AFRICA’S SMARTEST CONVENTION CENTRE WINS AGAIN!

The Durban ICC has been recognised as Africa’s leading convention centre multiple times. Meetings speaks to Lindiwe Rakharebe to understand how her leadership has driven the venue forward.

The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) prides itself on being the leading venue for meetings, business events, conferences and exhibitions on the African continent. However, this is not the centre’s own opinion, but rather the overwhelming feedback received from their clients who have voted it in the top 1% of convention centres worldwide, as well as ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Convention Centre’ no fewer than 17 times!

Key in the convention centre’s success is its leadership, with CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe at the helm of the operation.

Lindiwe Rakharebe, CEO, Durban ICC

ABOUT LINDIWE

Lindiwe joined the Durban ICC as CEO in April 2015. She was previously ABSA Bank’s regional executive for KwaZuluNatal. Lindiwe is well decorated academically, holding a bachelor’s degree in management leadership from the University of the Free State in addition to other qualifications in marketing management and management development. With a proven track record in corporate management, she has consistently proven her leadership abilities. Lindiwe is passionate about growth and development of the region, as well as empowering those around her. As a staunch advocate for equality, she currently serves on the board of the KwaZulu-Natal Network on Violence Against Women, while continuing to touch the lives of all those she meets.

Fondly referred to as Mam Lindiwe by her colleagues, she is recognised across the industry as a woman who leads with her whole heart.

“To be an effective leader, it is so important to know how to care for your people. We are a family at the Durban ICC, and I want each and every member of my team to feel a sense of belonging and pride when they come to work,” says Lindiwe, who is known for her kindness and affection towards those around her.

A LEADING MICE VENUE

Over the years, the centre has successfully hosted some of the world’s largest and most prestigious events, and has been the platform for discussions on many global issues. Notable examples include the recent 21st International AIDS Conference, which attracted over 20 000 delegates to the city, the UN Climate Change Conference – namely, the Conference of the Parties (COP 17-CMP7) – and the 5th BRICS Summit in 2013. It has built a reputation as the leading convention facility on the continent and is constantly attracting new international events to Durban.

“We want to keep demonstrating to the world what makes meeting in Africa, and Durban, so great. Nowhere else will you experience the same warmth, vibrancy and level of service as when you come to our continent and visit our ICC,” enthuses Lindiwe.

It is easy to see why the Durban ICC has been recognised as a leading venue. Its versatility and capacity are enough to meet any need, no matter how extraordinary. The centre offers the largest column-free, multipurpose event space on the African continent. International and national conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and special occasions of every kind can be accommodated. Flexibility is a key factor in the design of this state-of-the-art, technology-driven centre, and its capabilities in this regard enable the venue to offer a range of innovative solutions such as live-streaming events, remote-presentation events, hybrid events, and video-on-demand.

DURBAN ICC FAST FACTS

A TEAM EFFORT

• Located in Durban, known as South Africa’s entertainment playground • Comprises the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre • Voted ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre’ by the

World Travel Awards no fewer than 17 times and continuously strives to deliver excellent service • Voted ‘Africa’s Best Convention

Centre & South Africa’s Best

Convention Centre’ 2020 and 2021 by World MICE Awards • Largest flat-floor, column-free multipurpose event space in Africa • Ranked in the world’s Top 15

Convention Centres by the

International Association of

Congress Centres (AIPC) • Located 30 minutes from King

Shaka International Airport and within a 10-minute walk of over 3 600 hotel rooms

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Demonstrating its commitment to excellence, the Durban ICC is five-star graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and maintains its ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO22000 certifications ensuring the highest international standards in quality management, environmental responsibility, food safety, and health and safety.

The Durban ICC offers the largest flat-floor, column-free multipurpose event space in Africa. Incorporating the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre, the complex offers 112 000 m² of flexible exhibition and meeting space. The Durban ICC offers first-world convenience and a proudly African meetings experience. The centre is fully Wi-Fi enabled and connectivity is complimentary to delegates and guests.

As highly as those who know her at the Durban ICC speak of her, Lindiwe speaks equally highly of her team.

“No leader is an island, and I just wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it weren’t for the support and capabilities of my team,” says Lindiwe.

Together with Lindiwe, the Durban ICC team members are highly experienced and friendly, working tirelessly to ensure that each event is seamlessly executed, giving their clients complete peace of mind.

Providing exceptional customer service remains the heartbeat of the Durban ICC, as it strives to ensure that every delegate who walks through the five-star facility has a memorable experience. Delegates visiting the centre can look forward to superb standards of culinary excellence and hospitality. As part of the Durban ICC’s gastronomic evolution, its catering team is completely reinventing its culinary offering in order to showcase some of Durban’s authentic cuisines. Furthermore, a wide range of new innovative packages have been designed to meet the unique needs of each target market, at the best possible rates.

“We have come through a very challenging period, but we did it together as a team and as an industry, and this is how we will continue to shine as Africa’s leading convention centre,” Lindiwe concludes.