HCRDP Bulletin #1 August 2020
As a Hammarsdale, Cato Ridge firm/important stakeholder, the HCRDP Bulletin will keep you informed of key activities and information relevant to its vision. Be in contact to propose information that you believe your peers/neighbours should be aware of.
Workstream project updates
HCRDP activities to support the achievement of its vision are delivered under four Workstreams. Launched this month, the HCRDP can already share updates on a selection of projects underway.
Infrastructure and Safety Workstream
Objective: Address infrastructure and safety deficits to make the area a better and safer place to work and live
KwaXimba interchange progress update
The development of the much discussed and long-awaited Cato Ridge Dry Port has taken a meaningful step forward with the release of the draft scoping report for the proposed KwaXimba interchange on 20 August. This infrastructure will unlock both the proposed Cato Ridge Dry Port site as well as development more broadly in the area between Cato Ridge and Hammarsdale.
Interested firms are encouraged to access the document on ACER’s web site (www.acerafrica.co.za) under the link: ‘Projects/Current – Public Review’. Comments are open until 21 September 2020.
Graphic by Acer (with inclusions by bridge) of the proposed KwaXimba interchange
Potholes!
Scourge of motorists across this and many countries, potholes have a significant economic impact.
Pothole density in the Hammarsdale Cato Ridge area appears highest between the Hammarsdale Interchange and Cato Ridge along the along the co-joined M385/Thousand Hills Street/R103. 34 separate potholes have been mapped along this route alone. Engagements have begun with the relevant authorities to understand the preventative maintenance schedule and fast track the repair of these and other potholes in the area.
One of the more significant of the 34 potholes along the co-joined M385/Thousand Hills Street/R103
Firms wishing to report any infrastructure damage/issues in the area are requested to please email bridge with a photo, the GPS co-ordinates and a brief description and it will be logged and taken up with the relevant authorities.
Work Workstream
Objective: Support access to work opportunities, self-employment and reduce poverty
Application has been made for support to develop a searchable on-line directory of all SMMEs in eThekwini Wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 91. The goal is that by highlighting available SMME capacities and capabilities it will facilitate easier procurement of local SMMEs’ goods and services by established firms. Additionally, it will identify where local SMME capacity and capability is lacking and could be developed to align with established firm opportunities.
Education Workstream
Objective: Support improved educational outcomes to achieve an increase in human potential realisation
Application has been made for support for a poverty relief project that will provide nutrition to 1000 children and their families over the end of year holidays. It additionally aims to support a culture of self-sufficiency and provide an activity for children over this time. The project, if the application is successful will entail -
Procurement of 1 000 seedling packs of 42 seedlings – 10 broccoli, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, 2 of chilli, 1 000 bags growing medium
Training 1 000 school children in Hammarsdale to grow these vegetables and overseeing the programme implementation
An incentive for “most successful class of young farmers” - as judged by a random sample of 300 farm visits over the 3-month growing period
Synergies with pre-existing food garden and food security and schools based programmes underway in the area will be sought, supported by DoMore Foundation, MRP Foundation, The Unlimited Child amongst others.
Environment Workstream
Objective: Environmental conservation/rehabilitation
In travelling area extensively throughout August we had informal engagements with many different users of the private and public space. A number of herders asked for support to protect their livestock from vehicles. Fencing is not viable for multiple reasons and likely ineffective. A potential significantly lower cost solution has been identified in the locally produced Vizitag which provides visibility of livestock at night from up to 500m away.
Cattle seen on the road in Cato Ridge
A project supporter/s is/are required to realise this or another solution which will begin with further consultation with the community. If viable, a local SMME will be contracted to tag as many animals in relevant locations as resources allow. Engagement with KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be undertaken to secure their support to ensure the sustainability of this project. This project would be allocable to Socio-Economic Development spend under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes of Good Practice.
Developing a profile of the economy of the area
A directory of larger and established firms in the areas has been prioritised with retail, government, community services, SMMEs and informal businesses to be captured in time.
160 larger and established firms have been identified
45% of firms are in manufacturing, 14% logistics, 13% business services, 8% property, 5% wholesale and 3% ‘Other’ including agri-processing, agriculture, construction and primary processing
Employment by these 160 firms is approximately 16 000 direct, full-time employees. This is approximately half the total employment in the area (eThekwini wards 1, 4, 5, 6, 91)
bridge will be contacting all firms to achieve a better understanding of their operations, the benefits and challenges faced due to operating in the area and discuss solutions to these challenges. This will inform HCRDP activities in support of its vision. To schedule an appointment please be in contact.
Upcoming events
Events are being planned for each Workstream with HCRDP members invited to -
Review and guide HCRDP Workstream strategy and activities
Remain informed about plans for the area’s development and other important area related news from peers/neighbours and stakeholders
Engage with peers/neighbors on common challenges, learn their strategies/experiences in addressing challenges and develop best practice, potentially aligned strategies - thereby reducing duplication of efforts, ensuring optimal cost effective strategy and maximising impact
Explore potential inter-firm linkages, supply opportunities, collective buying and other direct commercial opportunities
Engage with invited stakeholders (i.e. eThekwini, SANRAL, Eskom, Transnet, developers, experts, consultants) to inform pre-emptive, coordinated action on important issues affecting the area
Join the HCRDP to participate in these events and contribute towards the HCRDP vision. Approximately 2/3 of the membership contribution will be allocable under the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice to Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) and Socio-Economic Development (SED).
bridge team
bridge has established a diverse, highly experienced team of associates to support HCRDP project implementation -
Angie Rylance (CA) SA - Experienced finance director, Angie offers SMMEs finance management coaching and ongoing support services.
Kevin Reid - With over 30 years construction management experience, Kevin’s role at bridge is to support SMME contractors with best practice across all aspects of their service delivery, thereby ensuring quality projects delivered safely and on schedule.
Mxolisi Miya - Originally a trade unionist, Mxolisi has spent 24 years in increasingly senior Human Resource Management and Corporate Services roles. He now wishes to support firms create competitive while compassionate work environments.
Simon Clements is a practical horticulturalist with significant experience in large scale land rehabilitation and the development of sustainable small-scale agriculture, which are the areas where he will support bridge
Sipho Ndlovu - Seasoned educator (18 years) and trainer (14 years), Sipho focuses on education and community engagement in Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge for bridge.
bridge is led by John White who has spent twenty years working in KwaZulu-Natal on commercially oriented development solutions with many blue-chip firms. He recently completed six years managing Public Private Partnerships for industry development. Here he honed the skills required to align public and private sector stakeholders and deliver impactful multi-million Rand industry upgrading programmes. The HCRDP is is his sole focus.