City moves to standardise events
The EPMC would only deal with events such as sport and entertainment and would not be involved in actions such as strikes and protests.
THE City of uMhlathuze has initiated an Events Planning and Management Committee (EPMC) to regulate all events – both municipal and private – that take place within its boundaries.
Chaired by the city’s Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane, the EPMC comprises all the municipality’s departments commonly involved in event planning.
‘Once applicants have lodged their event request for a Section 4 hearing, we will invite them to the EPMC meeting to do a presentation on their function,’ said Ncalane.
‘Officials involved with issues such as traffic, venue, logistics, marketing, advertising and so on will give input and suggestions to ensure a smoother and standardised function.
‘They will also explain relevant bylaws and share a list of do’s and don’ts.
‘We meet every second week so we request event planners to submit their applications well in advance, at least three weeks before the event date.’
Ncalane said the EPMC would only deal with events such as sport and entertainment and would not be involved in actions such as strikes and protests.
Formation of the EPMC was welcomed by the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation, who will also be represented on the committee through the relevant city department.
‘We will now be in a better position to see what events are planned and where we can be involved from a tourism point of view,’ said uCTO Chairman Mandla Magagulu.
‘We will also be able to draw up a more comprehensive list of what’s on, to prevent duplication of major events on the same date wherever possible.’
