Tournament a boost to local economy

The hosting of major sporting tournaments in the metro, like the 103rd South African Open Championship, goes beyond the sporting activity itself and has a wider social impact.

This is the view of Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, who believes that, in a city where unemployment and poverty remain a serious challenge, it is important that every avenue be explored to address these problems.

The municipality is hosting the SA Open, which is the second oldest national golf championship after the British Open, for the third time in a row.

“We have seen the impact a major sporting event like this one has on the region, both in terms of promoting the sport among previously excluded communities and also in terms of skills transfer and business tourism,” explained Gungubele.

The mayor said that, besides the fact that the tournament in 2012 was broadcast to 41 countries and reached more than 400 million homes, exposing the Ekurhuleni brand to a global audience, about R2.4-million was spent on Ekurhuleni-based suppliers during the tournament.

“A total of 490 temporary jobs were also created in various sectors, especially in the hospitality industry; we had opportunities ranging from tour guides, caddies, drivers, security and club house staff, to ball spotters and technicians,” said Gungubele, adding that in 2011, 361 temporary jobs were created, with an economic contribution of over R5-m.”