East Coast Mail (2025)

26/07/2025

Tongaat Child Welfare seeks support to get back on its feet
Despite devastating flooding that washed out their flagship annual Charity Fair, Tongaat Child and Family Welfare has refused to let hardship stand in the way of serving the community — honouring Mandela Day with compassion and rallying support through a series of fundraisers to recover from their losses.
Speaking on behalf of the welfare, social worker Fee Dawood said the flood damage, which occurred the night before the much-anticipated Charity Fair, destroyed the event grounds, infrastructure, and equipment, leaving the organisation in desperate need of financial assistance.
“Since the flood, we’ve been doing everything possible to raise funds. We’re calling this our Recovery Benefit Fundraiser Series because it’s truly about survival and rebuilding.”
One of the first events in this recovery effort was a Barnyard fundraiser held on 27 June, which kickstarted their momentum leading into Mandela Day on Friday, 18 July. Refusing to cancel their Mandela Day outreach despite limited resources and no major sponsors, the team made a heartfelt appeal to supporters — and the response was overwhelming.
“Through generous cash and in-kind donations, we were able to reach our full target,” said Dawood. “That’s 107 winter care hampers, each with 19 essential items listed on our donation poster, 107 pillows and blankets, and 107 sets of scarves, beanies, and socks — all distributed to our clients, who are among the most vulnerable in our society.”
In addition, the team prepared soup from 7am on Mandela Day morning and distributed 200 cups of hot soup and 200 loaves of bread at the Tongaat Community Health Centre, providing relief to patients and families.
“Those ingredients were all sponsored, and the smiles we saw made it so worth the early start,” Dawood added.
The day also included a special treat for 50 children, who were sponsored to attend the circus — a moment of joy and wonder for many who seldom have such opportunities.
“These aren’t just numbers — these are lives we’re trying to uplift every single day,” Dawood said.
“As an NPO, we rely entirely on donor funding to keep delivering services like child protection, counselling, food relief, and family support.”
She said Tongaat Child and Family Welfare extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, volunteers, and well-wishers whose generosity and support made their Mandela Day initiatives and ongoing recovery efforts possible.
With the loss of the Charity Fair revenue still looming, the organisation is now focusing on an urgent upcoming fundraiser: the Recovery Benefit Gold Cup, set to take place on 27 July at the HollywoodBets Greyville Racecourse.
“We’re calling on the community to support us by buying tickets or making contributions,” urged Dawood. “Every rand goes towards continuing the vital work we do.”
Looking ahead, they are also planning a Recovery Benefit Concert in August to further aid their efforts.
To purchase tickets or support the cause, contact Tongaat Child and Family Welfare at [email protected] or 032 944 1514.

26/07/2025

eThekwini Municipality dragged to court over failures to fix wastewater plants
After years of environmental degradation and public outcry, the ongoing sewage crisis in eThekwini has reached a legal boiling point, with a landmark case brought by ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) set to be heard in the Durban High Court this Thursday and Friday.
The case, which centres on the municipality’s repeated failure to maintain critical wastewater infrastructure, could have lasting implications for the future of Durban’s coastline, rivers, and communities — including popular local beaches and rivers in Tongaat such as Westbrook and La Mercy and the Tongaat River and its tributaries, which have been intermittently closed due to unsafe E. coli levels in the water.
The legal fight began in 2022 when ActionSA filed court papers arguing that eThekwini Municipality’s mismanagement of sewage treatment works and pipelines constituted a violation of residents’ constitutional rights — particularly their rights to a safe environment and access to economic opportunities tied to tourism and coastal activity.
In 2024, the DA launched its own application in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The two matters were eventually consolidated to be heard in Durban, allowing for greater coordination and a more forceful legal argument.
The extent of the problem is staggering. Around 75% of eThekwini’s 27 sewage treatment plants are dysfunctional, discharging an estimated 761 million litres of raw or partially treated sewage into rivers and the ocean each day. This ongoing contamination has led to repeated closures of beaches across the metro, including those in Tongaat. Westbrook and La Mercy, once popular for holidaymakers and local families, have been flagged numerous times due to dangerous water quality, affecting not only leisure activities but the local economy that depends on tourism.
Residents from neighbourhoods such as Overport, Cato Manor, and Mariannhill live with the constant stench of untreated waste spilling into their homes and streets. River systems like the Umgeni and Molweni have suffered significant pollution, with bans on fishing and water-based recreation becoming common. The environmental damage is compounded by the health hazards, with several cases of waterborne illness reported over the past two years.
The legal action seeks to compel the municipality to adopt and implement a detailed, court-approved turnaround strategy.
ActionSA is demanding that the court declare eThekwini’s actions — or lack thereof — unconstitutional and require a binding action plan with strict timelines.
The DA, on the other hand, is focusing on enforcing a plan that was previously approved by the court in 2023 but has allegedly seen little follow-through. Tensions between the two parties have surfaced, with ActionSA accusing the DA of delaying progress and the DA insisting that ActionSA disrupted earlier proceedings by submitting excessive documentation just before a scheduled court date.
In a joint statement, ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont and KZN provincial chair Zwakele Mncwango said “following long‑term failures to resolve its sewage crisis, ActionSA filed papers in 2022 … It is clear … that the eThekwini Municipality has not resolved this issue and is indifferent to the constitutional violations of the rights of its residents.”
The DA, having funded its legal battle independently, emphasises its commitment to forcing accountability. DA KZN chair Dean Macpherson said “our much‑awaited court case against the eThekwini municipality on the sewage crisis will be held … The DA-led court case will be a seminal moment for the people of eThekwini … We are the only party that has ensured this case is fully funded by the DA.”
Meanwhile, criminal investigations into the municipality’s environmental conduct are already under way.
Since 2022, at least three cases have been opened against eThekwini for violating the National Environmental Management Act. These cases underline the seriousness of the issue, highlighting systemic non-compliance and neglect.
A related challenge lies in the widespread illegal sewer connections from informal settlements, which have overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure.
More than 16,600 illegal connections have been identified, but fewer than 3,000 have been removed, with enforcement having largely stalled since 2020.
Tourism, one of Durban’s economic lifelines, has taken a devastating blow. From a high of 15 million visitors in 2015, the city now attracts fewer than 800,000 tourists annually — a drop widely attributed to the sewage pollution and beach closures. Community advocacy groups like Save Our Rivers and Sea from Sewage have stepped in to raise awareness and fund independent water quality testing, often doing the work the city has neglected.
With the court date here, hopes are high that the judiciary will finally force a reckoning. If the court finds in favour of the applicants, the municipality may be compelled to act or face legal consequences, including potential jail time for senior officials who fail to comply. However, the DA has warned that even a successful judgment could lead to lengthy appeals, meaning tangible change might still be years away.

26/07/2025

No water and now - no tankers
Communities in northern eThekwini, including Tongaat and Verulam, continue to suffer from severe water shortages exasperated by suspended private water tanker services.
The crisis, sparked by delayed payments to private service providers, has left many residents without access to water, with some now relying on good Samaritans for survival.
eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has called on all municipal officials to urgently tighten controls over the management of private water tankers, including fast-tracking the processing of legitimate outstanding invoices.
His directive comes in response to growing public outcry over the non-availability of water tankers in northern areas such as Tongaat, and Verulam, Ntuzuma and Umzinyathi,.
“While the City has embarked on a process of procuring its own water tankers, the private tankers still play a critical role in supplementing the City-owned fleet of 299 tankers, especially in areas experiencing intermittent water supply,” said Mayor Xaba. “The processing of invoices may seem like a routine administrative task, but for many communities, it is the difference between having access to water or going without. Water is life, and we must ensure that no community is left languishing without it.”
The temporary suspension of private tanker services, which serve as a lifeline for thousands of households, is largely due to budgetary constraints experienced toward the end of the 2024/2025 financial year. As a result, residents in some northern areas have been without consistent water for weeks.
In Tongaat and Verulam, community groups and volunteers have stepped in to provide water using their own resources, often delivering bottled water or water containers to vulnerable households.
“We can’t just watch people go without water. Some of us are doing what we can to help,” said a local volunteer from Tongaat.
To address the crisis, the Municipality is introducing real-time tracking systems and streamlining coordination between departments to ensure prompt payment of invoices and efficient delivery of services.
The City’s long-term plan is to reduce dependency on tankers by restoring continuous and reliable piped water supply, reserving tankers for emergencies only. However, for now, thousands of residents remain at the mercy of both municipal bureaucracy and the goodwill of neighbours.

26/07/2025

Scam targets jobless teachers
JOB seekers are urged to be vigilant following a spike in reports of a job scam targeting unemployed teachers in the eThekwini region. Several educators have lost thousands of rands after being duped by fraudsters posing as Department of Education officials.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesperson Prem Balram, the unit has received multiple pleas for assistance from desperate job seekers who were lured through convincing WhatsApp messages promising teaching posts.
“All three complainants were qualified teachers who believed they were being offered legitimate employment at primary and secondary schools,” said Balram.
“The scammer used names and profile pictures of known individuals in the education sector, making the messages appear genuine.”
Victims were instructed to pay an upfront fee of R3,000 to secure the job. Once payment was made, they were asked for additional funds for registration and processing, bringing the total amount lost by each teacher to approximately R10,000.
In a disturbing twist, Balram noted that the scammer appeared to have access to detailed personal information.
“The fraudster knew the victims’ qualifications, where they studied, and even their graduation dates. This added to the illusion of credibility,” he said.
However, the scam unravelled when victims contacted the educators whose names and images had been used in the WhatsApp profiles.
“Those individuals denied ever sending such messages or receiving any money, confirming that their identities had been cloned,” explained Balram.
One case has already been formally reported to Verulam SAPS. Police investigations are ongoing.
RUSA urges all job seekers, particularly educators, to verify employment offers through official Department of Education channels and never to pay for job placements.
“Scammers prey on vulnerable, desperate individuals. No legitimate employer will ask for money to secure a job,” Balram warned.
Anyone with information related to the scam is encouraged to report it to the authorities immediately.

26/07/2025

R1 million boost to build local soccer talent
Local football development in KwaZulu-Natal has received a major boost with a R1 million sponsorship deal signed between the SAFA eThekwini Region, the George Ramalu Trust, and Azelis SA — a leader in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry.
The George Ramalu Trust and Azelis SA, in pursuit of making a difference in sport and youth development, have extended their reach to provincial levels by becoming key sponsors of the George Ramalu Azelis Champions Cup.
The tournament is set to kick off with the Round of 32 on the weekend of 9 and 10 August, continuing over four consecutive weekends, with the finals scheduled for 31 August. The details of the fixtures will be released in due course.
George Ramalu was a revered football administrator, known for his tireless work in youth development during his tenure at SAFA National level in the era of Southern Natal.
His dedication to nurturing grassroots talent and promoting both men’s and women’s football continues through the Trust, which carries forward his legacy.
At a media launch at the Balmoral Hotel last Friday, SAFA eThekwini president Mazwi Mkhize expressed appreciation for the three-year sponsorship commitment from the George Ramalu Trust and Azelis SA.
“This is a sponsorship for both men and women. It is a sponsorship that is named after George Ramalu, a well-known football administrator during the days of Southern Natal,” said Mkhize.
“We are very pleased about this partnership because football, as you know, is sometimes treated as a stepchild. It is very difficult to get sponsorship in football, unlike other sporting codes that have no shortage of sponsorships.”
Mkhize added that the tournament is not just about winning, but about discovering and nurturing future stars. “We hope those who will be participating will make use of this opportunity… As long as we get one or two or three players in our national teams, we will be happy,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of uplifting communities through sport, particularly in under-resourced areas of the province.
Players and officials from local SAFA affiliates welcomed the initiative, saying it would provide much-needed exposure, competition, and development opportunities for junior and senior footballers, across both men’s and women’s divisions.
Boston Moonsamy, managing director of Azelis SA and a trustee of the George Ramalu Trust, was especially complimentary of the region’s tireless efforts to promote and grow the game in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are indeed excited to be putting KZN’s talent on the map in South African football,” he said. “This is not just a cheque, it’s a long-term commitment to talent development and honouring a legacy that stood for uplifting others.”
He confirmed the partnership would run for an initial three years, but added there is already intent to continue well beyond that, based on the positive collaboration seen so far.
Trevor Moonsamy, also representing the trust and Azelis SA, said it was a privilege and an honour to carry forward the legacy of the late George Ramalu — a beloved football administrator who gave selflessly at national level to promote and develop both women’s and men’s football.
“Mr Ramalu believed in rising by lifting others — a motto that continues to guide our involvement today,” he said. “The tournament is more than just football. It’s about development, honouring legacy, and creating pathways. It’s eThekwini’s time to shine, to prove we have the calibre to represent the province and the country."
SAFA eThekwini general secretary Zama Buthelezi expressed confidence that the competition would be fair, professionally run, and a source of immense pride for KZN. “We are laying the groundwork for excellence. We believe the results of this initiative will speak for themselves."
Communities across the province are urged to come out and support their teams.

26/07/2025

Public urged to join mass Ganesha prayer
A SPIRITUALLY enriching journey awaits as devotees gear up to celebrate Ganesha Vaibhavam – The Glory of Ganesha on 9 August.
The celebration, hosted by the Sayuri Padayachee Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the Pretoria Bhajanai Mandram (Shree Ayyappaa Kshetram), promises a deeply symbolic and uplifting day of rituals dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The event will take place on Saturday, 9 August at Trubel Primary School in Tongaat, starting at 4pm.
Organisers describe the programme as an opportunity to embrace the rich symbolism and wisdom embedded in Sanatana Dharma.
“All pooja or ritual in Santana Dharma is filled with great symbology and knowledge,” the organisers shared. “It brings about an opportunity to direct our energy in a positive and uplifting manner.”
The day’s worship will begin with the 108 Havan Vidhi, a sacred fire ceremony where devotees will collectively perform 108 Havans. This will be followed by Abishegam, a ritual bathing of the deity, offering devotees the chance to witness the sacred abishegam of Shri Ganesha.
The celebration continues with a Spiritual Discourse, encouraging participants to explore the deeper meanings behind rituals and ask questions that enhance understanding and connection. Devotees will then experience the divine form of Ganesha through Alangaaram, where the murthi (deity) will be adorned in resplendent beauty.
During Aarathi, worshippers will perform the light-offering ritual and absorb the divine energy it creates. The procession known as Pradakshinam will follow, where the murthi of Shri Ganesha is carried in a joyful circle, accompanied by singing, dance, and shared expressions of Aananda shanthi (blissful peace).
The event concludes with Visarjanam, a symbolic farewell to Lord Ganesha, expressing gratitude for His presence during the pooja and eagerly anticipating His return the following year.
In the weeks leading up to the event, devotees are encouraged to prepare their minds and learn more about the rituals to be performed. Organisers invite all participants to register online and engage in the collective journey of learning and devotion.
To register for participation, visit: https://launch.webdo.co.za/ganesha-vaibhavam-2025/.
For details, contact Suren on 081 388 5017, Reggie on 083 765 8939, send an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp 076 430 6293.

26/07/2025

East Coast Mail 25 July 2025

20/07/2025

East Coast Mail
18 July 2025

20/07/2025

Sabha restores iconic 113-year-old temple

The revered Tongaat Hindu Samarasa Bodha Andhra Association, known as the Tongaat Sabha, has embarked on an ambitious journey of renewal and restoration after enduring flood damage that affected the heart of its operations.
Situated at 45 High Street, Tongaat, next to the local fire station, the 113-year-old temple has stood as a beacon of faith, resilience, and cultural pride since its establishment in September 1912.
But recent floods severely impacted the low-lying property, damaging carpets, storeroom furniture, and placing further strain on already aging infrastructure.Speaking to the Mail, long-serving Chairperson Soobrie Govender who has led the Sabha for the past 17 years, said the organisation is determined to uphold the legacy of its founders.
“As a testament of gratitude for the selfless contributions of our forebears, we are renovating our 113-year-old temple. Our ancestors came here under extremely harsh conditions but had the foresight and spiritual strength to build this temple from their humble earnings,” said Govender.
While trusses have been repaired, the temple’s interior and exterior is undergoing a facelift. The scope of work includes varnishing doors, repainting the veranda and interior ceiling, and a complete interior and exterior paint job – all of which began on 15 May, carried out free of charge by Alexander Caruth and Nkomo.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Geoff Caruth from Alexander Caruth and Nkomo for their no-cost support, and to Mr Nolan from Utongathi Contractors who provided labour at no cost,” added Govender.
However, the temple now appeals for additional financial and artistic support, especially for the painting of the deities (murthies) and further renovations needed to maintain the temple’s structural and spiritual integrity.
Despite limited resources, largely because most devotees are pensioners, the Sabha has replaced flood-damaged carpets with tiles – a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
“Our aim is to pass on this temple — a timeless symbol of resilience — to future generations. It has been a spiritual home and a centre for social upliftment, hosting satsangs, cultural events, educational classes, and community ceremonies,” said Govender.
The temple hosts satsangs three times a week and draws over 300 devotees for major events like Maha Shivaratri. In the past, it has supported local initiatives such as karate and judo zen meditation classes and was even used as an exam venue by Unisa.
To maintain financial accountability, the organisation’s books are audited by Rasheed Peerbhai and Associates, a chartered accounting firm.
“We humbly appeal to individuals and businesses to support us — not just financially, but also with their skills and services. Let your name be etched in the annals of our esteemed organisation as someone who helped uphold our rich cultural heritage,” urged Govender.
The Sabha welcomes donations
Its banking details are:
Account Name: Tongaat Hindu Samarasa Association
Bank: FNB Tongaat Socialites
Account Type: Franchise Business Account
Account Number: 53890581938
For more information or to assist call Soobrie Govender at 083 788 8485.
“Our purpose is to upkeep, uphold the legacy of our rich cultural heritage, and serve the needs of our community in ways that will make lives better,” Govender concluded.

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