OPINION: Doomsday prophets should do the maths

DEAR Editor,-

Prior, during and post Africa Bike Week, we were all subjected to the usual ‘doomsday sceptics’ who now have access to social media and seem to thrive on this new-found avenue of spewing negativity to all and sundry.

We read on Facebook how terrible the event was going to be, how no bikers were coming this year, the disgusting state of Margate, how we didn’t deserve to host such an event, and so on, and so on. At every opportunity these people castigated and found fault with every little incident over the weekend.

I own a busy pub in Margate and, year after year over Africa Bike Week, our business has increased substantially. This year was no exception. However, before I get jumped upon by those saying only pubs and the hospitality industry benefits, which is untrue because all our staff (both permanent and casual extras) earn a lot of extra money that they then spread around after the weekend at local hairdressers, boutiques and shops, thus benefiting all businesses.

I made a point of talking to the thousands of customers who came through our doors and, without exception, every single one of them absolutely loved the event and Margate.

I also did a few sums based on attendance figures of 40 000 visitors to Margate for a minimum of four nights. Let us assume that the average accommodation costs R350 pppn, this equates to R56-million. They eat and drink at local pubs, restaurants and take-aways for approximately R350 pppd – another R56-million. If 10 000 bikers buy 20 litres of petrol, that equates to R2.5-million. Throw in miscellaneous sundry purchases of R100 pppd, this amounts to R16-million.

This conservative estimate equates a total spend of R130-million over a four-day period! So, how badly do we need this in Margate?

I compliment and thank municipal manager Max Mbili and his HCM team for providing financial support in their budget, the services of the SAP and Protection Services, as well as the permission granted for organisers to block off certain roads. There are very few towns that would get this support from local municipalities for a private event. Also, thanks to Vicky Wentzel and her Wozani Africa team for their efforts in orchestrating this huge event annually under trying circumstances.

Well done to all members of the public, residents and businesses who positively embrace this annual event. And to all the pessimistic doomsday prophets who are negative about it, please do us all a favour and let us positive people get on with uplifting Margate. And if you can’t, please leave Margate for greener pastures and let us get on with it.

KEVIN

Margate