Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube believes the Comrades Marathon has the potential to reignite the tourism industry in the province.
“Early this morning, we witnessed the people of KwaZulu-Natal lining up the streets to encourage more than 15 000 runners who are taking part in the 89km Comrades Marathon,” said Dube-Ncube in a statement on Sunday.
“We are at Moses Mabhida Stadium to welcome the first runners and in the afternoon.
“The mood as we arrived at the stadium ignited hope for a better future. We remain confident that indeed, our tourism industry will be stimulated with job opportunities created for many of our people.”
Dube-Ncube said the event brings millions of rand into the local economy and ensures the stimulation of different sectors of the economy.
“By Thursday, we had already recorded accommodation occupancies of more than 93% in Pietermaritzburg – with Durban and Umhlanga at 69%.”
“We are satisfied with the work done by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma and all entities under his department, such as KZN Tourism Authority in terms of working with stakeholders in the entire value chain of the tourism industry.
“The MEC for Arts, Culture and Sports Amanda Bani-Mapena and her team have worked well with the leadership of Comrades Marathon Association to ensure that we stage the most successful race.
“Equally, we thank eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, Durban Tourism, Durban Metro Police and all councillors for the hard work over the past months,” she said.
She paid a special tribute to the leadership of uMgungundlovu and Msunduzi Municipalities.
“In particular, we thank stakeholders in the industry and the people of KwaZulu-Natal for looking after runners who are accompanied by families and their friends.”