Latest news with #R232
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Durban to flex its tourism muscles as current Africa's Travel Indaba contract reaches a conclusion
Ethekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, KZN Tourism Board Chair Sbusiso Ndebele, KZN Tourism Acting CEO and Film Authority Sibusiso Gumbi, and MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Rev. Musa Zondi during a walkabout at Africa's Travel Indaba at the Durban ICC. Image: Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers The vibrant city of Durban has once again welcomed delegates from across the continent as Africa's Travel Indaba officially commenced at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). This year's event was graced by high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and the KZN MEC for Economic Development. They were joined by Tourism and Environmental Affairs Reverend Musa Zondi, Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba, and South African Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, who all converged to highlight the importance of tourism in driving economic growth. Durban has hosted the Indaba, South African Tourism's flagship annual event, for over three decades, solidifying its position as a key player in the continent's tourism landscape. With the current contract to host the Indaba concluding this year, the city is keen to demonstrate its value as a dynamic investment hub ready for business. Addressing delegates, Xaba declared: 'Durban is more than just a destination; it is a gateway.' He added that this year, they are projecting significant achievements, with expectations to exceed last year's figures by welcoming over 9,600 delegates and generating approximately R232 million in direct spend, injecting an anticipated R575 million into Durban's local economy. 'These numbers are not mere statistics,' Xaba emphasised. 'They are a powerful endorsement of tourism as a key driver for economic transformation in the city and the province.' This year's event is themed 'Unlimited Africa", where the focus extends beyond tourism to encompass the intertwining of culture, commerce, and community. Reverend Zondi reaffirmed the province's commitment to positioning the Indaba as a permanent fixture within its borders. 'We remain hopeful and committed to ensuring that Africa's Travel Indaba becomes a signature event on the international tourism calendar,' he noted. Tourism is not just a buzzword - it stands as a cornerstone of South Africa's economy and plays a vital role in national and provincial development strategies. KwaZulu-Natal's strategic coastal location enhances its tourism potential, making the province a frontrunner in marine and coastal tourism, heritage routes, and blue economy innovations. Ntuli also took the platform to express pride in hosting the event. He emphasised Durban's pivotal role in global tourism, highlighting that in 2024, KZN welcomed 3.2 million domestic visitors and 620,000 international guests, generating over R2 billion in revenue. 'This didn't happen by chance. It was the result of sustained effort: in infrastructure, in marketing, in partnerships,' said Ntuli. Durban is bidding for a further five-year term to host Africa's Travel Indaba. The city and its leaders are lobbying earnestly to establish it as the permanent home for this prestigious event, underscoring the critical need to promote and showcase the continent's diverse tourism offerings. In a landscape where tourism can be a transformative force, Africa's Travel Indaba serves as a pivotal platform to unite stakeholders and innovate. As delegates share ideas and forge partnerships, the prospects for African tourism shine brighter than ever, setting the stage for an era of growth and opportunity.
The South African
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mofokeng, Ramontoeli, R46 million fumbled
Today's Orlando Pirates transfer wrap looks at Relebohile Mofokeng, a new teenage prodigy and a huge mistake made with Lyle Foster. Burnley paid €7m upfront for Lyle Foster in January 2023, with a further €4m of add-ons triggered because of their promotion to the EPL. Foster's move amounted to something approaching a staggering R225 million. One of the existing cash-rich EPL sides might be keen to take a punt on Foster's fighting qualities, especially at a price around €13 million (R280 million). It makes you think, could Pirates have held out for more than the €1.2 million they received for him in 2019? Also, why didn't they put a sell-on clause into that deal? Typically, sell-on clauses hover around the 10-20% mark. If Foster's move to Burnley was approximately R232 million, 20% of that would equal R46.4 million. That's quite an easy payday which the Orlando Pirates board overlooked. Click for the story It seems ridiculous to discuss the 'next Mofokeng' given that the original Mofokeng is still only 20 and not close to being the finished article. However, there is a name we should be watching closely. 'There is an exciting player who has been signed by Orlando Pirates, and soon people will be talking about him. His name is Rethabile Ramontoeli, and he plays as a winger and as an attacking midfielder. He is the next Relebohile Mofokeng, that one, I can promise you,' a source told Soccer Laduma . Click for the full story Relebohile Mofokeng has racked up a staggering 41 appearances in the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. Arguably the club's most important operator, he's produced 10 goals and 13 assists in those matches. It's a stellar output for any player, let alone one who's just exited his teens. Is there a succession plan for he inevitably leaves for a wealthier league abroad? Money can buy good players, but some stars are priceless. Pirates have unearthed a new teenager, but he's unlikely to make an impact for some time. Click for the full story Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
