Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele will officially open the Wembezi interchange in the Uthukela District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday as part of Transport Month.
The minister will be joined by KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Zweli Mkhize, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal Mr TW Mchunu, senior government officials and the traditional leadership in the area.
The Wembezi interchange, a joint initiative between the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), uMtshezi Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, is part of government's rural development plan aimed at providing easier access to socio-economic opportunities for communities in the province.
The rural transport implementation plan is focusing on key deliverables which amongst others include rural transports and capacity building for local communities through the Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP).
Later, on the same day, the Minister will officially launch the Centre for Seafarers and Fishing at the Durban International Convention Centre in recognition and celebration of the role and lives of seafarers.
This is in line with the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) theme for 2010 - "Year of the seafarer." The launch of the centre also signifies thebuilding of institutional capacity and the provision of necessary infrastructure for the advancement of the seafarer scheme in South Africa.
The details of the two events are as follows:
1. Wembezi Interchange Official Opening
Date: Saturday, 16 October 2010
Time: 9h30 for 10h00
Venue: Wembezi Sports Ground (Wembezi)
2. Launch of Seafarer and Fishing Centre
Date: 16 October 2010
Time: 18h30 for 19h00
Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC Durban)
NB: All media are invited to attend. Journalists attending are requested to confirm attendance by no later than 16h00 on Friday, 15 October 2010 with Sello Tshipi on 073 498 6722 or TshipiA@dot.gov.za or Mthunzi Mbungwana on 072 645 1792 or MbungwaM@dot.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
