Australia Reunion 2016
FOREWARD CLLR James Nxumalo Ethekwini Municipality Mayor FOREWARD South African High Commissioner to Australia Durban is a vibrant, sophisticated, cosmopolitan city of opportunity and a leading domestic destination, which is famed for its bustling port, buzzing beaches and eclectic mix of cultures, creating its own Durban is also the proudly pulsating heart of KwaZulu-Natal, the province of South Africa s second largest economy, contributing on average, some 16% to the country s GDP. Providing links to major centres around the country, and across the world through its comprehensive infrastructural networks, purpose-planned airport city, the Dube TradePort, with the new King Shaka International Airport at its core. The ethekwini Municipality, one of Africa s award-winning municipal administrative structures, which administers the city of Durban, has during the past few years, invested billions of Rands in infrastructure development, thereby creating an opportunistic environment for tourism and commercial investment. Recently named as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the world, one of CNN s most underrated cities, 7th on the New York Times list of Top 52 Places to Go in 2015, and the African city with the highest quality of life on the continent (Mercer s 2015 Quality of Life survey), Durban is the gateway to South Africa and the world. One of Durbans greatest achievements is being selected as the host of the 2022 Common Wealth Games. An amazing platform for investment packed with punch and personality, an idyllic climate and tourism experiences await you in Durban. People can be united no matter where they are in the world. Ebandla is the brainchild of KwaZulu-Natal former Premier, Sibusiso Ndebele, now the South African High Commissioner to Australia. Ebandla meaning Council of the Wise was based on the ancient Zulu custom of the elders sitting together and discussing issues of community interest. The African Renaissance organisation s goals include promoting the development of Africa and its people. Sibusiso Ndebele s mantra is that countries can truly develop by opening the platforms for people to share information with each other. The KZNSA Ebandla is a concept that is focused on connecting people of the world with their original home of KZN and thus enabling the transfer of information and skills that could lead to the better development of the KwaZulu Natal Province. Successful Alumni all over the world gain access to information, education and skills that they have acquired abroad, that knowledge is untapped potential that could be used for the better development of KZN. KZNSA Ebandla holds a special place in the heart of the High commissioner, and in his current role as the High Commissioner to build relationships with successful Alumni that are based in Australia The 2016 Australia Reunion, will focus on reconnecting the chosen guests with their original home of KZN, through open dialogue and information sharing and updates. Sibusiso Ndebela will be a guest speaker at the 2016 Australia Reunion and he looks forward to sharing his vision and strategy on the KZNSA-Ebandla Campaign.
What is the purpose of Ebandla? The Ebandla Campaign was launched in 2005 by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, as part of its African Renaissance initiative. Ebandla (Council of the Wise) was based on the ancient Zulu custom of the elders sitting together and discussing issues of community interest. If we want to build our country and our province then we need to invest in building networks that are broader than any one single institution. South Africa along with many other developing nations is dependent on the skills and knowledge of developed nations and engineering, transportation and logistics. There is much talk these days about harnessing alternative sources of energy, and likewise the KZN Ebandla campaign would like to do the same, with people power, by calling on our successful alumni to join together in a collective effort aimed at promoting social and economic growth of KwaZulu-Natal.
Who runs Ebandla? Ebandla is the brainchild of KwaZulu-Natal former Premier, Sibusiso Ndebele now the South African High Commissioner to Australia, and Professor Mandla Mchunu, former KZN s Director-General. It is endorsed by the provincial cabinet and other key decision makers. The Ebandla campaign is co-ordinated based in Westville, Durban, South Africa. Make a real difference to Durban KwaZulu-Natal If Ebandla is to succeed, it is crucial that we attract the broadest range of successful alumni, irrespective of their race, gender or political matter where they are in the world. To this end, we ve tapped into a host of resources, including our embassies around the world, professional bodies and the alumni associations of local tertiary institutions. Various academic institutions, parastatals and business organisations have supported the campaign and contributed immensely. Ebandla is proud to be associated with such great companies; University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of South Africa - Durban Campus, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal and Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Zululand) and now The Sharks Rugby franchise. Who can come to Ebandla? You don t need to be rich and famous to be part of Ebandla. But we are looking for people who will be able to make a real difference to KZN and Durban. arts, sciences, humanities, business or medicine. We call these people the KZN Successfull Alumni. Some are born and bred here or studied here. Today you ll them out to be part of Ebandla. What are the joint benefits of joining Ebandla? Many alumni will come to Ebandla out of a desire to contribute to the growth coming to Ebandla. Through the Ebandla website, www.ebandla.co.za and our and opportunities in Durban KwaZulu-Natal. As part of Ebandla, you ll be people, including key Durban and KwaZulu-Natal decision makers. What does it cost? There s no fee to join Ebandla. But we are looking for people who are passionate about their mother province and willing to contribute proudly and unreservedly to our joint mission of growing Durban KwaZulu-Natal.
Ebandla gaining momentum in 2016 Ebandla co-ordinators, African Renaissance, have organised several gala events in South Africa. The inaugural event took place in Sandton in July 2006 drawing some 900 alumni across the length and breath of Gauteng. This was followed by a memorable reunion in Cape Town at the Mount Nelson Hotel in November of 2006 with a capacity attendance of about 400 alumni. In May 2007 Ebandla made its mark internationally in London, hosting 450 alumni. Thereafter, October 2008 saw another successful reunion staged in New York hosting a capacity audience. The 2009 reunion in Dubai was attended by 470 attendees. The resounding success of these events has shown that KZN alumni are looking for ways to connect to their alma mater and to each other. These early successes have laid the foundation for the 2016 reunion in Sydney. London Reunion - 2007 New York Reunion - 2008 Durban Point Waterfront Oceans Umhlanga Cornubia Integrated Development Can I contribute to Ebandla? Ebandla is not an exclusive old boys club. If you feel you meet the criteria, or you know somebody who does, visit our website: www.ebandla.co.za contribution. Talk about Ebandla and spread the word about its objectives Identify and sponsor worthy causes to support Lobby fellow board members for international conferences to be held in Durban Look for investment opportunities Bring family and friends to Durban KwaZulu-Natal and promote tourism Dubai Reunion - 2009
Taking Durban to the world Durban is a natural paradise situated on the East Coast of Africa, South Africa s second largest city and the country s most popular leisure destination. With mild winters, hot summers and golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, the city is a melting pot of cultural diversity, sunshine and scenic beauty. Durban has recently achieved the global status of being a New 7 Wonders City of the World. This achievement is a great honor for the City of Durban and to be positioned amongst other leading global cities of the world, proudly shows the commitment and competitive edge of the city as a leading Tourism, Events and Business Destination. The City has also proudly acclaimed the Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2015 by New York on the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the city. Durban is perfectly located as the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal, whether you are looking for action and adrenaline, or a relaxed family get-away at the beach or looking for a venue to host your next event, Durban has it all! Durban is not only known for its warm beaches and all year round warm weather, but is a city that is rich with culture and historical sites. Heritage routes such as The Woza enanda Heritage Route have as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Authentic local cuisine such as the famous Bunny Chow, a mix of aromas from the Indian spices used in curry and other popular chill out spots within the township that offer a shisanyama experience. Durban is constantly evolving and developing into a world-class city, with transport systems aimed at making visitor experiences as pleasant as possible. Amongst the cities greatest achievements, 2022 Commonwealth Games, which for Durban is undoubtedly at the forefront of development, innovation and tourism. Durban is proud of the many international accolades it has won, and looks forward to even more exciting prospects that will TAKE DURBAN TO THE WORLD. For more info: : Durban Tourism : @dbntourism Website: www.durbanexperience.co.za
Follow us: : Durban Tourism :@dbntourism Website: www.durbanexperience.co.za A project of the city of Durban in association with the African Renaissance Supporting partners: Contact Ebandla: Address: 3 Chase Place, Westville, P.O Box 1351, Westville, 3630 Tel: +27 31 266 9792 Fax: +27 31 266 9055 Cell: +27 82 653 2522 Email: info@ebandla.co.za Website: ebandla.co.za