Office Bearers of the newly elected Sedibeng Interim Regional Tourism Association - Left to right: Wayne Pienaar (Treasurer); René Pelser (Secretary); Rosemary Anderson (Deputy Chairperson) and Khulu Mbongo (Chairperson)
Executive Mayor, Sedibeng District Municipality, Cllr. Mahole Simon Mofokeng; Herman van Wyk; MMC: Strategic Planning and Economic Development,, Cllr. Johnny Tsotetsi addressing tourism stakeholders at the launch of the Sedibeng Interim Regional Tourism Association.
MMC: Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Cllr. Johnny Tsotetsi
Tourism stakeholders at the launch of the Sedibeng Interim Regional Tourism Association |
|
The Sedibeng District Municipality launched the long awaited Sedibeng Interim Regional Tourism Association on Friday, 22 October 2010.
The Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality, Cllr. Mahole Simon Mofokeng, was joined by the MMC: Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Cllr. Johnny Tsotetsi and Acting Municipal Manager, Thomas Mkaza in inaugurating this momentous occasion with officials and the region’s tourism stakeholders. He said, “The launch of the Interim Regional Tourism Association in Sedibeng will ensure that tourism will become a major economic driver in the region, resulting in job creation and poverty alleviation, to the benefit of all.”
The Sedibeng District Municipality seized the opportunity to embark upon the implementation of the Gauteng Tourism Institutional Framework (GTIF) in the region to ensure that alignment was set with national and provincial legislation to create an enabling and facilitating environment for the entire tourism industry, and to facilitate organised tourism within the industry.
The establishment of a Regional Tourism Organisation is a deliverable of the Gauteng Tourism Institutional Framework. The Sedibeng District Municipality is therefore proud to be the provincial forerunner in implementing the provincial framework, as was demonstrated by launching this interim structure.
It will be the task of the Interim Regional Tourism Association to ensure that satisfactory public participation takes place, a business plan is developed and a feasibility study is conducted to advise Council on a suitable mechanism drive the final Regional Tourism Organisation.
It must also ensure that aggressive collective marketing is undertaken for the region as a whole, to promote Sedibeng as the destination of choice.
The Constitution of the Interim Regional Tourism Association was adopted by all present. It clearly outlines the objectives of the Association, namely:
- To assist the Sedibeng District Municipality in implementing the Gauteng Tourism Institutional Framework;
- To provide a platform for all stakeholders in the tourism industry to provide their inputs regarding their needs and expectations;
- To collate views and information in order to assist the Sedibeng District Municipality to make informed decisions regarding effective and optimal governance and management of the tourism industry in its area;
- To encourage stakeholders to organise themselves and elect representatives of any particular sector within the industry;
- To promote active participation of all stakeholders in the structures and systems that may be developed;
- To serve as an interim Regional Tourism Association until a final municipal entity is established.
All stakeholders who were present at the launch of the Interim Regional Tourism Association nominated and elected Office Bearers and the Executive Committee for the forum.
The Sedibeng District Municipality is pleased to announce the following officials and stakeholders as elected:
Office Bearers:
- Chairperson
- Khulu Mbongo, Director LED & Tourism, Sedibeng District Municipality
- Deputy Chairperson
- Rosemary Anderson, Stonehaven on Vaal
- Secretary
- René Pelser, Manager Tourism, Sedibeng District Municipality
- Treasurer
- Wayne Pienaar, Vaal Meander
Executive Committee Members:
- Representing Accommodation
- Michael Letaba
- Keith Attwel
- Representing Conference and Function Facilities
- Nicole Athannassiou
- Rosemary Anderson
- Representing Restaurants/Eateries/Taverns
- Kennedy Besele
- Amanda Kandilanaptis
- Representing Travel Agents and Tour Operators
- Thabang Letlala
- Natasha van der Walt
- Representing Tourist Guides
- Representing Outdoor and Adventure
- Representing Arts & Culture
- Representing non-categorised tourism sector
- Linda van Nieuwenhuizen
- Nico Ntema
Sedibeng wishes to congratulate all elected members and we look forward to a fruitful relationship to move together as we all strive to drive Sedibeng forward as the place to be!
|
