SEDIBENG.- Sedibeng (Vaal) has always been a hub for the economy of Gauteng and, to an extent, the country at large.

The Iketsetse-Bokamoso Holding PTY-LTD company held a fruitful Travel and Tourism Seminar at the Vereeniging Civic Theatre on Monday.  The day formed part of the preparations and was a build-up for the upcoming ‘Etlang Ko Vaal’ international event that will be held in the area from May 23 to 25 next year.

The ‘Etlang ko Vaal’ event is the brainchild of Iketsetse-Bokamoso’s founder-director, Malethola Matube.

Matube told Sedibeng Ster that the international event aims to bring businesspeople, golfers, tourists, and investors to the area. During the seminar, local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were invited to register on the database of Iketsetse-Bokamoso.

“We realised that as rich in many ways as the Vaal is, it is not marketed enough and people out there in the world are not exposed to the place. The Vaal is the heart of Gauteng; therefore, it cannot be neglected. We want economic growth, township growth, and development. All in all, we are igniting African excellence,” Matube said.

Those on board to make the event a success include the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), Tourism SA, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), and the Gauteng Tourism Authority. Mentioned among the media partners were Mooivaal Media and Sedibeng FM. Matube said that they aim to also address transformation, gender equality, and women emancipation.

“We are particularly calling on women, youth, and people with disabilities to come on board so that when the event takes place next year, they are not left out.”

SMMEs heeded the call and came out to register.

“We are glad that our work is being recognised and we are also invited to take part in big projects such as this one. We will surely not disappoint as this is also to our benefit. This is for our children, our area and the country at large,” said Dineo Moleko from Tshaba-Tlala, an organisation from Sebokeng that specialises in organic material.

Speaking to those in attendance, Khulu Mbongo, SDM’s Director for Local Economic Development said, “Through tourism, we want to help our people. We want to empower SMMEs, therefore, you guys need to formalise your field, you need to be registered and work in a proper manner. The biggest challenge that we face when we come to you. when we want to help you, is compliance. We need strong and organised SMMEs.”

The Gauteng Department of Treasury, the South African Revenue Services (SARS), the Department of Growth and Development Agency, and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Commission were also on board to advise the SMMEs.

The ‘Etlang ko Vaal’ event aims to bring back the vibrant lifestyle of the Vaal.