Remarks by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, the Honourable Michael Mabuyakhulu on the occasion of a networking dinner in honour of guests to the 2011 Durban Vodacom July

Programme director;
Dignitaries present;
Ladies and gentlemen;
All protocol observed

On behalf of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal and the people of this province, we wish to extend a warm welcome to all our guests who have honoured our invitation to be with us and to attend one of the premier horse racing events not only in South Africa but the world over.

Programme director, the Durban Vodacom July as it’s now affectionately called, occupies a special place in the tourism calendar of events for this province. While the event is primarily about horse racing, however, over the years, like other similar international events, it has evolved into a dazzling show of colour that features other equally fascinating elements such as fashion and other related lifestyle products.

But more importantly, this spectacular function has become a socio-economic gathering where people meet to let their hair down, do business and network on various matters. From our perspective, as the department that drives tourism in the province, the Durban Vodacom July offers us a golden opportunity to showcase some of the province’s tourist draw cards which are interlinked to other economic activities. It is because of this reason that the province invests its efforts and resources to ensure that this event remains in the minds of those who attend this horse racing event.

Each year, new innovative ideas make the race different than the previous one as we are aware we are not alone in the game as we have some of the globally renowned activities such as Breeders Cup Class, Dubai World Cup and indeed the Kentucky Derby – all used as trump cards to attract big spending tourists and potential investors. They all keep us on our toes and we are certain that this year’s event will reflect something new that will make visitors wish to come back next year.

Programme director, ladies and gentlemen, we are all aware that this year’s Durban Vodacom July comes at the time when our country and indeed our province is still basking in the after-glow of what has been described as the best FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup ever in the history of this foot-balling spectacle. Exactly at this time last year, South Africa was a country on steroids, as it erupted into scenes of raw and unscripted moments of national pride, which were beamed to billions of people around the world.

But the greatest legacy of the World Cup for Durban and the people of this province was that the foot-balling extravaganza helped the world to “discover” what many people now routinely refer to as the Miami of South Africa – which is Durban – the city that bristles with unalloyed and natural beauty.

It is because of this reason that Durban is now fast becoming a place to be for the world’s decision makers, business people and sports stars alike. It’s here where the warmth of the city’s climatic conditions are reminiscent of the warmth and generosity found amongst the residents of this province.

As you have probably noticed on your arrival, our city has been festooned in preparation for the International Olympics Committee‘s general assembly congress which takes place next week. The confidence in the city’s ability to host some of the biggest world events was realised soon after the country’s independence in 1994 – as we became home away from home for delegates that attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, Non-Alignment Movement Summit and many more events of similar stature. Such experience has helped to elevate the city and the province as an ideal place to converge to discuss issues of international interest and promote the spirit of global solidarity through sporting and other related functions.

So when we say Durban is fast becoming the sporting capital of the African continent, the results are all there for every one to see. As many of you are aware, October presents another opportunity for this city, the province and the country to demonstrate that we are now real participants in global affairs as we will be hosting one of the world’s biggest gatherings, the COP 17.

Besides the anticipated number of people attending, the significance of this event is that its outcome will help decide the future of mankind as the focus would be on highlighting the dangers of drastic climatic changes manifested in the global warming blamed for recent spate of recent natural disasters in both advanced and developing worlds. Certainly, Durban is the stage while KwaZulu-Natal is the theatre where a wide range of dramatic world issues are presented.

Programme director, we are particularly pleased that we are hosting guests from all the corners of the African continent because as a province and as a country we have taken a conscious decision to promote our country and our province as the tourist destination of choice on the African continent. One of the unfortunate legacies of colonialism is that as a continent we do not only trade among ourselves but that we also know little about other African nations and their cultures. If we are to subscribe to the notion that `charity begins at home’, we need to do things differently.

This implies that we need to get the basics right before we can begin saying the re-awakening of the African continent will happen in our lifetime. Just as we begin to foster regional integration and inter-trade amongst our countries, so should we experience more of our continent’s tourism offerings, instead of traveling to other continents and appreciating what is furthest removed from ourselves when we have home brewed tourism gems. Local is said to be lekker and we have to demonstrate this street talk by seeing Africa as our starting point to explore the world.

In the long run this will not only ensure that we know more about our continent, but it will also ensure that our much needed tourism spend circulates amongst African countries. At the same time it will foster a sense of regional marketing.

When British people descend on our shores, they are able to share information about what is happening somewhere on the European continent. We should be in the same position when one asks us about Swaziland, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and many more countries on the continent. Improved trading exposure within African states will hinge on cross-border cultural exchange that would help us appreciate the need for a more meaningful African solidarity.

We all know that that the continent of Africa is the next big thing to happen in the world in terms of economic growth. Studies after study have shown that the African continent is the biggest growth point and we need to acknowledge this through cooperation in our efforts to attract investment and tourists. The growing middle class with disposable income, the inter-African travel and trade concept has to be promoted.

Already, Programme director, statistics show that during the World Cup our country received a substantial number of visitors from our continent. But this is not enough – and more importantly this movement of people should be spread across the continent.

Programme director tonight is a night for us to take things easy as we prepare for the big day on Saturday. However, it will be remiss of us not to expose you to some of the natural treasures that make our province such a unique tourism experience. We are passionate about what our city and the province can offer to the world.

Our province boasts some of the most breath taking natural attractions. Not only do we have pristine beaches which are warm throughout the year, but we also have the Big Five, two of the World’s Heritage Sites, the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. We are also a province with people with a big heart, the Zulu people, who are renowned for their gallant exploits after they defeated the mighty British Military in 1879.

We have no doubt that during your stay here you will find time to experience not only the warmth and the hospitality of our people, but some of the tourism wonders that make KwaZulu-Natal such a must-see destination.

I thank you.

Source: KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism