End of the road for Zululand Trade Fair
Over the years the fair has attracted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors to the region
AFTER almost three decades of the Zululand Trade Fair helping to place the region on the tourism and entertainment map, a lack of funding could see the end of this annual highlight on the Zululand calendar of events.
As important to Zululand as the Royal Show is to Pietermaritzburg and the Rand Easter Show to Johannesburg, the Zululand Trade Fair has served to boost the local economy, create platforms for out-of-town businesses to test opportunities, and promote social cohesion by bringing together local communities.
‘As a committee we believe we have done everything we could to keep this going as the greatest event in Zululand and, more importantly, to use the show as a platform to place our city in the limelight,’ said chairperson Dean Smith.
Smith said that without municipal funding, or help from large corporates, the show cannot go on.
ALSO READ: All the fun of the Zululand Trade Fair
Financial assistance received last year from local businesses was merely a drop in the ocean towards the more than R950 000 costs of hosting and running the event.
‘Without the support of the local municipalities and corporate business, we have no option but to cancel the show.
‘Unless we are able to secure urgent funding, this event will be lost to Zululand.’
With less than two weeks left to secure funding, the clock is ticking.
Show has evolved
‘We have been fortunate to have run the Trade Fair for the past four years.
‘We have worked really hard, put in endless nights and hours, and we have done Zululand proud by making sure the event places our city, Richards Bay and Zululand firmly on the map.
‘The show committee has adhered strictly to its ethos and values of social cohesion, of allowing local business communities to showcase their products and providing an educational, fun-filled weekend for everyone to enjoy.’
He said the event attracts thousands of visitors to Richards Bay and has a large impact on economic value and spend in the city.
Local lodges and hotels are fully booked for the duration of the event, and many local jobs are created.
‘This show is the only event that has many activities and is not focused on one portfolio.
‘We include arts and culture, economic development, education, sport, entrepreneurship and more.’
He said by incorporating the Zululand Motor Show into last year’s event, every motor dealer in the region exhibited.
Over the years, the show has attracted more than 175 exhibitors from around the country, with many SMMEs returning year-on-year as the Trade Fair has helped build their businesses and brands.
Schools have also benefited from visiting the show, by being incorporated into the UniZulu Science Centre’s activities.
Thanking the Zululand community for its support over the years, Smith said he has an obligation to inform stakeholders and exhibitors across the country of the probable cancellation of the Zululand Trade Fair.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
