at this as an opportunity to develop a vibrant economic and socially satisfying node. At the same time, we encourage other communities where sites are planned to think how they can get involved.”

“We hope to, through this partnership, inspire young people to focus on achievable goals in their life, as we develop their self-confidence through sport, and in doing so develop in them a mind-set of success.” says Shaun Peschl, Manager of the Kargo PRO Cycling Team. “We believe that it is through development programmes such as this, that we can truly level the playing fields for those who have had many barriers to entry into the sport. The success of the partnership will be evident in how the children fare at school, at home and on the track as they develop their skills as young athletes. And we look forward to witnessing the entrepreneurial economic knock-on effect that these Academy sites will stimulate as the culture of cycling catches on.”

Speaker of the eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Logie Naidoo and William Newman President of Cycling South Africa, eNanda Adventure Park manager Nhlanhla Sibiya and Shaun Peschl owner/manager of the Kargo team with the Kargo PRO Cycling Team welcome the eNanda Cyclists into the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.

Speaker of the eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Logie Naidoo and William Newman President of Cycling South Africa, eNanda Adventure Park manager Nhlanhla Sibiya and Shaun Peschl owner/manager of the Kargo team with the Kargo PRO Cycling Team welcome the eNanda Cyclists into the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.

 

The Kargo PRO Cycling Team, as the inaugural partners in developing the GO!Durban Cycle Academy template and programme, have been gathering other partners and sponsors into the fold that will provide transport, nutritional and mechanical support, hardware and kit to help sustain the Academy.

The Mayor called on the private sector to “seize the opportunity to get on board now to be part of what promises to be a phenomenal social legacy, a potentially lucrative economic springboard for entrepreneurs, as well as new markets for formal business that will benefit in the long term from a developed culture of cycling in the city.”

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Events

ZA Fest with KAMERS/Makers A Resounding Success

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Under the inviting African sun in the undulating hills of the Manor House in Salt Rock, ZA Fest 2024 with KAMERS/Makers was a spectacular hit, drawing over 9,000 enthusiastic festival goers for the 4-day event. From 14 – 17 June 2024, KAMERS/Makers made their first appearance in KwaZulu-Natal, and apart from the foot stomping performances of the Ndlovu Youth Choir and Johnny Clegg on Saturday 16th June – the artisanal market was a standout feature of the festival.

This bespoke artisanal ‘ZA’ shopping experience enriched the festival with its diverse offerings and showcased a variety of incredibly talented South African artisans. Visitors were greeted with a diverse array of handcrafted goods, jewellery, art, clothing, bags, and more. Jeremy Doveton-Helps from KAMERS/Makers, shared, “We were nervous, we didn’t know what to expect with this being our first foray into KZN and wow! What a great 4 days we had at the Manor House. The ZA Fest organisers were such a great team. We enjoyed the best winter weather you can find in South Africa with great people, smiles, sunshine and shopping. To sum it up in 4 words, ‘we will be back’!”

The festival was blessed with four days of glorious sunshine, boasting an average temperature of 25 degrees in mid-winter. Visual artists displayed some of South Africa’s best talent, featuring vibrant oils, delicate watercolours, ethnic art, and stunning photography. “We were ecstatic about the turnout and the overwhelming support from our amazing KZN community,” said Evan Roberts, ZA Fest co-Founder. “The success of ZA Fest 2024 is a testament to the vibrant spirit of our visitors and the dedication of everyone involved. We’re excited to see how the festival has positively affected the local economy and supported creative spaces around KZN”.

On the 16th of June, the festival featured electrifying performances by Jesse Clegg, the Ndlovu Youth Choir, the talented singer-songwriter Jemma Kate and her troupe of dancers, as well as a captivating performance by the cast of ‘Dream On, A Poppins Tale of Joseph’, featuring talented youths from various schools across the province making up the Young Performers Project (YPP). A notable highlight was the Ndlovu Youth Choir performance. As they took to the stage, their rhythmic dancing and powerful voices resonated deeply with the audience, with the almost 4000 strong crowd being brought to their feet and mesmerised by the ‘ZA’ magic with each song that followed. East Coast Radio presenter Danny Guselli infused the festival with his infectious energy as the Master of Ceremonies, acknowledging the impressive crowd and honouring all father’s at this year’s event. Local musicians, including The Kickstands, Freddy L, the KZN Youth Wind Band, Tara Blake, Matt Davies and Tim Lewis, flew the flag high, keeping visitors entertained throughout the festival.

Adding to the stellar entertainment, ZA Fest partnered with local brands to further enhance festival-goers’ experience. East Coast Radio was the official broadcast media partner, who added to the festival’s dynamic atmosphere with an engaging outside-broadcast by Shaina-Rae on Saturday, 15th June, capturing the excitement and bringing the festival’s vibrant energy to a broader audience. Seaton Estate showed unwavering support to the event as a sponsor and helped to showcase the best of what the North Coast has to offer. An added bonus was the presence of the REMAX hot air balloon which gave locals a chance to enjoy the spectacular Manor House setting from a bird’s eye view as the sun began its decent. Hampshire Hotel sponsored the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s accommodation, providing the charismatic musical troupe with much needed comfort and rest after their electric ZA Fest performance. The festival also featured a South African hand-crafted gin bar where each flavour was an African masterpiece, from the “Wild Blossom” and the “Lost Oasis” gin beverages to the powdery Turkish delight rose salivating taste buds across the festival.

While the festival was a joyous occasion for those who attended it, the tickets purchased also went towards a worthy cause with a percentage of sales being donated to Gift of the Givers and their support relief efforts in the Tongaat area that had been very badly impacted by the recent tornado. “Our commitment to supporting the local community and helping those in need goes beyond what happens on stage,” Roberts reflected. “Seeing the local community and businesses rally together to support our neighbouring community of Tongaat was truly heartwarming. We’re proud to contribute to the relief efforts and assist in rebuilding what has been lost. This is where the saying ‘Ubuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu’ becomes more than just words, but rather a way of life”.

With a perfect blend of world-class entertainment, a bespoke artisanal market, and family-friendly activities, and magnificent KZN winter weather – the ZA Fest 2024 set a new standard for events in the region. The magic of ZA Fest will undoubtedly return next year, promising even more excitement and community spirit – so make sure to save the date for 13 – 16 June 2025. “The infrastructure and staging that our partners, Extreme Events put up was truly world-class without a single security or safety issue reported over the full four days. Furthermore, without the support of Collins Residential through the venue and other funding contributed – we simply could not have achieved an event of this calibre. Festivals like this are powerful unifying moments for South Africans during uncertain times. Art and music, as expressions of human creativity and emotion have the extraordinary ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, resonating deeply within everyone. We are so grateful to all of our partners and each and every person that came out to support this inspiring event,” concluded Roberts.

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Art

I heart Market moves to Ballito’s Sugar Rush Park

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In time for the Festive Season KZN’s much-loved I heart Market makes a new permanent home up the North Coast at popular family entertainment venue – Sugar Rush Park in Ballito – with the season dates confirmed for 3, 10, 17 December 2022 and 7 January 2023 from 08:30 to 14:00.

Situated next to Collisheen Estate, Sugar Rush Park is a hive of family-friendly activities. It serves as an activity hub and the base for Holla Trails – a network of biking, running or walking trails that go through the sugar cane fields.

Sugar Rush Park, also has a restaurant -Food Fundi, a kids’ play area, mini-train, the Ndlondlo reptile park, The Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course and Park Run every Saturday morning.

Anna Savage, the market’s owner /manager explains the move, “The I heart Market is a local business hub, and our business is based on the success of small business enterprises. We have an obligation to provide the best sales opportunity for our traders and at the same time create a relaxed, fun day out for everyone.”

“As a result, we have made a  bold decision to move to Ballito, as we needed to find a venue that could provide us with the security of a long-term lease, and a vibrant well-kept venue that has additional family-friendly activities that our customers can enjoy. We have found the perfect venue at Sugar Rush Park. We realize that this move is a big jump in terms of location and that it may be far for some of our regular customers. But we can guarantee a great day out to those who can travel north, and make  a day of it by taking advantage of the other activities available.”

The I heart Market has a reputation for supporting artisanal crafters, artists, and traders, offering fine, handmade goods that include jewellery, accessories, leather goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, clothing, deli foods bakery goods including breads, pastries, cookies and cakes, and a delicious range of eat in foods. Echoing the market’s name, the goods on offer are made with love, dedication to the craft, and personal integrity.

“Sugar Rush Park is excited to welcome the I heart Market to our activity hub. Celebrating and supporting small creative local businesses is vital to the local economy and has a special role to play post covid.  We invite our customers and Ballito locals to support this initiative and enjoy the fine products.” Nick Jordan, partner at Sugar Rush.

According to Anna Savage, the market will continue to trade throughout the year on the first Saturday of every month. There is secure parking and entrance is free.

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com

 

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News

Best University in South Africa

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Best University in South Africa According to Center for World University Rankings

The best university in South Africa for 2012-2022 was declared by The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). CWUR publishes the only academic ranking of global universities that assesses the quality of education, alumni employment, quality of faculty, and research performance without relying on surveys and university data submissions.

Top 12 South African Universities

National Rank World Rank University Quality of Education Rank Alumni Employment Rank Research Performance Rank Overall Score
1 269 UCT 180 260 252 77.3
2 292 Wits 190 98 329 76.9
3 435 Stellies 187 455 74.9
4 483 UKZN 491 375 480 74.3
5 580 UP Tuks 778 548 73.3
6 674 UJ 1035 642 72.5
7 924 NWU 879 70.7
8 1163 UFS 1107 69.3
9 1239 UWC 1175 68.9
10 1313 Rhodes 375 900 1269 68.5
11 1416 UNISA 955 1351 68.1
12 1631 NMU 1279 1559 67.1

Center for World University Rankings Methodology

CWUR uses seven objective and robust indicators grouped into four areas to rank the world’s universities:

  1. Quality of Education, measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have won major academic distinctions relative to the university’s size (25%)
  2. Alumni Employment, measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have held top executive positions at the world’s largest companies relative to the university’s size (25%)
  3. Quality of Faculty, measured by the number of faculty members who have won major academic distinctions (10%)
  4. Research Performance:
    1. Research Output, measured by the total number of research papers (10%)
    2. High-Quality Publications, measured by the number of research papers appearing in top-tier journals (10%)
    3. Influence, measured by the number of research papers appearing in highly-influential journals (10%)
    4. Citations, measured by the number of highly-cited research papers (10%)

Article shared from CWUR Website

Best University in South Africa’s Websites:

UCT – University of Cape Town

University Websites:

UCT – University of Cape Town
Wits – University of Witwatersrand
Stellies – Stellenbosch University
UKZN – University of KwaZulu-Natal
UP Tuks – University of Pretoria
UJ – University of Johannesburg
NWU – North-West University
UFS – University of Free State
UWC – University of Western Cape
Rhodes – Rhodes University
UNISA – University of South Africa
NMU – Nelson Mandela University

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