The recent FIFA World Cup boosted tourism in South Africa, resulting in the creation of much needed jobs. This was announced by National Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk speaking at the launch of SA Tourism’s “I’m a South African Fan” campaign at the Ipelegeng Community Centre in Soweto, on Thursday.
“When I spoke to the owner of Sakhumzi (a restaurant in Soweto) before the world cup, he said he had ten employees. But now, after the world cup, his business has grown and he now has 48 employees!”
This goes to show, the minister explained, that tourism plays an important role in boosting the country’s economy and creating employment.
He also commended South Africans for their welcoming spirit during the world cup: “By being the loudest and proudest of cheerleaders during the successful 2010 World Cup, we showcased how passionate we are in all things sports and African. Thanks to sports, South Africa recently won the reputation as one of the world’s premier leisure destinations. And sports is one of the crucial elements of our tourism offering that will help ensure that this reputation endures and tourism continues to grow in order to make its vital contribution to the economy, job creation and development,” Minister Van Schalkwyk said.
The “I’m a South Africa fan” campaign aims to encourage South Africans to continue flying the flag, cheering for their sports teams at sporting events, and being the welcoming, hospitable hosts they have proved themselves during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He also told guests, which included famous cricketer Makhaya Ntini and former Cricket South Africa chairman Ali Bacher, that Sowetans have proven to be a leading example in attracting tourists to the township.
“I’d like to appeal to South Africans to get rid of their fears and move out of their comfort zones to experience what the country has to offer. Soweto isn’t the only place you can visit; there’s other townships like Attredgeville, Gugulethu and Mitchels Plain.”
On the day, Van Schalkwyk took a brief tour of Soweto on the back of a motorbike as a guest of the Soweto Sopranos Bikers Club.
Together with fellow bikers, he visited the Soweto Hotel, Orlando Towers, former President Nelson Mandela’s home in Vilakazi Street, and the Ipelegeng Community Centre in Jabavu.
“The success of our industry is rooted in the participation of all South Africans in tourism.
The best way for South Africans to be better and more welcoming hosts is to travel their own country, whether it is travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg to watch a rugby or football match, or going on a family holiday. This way you get to give praise where it is due, gauge service levels, and offer constructive criticism where it is warranted to improve service excellence in the industry,” encouraged the Minister.
SA – The Good News – Themba Makamo
