Greater Kokstad Municipality
Adam Kok III Building
75 Hope Street
P.O. Box 8
Kokstad 4700
E-mail address: gkmcommunications@kokstad.gov.za
Contact Numbers:
Tel: 039 797 6602
Fax: 039 797 6701/039 727 3676
Kokstad, a town often overlooked but definitely on the continuous rise, has a hidden gem in the form of Leonard “Shoes” Gregory, a local hero whose journey from soccer stardom to a dedicated disability activist is both inspiring and heart-warming.
Leonard Gregory, affectionately known as “Shoes” for his phenomenal ball skills, began his soccer career at the tender age of 15. Playing for the renowned Zulu Royals, later AmaZulu, Gregory was a central midfielder who had the rare talent of orchestrating the game with finesse. The crowds roared “Shoooooes!” every time he touched the ball, a testament to his electrifying presence on the field.
“I played for the love of the game and the joy of the crowd,” Gregory reminisces. His career saw him don jerseys for various teams including Durban Bush Bucks, Aces United, and Liverpool United in the Transkei Professional League. However, his promising career was abruptly cut short on February 8, 1991, when a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.
“I remember waking up to a truck driver shaking me and asking my name. It was a moment of sheer disbelief,” Gregory recalls. Despite the life-altering news from his doctor that he would never use his legs the same way again, Gregory remained resilient. “I knew that God would give me the ability to cope with this new way of life,” he says, displaying a remarkable sense of courage.
Not one to be defeated, Gregory pivoted his passion from playing to coaching. He formed the Young Swallows, a feeder team for Kokstad Swallows, imparting his soccer wisdom and instilling discipline and teamwork in the youth. “Young Swallows was my way of giving back to the community and ensuring the future of Kokstad Swallows,” he stated with pride.
Beyond soccer, Gregory’s true calling emerged as a disability activist. He observed the neglect and marginalization of people with disabilities in Kokstad and decided to make a difference. “People thought those with disabilities couldn’t do anything for themselves. It was heartbreaking,” Gregory laments.
In response, he mobilized the disabled community and founded the Mount Currie Disabled People’s Organisation (MCDPO) in March 1999. The launch was a momentous occasion, filled with music, drama, and hope. “People with disabilities have so much to offer. The community needs to change their attitudes to benefit from their contributions,” Gregory passionately advocates.
Today, Leonard “Shoes” Gregory is celebrated not just as a former soccer star but as a beacon of hope and change in Kokstad. His transformation from a soccer icon to a committed disability activist and mentor is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Even now, the echoes of “Shoooooes!” resonate, not from the soccer field, but from the hearts of those whose lives he continues to touch.
By Kamvalethu Xhelithole
The Greater Kokstad Municipal Manager, Mr Sipho Zwane has issued a stern warning to those who might want to disrupt the Municipality's efforts in promoting agriculture as part of fighting poverty, promoting food security and creating jobs.
Mr Zwane issued the warning during an official handover of a planting Nursery to Libelihle Cooperative, which consists of five members in Ward 4.
The project was through the assistance of the local conglomerate, Dorning Group, which donated ploughing and garden material including a 5000-litre Jojo tank and a ton of pot soil.
The equipment was handed over to the beneficiaries through the Greater Kokstad Municipality, which has also donated seedling trays, a 2500-litre Jojo tank and pipes (irrigation system) and constructed a 10mX20m greenhouse.
Speaking at the official handover, Mr Zwane said; "it is cool for now since this is a start but I know the influence that will follow when the business of the beneficiaries starts making a profit, people will crop up with senseless views and accusations and this is what happens to several projects like this.
Mr Zwane continued to appeal that money should never create divisions amongst the members because this is their future where they will plant and make a profit through the assistance of the Municipality and the Department of Agriculture.
“Should the fight over money start, we shall take the project away from your hands and give it to other people who deserve it,” Mr Zwane said.
He urged the community of Kokstad to rise and plough to produce food from the soil.
“I cannot understand why people prefer going out to look for jobs while there is land lying fallow, which they can use to print their own money,” said Mr Zwane.
He said planting is very important at this time of economic uncertainty where everything is expensive, especially food.
Mr Phindile Nojaja of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal said the programme is in line with their programmes of promoting planting in the form of one home one garden. He promised that they would be available to assist the nursery at all times, free of charge.
Feziwe Manxusa who represented her Manager from Dorning Group said her superiors also promised to give assistance where needed as they want to see the project succeed. She said they will often pay a visit to monitor it.
By Andile Moshoeshoe
Financial literacy is crucial for successful business management, especially for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). In support of this, the Greater Kokstad Municipality’s (GKM) Local Economic Development Unit, partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and First National Bank (FNB), to organize a two-day workshop at the Kokstad Town Hall recently. This workshop aimed to provide Greater Kokstad SMMEs with essential skills in financial literacy and money management.
One of the key topics covered in the workshop was ‘understanding money’. This topic aimed to help participants grasp basic concepts of money, its value, and its role in business operations. Understanding the flow of money in and out of their businesses was affirmed as an enabler for SMMEs to make informed decisions that improve their financial health and sustainability.
Saving money is a critical practice for any business, especially for SMMEs that often operate on tight budgets, the attendees were informed. The workshop emphasized the importance of saving money as a means to build a financial cushion which in turn could help businesses manage unexpected expenses and provide seeds to invest in growth opportunities without relying heavily on external funding.
While credit can be a valuable tool for business growth, the attendees were told, it must be managed carefully. The workshop provided insights into ‘managing credit’, including how to use it responsibly, the impact of credit on business credit scores, and strategies to avoid excessive debt. Proper credit management was also highlighted as an aider for SMMEs to maintain financial stability and access funding when needed.
Insurance is often overlooked in financial management for SMMEs. The workshop covered the basics of ‘insurance’, explaining the different types of insurance policies available and their benefits. By understanding insurance, businesses could protect their assets and ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen events.
Legacy planning is essential for business owners who want to ensure their enterprises continue to thrive beyond their tenure. The workshop addressed ‘legacy planning’, including succession planning, estate planning, and the importance of setting up structures that safeguard the business’s future. Effective legacy planning could provide peace of mind and ensure the longevity of the business.
Effective business finance management is crucial for the sustainability and growth of any SMME. The workshop offered comprehensive training on managing business finances, including budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow management. Participants learned how to create and maintain financial statements, which are vital tools for monitoring the financial health of their businesses.
After the workshop, participants received certificates confirming their training in money management with FNB. This certification validates their newfound skills and serves as a testament to their commitment to financial literacy and responsible money management. This recognition could enhance their credibility with customers, suppliers, and potential investors.
Siphelele Sicwe, the Director of Frame Loops Media PTY (LTD), a company that deals in events coverage (photography and videography) and provides record label expertise to up-and-coming artists, and is a small business owner and was present at the event, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to be a part of something he said could change the way he managed his money forever.
“I am very happy about the collaboration between GKM, EDTEA, Seda, and FNB, this is a prime example of how partnerships can support us SMMEs in Kokstad. Each partner brought unique expertise and resources to the table, creating a comprehensive support system for local businesses. This collective effort ensured that we received well-rounded training and will hopefully also garner ongoing support from them,” said Mr Sicwe
Mr Sicwe added “When SMMEs thrive, the local economy always benefits and financially literate business owners are more likely to make sound financial decisions, leading to business growth and job creation. Hopefully, this workshop’s emphasis on financial literacy will create a ripple effect, boosting the economic vitality of the Greater Kokstad region.”
By Kamvalethu Xhelithole
REVIEW OF THE GREATER KOKSTAD MUNICIPALITY’S 2023-2024 SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK AND REVIEW OF THE 2023-2024 HOUSING SECTOR PLAN IN LINE WITH THE MUNICIPAL LONG-TERM SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT VISION AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE 2024-2025 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO BE THE 2024-2025 GREATER KOKSTAD MUNICIPALITY’S SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK AND THE 2024-2025 HOUSING SECTOR PLAN
Notice is hereby given that in terms of Section 26(e) of the Local Government: Municipal System Act, No. 32 of 2000 and in terms of Chapter 4 and Section 20 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, No. 16 of 2013 that the Council of the Greater Kokstad Municipality has adopted the Draft 2024/2025 Spatial Development Framework and the Draft 2023-2024 Housing Sector Plan in-line with the Municipal Long-Term Spatial Development Vision and Alignment with the 2024-2025 Integrated Development Plan to be the 2024-2025 Greater Kokstad Municipality’s Spatial Development Framework and the 2024-2025 Housing Sector Plan.
The study area represents the Greater Kokstad Municipal area, including the towns of Kokstad, Kingscote, Bhongweni, Swartberg, New Amalfi, Franklin, Bonny Ridge and the rural areas. The main objective of the SDF process is to compile spatial guidelines which would assist both the officials of the Greater Kokstad Municipality, potential developers, and the community of the area, with decisions regarding the desired spatial development within the municipal area. The Housing Sector Plan is out-dated and needs to be reviewed to reflect current and future proposed Human Settlements and enhance integrated effective housing planning and implementation at provincial and municipal level to accommodate new paradigm shifts and mandates indicated Nationally as per the new Government (viz. emphasis on rural development, poverty alleviation, massive informal settlements upgrading and other housing related variables dictated by the new planning regime – consolidation of infrastructure and alignment thereof with housing development processes).
Both the Draft 2024-2025 Spatial Development Framework and 2024-2025 Draft Housing Sector Plan documents are open for public comments and viewing for a 30 day period from 05 April 2024 to 07 May 2024 for comments and inputs.
Comments in respect of the 2024/2025 Draft Spatial Development Framework and 2024/2025 Draft Housing Sector Plan must be lodged with or made in writing to the Municipal Manager, at P.O.Box 8, Kokstad, 4700, which may be submitted by fax, mail or email, must be submitted within 30 days to the Manager : Spatial Planning, Human Settlements and Building Control, Mr S Madikizela, Tel: 039 – 797 6600/ 6642, Fax: 039 – 727 3676, P O Box 8, Kokstad 4700
The documents are now available for public viewing at the following places:
- Greater Kokstad Municipal Library in Town
- Greater Kokstad Municipal Offices, 75 Hope Street, Kokstad
- Greater Kokstad Municipal Website: kokstad.gov.za
Or using the following link: https://www.kokstad.gov.za/index.php/en/documents/spatial-planning
Hope you find the above in order.
Yours in Good Governance.
S.R ZWANE
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
NOTICE NO.: GKM -
GKM Mayor, Councillor MNL Madikizela announced the construction of the new homes during the Operation Mbo Programme held in Franklin recently.
MORE than 300 RDP homes will soon be built for the community of Franklin in Ward 2, near Kokstad as part of meeting the accommodation demand owing to the rapid population increase in the area.
The Greater Kokstad Municipality Mayor, Councillor MNL Madikizela made the announcement to build the RDP homes during the Operation Mbo Programme held in Franklin recently.
His announcement coincided with the visit by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Public Works and Human Settlements, Sipho "KK" Nkosi in Kokstad where he handed over title- deeds to more than hundred beneficiaries. During the handover the MEC also announced the construction of yet another more than 1000 RDP homes expected to commence in April, 2024.
Operation Mbo is a Government Programme, working in conjunction with Operation Sukuma- Sakhe, that encourages communities to work closely with the government to overcome social challenges so that those who can be able to do for themselves in terms of food sustainability could freely do so or they can be assisted where it is needed.
Government departments together with the Greater Kokstad Municipality brought various services to the community of Franklin as the area is distanced from the town of Kokstad where all the services could be found.
Nonetheless, this does not at all mean there are no services in the area, but this was a strategic move to monitor government services and to demonstrate the government sector departments' effectiveness to serve communities in the area.
Speaking during the operation, the GKM Mayor, Cllr Madikizela revealed that out of more than 1000 houses that would be built in Kokstad, the Municipality will provide accommodation to the community of Franklin by building them 350 RDP homes since the town's population is fast-growing with many people coming to the municipal area to look for job opportunities.
“This is part of our government programmes to promote dignity by ensuring that our people have decent shelter and they also own their houses regardless of being employed or not…” said Cllr Madikizela.
He added that as the government they are aware of the challenges of joblessness in times of the fourth industrial revolution, where technology seems to be taking over the jobs since private companies and organisations have been hit hard by the economic downturn, choosing to use technologically based solutions instead of retaining human capital.
“Tough times are yet to vanish but we are doing the best we can to fight poverty and joblessness and we are still appealing to our communities to work the land as agriculture is another form of printing money through your hands and promoting food security,” said Cllr Madikizela.
He added they will continue building houses for the impoverished communities, electrify them and create jobs through promoting industrialization.
“Even though I am not an expert in psychology, I can assure you that some of the social ills that are a result of gender- based violence are caused by the depression caused by poverty and unemployment. It was for this reason that we decided to roll up our sleeves and come to you to listen to your challenges, and to try to fast-track those that are life threatening,” said Mayor Madikizela.
He also added that communities should take education seriously and learn skills that would match the current technological needs to overcome the current economic downturn.
Government departments made their presentations in the process further enlightening the communities with opportunities at their disposal. Some of the important factors raised was that the local clinic will open 24 hours and doctors will continue visiting the area on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The Department of Correctional Services also demonstrated that they are not only responsible for looking after criminals but are also building houses for the poor families with the small budget they have. The department also demonstrated the dangers of crime and drugs especially amongst the youth.
By Andile Moshoeshoe
