Durban – The eThekwini Municipality has a list of signature events and sporting matches that it will play host to this festive season.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda was speaking at California Dreaming in Durban when unveiling eThekwini’s readiness to host a safe festive season.
Kaunda was with eThekwini management, Durban metro police management, as well as celebrities, soccer players and the media.
Lamontville Golden Arrows players and KwaZulu-Natal musicians, actors and media personalities, such as Dladla Mshunqisi, DJ Sox, Idols SA Season 12 winner Noma Khumalo, Sbahle Mpisane and many more were in attendance.
Kaunda and other eThekwini officials also took time out to play beach soccer with Golden Arrows players.
Kaunda said that to ensure that visitors and residents make the most of their time in eThekwini, the city had partnered with several event organisers.
“The signature events to be hosted include Any Given Sunday, Music is King, Durban Underground, Durban Jazz Festival, Woz’ eDurban Picnic, All White Party Elegant Township Experience, Endless Summer, the 5th Annual Xmas Kasi Cultural Experience and many more,” Kaunda said.
He said that at the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct, they would be hosting three events on December 31: a soccer match between Lamontville Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs; a rugby match between the Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Blue Bulls; and, Fact Durban Rocks at the People’s Park.
“These events will create employment and business opportunities for locals,” Kaunda said.
He said that it was an undeniable fact “that we were the only Metro in the country that was severely affected by the April and May floods which destroyed our infrastructure. The fact that we have been able to restore basic services to most parts of the city, demonstrates that we are on the right path to restore and rebuild our city”.
“Therefore, we want to encourage visitors to come to Durban, not only to enjoy the festive season, but also to witness the strides we have made in rebuilding the city,” Kaunda said.
“We want to thank the people of eThekwini for the resilience they have shown during this difficult period. The disaster that we experienced was unprecedented and we are grateful that within a short space of time, we have been able to put our city back on its feet.”
Kaunda said that it is for that reason they were saying Durban was open for business and that it was all systems go for a safe and memorable festive season.
“Woz’ eDurban!” Kaunda said.
Daily News