New tourism chairman set to take Sodurba forward
We needed a chairman with wisdom and knowledge of the industry and we have that in Helga
AIMING to put South Durban on the map, Helga Du Preez, the new chairman of the area’s community tourism organisation (CTO), Sodurba, has the knowledge, experience and attitude to get the job done.
Following a few false starts, Sodurba, which is one of nine CTOs in Durban, is up and running and headed towards a bright future.
“We needed a chairman with wisdom and knowledge of the industry and we have that in Helga,” said marketing manager, Melissa Devos. “She was involved in Sodurba at the beginning, when it was first set up, so I know she has what it takes to do what is needed.”
A Bluffite for 30 years, Helga has been in the hospitality industry for many years and has owned her a guest house for over a decade.
“The CTO process is still in the infant stage and has suffered growing pains. Many CTOs have faced challenges and we are no different. We will however make Sodurba a success and promote tourism for the South Durban Basin (SDB),” said Helga.
We want Sodurba to grow to become the soul of the SDB. This area has such wonderful, diverse products, culture and people with lots of history
And it seems the organisation is doing just that, with a newly revamped tourism centre set to open soon, the team will have a base of operations for community involvement. “We want Sodurba to grow to become the soul of the SDB. This area has such wonderful, diverse products, culture and people with lots of history. We hope to create something positive with the help of the community and stakeholders,” added Helga.
All businesses involved in the tourism sector have to register with their local CTO and those in the SDB are no different. Through the CTO, people have access to promotion through the other eight Durban CTOs, Durban Tourism, KZN Tourism and national and international events and organisations.
Sodurba is involved in accommodation, travel services, venues and conference organisers, historical and cultural centres, recreation and entertainment attractions, educational tourism services, conservation areas, restaurants, sports venues, clubs facilities and trails and security for South Durban, which encompasses the Bluff, Wentworth, Mobeni, Jacobs, Woodlands, Montclair, Yellowwood Park, Clairwood, the harbour, Isipingo, Prospecton, Merebank and Wilson’s Wharf.
“The Sodurba committee is constantly exposed to the inner workings of the industry through the excellent CTO government structure. The stage is now set for all sectors of the Sodurba tourism industry to play their part to exploit the vast business opportunities waiting to be developed in the South Durban area,” said Melissa.
Currently in the works is a ‘know your city’ route, which Sodurba hopes to get up and running next year. “This will include a pocket brochure with all the sightseeing points in the area. People will be able to tour the SDB and see all we have to offer,” said an enthusiastic Helga.
The team is calling for local industry, residents, businesses and organisations to get involved. For information, help with registering or to offer assistance to Sodurba, email Melissa at melissa@sodurba.co.za
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