KwaZulu Post

By Nothando Luthuli Research states that the informal economy provides a living, employment and an income for 2.5 million people in South Africa. It is estimated that one million people of this 2.5 million are street vendors, and 90% of them are women.  Reports such as the WIEGO's 2012 Informal Economy Monitoring Study (IEMS), stated that street vendors are a major contributor to the strengthening of their communities. They strengthen their communities by providing household incomes, by creating jobs for people who would otherwise not be able to get jobs in the formal economy, by sometimes contributing to the safety of their communities and by being a source of revenue for their cities. STREET VENDOR - JUDITH LANGA  Some of these street vendors are people like 73 year old Fikile Mnikathi who put her three children and her late daughters two children through school and university, with the money she maked from doing alterations, and selling bath salts and sweets.    “I put my three

By Nontobeko Sibiya When thinking about the most vibrant city in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, it is often associated with the glitz and glam of the beautiful city lights, the forever long sandy shores that can be overlooked from grandly designed hotels. But Durban is also home to one the biggest traditional medicine markets in the province. Formerly operating as train station terminals, the conserved spaces have been home to a variety of traditional healers and traditional stores. The practicing of traditional medicine dates back to before colonisation and western methods. The Durban station market place pays homage to the sacred practices of traditional healing. These traditional medicine methods are based on culture, religious knowledge backgrounds, knowledge and certain attitudes that are prevalent to this community. Enemy's fighter (udeda zitha) Traditional medicine and healing exists in a believer’s system that covers three important spectrums, spiritualism; herbalism and indigenous

  Water  Crisis Worsens in Inanda Township as Residents Endure Year-Long Outage  By Nothando Mhlongo      Residents of ward 54 in Inanda have been without running water for a year. The greatest water outage in the area’s history has left the community struggling for survival , with no end in sight.   In 2022, April floods wreaked havoc and disrupted water supply in several areas of KwaZulu-Natal, including  ward 54. In response, Ethekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda implemented water shedding, rotating the water supply and working to repair the damaged infrastructure. However, despite these efforts, the township is now facing its "day zero" moment, leaving residents in desperate need of water.   The waterless township has tried to endure the greatest water shortage to ever hit , but with no end in sight, hope is lost. Nhlakanipho Zulu, a 26-year-old resident of Inanda , last saw taps with running water in April last year. He stated that he   and his fellow  community are forced to e

By Nomfundo Cele In the south of KwaDabeka is Zazi Road in Clermont, the road is filled with tarvens and fast food tuck shops, but on the same road is a stylish, elegant restaurant called Kunta Kinte Afro Cafe, which sells African cuisine and fast foods. The restaurant has an outdoor open space and indoor dining; the setting of the place and the mixture of colours in the chairs make the place look appealing and inviting.    Xolani Mbambo, owner and chef, says that the inspiration behind this lovely restaurant is how he saw an opportunity to present something unique to the people of Clermont and the surrounding areas.  "There are many fast food restaurants in this area, but none are like this one; they don’t cater to everyone like we do."   The dine-in and take-out restaurant has a variety of food options, including beans and bones, beef curry, chicken curry, tribe (usu), chicken feet, and pork chops. These are all served with starch (rice, phuthu, or steamed bread) and 3 sala

  By Tsakane Mhlongo It is not a secret that people in townships are disadvantaged in some ways and yet we still have people that have made it far despite coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. While this is true, it is not that simple for everyone. Sometimes in order to be good at something you need to learn more about it and be exposed to it.  People in townships and are not as fortunate people from other areas, excluding rural areas of course. If you have been to townships or heard stories of people who come from townships you will know how hard it is for some people to follow their dreams, others just give up but then hear stories of things that they were passionate about but could not continue due. The reason is mostly no support or there is not much that can make them better. Just like other places, the people in townships are interested in a lot of things, sport, music, drama, and art. One of those townships that includes all the mentioned above is KwaMashu township. KwaMashu

 By Hajira Langa Durban Botanic Garden Lake area Along with seeding plants and trees that have stood the test of time, the Durban Botanic Garden will celebrate its 174th anniversary in April 2023. Since its founding in 1849, the garden rich in history has played a vital role in the city’s life. The Durban Botanical Garden is situated in Durban Berea on the East coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The indigenous and exotic nature of collections such as cycads, palms, and orchids promote a very rich teaching and learning to better understand the world of plants. The Botanic Garden was established by the Natal Agricultural and Horticultural society as early as 1849. The garden began as a vegetable, fruit, and other agricultural produce farming garden, and has since evolved into a significant botanical station, gaining local and international acclaim for its research, plant collection, educational outreach, and efforts to connect people with plants and nature. The Garden displays views of natura

Brandon Lee Khan at uThongathi. Mawande Mzobe The youth of today has succumbed to the abuse of drugs and the hunger for money for a better lifestyle. The pressure within their generational spheres lays heavily on their shoulders, coupled with mental health issues which are hardly talked about within their social groups. They rely on escape methods that soon become addictions, which are hard to let go once hooked through a single blunt and blow. A young, intelligent, and multi-talented man stands isolated hustling for survival whilst battling his addiction. Those who pass him think less of him as the condition of his clothes have defined him without him having to say anything. The conditions of his shoes are worn-out, old and seem to tear, but they are still functional. In his baggy clothes he smiles, greets, and continues his day job in repudiation of the ugly stares and looks passed onto him. Brandon Lee Khan working during the day in uThongathi. Brandon Lee Khan (25) has been