This is an extract of the speech that Minister Winde gave at the Tourism Indaba 2010:
I am honoured to address you on this, the 32nd day before the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
With so little time left, I am pleased to see that infrastructure plans are being wrapped up; our airport, which recently won an award for being the best airport in Africa, is ready and South Africans across the country are gearing up to show our tourists that we have the most spirit of any country to host the Cup thus far.
Recent statistics released by SA Tourism confirmed that while the recession caused a global drop in tourism markets of 4% last year, tourism to Africa bucked the trend and grew by nearly 4%. Tourism to South Africa contributed over R189 billion to our GDP.
Notwithstanding these achievements, the Western Cape tourism industry has been through a rather rocky period. Last year June, we put together a task team consisting of City and Province representatives, who began to pave the way forward for a brand new, politically immune destination marketing model that we believe will pave the way forward for tourism marketing in South Africa. The emphasis of this plan was on finding new ways to foster cooperation and market ourselves with our collective resources. I am pleased to deliver this plan to you today.
Section 4A of the Constitution lists tourism as a functional area of concurrent national and provincial competence. Schedule 4B of the Constitution identifies local tourism as a local government functional area.
Our major achievements are:
· A single brand encompassing city, regional and provincial destinations;
· A single tourism marketing strategy, which demonstrates seamless coordination among SA Tourism, the Province and Regional and Local Tourism Organisations, with the business plans of the organisations aligned to deliver against this single Western Cape Tourism Marketing Strategy.
· A Single Destination Marketing Organisation at provincial level for tourism marketing and promotion, with clearly defined roles, actions, deliverables and measures.
To support the above, the destination marketing organisation will receive a new name and a new, more representative 16 seat board, made up of a CEO, Province and City ex officios, 1 seat for the DMO, 1 for the Cape Metropole, 5 for the district municipalities, and 6 public representatives with tourism qualifications and background.
We are currently in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government and the City of Cape Town. This will be followed by a Service Level Agreement between the City of Cape Town and Cape Town Routes Unlimited for the 2010/2011 financial year. We need similar processes to take place with the five District Municipalities.
After such time, together we will appoint an independent team to develop the Western Cape Tourism Marketing Strategy for the destination.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Western Cape tourism industry and the team at CTRU, who have worked very hard over the past five years and have made significant accomplishments. CTRU has represented the destination at 48 international tourism consumer and trade shows and engaged some 8 500 tour operators directly. It has managed to secure 24 Joint Marketing Agreements to the value of R836 million on these shows, adding significant value to the local industry.
It has also supported 367 city and provincial events which have boosted the attractiveness of our location to visitors. These projects have also supported local economic development.
CTRU’s Conventions Bureau has prepared and submitted 83 bids to host conferences in the Western Cape. It won 48 bids, mostly (95%) for the CTICC. Collectively, these bids had a conservatively stated economic impact of R950 million on the Western Cape economy.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
On 1 May 2010, the Matzi Leather Co-operative hosted its official opening. Alan Winde, and Minister of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation Sakkie Jenner attended the event.
The Matzi Leather Co-operative was started after three Vanrhynsdorp women approached a local leathersmith for training. One year and many hours of mentorship later, the women – Mietjie Lott, Lindell Flink and Janet Stevens, with the guidance of CEO Alida du Preez – opened the first and only leather cooperative in the country that makes hand-stitched goods based on an 18th century manufacturing technique.
At the opening, Alida du Preez expressed her excitement about the group’s achievements: “Already, we have had orders from abroad as well as many sales from tourists passing through Vanrhynsdorp. I am pleased that the co-op has had a positive economic impact for the women involved.”
Minister Alan Winde was just as excited about the formation of Matzi Leather, stating that with hard work, the co-op could make Vanrhynsdorp the leather capital of South Africa and jumpstart tourism to the area: “Cooperatives empower people by enabling even the poorest segment of the population to participate in economic progress. While small business ventures are never an easy path at first, if one believes in ones product, and knows that it is the best there is, it will grow from strength to strength. This co-op can become a vital part of building tourism to Vanrhynsdorp because it offers the authentic experience that travellers are looking for.”
Minister Sakkie Jenner had a more sombre message: “This is an important opportunity for the residents of Vanrhynsdorp, who must make sure that they work together at all times to create something big. It is also important that we learn from best practice and transfer our skills to others.”
One of the Co-operative’s members, Mietjie Lott, said that the opening of Matzi Leather was a special moment in her life. Despite only finishing her first grade of schooling, and not being able to read or write, she has learnt a unique skill and is now earning an income for her family. She claimed that she had always wished to own a set of false teeth, and would be putting some of the profits aside to make this dream a reality.
The Matzi Leather Co-operative was started after three Vanrhynsdorp women approached a local leathersmith for training. One year and many hours of mentorship later, the women – Mietjie Lott, Lindell Flink and Janet Stevens, with the guidance of CEO Alida du Preez – opened the first and only leather cooperative in the country that makes hand-stitched goods based on an 18th century manufacturing technique.
At the opening, Alida du Preez expressed her excitement about the group’s achievements: “Already, we have had orders from abroad as well as many sales from tourists passing through Vanrhynsdorp. I am pleased that the co-op has had a positive economic impact for the women involved.”
Minister Alan Winde was just as excited about the formation of Matzi Leather, stating that with hard work, the co-op could make Vanrhynsdorp the leather capital of South Africa and jumpstart tourism to the area: “Cooperatives empower people by enabling even the poorest segment of the population to participate in economic progress. While small business ventures are never an easy path at first, if one believes in ones product, and knows that it is the best there is, it will grow from strength to strength. This co-op can become a vital part of building tourism to Vanrhynsdorp because it offers the authentic experience that travellers are looking for.”
Minister Sakkie Jenner had a more sombre message: “This is an important opportunity for the residents of Vanrhynsdorp, who must make sure that they work together at all times to create something big. It is also important that we learn from best practice and transfer our skills to others.”
One of the Co-operative’s members, Mietjie Lott, said that the opening of Matzi Leather was a special moment in her life. Despite only finishing her first grade of schooling, and not being able to read or write, she has learnt a unique skill and is now earning an income for her family. She claimed that she had always wished to own a set of false teeth, and would be putting some of the profits aside to make this dream a reality.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Choo-Tjoe News edition 7
Since coming to office just over six months ago, we have made remarkable inroads into keeping the Choo-Tjoe steaming, not least because of the public support shown by you. I have also developed a true appreciation for the beauty and meaning of steam trains.
When I first became aware that the Choo-Tjoe was to be derailed, I was very heart sore. For many, the Choo-Tjoe is more than a train – it is a symbol of our proud heritage and an icon of the livelihoods it has sustained over the decades.
Today, we stand in a very different position. Transnet has agreed to keep the train on track until a suitable private owner is found. In October, they issued a call for Expressions of Interest, and we believe that they have had responses.
At present, the submissions that Transnet have received are being evaluated, after which time a short-listing process will occur. In conjunction will Transnet, we will be sure to issue you with news as soon as a successful bidder has been chosen.
Unfortunately, since this is a tender process (managed entirely by Transnet), details around the applications must remain confidential. This is to protect the identity of the participants to the process.
If you do have any queries, please contact Transnet directly by e-mailing: Mboniso.sigonyela@transnet.net.
I would like to urge all steam fanatics, and especially the recipients of our newsletter, to please take a trip on the Choo-Tjoe this festive season. As you know best, it is a wonderful way to spend a day with your family. Due to a severe drought in the Garden Route, the Choo-Tjoe may be running off diesel. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Choo-Tjoe remains and it will be an experience to be remembered.
When I first became aware that the Choo-Tjoe was to be derailed, I was very heart sore. For many, the Choo-Tjoe is more than a train – it is a symbol of our proud heritage and an icon of the livelihoods it has sustained over the decades.
Today, we stand in a very different position. Transnet has agreed to keep the train on track until a suitable private owner is found. In October, they issued a call for Expressions of Interest, and we believe that they have had responses.
At present, the submissions that Transnet have received are being evaluated, after which time a short-listing process will occur. In conjunction will Transnet, we will be sure to issue you with news as soon as a successful bidder has been chosen.
Unfortunately, since this is a tender process (managed entirely by Transnet), details around the applications must remain confidential. This is to protect the identity of the participants to the process.
If you do have any queries, please contact Transnet directly by e-mailing: Mboniso.sigonyela@transnet.net.
I would like to urge all steam fanatics, and especially the recipients of our newsletter, to please take a trip on the Choo-Tjoe this festive season. As you know best, it is a wonderful way to spend a day with your family. Due to a severe drought in the Garden Route, the Choo-Tjoe may be running off diesel. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Choo-Tjoe remains and it will be an experience to be remembered.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Photojournal - MEC Winde visits Ffestiniog
In Early November, Minister Alan Winde visited the Ffestiniog Railway in Wales. Whilst there, he toured the railway's stations, Works and platforms. He also engaged with several high level members of the Railway, who gave excellent advice on methods to save the Choo-Tjoe, and make it an economically viable operation.
Above: A engineer at Boston Lodge Works (possibly the oldest works in the world) saws a very large bolt in half
Above: The Ffestiniog emblem emblazened proudly on one of its trains
Above: A engineer at Boston Lodge Works (possibly the oldest works in the world) saws a very large bolt in halfAbove: Tammy sitting on "Prince"
Above: the plate as you step onto a newly built loco
Above: MEC Winde inspects an original Suid-Afrikaanse Spoorwee plate at Ffestiniog's pub
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
MEC Winde pleased that Choo-Tjoe back on track
MEC Winde buys his ticket for the Choo-Tjoe
The return of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe celebration was held on 19 October 2009. Ms Cynthia Mgijima, Head: Transnet Foundation, performed the welcome address and dedicated the celebration to the operational return of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, which had been discontinued for routine maintenance per regulator safety requirements on 30 June 2009.
Ms Mgijima said: "The first two restored coaches would be used today with the remaining three being completed by the end of the month. She also said: "Today demonstrated Transnet’s commitment to preserve the future of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. She concluded by saying: "The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe brings joy, hope and anticipation of change to ordinary people’s lives."
Mr Morne Hoogbaard, Acting Municipal Manager for Eden District Municipality said that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe will also be enjoyed by the 2010 supporters and the Eden District Municipality expresses their commitment to making sure that "the train will blow out steam." Mr Hoogbaard said: "The Eden District Municipality, in consultation with other municipalities, had agreed to the appointment of a project manager to facilitate funding for the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe within the next few weeks." Mr Hoogbaard also said that "the three spheres of Government should work together to ensure that the Choo-Tjoe remains one of their icons."
Mr Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism said in his address that this was a very special tourism occasion. He thanked Transnet most sincerely for being committed to the preservation of this heritage rail icon despite it no longer forming part of their core business. Minister said: "The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is an icon that is known around the world and we must make sure that we preserve it for our children and our childrens’ children."
Minister Winde gave the undertaking that Provincial Government would market the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe through Cape Town Routes Unlimited. The Minister said that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe newsletter was designed to keep all interested parties informed of progress in finding a private funder for the train.
Minister Winde said that he would be visiting the United Kingdom in November and was in the process of scheduling meetings with key vintage railway stakeholders to gain experience for implementation in South Africa.
Minister Winde said that the Provincial government fully supported Transnet’s next phase of commitment, which was putting out expressions of interest through a public participation process to attract potential investors.
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train left from the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Transport Museum over the picturesque Kwang River, snaked over the Great and Little Brak Rivers and ended its trip outside the Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay.
Mr Neels Zietsman, Chairman of Mossel Bay Tourism welcomed the guests and introduced the Acting Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Mr Harry Ebendal who in turn introduced Mr Johan Gelderblom from National Parliament. Mr Gelderblom said that the return of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, with enthusiastic marketing, becomes an important economic generator.
The event hosted by Transnet Foundation was attended by Transnet officials, representatives from Provincial Government, Eden District Municipality, George Municipality and Tourism, Mossel Bay Municipality and Tourism, UATA, SA Rail, HRASA, Media and various tour operators.
Third time lucky! Liquor Amendment Bill out for public comment
The Western Cape Liquor Amendment Bill was published for comment on the 16th of October 2009.
This is the next step in the Provincial Government's plan to put in place legislation that will address both the problem of the liquor trade in the Province being largely unregulated, and the scourge of alcohol abuse that continues to exact a terrible toll on our economy and the inhabitants of the Province.
The Amendment Bill addresses some concerns that were raised by the national Minister of Trade and Industry, the SAPS and the City of Cape Town with regard to the Act. These concerns, in a nutshell, relate to the following:
(a) The national Minister would not agree to promulgation of the Act until the provision that would allow a special event liquor licence to be granted to a school was removed. This has been done.
(b) The SAPS was of the view that the licence application process had to amended so that applications must be lodged with the designated liquor officer at the time it is lodged with the Liquor Board. This amendment was effected, since it would speed up the application process, reducing the time applicants will have to wait to get an outcome.
(c) The City of Cape Town’s insisted that the determination of trading times fell within its competence. This has also been included in the Amendment Bill.
In addition to these, a number of other amendments are proposed. These relate mainly to name changes (the Board becomes the Western Cape Liquor Authority, and the Board now refers to the governing body of the Authority). Although the majority of the sections of the Act are affected by the Amendment Bill, most of the changes relate to these name changes.
Lastly, a number of corrections to cross-references were made.
The Amendment Bill does not, in any way, affect this government’s approach to liquor regulation:
· We are still determined to ensure that liquor establishments will, under this legislation, not be allowed to operate within residential areas.
· We will still take whatever is necessary to ensure that communities are:
- better informed of new licence applications
- given a platform to make their objections known;
- given the tolls, ensure that operators who fail to adhere to licence conditions and the law are dealt with quickly, efficiently and, where circumstances so demand, severely.
· Furthermore, we will still seek to ensure that the police and other law enforcement agencies, including the Liquor Authority’s Inspectorate, are given the powers and tools to manage, and if need be, close liquor establishments in the Province.
The approach taken in/by the Act with regard to addressing the social ills caused by the industry remains the same – the government is unwavering in its commitment to ensure that the industry acknowledges the harm caused by the product it sells, and commit funds and other resources to curb and contain those negatives; that consumers and the general public become more knowledgeable on issues of liquor abuse, irresponsible trading and responsible consumption, and options available to them to intervene. In the words of the current awareness campaign by this and other liquor authorities around the country: “Liquor regulation is everybody’s business”, not only those who trade in and consume the product.
This is the next step in the Provincial Government's plan to put in place legislation that will address both the problem of the liquor trade in the Province being largely unregulated, and the scourge of alcohol abuse that continues to exact a terrible toll on our economy and the inhabitants of the Province.
The Amendment Bill addresses some concerns that were raised by the national Minister of Trade and Industry, the SAPS and the City of Cape Town with regard to the Act. These concerns, in a nutshell, relate to the following:
(a) The national Minister would not agree to promulgation of the Act until the provision that would allow a special event liquor licence to be granted to a school was removed. This has been done.
(b) The SAPS was of the view that the licence application process had to amended so that applications must be lodged with the designated liquor officer at the time it is lodged with the Liquor Board. This amendment was effected, since it would speed up the application process, reducing the time applicants will have to wait to get an outcome.
(c) The City of Cape Town’s insisted that the determination of trading times fell within its competence. This has also been included in the Amendment Bill.
In addition to these, a number of other amendments are proposed. These relate mainly to name changes (the Board becomes the Western Cape Liquor Authority, and the Board now refers to the governing body of the Authority). Although the majority of the sections of the Act are affected by the Amendment Bill, most of the changes relate to these name changes.
Lastly, a number of corrections to cross-references were made.
The Amendment Bill does not, in any way, affect this government’s approach to liquor regulation:
· We are still determined to ensure that liquor establishments will, under this legislation, not be allowed to operate within residential areas.
· We will still take whatever is necessary to ensure that communities are:
- better informed of new licence applications
- given a platform to make their objections known;
- given the tolls, ensure that operators who fail to adhere to licence conditions and the law are dealt with quickly, efficiently and, where circumstances so demand, severely.
· Furthermore, we will still seek to ensure that the police and other law enforcement agencies, including the Liquor Authority’s Inspectorate, are given the powers and tools to manage, and if need be, close liquor establishments in the Province.
The approach taken in/by the Act with regard to addressing the social ills caused by the industry remains the same – the government is unwavering in its commitment to ensure that the industry acknowledges the harm caused by the product it sells, and commit funds and other resources to curb and contain those negatives; that consumers and the general public become more knowledgeable on issues of liquor abuse, irresponsible trading and responsible consumption, and options available to them to intervene. In the words of the current awareness campaign by this and other liquor authorities around the country: “Liquor regulation is everybody’s business”, not only those who trade in and consume the product.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Quick note from Minister Winde
Well done to Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the Western Cape's destination marketing organisation, for hosting a fantastic open day!
WORLD TOURISM DAY
I would like to urge all Capetonians to go for a walk on the beach or up a mountain trail this World Tourism Day. Afterwards, visit a restaurant in a different suburb or picnic at one of our botanical gardens - Go out and experience one of the varied cultures that the Cape has to offer.
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