Virginia was lively with exciting festive activities on 31 August 2012 when the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs launched the 2012 Tourism Month at the Meloding stadium.
The government of South Africa has declared September Tourism month with World Tourism Day celebrated annually on the 27 September. This is where all South Africans are encouraged to travel their own province and get a better understanding of the affordable and exciting attractions available to them on their own door step.
The proceedings were kick started by the acting Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr Archie Mbana, who welcomed everyone to Matjhabeng Local Municipality where the 1st gold was discovered at a town called Allanridge. He then thanked MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mamikie Qabathe for choosing Matjhabeng Municipality to launch this important month in the tourism industry with activities and programmes to promote sustainable tourism development.
Bikers from different clubs and about 500 excited community members of Virginia and neighbouring townships braced the windy weather and came to Meloding stadium to witness the launch. The Community was entertained by Alah-Yen, Big Size and Zoe. Alah-Yen together with FS artists sang for the very first time, a song that specifically markets the different tourist attractions in the Free State called Woza Vrystaat.
The new chairperson of the Board for the Free State Tourism Authority, Mr. Glen Netshivhodza pleaded and challenged the community of Virginia and all Free State citizens to travel their own province and explore its beauty. “Our Free State is a beautiful place and we should embrace it as such, said Mr. Netshivhodza”.
Speaking on behalf of the Mamikie Qabathe, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Ms Mokone Nthogoa urged everyone to take advantage of this month of September. “We are here to encourage you to make it your responsibility to tour our beloved province. Free State is the melting port of culture and heritage, ranging from historical graves, historical buildings and monuments, nationally acclaimed caves like Lekgalong la Mantsopa, Motoulong, Nkokomohi and Haheng la Wetsi, the rich political history of the African National Congress with the Waaihoek, Wesley Church, Maphikela House and Digareteneng. These also include the women’s memoriam in Bloemfontein and the Monument in Winburg”, said the acting HOD.
Ms Nthogoa also mentioned that Kasi tourism, Stokvel tourism and Edutourism as some of the core initiatives the department has embarked on for the communities to appreciate their townships more. With Edutourism, the tour operators will be encouraged to take schools to different parts of the province like dams, resorts and reserves where they can learn about nature conservation.
From the stadium the entourage moved through Meloding and Thabong townships, lead by police, creating noise and hype to Phakisa Race Course for Phakisa Motor Extravaganza. The whole weekend programme of the Extravaganza was characterised by activities like drifting exhibition, spinning, track riding, pillion rides, best donut, sound competition, food stalls and games.
The idea was to promote Phakisa Race Course as an international sporting facility and market the Free State as an event destination region. Instead of being the “go through province”, Free State should be positioned to attract tourists to, stop, spend time and money, while exploring and experiencing its unique features and hospitality.
All the happenings of the day were an effort to cultivate a culture of travelling among the people of the Free State and turning each and every Free Stater into a tourism ambassador and realise that whatever they are looking for is here.
For more information please contact:
Elsie Ntsane
Tel: 051 400 9465
E-mail: ntsane@detea.fs.gov.za
Festy Nyamate
Tel: 051 400 9548
E-mail: nyamatef@detea.fs.gov.za
