The local sub-committee has done a sterling job in promoting tourism in the area.
SANDY HILL REPORTS. South Coast Herald
THE AGM of Hibiscus Coast Tourism's Port Shepstone sub-committee was held at the Port Shepstone Country Club on July 24. The mission of the Hibiscus Coast Tourism is to promote prosperity through tourism in the area. The objective is to promote tourism development, and to promote the area as a tourism destination.
We are all role players, and together we make a difference, whether you are an employee of the Hibiscus Coast Municipality, a local business, a tourism product owner, a local government employee, or a person interested in tourism.
One must have the attitude that tourism is everyone's business.
The sub-committee reports to head office and we would like to thank them for their support throughout the year, Special thanks also go to Vanessa
Gounden, the tourism officer for the Port Shepstone sub-committee, for her commitment and dedication to tourism.
She manages the office with confidence, and is most informative about tourism in the area. Special thanks go also to the sub-committee, for their commitment and contributions throughout the past yea r. The committee comprises Mary Jacobson (vice-chairman), Bobby Naidoo, Daya Pather, Carl Whittaker, Petra Rickson, Julie Cornwall and Cllr Cathy McDonald,
Although Port Shepstone is not a tourist destination, it is the business centre for the Ugu Municipality. However, many activities take place throughout the
year, bringing tourists through or to the area.
These activities include golf, bowls, tennis squash, darts, soccer, the Ugu Jazz Festival, the Lions Show, the tube race, conferences, dog shows, cultural shows and fishing, both coastal and inland.
Events in the summer and Easter seasons are promoted, as are school sporting events, holiday sporting events, religious activities, special occasions, wedding and parties.
Surfing, dining out, the Sardine Festival and much more are on the list,
Spin-offs from other areas include The Loeries, Pop Idols, Oribi Gorge, off-road biking, the Sardine Marathon, butterflies and birding.
Margate has its annual air show, and there are many nature trails to follow.
A lot of marketing of the area was done, and Port Shepstone is included in the package. Whenever the South Coast is marketed the Port Shepstone area benefits. Most visitors will pass through Port Shepstone at some point of their stay, and will spend money in the area. We have to just make sure they want to return to the area again.
HCT exhibited at numerous shows such as the Tourism Indaba, the Royal Show, the Outdoor Adventure Show, the Khyalami Show, the Getaway Show, the Lions Show and the Beeld Show.
The' Southern Explorer is also a wonderful route guide to the area, and is distributed to most visitors. This year, Port Shepstone was featured on the cover. This is not only informative, but also encourages tourists to travel throughout the area.
Whether you are visiting Scottburgh or Port Edward for a holiday, you are likely to travel through Port Shepstone on a specific tour.
Articles in various magazines highlighted this area as a tourist destination.
The sub-committee, together with the National Ports Authority, held a most informative and enjoyable function at the lighthouse last year to celebrate the centenary of the lighthouse.
A limited-edition calendar was also distributed to the community, as part of the celebration.
We would like to thank the National Ports Authority for their assistance which enabled us to hold this momentous function.
The challenges we experienced throughout the year were many, including liaising with members regarding events being held in the area, marketing of local events, and creating 'ambassadors of tourism'.
Issues also attended to were, crime, general maintenance, the establishment of the new tourism body, and the discontinuation of the Banana Express.
Highlights included a committed subcommittee, the celebration of the Centenary of the Lighthouse and the business card network.
We look forward to the year, and will provide our full support to the new tourism body. Tourism in the area will reach new heights!
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Ride of a lifetime
August 31,2007
A SOUTH COAST ESTATE AGENT recently competed in a grueling cycle race.
LEA JACOBS REPORTS.
GERT MEYER from The Property Circle recently took part in the TOUR DE KRUGER.
He was one of 200 cyclists who competed in the grueling 350 KM ride.
"It was an amazing experience," says Mr Meyer.
"I had seen the event advertised last year, and as I love both cycling and animals I decided to take part. The majority of the ride took place in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which covers 35 000 square kilometers and links the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, the Kruger National Park and Makuleke Contractual Park in South Africa.
"The four-day event was well organized and the backup was phenomenal. Each team of riders had vehicle support from Land Rover South Africa, and; this fantastic group of people kept us well-watered
and fed on the journey. It was a tremendous amount of fun and apart from seeing a fair amount of wildlife we were treated to spectacular scenery throughout the trip."
All money raised was donated to the Children in the Wilderness charity. Founded in 2001 by Hollywood actor Paul Newman, the charity offers children who have been affected by life threatening illnesses such as HIV / Aids, a six day wilderness experience.
The programme combines conservation, Environmental Education, arts and crafts and HIV / Aids and health education in a unique wilderness Environment. By the end of2006 the charity had hosted 10 298 children.
"As far as I know I was the only South Coaster to enter. Taking part in an event of this nature is a privilege, and I am extremely grateful to Dura Cycles in Margate, which not only serviced my bicycle before I left but also ensured that I had enough spare parts to complete the ride," said Mr Meyer.
Chain reaction:
Riders taking part in the TOUR DE KRUGER saw
some of Africa's finest fauna and flora in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
A SOUTH COAST ESTATE AGENT recently competed in a grueling cycle race.
LEA JACOBS REPORTS.
GERT MEYER from The Property Circle recently took part in the TOUR DE KRUGER.
He was one of 200 cyclists who competed in the grueling 350 KM ride.
"It was an amazing experience," says Mr Meyer.
"I had seen the event advertised last year, and as I love both cycling and animals I decided to take part. The majority of the ride took place in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which covers 35 000 square kilometers and links the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, the Kruger National Park and Makuleke Contractual Park in South Africa.
"The four-day event was well organized and the backup was phenomenal. Each team of riders had vehicle support from Land Rover South Africa, and; this fantastic group of people kept us well-watered
and fed on the journey. It was a tremendous amount of fun and apart from seeing a fair amount of wildlife we were treated to spectacular scenery throughout the trip."
All money raised was donated to the Children in the Wilderness charity. Founded in 2001 by Hollywood actor Paul Newman, the charity offers children who have been affected by life threatening illnesses such as HIV / Aids, a six day wilderness experience.
The programme combines conservation, Environmental Education, arts and crafts and HIV / Aids and health education in a unique wilderness Environment. By the end of2006 the charity had hosted 10 298 children.
"As far as I know I was the only South Coaster to enter. Taking part in an event of this nature is a privilege, and I am extremely grateful to Dura Cycles in Margate, which not only serviced my bicycle before I left but also ensured that I had enough spare parts to complete the ride," said Mr Meyer.
Chain reaction:
Riders taking part in the TOUR DE KRUGER saw
some of Africa's finest fauna and flora in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Tourism Is booming in Margate
The local tourism(r1 sub-committee has enjoyed a most fruitful year to date. DIANE DUNCAN REPORTS.
At the beginning of July, The Idols auditions were recorded for television.
At the end of August, The Loeries flew onto Margate beach, and this week we learned that in terms of accommodation facilities, the South Coast has been authorized to receive satellite status for the 2010 World Cup.
Does anyone say what does tourism do for me? What it actually does, is expose the
area to the holiday and tourist market through the various media. This exposure is particularly priceless, considering what it would cost to advertise at normal advertising rates to promote a holiday destination.
It also accounts for life-giving income to the area, and allows for global business, irrespective of its nature, to continue along a path of economic success, sustaining thousands of jobs in the area.
Most importantly, tourism money filters down to the community and uplifts the lives off its people;
Report back on all events hosted was excellent. Amidst controversy around decisions to bring Pop Idols, to Margate, the competition boasted more participants in Margate than there were in Durban last year.
Some outstanding footage of Margate is anticipated.
The Loeries returned for the third, time. Publicity in national media and particularly on business sites on the internet, has been most positive in terms of the town and the organizing of this year's event.
A factor emanating from the media was that the town was aesthetically pleasing, and in one particular case was referred to as being pristine. In the same article, the writer indicated that the community and local municipality have certainly got it right.
This is a great tribute to the various role players, who worked endlessly to ensure that the town and its facilities were ready, and that all plans were carried out to precision.
As in previous years, local law enforcement agencies received accolades for their performance in ensuring that no incidents of crime took place. Long hours were the order of the day, and the cameras never stopped rolling.
The accommodation establishments really, came to the party! It is not often that this fraternity receives public praise on a global basis. They are thanked for being the front-end showcase to visitors, and particularly for their input into the marketing of the, area.
Last, but not least, thanks go to Margate residents for tolerating unusual volumes, during the event.
At the beginning of July, The Idols auditions were recorded for television.
At the end of August, The Loeries flew onto Margate beach, and this week we learned that in terms of accommodation facilities, the South Coast has been authorized to receive satellite status for the 2010 World Cup.
Does anyone say what does tourism do for me? What it actually does, is expose the
area to the holiday and tourist market through the various media. This exposure is particularly priceless, considering what it would cost to advertise at normal advertising rates to promote a holiday destination.
It also accounts for life-giving income to the area, and allows for global business, irrespective of its nature, to continue along a path of economic success, sustaining thousands of jobs in the area.
Most importantly, tourism money filters down to the community and uplifts the lives off its people;
Report back on all events hosted was excellent. Amidst controversy around decisions to bring Pop Idols, to Margate, the competition boasted more participants in Margate than there were in Durban last year.
Some outstanding footage of Margate is anticipated.
The Loeries returned for the third, time. Publicity in national media and particularly on business sites on the internet, has been most positive in terms of the town and the organizing of this year's event.
A factor emanating from the media was that the town was aesthetically pleasing, and in one particular case was referred to as being pristine. In the same article, the writer indicated that the community and local municipality have certainly got it right.
This is a great tribute to the various role players, who worked endlessly to ensure that the town and its facilities were ready, and that all plans were carried out to precision.
As in previous years, local law enforcement agencies received accolades for their performance in ensuring that no incidents of crime took place. Long hours were the order of the day, and the cameras never stopped rolling.
The accommodation establishments really, came to the party! It is not often that this fraternity receives public praise on a global basis. They are thanked for being the front-end showcase to visitors, and particularly for their input into the marketing of the, area.
Last, but not least, thanks go to Margate residents for tolerating unusual volumes, during the event.
Nicola- comes home
A Harding dairy farmer became the second contestant from MNet's Survivor SA: Malaysia to be voted off the reality show. ANGELA KELLY REPORTS.
NICOLA Windt (37) was shocked when she was voted off Survivor SA: Malaysia last Wednesday.
The mother of seven (four of her own) was picked from more than l2500hopefulsto battle it out to win Rl-million on the reality show
Q: What was your biggest challenge on Survivor?
A: I had physically trained extremely hard, getting my fitness levels up, swimming lkm a day, working on my balance and even training on an obstacle course - so my biggest challenge was trying to blend into the rest of the pack and not draw any attention to my fitness. I am also extremely competitive so holding myself back was beyond painful. Having to bite my tongue when arguments arose took a lot of self-discipline.
Q: What did you miss most when you were on Semengat Island?
A: I come from a very close family so I knew beforehand missing them would wreak emotional havoc when living under the harsh 'Survivor' conditions. When I got on the plane to leave, I mentally left them behind and focused completely on psyching myself into survivor mode. However, when I returned, I couldn't get back to them fast enough.
Q: How comfortable were you with lying to stay in the game?
A: I decided to play an honest game because inevitably it is the lies that catch you out at the end. Being a mum, I have always pushed the 'honesty is the best policy' routine with my children, so I had a certain standard to maintain. I'm also a terrible liar!
Q: Were you the type of person to initiate alliances or wait for others to approach you?
A: Alliances are probably the first thing to start happening. In my tribe, three of us
immediately gravitated towards each other, seeing very similar core characteristics in each other and having a very honest alliance without even planning it.
Q: What surprised you most about your fellow contestants?
A: I realized I have had quite a sheltered life because 99 percent of the people I know are really nice and genuine. We had a daunting selection of characters on Survivor - all totaJ1y different. I thought Survivor was an awesome adventure and enjoyed every second of everything. I could not relate to the people who complained or were negative. The blatant lies that some tribe mates told with a straight face were pretty hectic - but all part of the game.
Q: How did your diet affect your health and fitness?
A: Before I left, I did a detox diet to prepare my body. I had also psyched myself up
so much I was invincible. Just before I left for the island I ate a plate of prawns, honestly believing that I no longer had a shell-fish allergy. Big mistake! I was sick as a dog and the flights were hell on a queasy stomach which left me feeling a bit weak for a couple of days. I had a heap of Vitamin Bl2 injections before I left and my health did. not deteriorate during Survivor but my fitness as was hammered and I was physically weaker after wards.
South Coast Ready For the Equinox
Local authorities have been monitoring and observing the tides and weather.
ANGELA KELLY REPORTS.
THE South Coast will be ready for the expected high tides during the equinox this month.
There will be an equinox on September 22 and, coupled with bad weather and spring high tides, giant waves could pound the coastline.
Brian Dube, of the Ugu District Municipality, said precautions have been taken to mitigate the possible damage that could be wrought by the spring tide.
"We know the ocean is unstable, previous damage to the coastline proves that. All necessary precautions will be taken," said Mr Dube.
Meanwhile, a project team led by the Ugu District Disaster Manager, Peter Tanner, made up of staff members from Hibiscus Coast Municipality and Umdoni Municipality, is working with a team of experts led by Bohlweki Environmental on the restoration of areas affected by the March storms.
"To date, a costing exercise has been completed, indicating that the final estimated cost will be approximately R113-million. These costs are only for damage to municipal infrastructure and exclude work done by Spoornet, the Natal Sharks Board or any private individuals or businesses," said Mr Dube.
Mr Dube added that funds to repair the damage after March's storm, are not available in the current council budget and great reliance is being placed on receiving assistance from national government.
The claim of R113-million has been lodged through the provincial disaster office and supported by the provincial cabinet. It has been submitted to the national treasury for consideration.
"There are several areas which require detailed business plans and environmental studies (EIA) to be undertaken before any work can start. In these cases, all options require careful consideration prior to approval to ensure that every precaution is taken to mitigate against similar incidents occurring. No work can be undertaken until environmental approval is received," he said.
During the last few weeks, there has been additional damage to beaches, including those at Park Rynie and Margate. Mr Dube said the damage was currently being assessed by consultants.
ANGELA KELLY REPORTS.
THE South Coast will be ready for the expected high tides during the equinox this month.
There will be an equinox on September 22 and, coupled with bad weather and spring high tides, giant waves could pound the coastline.
Brian Dube, of the Ugu District Municipality, said precautions have been taken to mitigate the possible damage that could be wrought by the spring tide.
"We know the ocean is unstable, previous damage to the coastline proves that. All necessary precautions will be taken," said Mr Dube.
Meanwhile, a project team led by the Ugu District Disaster Manager, Peter Tanner, made up of staff members from Hibiscus Coast Municipality and Umdoni Municipality, is working with a team of experts led by Bohlweki Environmental on the restoration of areas affected by the March storms.
"To date, a costing exercise has been completed, indicating that the final estimated cost will be approximately R113-million. These costs are only for damage to municipal infrastructure and exclude work done by Spoornet, the Natal Sharks Board or any private individuals or businesses," said Mr Dube.
Mr Dube added that funds to repair the damage after March's storm, are not available in the current council budget and great reliance is being placed on receiving assistance from national government.
The claim of R113-million has been lodged through the provincial disaster office and supported by the provincial cabinet. It has been submitted to the national treasury for consideration.
"There are several areas which require detailed business plans and environmental studies (EIA) to be undertaken before any work can start. In these cases, all options require careful consideration prior to approval to ensure that every precaution is taken to mitigate against similar incidents occurring. No work can be undertaken until environmental approval is received," he said.
During the last few weeks, there has been additional damage to beaches, including those at Park Rynie and Margate. Mr Dube said the damage was currently being assessed by consultants.
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
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