CITY Councillors are impressed by the work done by the fledgling uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO), but extremely disturbed at the apparent lack of support from officials within the municipality.
Directing the programme on Thursday at a workshop for Councillors, officials and the uCTO, Cllr Musawenkosi Mbokazi praised the number of Councillors in attendance, but slated the absence of City officials – some of whom have direct input into tourism functions.
His criticism was met with applause from the uCTO committee, who have long felt isolated and poorly supported in their quest to make the City a leading tourist destination.
‘There is no question of the political will or the desire and energy of the uCTO, but this must be matched by the efforts of officials,’ said Mbokazi.
His views were endorsed by Cllr Meera Sookroo, Cllr Get Mbanjwa and Cllr Alen Viljoen, who said it was ‘heart-warming’ to see the committee’s progress.
‘Tourism must be made a priority by Council; we have everything here and must support all efforts to make tourism work,’ said Viljoen.
Earlier, uCTO Chairperson, Prof Thandi Nzama, introduced the uCTO executive and outlined the progress made since the committee was formed on 4 March this year.
‘These volunteers are dedicated men and women of action and we have had extensive strategic planning and a number of presentations that have given us definite direction.
‘We fully understand our roles and responsibilities and how we fit in with the City’s tourism strategy and IDP.
‘We are now registered with the KZN Department of Economic Affairs, Tourism & Environmental Affairs (DETEA), have our own logo and bank account and – thanks to Rob Hughes – have just opened an office at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront.’
The workshop was also addressed by Ayanda Zondi of the DETEA who explained the tourism roles at national, provincial and local level.
