We view this initiative as important because it allows us an opportunity to showcase the Cape Flats as area that is not just about crime, disease and poverty. There are vibrant communities with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, that live in our sprawling townships.
Langa the oldest African township in the Cape Peninsula and the birthplace of the late cultural legend Brenda Fassie is a good place to kick this drive off.
In our quest to create 'The Western Cape As A Home For All The People Of The Province', we have to embrace and showcase all our people.
We however agree that some of our communities need entrepreneurship assistance and training. My department has introduced programmes aimed at upgrading the entrepreneurial skills of those from our communities.
We have introduced a training programme for first-time entrants into the market. There also is the Enterprise Development Fund, which has also earmarked the tourism sector as an area of special focus.
To ensure we achieve this excellence the Department has introduced a monitoring and evaluation programme.
I wish to also acknowledge:
- SABC 2 for embracing the campaign and offering added value;
- Industry partners - Thompsons and Protea hotels for daily prizes;
- Dreamcatchers; Thebe Tourism & Welcome tours for offering affordable packages;
- Southern Sun and Springbok Atlas for packaging affordable mass travel products;
- All Provinces, Department Environmental Affairs & Tourism and SA Tourism for team South Africa efforts which will no doubt create jobs and economic growth.
