Sir
A recent media statement by KwaZulu-Natal’s Economic Development and Tourism Department – in which we are told that President Ramaphosa has heaped congratulations on MEC Sihle Zikalala for his ‘innovative and telepathic’ thinking when it comes to Tourism – cannot go unchallenged.
It is common knowledge that MEC Zikalala is a ‘Zuma’ man, which only makes this blatant ANC politicking and back-slapping even more sickening. If ever there was a case of politics before the people by the failing ANC, then this must be it.
Put simply – it is KZN’s amazing weather, warm sea temperatures and our magnificent wildlife and mountains that draw visitors. Certainly it is not the province’s ANC government which even tries to claim private investment within the tourism sector as its own achievement! To see real tourism in action, one only has to visit the DA-led Western Cape. Not only has this province achieved massive success, it has also seen an increase in international flights in and out of Cape Town International. The difference? The Western Cape offers a far superior experience when it comes to services, safety and cleanliness. One only has to look at the hugely successful Waterfront and exceptional public transport in Cape Town to see this in action.
The 2019 elections will provide the people of KZN with the opportunity to effect change in the province. One of the fastest ways to kick-start our province’s economy is through tourism. A DA-led KZN would restore the mandate of province’s EDTEA Department to create and develop an environment conducive to investment and economic development resulting in job creation. We would also implement the WESGRO model, a lean, mean, development machine which has incorporated economic development, investment and tourism under one umbrella on the Western Cape.
Mr President, you will have to raise the bar here in KZN if you really want to achieve tourism excellence. And you will have to face the fact that when basic service delivery is ignored, tourists are the first to leave.
The time has come for a new government – one which will create real jobs to the benefit of all of the people in our province and not just for a few connected cadres within an increasingly elite ANC.
Ann McDonnell
DA KZN Spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
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