IN little over a month, thousands of visitors are due to descend on the City of uMhlathuze as it hosts the 10th annual SATMA (South African Traditional Music Achievement) awards.
According to the organisers, a scarcity of beds will see guests having to book as far away as Ballito and St Lucia – such will be the demand.
‘There’s massive business and money coming to you, as long as you are well prepared and accredited,’ SATMA founder Dumisane Goba told a meeting of stakeholders at the Richards Bay library on Tuesday morning.
And he was adamant that, being ‘accredited’ meant being affiliated to the local uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO), with the City partnering with the uThungulu District and SATMA as hosts.
‘That is the only way to get onto our data base. There is no tender process and the onus is on you.
‘This also applies to transport providers. We have an open door policy, but access is via the CTO.
‘We will inspect those accommodation establishments where we pay for our own people, but for the rest we will be guided by the CTO, who by providing accredited names of people, transport and places will also ensure safety of visitors – and that they don’t get ripped off.’
Pre- and after-parties
The major highlights will take place at the University of Zululand KwaDlangezwa campus, with Friday and Saturday, 2 and 3 October, seeing the presentation of some 26 awards in front of as many as 6 000 people.
‘But hundreds will start arriving a week before, including sound and production staff, TV crews and foreign visitors,’ said Goba.
‘Just the artists, nominees, VIPs, presenters and fans will number about 2 000 and could escalate to four times as many.
‘We need to exhibit a great display of hospitality from the outset, starting with a red carpet welcome at the Richards Bay Airport on 29 September for international delegates.
‘And beyond the SATMAs themselves, these people will want to visit tourism attractions, dance the nights away at clubs and dine at restaurants.’
Goba pleaded that as the City and surrounds enjoy a bumper influx of tourism spend, this should as far as possible cascade down to the emerging economy.
A further meeting of tourism stakeholders will take place in mid-September.
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