Last Dance Music Festival will not be held in Richards Bay this year
Last Dance is now the lost dance
THE annual Last Dance Music Festival – the highlight of the city’s tourism calendar – will not be held in Richards Bay this year.
According to Imbawula Investments founder and festival organiser Sipho Ndaba, the relocation of the regional economic spinner to Ballito was motivated by ‘terrible working relationships with and interference from some officials’.
‘There are greedy politicians who even said they would take over the festival.
‘For years I have had a great relationship with all municipalities involved and their leadership but other officials are using politics to make my work very difficult,’ he said.
The festival has been a tourism booster for nine years, generating revenue of about R250-million towards the region’s economy.
‘Over the years it has been giving locals jobs as promoters, boosting B&Bs, hotels, petrol stations, restaurants as well as crafters within the area.
‘With over 20 000 people attending the annual event, it was not just a music festival but an economic bonus for many locals,’ said Ndaba.
According to Ndaba, even though the event has been relocated, his team will ensure Zululand people have the opportunity to be part of it and get cheaper packages.
‘Richards Bay will always be my home and its people have supported the initiative since the first day and I will forever be grateful for everything,’ he said.
According to City of uMhlathuze communications manager Mduduzi Ncalane, the organisers have not formally notified the city.
‘The city is aware that the contract has ended and it was supposed to be renewed when the news about the move surfaced.
‘Once things are done formally they will be tabled by the council and we take it from there.
‘Obviously the festival has been a tourism force and a signature of our city.
‘The city will take a huge dip if it moves but we will have to wait for everything to be on the table,’ said Ncalane.
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