KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Senzo Mchunu, congratulated the eThekwini Metro and the 2022 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee on a successful bid and for bringing the 22nd Commonwealth Games to KwaZulu-Natal in 2022.
This is indeed a historical moment not only for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa but for the entire continent of Africa. The positive economic spin-offs of hosting these games will include an increase in tourism, infrastructure development and maintenance which will in turn help in our endeavours of improving job opportunities.
With its world-class facilities, beautiful sunshine and surf, and outstanding accommodation and venues Durban is the ideal city to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
This bid is a fully integrated part of KwaZulu-Natal's strategic intention to build the profile of the Province as a world-class sports destination and to generate significant economic benefits for the region.
KwaZulu-Natal has, in the past, hosted a number of international events to great success. These include the annual Duzi Canoe Marathon, the Comrades Marathon and world surfing events.
other non-sporting events that have been hosted by the province include the 2000 International Aids Conference, the launch of the African Union in 2002, the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2011, to mention but a few.
These events and many others that have been hosted successfully by the Province are an indication of our capabilities of discharging our duties with dedication and diligence and of ensuring that they proceed without any glitches or security breaches.
As the work starts in earnest in preparing to host our international guests we again appeal to all the people of KwaZulu-Natal to join hands with Government, the private-sector and all stakeholders in ensuring that all our guests get to experience the spirit of Ubuntu that KwaZulu-Natal is famous for.
