Vryheid Tourism – ‘A clean town is beneficial to all’
"We humbly request that we work hand in hand... A clean town is beneficial to all."
THERE were mixed reactions from members of Vryheid Tourism at a recent open meeting when LED Manager, Msizi Kunene brought up the mildly controversial illegal signage issue that has been the topic of much debate in AbaQulusi.
Kunene, who was invited to report on the Local Tourism Strategy and Tourism Plan informed the members of Vryheid Tourism and other guests that, while they are working on getting the tourism strategy up and running, it is a work in progress and remains incomplete.
It was only when Kunene moved on to the contentious issue of illegal signage that things got a little bit awkward…
Requesting an updated list for Vryheid Tourism, Kunene explains to the attentive guests that the current campaign in AbaQulusi is to combat illegal signage.
“Advertising is good,” he explains. “But let’s do it in a proper way…”
Kunene continues and advises that outdoor advertising must be paid for and billboards that do not comply with the mandate will be taken down if there has been no engagement with the municipality.
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“This includes signage on buildings,” he adds and instructs the members to do applications at the Information Bureau as well as the LED office in Mason Street in this regard, adding that he will forward the releveant details to all members.
“We humbly request that we work hand in hand… A clean town is beneficial to all.”
Vryheid Tourism Chairman, Gustav Röhrs who, earlier in the meeting, delivered his Chairman’s report, urges that, to keep Vryheid clean, we must work together with the municipality.
“Our municipality is a great anchor in Vryheid Tourism,” he states. “We are lucky to have that benefit from AbaQulusi Municipality…”
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With the retirement of Alet Swanepoel, who attended the open meeting as a representative of RSA Security, Gustav reiterates that Alet’s position, despite being advertised, has not yet been filled and that a lack of staff is currently a problem.
It’s that time of the year again and the annual Vryheid Tourism Roadshow which takes place near Mpofini is scheduled for December 6. Kunene advises that all Vryheid Tourism members who wish to provide branding and advertising for the goody bags that are handed out every year to visitors and tourists to Vryheid are encouraged to drop off their merchandise at the Vryheid Tourism Information Bureau by December 4 at the absolute latest.
