Having begun various activities in August until October to awaken this sleeping beauty events such as Vaal River Carnival have been pencilled in for the Vaal residents, to conscientious them on the importance of tourism as we celebrate Heritage Month.
Although the area features well known dams and rivers for water sporting activities, still it becomes a mission to market it to the outside world. Some have alluded it has much to do with ‘petty-politics’ doing rounds but the new administration has hit the ground running to dispel such notion.
Sport and water tourism attracts both local and international visitors and this week, Vaal could become a potpourri for events.
From Mayoral Golf to Wine Festival from Soccer to the popular Emerald Horseracing, this is the pinnacle of what’s on offer.
Mayoral Member of the Committee (MMC) for Local Economic Development at Emfuleni Municipality, Khulu Malindi says they’re ready to get their hands dirty and also noted the problems which might have halted development in the area without getting into details.
“We noted with concern the problems which has resulted in either slow or non-delivery when coming to marketing this beautiful area of ours. However, since we’re problem solve-driven we have, and continue to met with all stakeholders in re-shaping our strategies,” he says.
“Vaal is synonymous with water and sport tourism and we’re working around the clock to market it outside the borders of the area by involving SMME’s, local tourism organizations and the Gauteng Tourism Authority in taking this forward.
With the cost of living becoming too expensive, why travel to a day to another province, when we’re only a stone-throw away? ” asked the tall and too confident MMC, who also said this weeks activities are part of the eKasi tourism emancipation.
Posed to MMC how much was invested in the Carnival, diplomatically he said, enough to market and place back the area were it belongs.
“As we speak all accommodations are fully booked, including other B&Bs in township areas,” says Malindi confidently.
On Friday, both the Mayoral Golf Day and Gala Dinner’s proceeds will be used to establish the education scheme and development of youth and women golfers in Emfuleni.
On Saturday and Sunday, the much awaited inaugural wine festi-vaal takes place at Saul Tsotetsi Complex-Sebokeng from 2pm.
Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits under 17s will battle it out against local teams as part of Soccer Expo tournament taking place at both George Thabe and Saul Tsotetsi stadiums, respectively on Saturday and Sunday.
Former Chiefs’ defender and (my coach whilst still playing for Chiefs’ Colts team) Ryder Mofokeng, ex-Wits Aaron Mokoena and other former soccer players’ will give coaching clinics.
Poignant MMC for Sport Shaka Radebe says with buy-in investments from private sector, they could change the landscape of sport considering they’ve got no PSL team from that area.
“What we’ve inherited was too much to stomach but with the relevant parties now on board, sport development should be prioritised,” he says.
For more information on tickets, games and venues go to: www.emfuleni.gov.za or call 016-950-6382/3 or lopang@rainforestproductions.co.za
