Activities
Upcoming activities
2025 activities to be communicated in due course
Past activities
HCRDA & FNB: Back to Business
HCRDA and FNB were pleased to invite executives and management to hear from three leading figures with particular insights at a macro and city-level.
Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist, First National Bank - Beyond the Rebound: The Road to Long-Term Growth in South Africa
Michael Sutcliffe, Co-lead lead Section 154 intervention, eThekwini Municipality - The Outlook for Municipal Service Delivery
Date: 3 December 2024
Venue: TWIMs
Optimizing Success: Safal Steel's Best Practice Workshop on Marketing & Sales
Safal Steel recently hosted a Best Practice Workshop dedicated to Marketing & Sales, showcasing their strategic approach to customer engagement and product awareness. With a robust strategy aimed at reaching and retaining customers while highlighting their superior products, Safal Steel shared valuable insights. Drawing from their extensive experience across Africa, the Safal Group continues to lead in design, technical, and engineering excellence.
Date: 8th August 2024 Venue: Safal Steel
Buckman Africa Supports 250+ Science Matriculants
Buckman Africa recently hosted a Science Demonstration Day at Phezulu High School in Hammarsdale for over 250 matric learners. The event provided hands-on experience with key experiments related to their exams, including titration, esterification, reaction rates, and chemical equilibrium.
Bathabile Mpofu of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences conducted the demonstrations for students from eight schools in the outer west. We extend our gratitude to Buckman Africa for organizing the event and to Phezulu High School for hosting.
Navigating Change: Key Insights from Our Change Management Session
Dizani Consulting conducted a dynamic session on Change Management, focusing on its critical role in helping organisations adapt and succeed in a fast-paced environment. The session provided an in-depth exploration of Change Management concepts, including Kotter’s 8 steps for leading organisational transformation and the three distinct phases of change. By actively participating in discussions and exercises, HCRDA members acquired a crucial understanding of the strategies and preparedness essential for successfully managing change and achieving organisational success.
Date: 1st August 2024 Venue: G-Spot Pub & Diner
Merlog Foods Hosts Logistics Workshop
Merlog Foods hosted an insightful workshop focused on inbound and outbound logistics. Sharing their comprehensive process flow, systems, and services. Attendees gained valuable insights into the company's successful operations. By sharing best practices, Merlog Foods fosters innovation, enhances industry standards, and promotes collaborative growth. Since its establishment in 1994, Merlog Foods has evolved from a small trading company into a multinational, multifaceted organisation.
Date: 18th July 2024 Venue: Merlog Foods
Freys Leads the Way in Environmental Innovation
HCRDA held its second best practice workshop, hosted by member Freys Food Brands. The session highlighted Freys' impressive infrastructure, with a particular focus on their water conservation techniques and innovative recycling initiatives. The workshop sparked interest among attendees, inspiring them to explore more environmentally savvy practices within their own organisations.
Date: 11th July 2024 Venue: Zest Lodge
Buckman Empowers Maths Teachers with Expert-Led Workshops
Buckman partnered with the Shaya Izibalo Maths Institute (SIMI) and offered two comprehensive workshops. These full-day sessions were led by an experienced mathematics educator, who provided invaluable guidance and training to fellow teachers. The goal of these workshops was to arm educators with innovative strategies and effective methodologies to enhance their teaching practices in mathematics, ultimately benefiting student performance.
A dedicated teacher has the power to inspire and impact countless generations of students.
Thank you, Buckman, for your commitment to education!
Date: 18th & 19th June 2024 Venue: High Stakes
Multi-Member Training Sessions on LEAN
HCRDA enlisted the expertise of Dizani Consulting to conduct a series of four LEAN training sessions for its members.
1. Fundamentals of Waste
2. Introduction to LEAN
3. Performance Measurement
4. Visual Management
These sessions took place over May and June. The primary goal of this training was to provide practical support for implementing fundamental LEAN practices within firms. Recognising LEAN as a crucial tool for enhancing productivity and competitiveness, the sessions were tailored for supervisors, team leaders, and front-line managers. These sessions were highly practical, with participants actively applying their learnings and reporting back to the group.
Dates: 7th March, 4th April, 16th May & 6th June 2024 Venue: Fibertex Nonwovens
Budgeting workshop for shop floor staff
HCRDA, in collaboration with Member Innovative Shared Services (ISS), conducted two half-day workshops on "Mastering Basic Budgeting". The goal was to enhance financial literacy among shop floor workers who are often heavily indebted causing stress and poor work performance. The workshops focused on improving understanding of budgeting fundamentals and applying practical financial tools.
Date: 4th June Venues: Geo Building Plumbing - 08h00 to 12h00 Swan Plastics - 12h30 to 16h30
Best Practice Workshop at Dromex Globale
The inaugural session of the Best Practice Workshop series was held at Dromex Globale, focusing on Human Resource Management. Dromex shared their policies, strategies, tools and case studies on how they manage their 900 strong work force for maximum engagement and productivity. The objective of these sessions are to facilitate the exchange of best practices among peers. Seeing the practices of a neighbour first hand is an impactful and cost-effective way to secure practical improvement ideas. This is the first in six best practice workshops scheduled for 2024 where HCRDA Members will hear from and visit Dromex Globale, Frey’s Food Brands, Merlog Foods, Mr Price Group, OneSpace Technologies and SAFAL Steel.
Date: 11th April Venue: Dromex Globale
Kearsney College Career Expo 2024
Kearsney College hosted its yearly career expo, renowned as the largest of its kind in KZN. Over 70 prestigious organisations and tertiary institutions exhibited. Thousands of pupils from schools all over KZN had the opportunity to explore study and career options. HCRDA supported eight top performing schools from our region to attend.
Date: 13 March 2024
Venue: Kearsney College
HCRDA Annual Member’s Meeting
The HCRDA held its 2024 Annual General Meeting.
The 2023 strategy was reviewed and its successes noted by HCRDA members in attendance. The HCRDA 2024 strategy and budget was presented and endorsed by its members.
We look forward to executing this strategy to support achieve our vision to advance Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge as a desirable place to invest, work and live, thereby supporting growth, employment and transformation.
Date: 25th January 2024 Venue: Kloof Country Club
HCRDA Presented John Chandler: Product Systems Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors and HESTO Harnesses
This enlightening session covered the tools of the Toyota Production System and the philosophy of the Toyota Way. It included case studies demonstrating instant success by focusing on the TPS fundamentals of people management, followed by a Q&A session.
Date: 5 December 2023 Venue: Just Refrigeration
National Diabetes Month: Raising Diabetes Awareness in November
HCRDA hosted a Diet & Lifestyle Empowerment Accelerator for an engaging 1.5-hour online session delivered by Registered Dietician, Vhonani Mufamadi and Alexandra van Essche, health communications specialist and accredited diabetes advocate and counsellor, who lives well with diabetes.
Date: 23 November 2023
HCRDA Book Drive
HCRDA successfully administered a 'Book Drive' initiative with the purpose of tackling the significant scarcity of children's books in underprivileged communities located in the Outer West of Durban. Shockingly, 42% of households in South Africa lack even a single book. Over the course of 8 weeks, the Book Drive met its goal of collecting 5,000 children and young adult books. These valuable books will be allocated to deserving Early Childhood Development Centers and schools in the peri-urban areas of the Outer West
Buckman Chemistry Connected Science Show
HCRDA member Buckman Africa supported the Buckman Chemistry Connected Science Show August through October.
Renowned DUT and UKZN Science lecturer Dr Megandhren Govender (Dr “G”) visited 30 local schools with his exciting demonstrations, leaving the learners in awe.
The aim of this initiative was to drive curiosity in learners and a love for Mathematics and Science. Buckman is also giving each School a science kit to practice what Dr G demonstrates and 10 large posters on Natural Science to aid learning and brighten classrooms. the programme reached 6’000 learners. Thank you Buckman!
HCRDA: Infrastructure forum
Three highly informed speakers discussed the state of eThekwini Municipality and associated responses from the residential and business sector.
Economist and researcher Glen Robbins shared data and insight on the state of eThekwini Municipality, and the implications for businesses and residents alike.
Westville Ratepayers' Association Chairperson Asad Gaffar shared how and why they came to drive the much publicised rates boycott and their view of scenarios that will play out in the coming months and years.
CEO of Younited Communities NPC Jan Mare, is nearing financial close on a near R60m annual OPEX budget for the Greater Westmead Association. He shared what this model entails and what a similar approach could mean for a region like the Outer West.
Date: 10 October 2023 Venue: Cato Ridge Electrical Construction
Buyer-Supplier Linkages Workshop
This half day workshop established connections between local, capable SMME suppliers and corporate buyers (HCRDA Members) in order to drive transformative procurement. 98 meetings were held and some commercial relationships are already underway.
Date: Wednesday 26 September 2023
Venue: Cato Ridge Electrical Construction
B-BBEE Scorecard Presentation
The HCRDA hosted a workshop in which expert Kerry Maskell unravelled B-BBEE and shared insights to guide a successful response to the changing B-BBEE legislation.
Key discussion points included:
The Evolution of B-BBEE Legislation
Future Outlook for B-BBEE Legislation
B-BBEE Myths
B-BBEE Strategy Implementation Priorities
B-BBEE Verification Guidelines
Date: Thursday 7 September 2023 Venue: G Spot Pub & Diner
First Aid Level 1 Training to ECD Centres
HCRDA member Integrated Shared Services (ISS) in collaboration with Do More Foundation provided First Aid Level 1 Training to 15 ECD centres around Hammarsdale & Cato Ridge. This training is offered free and is fully accredited. Thank you ISS!
Date: Thursday 7 & Friday 8 September 2023
Venue: Use-It, Hammarsdale
NextGen Leadership programme
An NQF level 4 (Team Leaders/Supervisors) and NQF level 5 (Junior/Middle Managers) Skills programme was run in July and August
NQF level 4: 8am - 12pm
NQF level 5: 12.30pm-16.30pm
26 delegates from 10 HCRDA member firms participated with 100% completion
Dates: 6, 13, 20, 27 July and 3, 10, 17, 24 August 2023
Venue: Dromex Globale and Fibertex Nonwovens
Loadshedding mitigation workshop
With loadshedding only worsening in 2023 and likely 2024 HCRDA explored opportunities for load shedding reduction in the region.
Apollo Africa supported HCRDA in this regard. They shared updates on their efforts and the potential to secure a more manageable loadshedding regime in the region.
Date: Wednesday 26 July 2023
Venue: Fibertex Nonwovens, 16 van Eck Avenue, Hammarsdale.
SHERQ and manufacturing best practice tour
Firms were invited to visit HCRDA Member SRF Flexipak. Attendees included team leaders, supervisors and operations managers.
SRF Flexipak provided valuable insights into their manufacturing processes and their Safety Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality (SHERQ) approach, highlighting their ongoing journey of continuous improvement. Through a guided tour of their facilities and an interactive Q&A session with their staff, attendees gained substantial inspiration to apply similar practices within their own organizations.
Date: Thursday, 13 July 2023
Venue: SRF Flexipak, 5 Eddie Hagan Drive, Cato Ridge
Launch of Hammarsdale Cato Ridge Conservancy
The Outer West contains significant areas of vulnerable and important biodiversity which is a significant societal asset. A Conservancy is planned to better manage it.
Message from eThekwini Municipality
Introduction to conservancies:
HCR conservancy – proposed area and activities:
Workshop for input
USE-IT: presentation of programme of activities:
A number of commitments were made towards supporting the fledgling Conservancy and the plan to launch it in three zones was supported.
Date: Thursday 1 June 2023
Venue: Merlog Foods
Connectivity workshop
We heard from the following local service providers and members who shared their own challenges and solutions:
Link Africa - which has physical fibre infrastructure in the region
Your Communications - which offers a variety of connectivity solutions including ‘Point to Point Internet’ in the region
Satellite 117 (in partnership with Morclick and Q-Kon Africa) - which offers satellite internet services in the region
Date: Thursday 25 May 2023
Venue: Online
Energy Workshop
We heard from -
1. RenuSolar Sales Manager’s Kyle Ritchie - on solar Photovoltaic using its recent installation at our host, Crusader Logistics Cato Ridge warehouse, as case study
2. STI Energy KZN General Manager Roshan Jainath - case study on hydrogen generator technology that eliminates diesel costs (installation underway in Pietermaritzburg)
3. Rainbow Chickens Group Sustainability Executive Ettienne Thiebaut - expression of interest for an independent power producer in the region, for firms input
We then toured the Crusader Logistics warehouse and viewed the solar Photovoltaic system in operation.
Venue: Crusader Logistics
Date: Tuesday 21 February 2023
Annual Member’s meeting
We heard from three insightful speakers who gave ‘macro context’ to consider and a rallying call to action by business, as we enter another surely challenging year –
Advocate Paul Pretorius, Head of Legal Team, Zondo Commission
Songezo Zibi, Chairman, The Rivonia Circle
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder, Gift of the Givers
The 100 gathered firm representatives additionally -
Reviewed HCRDA activity in 2022 and approved the plan/budget for 2023
Approved the incoming EXCO of the HCRDA
Launched the Hammarsdale Cato Ridge Development Trust (www.hcrda.org/trust)
Venue: Kloof Country Club
Date: 1 February 2023
Work forum: Cato Ridge Electrical Construction (CREC)
CREC shared from their 38 years experience delivering their core services of MV, LV, overhead line and E&I installations and electrical reticulation, including a case study on a recent R150m+ project in Durban.
A plant tour clarified the range of services that CREC offers.
Venue: CREC
Date: 30 November 2022
Outer West Investment Conference
90 delegates heard from eight speakers on property development news and opportunities in the Outer West. See the presentations delivered here.
Venue: Butler’s Ranch, 11 Meadway Road, Drummond
Date: 10 November 2022
Work forum: Boreholes
Members heard from Jonathan Low, MD of Natal Water Treatment Group and shared experiences finding, extracting and treating water in the region.
While we are having some positive engagements with eThekwini Water and Sanitation the reticulation system is clearly in a poor and worsening condition. The long term supply outlook is also bleak with a 5% per year reduction of bulk water from Umgeni Water underway since 2018 and forecast to continue until at least 2026.
Venue: On-line
Date: 8 November 2022
Safety Forum: High technology security solutions
The mass unrest event of July 2021 showed the relative ineffectiveness of traditional security systems in these situations. Two high technology solutions were presented.
Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) emit an incredibly loud focused sound that makes retreat the only option. LRAD is cost effective and tireless, low harm and low risk, has zero operating costs, offers better public positioning, reduces liability and can be operated easily and immediately. A demonstration was offered after the presentation.
Vumacam is rolling out a nationwide smart CCTV network. CEO Ricky Crook presented how it operates and about the roll out in the Outer West.
Venue: Merlog Foods
Date: Thursday 29 September 2022
Work Forum: Road Accident Reduction Strategies
Costing about 3% of GDP, road accidents in South Africa are a massive drain on the economy.
Stan Bezuidenhout is a renowned road safety expert and shared case studies and practical advice as to how to reduce road risk and this expense.
Venue: On-line
Date: Thursday 18 August 2022
Infrastructure Forum: Maersk presentation and site visit
Maersk’s recently opened multi-carrier container facility in Cato Ridge is a significant milestone in the vision for a Dry Port in eThekwini’s Outer West. It will drive the area’s logistics competitiveness and attract further investment into the region.
Maersk shared on the journey to realising this investment, the site’s operations, its’ offering to users and their outlook for the region’s growth.
Venue: Presentation at Cato Ridge Electrical Construction then site visit at Cato Zulu Industrial Park, both Old Main Road, Cato Ridge
Date: Tuesday 23 August 2022
Work Forum: Buckman Laboratories Plant Tour
Company executives through shop floor supervisors attended the HCRDA Work Forum at Buckman Laboratories.
Operating a Major Hazardous Installation (MHI) Buckman Laboratories places a strong emphasis on Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ) which was the focus of this Forum. All delegates were impressed and took away learnings of the policies and practical implementation by Buckman to deliver their motto “People Matter Most”.
Venue: Buckman Laboratories, Buckman Boulevard
Date: Wednesday 27 July
Infrastructure Forum: Mr385
Attendees gathered to discuss the initiative to repair key sections of the Mr385 - the key road in Hammarsdale which is in an incredibly and increasingly poor condition. 3 pledges of support we made in the meeting which took support to over 50% of the R 1,733m required.
Venue: On-line
Date: Monday 4 July 2022
Work Forum: Swan Plastics Plant Tour
Company executives through shop floor supervisors attended the HCRDA Work Forum at Swan Plastics.
Committed to Continuous Improvement, Swan Plastics shared their Continuous Improvement journey and visitors were impressed with their processes and a productive workshop was held where observations were shared.
Venue: Swan Plastics, 51 Old Main Road, Cato Ridge
Date: Thursday 26 May 2022
Infrastructure Forum: Eskom’s grid and operations in the Outer West, Durban
Prashunt Lutchman, Key Customer Executive, Eskom shared information and answered questions from firms -
Local grid overview – a map and explanation of how the grid functions
Load shedding – map and explanation of load shedding grids, schedules and opportunities to mitigate load shedding (i.e. curtailment)
Operational overview – explanation of Eskom operations and flood recovery update
Other relevant information
Venue: Virtual
Date: Monday 25 April 2022
eThekwini Municipality Economic Development and Planning Committee (ECOD) Chair engagement
HCRDA is pleased to have been invited to engage with Cllr Thanduxolo Sabelo, Chair Economic Development and Planning Committee. He noted his support for the activities of the HCRDA and requested a proposed short list of measures to improve business confidence in the region. This is being taken forward with his department.
Venue: Mr Price DC, Keystone Park
Date: 4 April 2022
Addressing illegal action by some Business forums
Attorney and experienced litigator Conan O’Dwyer has successfully supported firms in the region with these matters. He shared with firms the details of the law, recent case law and how to respond if a ‘Business forum’ approaches your firm.
Venue: Merlog Foods
Date: 3 March 2022
Annual Member’s meeting
View the slides presented at the Annual Member’s meeting held on Friday 4 February 2022 here.
Andrew Boraine, previously City manager of Cape Town and now CEO of the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership shared insights on what Public Private Partnerships can deliver and how best to structure them for sustainability
Glen Robbins, previously head of the Economic Development Unit in eThekwini Municipality and now Head of Research at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies facilitated productive discussions amongst the attendees
HCRDA activities in 2021, Audited Financial Statements and plan and budget for 2022 were presented and endorsed
The HCRDA EXCO welcomed Matthew Major, Commercial Manager at Scott Bader and Pieter Jordaan, Country Head of SRF Flexipak. Sincere thanks went to Douglas Brown, MD of Cretemix and Bright Saurombe, Deputy General Manager of SRF Flexipak for their input support and input over 2021
Venue: Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies
Date: 4 February 2022
Infrastructure Forum
South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) gave an update on the recently launched N3 upgrades and implications road road users over the estimated 10 year build.
Three dynamic Black-owned SMMEs with services of relevance to established firms presented their businesses to the gathered managers and executives of more established businesses.
Venue: In-person at Merlog Foods
Date: 18 November 2021
SMME engagement
The HCRDA engaged Outer West SMMEs listed on its SMME directory. It supported them to develop/refine their proposition to be unique and generate a Simple, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timebound (SMART) plan to bring this to market-
Clarify their challenge
Unlock creative ideas
Stop what stops you
Stay on Track
Date: 24 February, 07 April, 19 May 2021
Venue: Cato Ridge Electrical Construction/ Use-it
Safety Forum
Six Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed, providing early warning and live intelligence on vehicle movements. These were demonstrated to firms with discussion ensuing as to how to grow the camera network and coordinate intelligence inputting and a response from the South African Police Service and private security companies.
Venue: Cato Ridge Electrical Construction
Date: 11 November 2021
HCRDA Work Forum
Dr Justin Barnes of the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) shared his deep knowledge and prompted reflection by attendees on -
A fresh view on the status quo of South Africa’s economy and related challenges and opportunities -
Leadership development: To address generally weak public sector education outcomes and develop a new generation of competent and passionate leaders
Industry 4.0: Firms’ physical proximity should be complemented by digital integration to yield its full benefits
Sustainability: South Africa’s high CO2 intensity cannot be ignored
South Africa’s positioning relative to our Sub-Saharan neighbours: With burgeoning populations and their own growth ambitions
Venue: 74 Everton Road, Kloof
Date: 13 October 2021
Infrastructure Forum: Cato Ridge Dry Port - Update from Warwick Lord
The Cato Ridge Dry Port (CRDP) has been the topic of discussion in the transportation and logistics corridors for many years. The Cato Ridge Logistics Hub Consortium (CRLHC) has been central to driving this vision which will transform the Outer West and the competitiveness of logistics in the region and beyond.
CEO of the CRLHC Warwick Lord shared details on developments to date and the now imminent timeline for project initiation.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 5 October 2021
Safety Forum: Lessons from recent unrest and a better response plan
To support firms to reduce their vulnerability -
Value Logistics which was a very public example of looting reflected on their experience and the lessons learned.
LAD Security who were at the forefront in addressing the unrest at multiple facilities have reflected on the experience and shared insights.
The HCRDA proposed a mechanisms for firms to work collectively to address both potential significant and guaranteed ongoing criminal activities in the region.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 29 September 2021
SAPS and Metro Police recognition
HCRDA and Mr Price recognised South African Police Services (SAPS) and Metro Police officers at the Hammarsdale, Mpumalanga and Inchanga Stations. for the services delivered to the Outer West Durban Community in three categories -
Inspiration/Innovation
Bravery
Best Arrest
Each winning officer receive a framed certificate and R 400 voucher.
Venue: SAPS Hammarsdale
Date: 10 September 2021
HCRDA - eThekwini Municipality forum
The Outer West is a priority node for eThekwini Municipality. Recognising the role of the HCRDA, the Municipal Manager’s office coordinated an engagement with multiple eThekwini Department heads. The goal was to develop greater clarity on municipal service delivery capacity and challenges, private sector expectations and how the private sector can support improved delivery. Regular engagements are planned with both civil servants and political leadership.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 10 September 2021
DoMore Foundation and HCRDA Community Communication Strategy
The HCRDA shared its community communication strategy including a newspaper and social media presence and solicited input from members.
The DO MORE FOUNDATION (founded by RCL FOODS) has been working to #DoMore for the Hammarsdale community. It shared the DO MORE FOUNDATION story and its work in early childhood, community, and enterprise development.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 2 September 2021
Executive Committee meeting
The HCRDA EXCO met to consider the opportunities for an optimal collective response to the recent crisis. This will be shared with member firms and implementation begin early in August.
Venue: Keystone Park, Hammarsdale
Date: 27 July 2021
Safety Forum - eThekwini Municipality engagement
The Outer West was full of challenges and opportunity before the destructive events beginning 11 July 2021 which have unfortunately only increased the challenges. An open meeting with the 7 local ward councilors aimed to identify where they can drive improved community relationships and improved public services so as the opportunities the region offers can be realised for collective benefit.
Venue: Keystone Park, Hammarsdale
Date: 27 July 2021
HR Forum- Outer West food supply chain update
eThekwini Municipality, firms in the food value chain (RCL, Kerry Ingredients, Merlog Foods, Sequence Logistics) and social partners (Mr Price Foundation, Do More and The Valley Trust) shared on the food security status in the region and efforts to support staff and community over this challenging period.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 19 July 2021
Safety Forum - Crisis update and planning
Firms joined to share their experiences, outlook, approach and reopening plans post the civil unrest. Participants also completed a survey to develop a quantified understanding in this period of uncertainty. This was then shared with participants and is available here.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 15 July 2021
HR Forum
Mr Price Foundation shared details of its various social-development initiatives with its peers in the Outer West.
Early Childhood Development, in partnership with The Unlimited Child
EduRise, a holistic schools support programme
JumpStart: Training of youth for retail and Distribution Centre (DC) job opportunitiesSupplier development: Training of local youth to be multi-skilled machinists in local Mr Price suppliers
HandPicked: pilot to teach youth agriculture and entrepreneurship skills using unused plots at the DC as a growing hub, using harvested rainwater and selling to the DC canteen
A virtual tour of the DC was also given.
Venue: Virtual
Date: 29 June 2021
Executive Committee meeting
The HCRDA EXCO met to guide effective strategy, oversee delivery, evaluating activity impact
Venue: Virtual
Date: 9 June 2021
Work Forum
The tariff paid by business for water in Durban has increased over 300% in eight years from R11.23 per kiloliter in 2011/2012 to R36.52 in 2020/2021, far outstripping inflation. To both protect margin given these significant increases and as the responsible action given our water stressed environment, water saving and effluent reduction is vital.
Chris Fennemore, MD of Water Zone is focused on delivering practical cost-effective water saving and effluent reduction solutions that pay back in the shortest possible period. Chris will share his approach and case studies from a variety of industries where he has saved customers millions of Rands.
Venue: On-line
Date: 3 June 2021
HR Forum
Absenteeism, abuse of sick leave and Doctor’s notes has been noted as endemic in the area with significant associated cost to firms. A HR Consultant will present on your legal rights and obligations in this regard and share practical advice as to how to reduce absenteeism.
The smrt.bio recruitment platform was demonstrated from both a job-seeker and recruiter perspective.
Venue: On-line
Time: 27 May 2021
Executive Committee meeting
The HCRDA EXCO met to guide effective strategy, oversee delivery, evaluating activity impact
Venue: Merlog/virtual
Date: 22 May 2021
Safety Forum: Launch of regional security camera network
With 2,500+ cloud-connected License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras in operation, NAVIC will demonstrate the power of its network to significantly deter, detect and prosecute criminals. HCRDA will update firms on its progress towards implementing the NAVIC network across Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge by June 2021.
Venue: On-line/Cato Ridge Electrical Construction
Date: 5 April 2021
Environment Forum
Leaders in solar and battery energy Renu Solar presented share case studies on how it has assisted firms to significantly reduce their electricity bills and avoid punitive tariff structures with off balance sheet financing, adding to their bottom line from day one.
eThekwini Municipality supported USE-IT is mandated to identify waste beneficiation opportunities to divert waste from landfill and create employment in the green economy. USE-IT shared details on their materials beneficiation centre, located just 2,5km from central Hammarsdale and the services they offer.
Participants additionally reviewed the proposed Environment Workstream strategy and 2021 programme of activities.
Venue: On-line
Date: 2 March 2021
Executive Committee meeting
The HCRDA EXCO met to guide effective strategy, oversee delivery, evaluating activity impact
Venue: Merlog/virtual
Date: 23 February 2021
Security Company Collaboration
11 of the 16 companies operating in the area met to identify collaboration opportunities (as an outcome of the Safety Forum). South African Police Service; Inchanga, Hammarsdale and Mpumalanga branches and Durban Metro Police then joined and a plan was agreed how to take the opportunities forward.
Venue: Mr Price Distribution Centre
Date: 17 February 2021
Work Forum
A draft Work Workstream strategy and programme of activities for 2021 was presented to firms for consideration and input.
Additionally Bruce Lennon of Stimela presented on cost effective mechanisms to achieve B-BBEE compliance and key recent and foreseen B-BBEE legislation amendments.
Venue: On-line
Date: 16 February 2021
HR Forum
Firms contributed towards the HCRDA’s 2021 Human Resource strategy and programme.
Additionally Luan Coetzee of Thrive shared his experiences supporting develop healthy organisations.
Venue: On-line
Date: 26 January 2021
Members meeting
HCRDA members gathered to launch the initiative and review its draft Memorandum of Incorporation, strategy, budget, Service Level agreement with CEO and consider Executive Committee representation.
Venue: Merlog/virtual
Date: 26 November 2020
Safety Forum
21 firms gathered to discussion common safety challenges and potential solutions with outcomes focused on -
Collaboration: Between firms, firms and South Africa Police Service (SAPS); Community Policing Forum (CPF); Political structures; Community leaders and Security Companies.
Information sharing: A mechanism to capture and share important information.
Common benefit capital projects: Focused on technology based solutions.
Venue: Cato Ridge Electrical Construction
Date: 24 November 2020
Launch workshop
Head of eThekwini Municipality Economic Development unit Shunnon Tulsiram and Senior Project Manager Peter Gilmore shared their support for the initiative and the City’s infrastructure development plans for the area.
Venue: Merlog Foods
Date: 30 September 2020
