EDITOR’S COMMENT

Making a plan is very South African

South Africa – a country of beauty and diversity – it is also a country of resilience. As I type this, I am about to embark – like many Joburgers – on three days of no water, so that maintenance can be made to the water infrastructure.

Loadshedding continues and due to the plummeting temperatures – the levels have increased, yet again. However, our family recently acquired solar, and this is becoming less of a problem — though I still have to deal with traffic lights being out, if I go out to a meeting during loadshedding.

However, we did have one highlight early in July, Johannesburg got to enjoy some snow! This was rather exciting and caused quite a stir on the social networks.

Quite frankly, no matter what gets thrown at us South Africans, we just get on with it and make a plan!

This really is an amazing trait to have, especially in the business events sector.

South Africans in the business events sector are more than equipped to deal with any issue that may arise.

Our industry is flexible, service driven and most importantly, professional. The country, as a whole, offers many beautiful locations for business events.

Even the smaller towns are equipped, barring a few teething problems here and there – such as access to the town due to limited airlift.

I was recently invited to attend the Inaugural Tourism Investment Forum Africa in Upington. Wow, the Northern Cape certainly excelled in showing off some amazing venues and accommodation options. I learnt so much about the region over the three days and came back feeling inspired to learn more.

There is something to be said for small town hospitality. They are very proud people that excel in being friendly and welcoming to newcomers. The locals ensured we were hosted to the highest of standards and we got to enjoy the local food and wines. As delegates, of this inaugural event, we felt like VIPs — with local police escorting the delegates on our arrival from the airport.

The event was a huge success, as you will read in the report-back. Many of us had never been to Upington before, so it was an eye opener on what this town in the Northern Cape has to offer. I had visited Upington once before, as a child, but a lot has changed. Many delegates said they would be back as tourists.

As members of the media, Northern Cape Tourism organised us a day trip and we got to see Augrabies Falls, and a stop at a local padstal called Die Pienk Padstal on our way back to

Upington. This padstal offered amazing local food, produce and local artistry. We also got to enjoy a wine tasting, with local wines, in Upington. Thank you to Millvest, organisers of TIFA, and Northern Cape Tourism for giving us a taste of the region.

Later this month, I will be attending the National SAACI Congress in the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, another first for me. I have always wanted to explore Addo, and this conference will give me the opportunity to have a glimpse of what this region has to offer. I look forward to seeing you all at the SAACI Congress and I’m sure I’ll return with many wonderful new memories. Look out for the Congress report back in the next edition.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com