KwaZulu-Natal would use the 2010 World Cup to position the province as the leading cultural and sports region in Africa, provincial treasury head of department Sipho Tshabalala said on Monday.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by treasury official Warwick Dorning, Tshabalala told the annual provincial tourism conference that government sponsorship of events such as the A1 Grand Prix in Durban had added to the pull of events such as the Comrades, Midmar Mile, Duzi and the July Handicap. Negotiations were under way to bring the World Rally Championships and North Sea Jazz festival to the province, he said.
Film and the creative arts were being promoted, while the region's cultural and historical heritage was being restored through initiatives such as the Commemoration of the Bhambatha rebellion, the erection of statues of past Zulu kings and the establishment of a cultural and media centre, Tshabalala said
A strategy has been developed to harness economic opportunities for 2010 in construction, tourism, services, hospitality and the transport and logistics industries.
Transport investments planned include the King Shaka International Airport, R190m over two years for Richards Bay industrial development zone infrastructure, R1,1bn on major road upgrades, R160m on tourist facilities, development of a rail strategy and an upgrade of Durban harbour.
KwaZulu-Natal's growth fund, aimed at tourism development, will receive R1,5bn from government over three years. Projects being considered include a harbour at Port Shepstone, Cape Vidal Resort, a five-star hotel at Umhlanga, a winery in Estcourt, a township tourism development in Ntuzuma and the Okhahkamba Game Park.
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism information manager James Seymour said tourist safety was crucial for 2010. Initiatives already undertaken included the erection of closed-circuit television in Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism director-general Mandla Mchunu said the way to tackle crime was to improve the economy for all people.
Business Day
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge
