Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> February 2008
Having been launched on 19 May 2006, seda Free State, as part of the national government's prime initiative to support small businesses in the drive to combat unemployment and poverty, has indeed gone from strength to strength.
The small Enterprise Development Agency (seda) was set up in December 2004 by the Department of Trade and Industry to target small enterprises in every community of South Africa. 80% of seda's efforts are directed at the emerging market, where new businesses are formed and where they strive for sustainability and growth. 20% of energy goes towards assisting existing small and medium sized enterprises wanting to be more competitive and having the potential to grow and create jobs.
In the Free State, headed by Provincial Manager Ms. Jackie Ntshingila, seda Free State has over the past 18 months opened branches in all five districts where people may go for help to start a business or to make existing businesses stronger and more profitable. The branches are supported by the Provincial Office with an organisational structure that includes Network Operations, Products & Services, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations, Information Technology, Finance and Human Resources Management, with each unit headed by a relevant specialist.
The branches are Mangaung (Bloemfontein), Xhariep (Trompsburg), Lejweleputswa (Welkom), Thabo Mofutsanyana (Bethlehem) and Moqhaka (Kroonstad), with the Metsimaholo satellite office in Sasolburg.
Through its branches, seda Free State has achieved spectacular success in helping SMME's in the province. This is clearly reflected in the fact that from that period up until December 2007, well over 33 000 potential SMME's in the province had walked through the doors of the seda offices.
The expertise and the dedication of the staff members went a long way towards ensuring that from these walk-ins, 1 742 jobs were sustained, 846 facilitated and close to 2 500 businesses registered with CIPRO. seda has trained until December 2007 3 161 SMME's in, amongst others, tendering, co-operatives, start-ups and productivity improvement.
Currently, seda is providing training for hawkers, co-operatives, taxi owners and spaza shop owners. It is also involved in a number of SMME development initiatives and ventures like the Shintsha Project in collaboration with Motheo FET College, the Belgium Exchange Project, the Ntataise Program, to mention but a few.
A significant contributing factor to the success and momentous impact of seda Free State towards the fulfilling of its slogan of building an enterprising Province and Nation has been the strategic partnerships and synergies that it has established with its sister organizations like FDC, SAMAF, IDC, commercial banks like ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank as well as Nedbank.
Other important unions that ensured that seda makes considerable strides are with the three spheres of government, in particular district and local municipalities. Signed Memorandums of Understanding and Service Level Agreements between the parties have ensured that seda is not only visible, but within reasonable reach of the people of the Free State.
The branches, ideally placed to ensure that seda products and services are accessible to existing and budding SMME's throughout the province, offer the following: Information, advice & referrals / Tender Information / Import & Export Training / Trade Information / Business Assessments / Technical support / Business mentoring / Market access / Business linkages.
To maintain existing ties and to establish new ones, seda Free State conducted a Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey in 2007, through which the expectations, suggestions and even satisfaction levels in the province were gauged. The survey, which yielded a positive feedback, was followed by a Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting on 12 December 2007 in Bloemfontein, utilising the event as a platform to brief stakeholders on achievements to date and to address areas of concern.
From the above review it is clear that seda Free State has the past 18 months covered a huge amount of ground, fulfilling a significant role in economic development in the Free State. It is, however, also evident that much remains to be done, requiring the crafting of more delivery partnerships and lots of resources and commitment. If these could be met, seda Free State is well positioned to take the momentum created further to the benefit of the provincial economy.
FSTA adopts criteria for sponsoring tourism events
In line with the mandate of the Free State Tourism Authority (FSTA) to market the province as a national and international tourism attraction, FSTA has decided to provide sponsorships to specific tourism events in the province, complying with certain set criteria. This decision is to be implemented for selected events to be held in the province from 1 April to 31 December 2008, and would serve as a guideline for events in 2009.
• With a view to sponsoring, an event will be evaluated on its potential to deliver on the following key benefit areas:
• Measurable direct and indirect economic impact (e.g. financial spend by in-bound event participants and spectators within the local hospitality industry, temporary and long term job creation, creation of new local business opportunities, etc.)
• Platform for marketing of destination brand and tourism products (e.g. national and international media exposure, hospitality programmes for stakeholders, etc.)
• Brand fit / Alignment to brand themes (particularly in the areas of eco-tourism, sports tourism, etc.)
• Breadth of tourism experience of event participant (e.g. what the average length of stay of attendees is and the measure of their relevant activities, etc.)
• Empowerment and transformation strategy (BEE/SMME) (e.g. whether the marketing of the event has a broad appeal to a wide section of the SA public and whether its target audience is representative of the SA population, etc.)
• Geographical and seasonal spread across annual calendar (e.g. will the event contribute to geographical spread of tourism by tracking tourists to areas without established / known attractions or routes, etc.?)
• Potential for partnership with commercial partners (e.g. does the scope and nature of the event allow for the involvement of corporate partners on a viable basis, etc.?)
• Potential for media partnerships (e.g. potential to deliver event participation “call-to-action” drives to key audience, etc.)
• Community benefits (e.g. how the event contributes to the growth and development of local communities, etc.)
• Youth development benefits (e.g. skills development, talent development, etc.)
These evaluation criteria should be viewed to be contributing to the broader mandate of the FSTA as stipulated in the Free State Tourism Strategic Master Plan, which outlines the key objectives of increasing the number of visitors, increasing their length of stay and increasing their spending whilst in the province.
The FSTA is inviting applications from relevant Free State event organisers for sponsorships as outlined above, but it should be emphasized that judging and results will be strictly according to the set criteria.
CEO's Notepad
This time around I wish to broach a subject that is near to my heart, namely the characteristic friendly nature and attitude of Free State people. Free Staters are known for there openness and willingness to communicate and to assist and this constitutes, in terms of tourist trade, an asset to be cherished.
Therefore it is my plea to Free Staters of all walks of life to be even more friendly and approachable to visitors and strangers, and to knowingly make them feel welcome. Let's be well-known for our warm Free State hospitality!
Why I am broaching this, is because it is my distinct experience and observation when traveling outside our province, that many outsiders have a positive perception about the good nature and politeness of Free Staters. We must stand this reputation proud!
Let's share with visitors, tourists and strangers crossing our way – no matter as petrol attendants, in business, as farmers, as shop assistants, as tour operators, as whatever – the uniqueness that we as Free Staters have to offer.
Let's relate the history, the stories, the facilities, the services, the sights to see, of our rich Free State heritage. By our warmth, hospitality and willingness to share, we must make our tourist vision of letting more visitors stay longer and spend more money in the Free State, a reality.
It is also necessary for us as Free Staters to stand together towards this common tourism goal and join hands, even across racial lines.
Let out true Free State character come out!
Only in this way can we grow the tourism industry in the province – an industry with excellent potential to meaningfully address unemployment and poverty and to establish a better standard of living for all of us.
Till next month!
Xhariep District - Background
As one of the five districts in the Free State, the Xhariep District covers basically the South Western Free State, an arid region with typical Karoo characteristics. The main economic sector is stock farming, supported by limited akkerbou based on irrigation infrastructure from the Orange, Caledon and Riet Rivers.
The Xhariep District covers three local municipalities, namely Kopanong, Mohokare and Letsemeng, which includes the following towns: Bethulie, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Gariep Dam, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Petrusburg, Philippolis, Reddersburg, Rouxville, Smithfield, Springfontein, Tromspburg and Zastron.
However, with this region having the lowest population density, highest unemployment rate and smallest GDP in the Free State, tourism is the sector with the best chance to unlock its developmental potential
It is for this reason that the focus of this special tourism feature is on the Xhariep District, providing merely a bird's eye view of the tourism landscape.
Gariep Dam - the sleeping giant
Lake !Gariep is the largest fresh water expanse in South Africa, situated in the Orange River, with a shoreline of 435 km and a surface area of 360 km. As such it offers tremendous possibilities in terms of outdoor sports and tourism adventure.
One of the off-spins is that a tri-provincial tourism developmental initiative has been formed, called the Lake !Gariep Tourism Route, linking the towns of Gariep Dam, Oviston, Venterstad and Bethulie.
At the town of Gariep Dam is the Lake !Gariep Tourism & Craft Centre consisting of the Louis Maré-Gariep Dam Museum, Accommodation Info Office and Coffee Shop. Contact number (051) 754 0594 / 083 259 6439 / lakegariep@mweb.co.za.
In and around the town there are also the De Stijl Hotel, the Forever Aventure Gariep Resort, the Riversmead Resort, a total of 10 guesthouses and six guest farms / lodges.
Things to do and places to visit include guided tours through the Gariep Dam wall as well as the Gariep Nature Reserve, and various facilities for fishing, picnicking, river rafting, horse riding, boating, etc.
The various sport events at the towns surrounding Lake !Gariep has recently proven that sport-tourism has become one of the major marketing tools for the Lake !Gariep initiative, e.g:
The airfield at the town forms annually from November – February the centre of attraction for gliders across the world.
Each year in February the Gariep 500 Rubber Duck Race is a popular item for speed boat owners and enthusiasts.
The Free State Yacht Club has its base at Gariep Dam town, presenting regatta's every month.
The SA Hunter's Society has since 2004 presented their annual target shooting competition at Gariep Dam town.
The Round-the-lake cycling competition is one of the cycling race tours of national significance.
Angling at the dam is a highly popular sport with various competitions.
The latest addition is the prestigious Eric van Enter Cycling Competition, sanctioned by Cycling South Africa.
Thus Gariep Dam or Lake !Gariep is a sleeping tourism giant waiting to be properly awakened!
Some other tourist highlights
The Horizon Tourism Route
The Horizon Tourism Route compasses towns of Philippolis, Jagersfontein, Fauresmith, Koffiefontein and Jacobsdal. With its slogan “Open spaces & little places,” the route meanders through an enchanting environment with a magic of its own. For more info, contact 082 355 1726 or visit www.africandream.org.
Jagersfontein – diamond town
Jagersfontein, established in 1870, has an older diamond history than Kimberley and the old open-mine shaft at Jagersfontein is also larger than that of Kimberley – surface area 19,5 ha against 17 ha – as such said to be the largest hand-dug hole (pick, shovel and dynamite) in the world. Diamond mining was terminated in 1968, but the diamonds of Jagersfontein are still being floated on the world market and are renowned for their top quality. As a matter of fact, the famous Excelsior Diamond of 995 carats hails from Jagersfontein and today, forming part of the British crown jewels, is worth an estimated R1,2 billion on its own. For more info, call (051) 724 0003.
The Friendly N6 route
Part of the Friendly N6 route between Bloemfontein and East London runs through the eastern half of the Xhariep District, in particular traversing the towns of Reddersburg, Smithfield and Rouxville. Set amidst an excellent stock farming environment, each of these towns has splendid historical tourist sights of its own, while staying in any of plenty guest houses or at guest farms makes it truly a route for all seasons. For more info, contact 051 633 3117 or ectban@interkom.co.za.
Tussen-die-Riviere
The 22 000 ha Tussen-die-Riviere Nature & Game Reserve situated at the confluence of the Caledon and Orange Rivers near Bethulie is characterized by its scenic splendour and hunting opportunities. Tussen-die-Riviere supports large populations of diverse and readily observable game species. Hikers and visitors may expect to see springbok, blesbok, red hartebeest, black wildebeest and blue wildebeest, steenbok, impala, mountain reedbuck, gemsbok, kudu, zebra, eland and white rhino. Various outdoor opportunities, as well as accommodation, are available. For more info, contact (051) 762 2808 ask for 2803.
Landzicht Winery
Located at Jacobsdal, the Landzicht Wine Cellar, opened in 1974. Owned by GWK Limited and producers, it annually presses ± 3 000 tons of grapes, producing ± 2.4m litres of wine. A new bottling plant using the latest technology, was opened in April 2005 as a black empowerment project.
Amongst the premium wines produced from pure certified cultivars are 5 whites, 4 reds, 1 Rosé and several fortifieds such as White Muscadel and Ruby Port. Landzicht wine labels range among the best in South Africa having won several Veritas, SA Youngwine Show and Michaelangelo awards. The Winery offers cellar tours and wine tasting. For more info, contact (053) 591 0038.
Tiger Canyons tiger-breeding project
One of the unique tourists features in the Free State and also in South Africa is the tiger-breeding project on the farm Tiger Canyons about 25 km from Philippolis. Tiger Canyons is set on the magnificent Paaiskloof Canyon and borders the Van der Kloof Dam.
The tiger-breeding project constitutes an experiment to create a free-ranging, self-sustaining tiger population outside Asia. From this population, third and fourth generations of tigers may be returned to Asia into parks that meet a set of criteria. Piloted by entrepreneur John Varty, all tigers introduced are raised with a natural fear of human beings and are pre-conditioned to respect electrical fences. Visitors will be able to go out in a 4 x 4 vehicle specially designed with a cage, which allows one to view tigers at close quarters in complete safety. The cage is designed so that one may take photos from the inside. For more info, contact (051) 773 0063 or visit the website at www.jvbigcats.co.za.
Letsatsi Game Lodge
Near Smithfield on the Bethulie road is the Letsatsi Game Lodge and Game Reserve with its state of the art facilities, and as such one of the leading tourism products in the Free State. The main building consists of lounges, large conference facilities, a bar, dining room and a wooden deck. As for accommodation, there are two options, namely African chalets or unique bush camp tents. Water features such as a koi pond and sparkling swimming pool complete the picture as far as facilities are concerned. Game drives, horse riding and hiking trails offer the opportunity to view a multitude of game species and bird life. For more info, contact (051) 444 571 6136 or visit the website at www.letsatsigamelodge.co.za.
Kuilfontein Road Stall
One of the noteworthy latest additions to the Xhariep tourism scene is the Kuilfontein Road Stall at Springfontein next to the N1, with Sandra Staples as entrepreneur. Having established the road stall in 2004, she has recently been nominated as one of the six finalists in the national Sanlam and Landbouweekblad 2006/07 emerging business competition. At the stall one may buy almost any bottled product as well as other articles produced in the surrounding region. On the menu is also connoisseur dishes such as lamb and mint pies prepared by a qualified chef. Nearby a guest house is run by the same owner. For more info, contact 083 283 7522.
A joint FIFA / Local Organising Committee (LOC) Technical Team on Friday, 22 February 2008 gave the thumbs up to preparations at Mangaung for hosting the Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The visit formed part of a series of similar visits to some of the host cities in the country.
The FIFA/LOC Team consisted of experts in the fields of, inter alia, competitions, marketing, information technology, media, accommodation, security, construction and transport arrangements. The inspection tour is standard procedure for FIFA hosting countries and is aimed at ensuring that preparations are on schedule and on par. The visit also served to enhance relationships with various local authorities.
After the visit to Mangaung, a spokesperson for the FIFA / LOC Inspection Team said that they were thoroughly impressed with the city’s progress and also the hospitality shown by Mangaung Host City. The head of FIFA South Africa, Mr Ron Delmont said that they found all preparations on track! And that it shows that the local 2010 Office understands the requirements of FIFA and is complying with it.
The inspection team consisted of experts in areas such as construction, marketing, media, accommodation and security.
2010 FIFA Imbizo shows great opportunities...
The great opportunities for development and business, arising from Mangaung Host City preparing for 2009 and 2010 were highlighted on 31 January 2008 during a promotional visit of a joint FIFA / LOC delegation to Bloemfontein.
1 March 2008 would signify only 831 days remaining to kick-off for 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. Latest tourist figures show that the leading countries whose citizens visit South Africa most, are all known for their passion for soccer.
There is evidently a build-up of visitors to South Africa for the Confederations Cup in 2009 and FIFA Word Cup™ in 2010 , culminating in an expected 450 000 visitors to converge on the country during the peak period June – July 2010. Also for Mangaung as one of the 9 host cities in South Africa, the opportunities and developmental potential are enormous.
The 2010 FIFA Imbizo hosted by Mangaung Host City on 31 January 2008 at Ilanga Estate, comprised a comprehensive and professional presentation to a range of stakeholders, pointing out the opportunities available to the local tourism industry. From this could be gathered what tremendous spin-off could be expected for sectors such as accommodation, catering and restaurants, transport of various kinds, tourist sights, shopping in general, etc.
For further information, contact Amie Molelekwa at amiemolelekwa@mangaung.co.za.
Localising the official slogan for 2010 FIFA World Cup™
During the FIFA 2010 Imbizo in Mangaung on 31 January 2008, the localizing of the official slogan of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa was confirmed, namely Ke Nako - Celebrating Africa’s humanity.
As such it also signifies Africa's hospitality and a time to examine who the people of Africa are - the country where the most African languages are spoken.
It is moreover time to be justly proud of South Africa and Africa and to show what they have to offer.
Ke Nako! Now is the time...
Influx of visitors expected
The leading eight countries whose citizens visit South Africa the most, namely the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Netherlands, France, Australia, Sweden and Ireland, are all known for their passion for the game of football.
The latest tourism and migration figures from Statistics South Africa reflect that overseas travelers come mainly from Europe with 70,8% followed by North America 11,7%, Asia 9,6%, Central and South America 2,2% and Middle East with 1,6%, Travelers from these eight countries constitute 67,2% of all travelers from overseas.
Meanwhile, according to data from SA Tourism, foreign arrivals have contributed more than R79 billion to South Africa's economy. It is also expected to make up about 12% of the country's GDP by the time the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ comes around. The estimated number of foreign travelers who visited South Africa through all its ports of entry during November was up 6,5%.
As for Mangaung and the Free State, the challenges in this regard are twofold: Firstly it is up to every stakeholder in the local hospitality industry to ensure that as many visitors as possible visit Mangaung and the Free State, that they stay longer in the province and that they spend more money here. This constitutes the responsibility of every tourism product owner and entrepreneur, every governmental body and every citizen in the state.
Secondly, Mangaung and the Free State province should vie on the open tourist market to accommodate as many overseas visitors as possible irrespective of whether they come to watch matches being played at other centres. The explicit arrangements by FIFA and MATCH are that bookings for accommodation, tickets and transport will be handled in such a way that it actually does not matter where in South Africa one stays, you can still attend matches with ease. Ideally we would want as many people as possible to stay in Mangaung and the Free State.
Therefore the local accommodations sector needs to pull out all the stops in ensuring as large a slice as possible of the tourism cake.
2010-Accommodation Sign-Up campaign
The 2010 Accommodation Sign-Up campaign being led by the Tourism Grading Council of SA (TGSA), MATCH and the Tourism Enterprise Programme (TEP) in partnership with Mangaung Host City is continuing this year, with still a considerable number of accommodation owners in Mangaung and the Free State not as yet having signed up for the global event.
Signing up, which also entails registration within one year with TGCSA, links accommodation suppliers up with the FIFA global marketing campaign and virtually assures them that they will to be fully booked for 2009 and 2010. Nationally there is still a shortfall of some 22 000 contracted rooms, with MATCH requiring 55 000 contracted rooms. Up to now only some 22 700 hotel rooms and some 6 000 non-hotel rooms have been contracted to MATCH.
Accommodation owners may also download the MATCH contracts that they need to sign in order to be recognized as FIFA accredited accommodation providers.
For more information, log onto www.tourismgrading.co.za or www.tep.co.za or contact Dr. Diane Abrahams at the Mangaung 2010 office for further information.
FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009
The FIFA Confederations Cup is an official FIFA tournament, held every four years as a warm-up event to the FIFA World Cup™, but by no means a minor competition. In fact, due to the nature of its participants, it is often referred to as the 'Champions of Champions' tournament.
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be the 8th Confederations Cup and is to be held in South Africa from June 14 to June 28, 2009. The current champion is Brazil.
The five cities to host this competition in SA, are Johannesburg (Ellis Park Stadium), Tshwane (Loftus Versfeld Stadium), Nelson Mandela Bay (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium), Mangaung (Free State Stadium), and Rustenburg (Royal Bafokeng Stadium).
The participating teams are South Africa (host), Italy (winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup), USA (winner of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup), Brazil (winner of the Copa America 2007), Iraq (winner of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup), Egypt (winner of the2008 Africa Cup of Nations), the winner of UEFA Euro 2008 and the winner of the 2008 OFC Nations Cup.
Mangaung 2010 preparations for energy requirements
Speaking at the 2010 FIFA Imbizo on 31 January 2008, the Executive Mayor of Mangaung, Ms. Gertrude Mothupi, said that all preparations in Mangaung are on schedule, including the upgrading of the Free State Stadium.
Responding to questions on electricity supply in the city, Mothupi said that the Mangaung Local Council, Centlec and Eskom have already put the necessary structures in place to pre-empt any power outages and to build up spare capacity to bridge any possible interruptions.
In wider context, Pres. Mbeki stated in Parliament on 8 February 2008: “Of course, I have absolutely no doubt that we will honour our undertaking to FIFA and the world community of soccer players and lovers to create all the necessary conditions for the holding of the best ever FIFA Soccer World Cup tournament. By late 2007, the Financial and Fiscal Commission reported that R17.4 billion had already been made available to the different provinces for use in the construction and revamping of stadiums. Government has also indicated that all developments, transport infrastructure in particular, are not only aimed at 2010, but well beyond in an effort to create sustainable infrastructure growth.”
This sentiment was also echoed by Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff in her State of the Province Address at the opening of the 2008 Free State Legislature on 15 February 2008 when she stated that it is a case of “Business as Unusual” in the province with regards to preparations for hosting the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup™. She explained that the full weight of government and of most of the private sector is behind a common effort to ensure the province benefit maximally in the socio-economic benefits of hosting the two events.
More than a game - 20 centres for 2010
2010 FIFA World Cup™ is more than just soccer, it is also about social upliftment on the African continent. As a result, FIFA launched the official social upliftment campaign of the 2010 Fifa World Cup - 20 Centres for 2010.
The campaign aims to raise US$10-million to fund the construction of 20 Football for Hope centres across Africa. Five centres will be located in South Africa, including one in Alexandra township in Johannesburg, and a further 15 across the continent. Each will feature a mini-pitch along with classrooms and health care facilities, providing youngsters with a place to play as well as access to counselling, health and educational services.
To get the ball rolling, Fifa - supported by its six partners Adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, Hyundai, Sony and Visa - has committed to contributing $500 World Cup.to the campaign for every goal scored during the more than 800 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches - amounting to a donation of at least $1 million. Fans will also be able to contribute by making a donation for every goal scored by the team of their choice on the road to and during the 2010 World Cup.
For more info on this campaign, as well as about every other aspect concerning 2009 and 2010, visit www.fifa.com.
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