The KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, has hailed the successful hosting of the SADC Summit and its associated programmes in the province as a significant vote of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal’s infrastructure, security capabilities, hospitality industry and overall readiness to host events of continental and international significance.
The SADC Summit, which concluded yesterday, was successfully hosted without any major security incident being reported. Premier Ntuli has expressed his sincere appreciation to the South African Police Service (SAPS), law enforcement agencies, security personnel and all other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure a safe, secure and seamless Summit.
Premier Ntuli said the successful hosting of the Summit has demonstrated that KwaZulu-Natal is ready and capable of hosting events of the highest calibre.
“The successful hosting of the SADC Summit is a tremendous achievement for KwaZulu-Natal and a clear vote of confidence in our province. We have demonstrated that our infrastructure, hospitality sector, security capabilities and public institutions have the capacity to host events of continental and international importance.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to SAPS and all law enforcement and security agencies for their professionalism, dedication and vigilance throughout the Summit. The fact that the programme was concluded successfully without any major security incident is testimony to the effectiveness of the comprehensive security arrangements that were put in place,” said Premier Ntuli.
The Premier said the successful hosting of the Summit has also demonstrated the province’s ability to mobilise different sectors of society and government around a common objective.
He commended provincial government departments, municipalities, traditional leadership, the business sector, hospitality establishments, transport operators, emergency services, civil society, event organisers, volunteers and all other stakeholders whose contribution ensured the success of the Summit and its related programmes.
Premier Ntuli also highlighted the successful hosting of the SADC Public Lecture delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday, which formed part of the broader programme surrounding the Summit.
The Premier said such engagements provided an important platform for strengthening public understanding of regional integration, African cooperation and the role of the Southern African Development Community in advancing development across the region.
“The success of the Summit was not achieved by government alone. It was the result of a collective effort involving law enforcement, government departments, municipalities, the private sector, our hospitality industry, communities and many other partners. I thank every individual and institution that played a role in ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal presented itself with the dignity and professionalism that an event of this magnitude deserved,” Premier Ntuli said.
The Premier further said the successful hosting of the SADC Summit strengthens KwaZulu-Natal’s case to host future major continental and international events, including programmes associated with BRICS and other multilateral platforms.
He said the province’s ability to host thousands of delegates, facilitate high-level engagements, provide quality accommodation and hospitality services, ensure secure movement and maintain effective coordination throughout the programme had demonstrated its readiness to compete for major international events.
Premier Ntuli said the hosting of the Summit is also expected to contribute positively to the provincial economy through increased demand for accommodation, restaurants, transport, tourism, conferencing, retail, events and other services.
“We are confident that the hosting of the SADC Summit and its associated activities has contributed to the growth of our provincial economy. Major events such as this create opportunities for businesses, particularly in tourism, hospitality, transport, retail and other sectors of the economy. They also showcase KwaZulu-Natal to the region and the world as a destination for investment, tourism and international business,” said Premier Ntuli.
The Premier said the province will build on the experience and lessons gained from hosting the SADC Summit to strengthen its capacity and positioning as a preferred destination for major continental and international events.
He reiterated that KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to working with national government, municipalities, the private sector and international partners to attract events that promote economic growth, tourism, investment and international cooperation.
Premier Ntuli concluded by congratulating all stakeholders who contributed to the successful hosting of the SADC Summit and thanked the people of KwaZulu-Natal for welcoming delegates and visitors to the province.
“KwaZulu-Natal has once again shown that it is on the ball. We have the infrastructure, the people, the hospitality, the security capacity and the organisational capability to host events that place our province and our country on the global stage. We must now build on this success and ensure that KwaZulu-Natal continues to position itself as a premier destination for continental and international events.”
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ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT