05 May 08

By Sipho None

THERE is a Chinese proverb which says that you must make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come - these are the words of Executive Mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane.

They were uttered by Barry Freidman, the economic services (enterprises) development political head, who was speaking on behalf of the mayor at the launch of the Mogale City Tourism Advisory Council. Friedman encouraged all tourism enterprises to join hands and put Mogale City on the map.

The 10-man committee, headed by Obi Teme, was announced at a breakfast at the Centenary Hall recently. Its main tasks are to advise the mayor on tourism-related issues and to work with local tourism committees.

“Like the proverb says, we need to start with dealing with home first before we can deal with the outside world. As is captured in the vision statement of this council, we must consolidate and direct our energies and efforts towards one common goal of improving the quality of life of our people.”

Friedman said the White Paper on Tourism, as well as the master plans of the West Rand District Municipality and the Gauteng Tourism Authority also recognised this point.

“So as we launch this council, we do so with the full recognition that ultimately our programmes must be focused on ensuring that we benefit the people of the city. It is only when you are improving the lives of those at home that you can interest those outside to prefer your home.”

His optimism was followed by a note of caution from the Gauteng Tourism Authority’s institutional relations senior manager, Mbuyiselo Kona, however, who spoke about the challenges facing the tourism sector. “While we promote transformation within tourism, we need to face the challenges within the sector. This includes facilitation of visitor safety initiatives and the alignment of provincial tourism initiatives.”

Teme was pleased with the launch of the council. “We are happy that the council has been launched, and we are looking forward to working with tourism initiatives in Mogale City and assisting local tourism councils in developing their sectors, and reporting to the mayor about the progress we have made.”

Tourism is one of Mogale City’s strengths following the demise of the mines on the West Rand, and there has been an influx of tourists from as far as the City of Wujiang in China visiting the Office of the Mayor to strengthen relations.

Doctor Sebiloane, acting tourism specialist, said: “We feel great as a department to have launched the advisory council. This council will help in many forms, such as advising the executive mayor on tourism-related issues and assisting previously disadvantaged individuals with the tourism sector.”

Tourism and business heavyweights such as Khaya Njingolo, the West Rang Development Agency chief executive, and Enver Buys, of the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, attended the launch.