Honourable Ambassadors in our presence
Representatives of the federative government of Brazil
Representatives of the governments in the SADC Region
Representatives of the government of Kenya
Representatives of the government of Rwanda
Business representatives
Media representatives
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is my pleasure to be addressing you today, one day just after the kick off of the historical event as we celebrate the first ever FIFA World Cup hosted in the African continent. I am sure you are full of jubilation as we have seen the first game and congratulating our boys who did well when beating Mexico.
When RETOSA Executive Manager mentioned the proposal of hosting this event to me, I then realised that African people have always enjoyed visitors who come in large numbers with the aim of celebrating togetherness. The African Festival should mark the beginning of the interaction of African continent to celebrate our cultures, heritage, hospitality and ubuntu.
Tourism is recognised as one of the sectors with the greatest potential to contribute to the economic regeneration of the continent, particularly through the diversification of African economies and generation of foreign exchange earnings.
In this context, carefully considered strategic interventions in the tourism sector have the potential to catalyse growth in other areas of the economy, for example, agriculture, horticulture and the service sector. More importantly, the tourism sector has a huge potential to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and ultimately eradicate poverty.
In August 2008, South Africa hosted the 28th SADC Summit, during which all 14 SADC members agreed to enter into a free trade agreement. This agreement ushers in a new era of economic integration with the goal of eliminating tariffs and trade barriers among member countries. It was anticipated that the agreement will create a regional market worth $360 billion benefiting around 170 million people.
As the tourism industry, we should be tapping into this kind of agreement and making our contribution through the movement of our people without major obstacles in both the trade and hospitality sectors. An event of this magnitude enables that tourism becomes factor influencing regional integration. This celebration of Africa festival should bring pride in our people to develop and conserve their culture and heritage.
Ladies and gentlemen, finding the proper balance between sustainability and tourism growth demands is the difficult and important task of world heritage sites managers, and these are areas that our countries could share experiences and expertise on. Balanced growth means shared growth, and socially this will ensure long-term sustainability.
I was delighted to note that the aim of Africa Festival is to showcase the continent’s tourism, cultural and business opportunities to the world and our own people while hosting the VIPs in the business, government, arts, media and investment sectors.
This festival will be a marketing platform by business, governments and tourism and hospitality industry. I therefore urge all of us to continue supporting and participating in this event in future.
I would like to thank all participating governments across the continent as well as our provinces, business and media for supporting this festival and I officially invite you to the business trade and investment seminar to be held on 24 June 2010 here at Melrose Arch.
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s go and enjoy the rest of upcoming events from the international, local artists and watch the games in the spirit of oneness. I now declare this Africa Festival officially open.
I thank you.
