Soweto Derby rakes in R80m for Durban
THE negative publicity about Durban and its beaches has been proven wrong through the success of the Soweto Derby played in the city at the weekend, said eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede.
According to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates during the Telkom Knockout at Moses Mabhida Stadium brought in R80 million in spending on the day, with 6 700 temporary jobs being created.
Gumede was addressing the city’s executive committee.
Before the match, opposition parties questioned the R3.6m spent by the city council on public viewing areas.
Beneficiaries of the event were restaurants, hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, informal traders and transport, among others, said Gumede.
“I am excited because this meeting happens just after we have successfully hosted the Soweto Derby.
“It was thrilling to see aerial views of our iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium bursting at the seams.
“Our city also fared well in catering for those who could not make it to the stadium by making available fan parks that were also teeming with football fans,” Gumede said.
She commended the fans for their good behaviour, adding that 48 000 tickets were sold, and thousands more spectators watched the game in the public viewing areas.
Sbusiso Zondi of Durban Tourism said Eyadini Lounge (in uMlazi) reported making more than R1m through the public viewing area.
“Everything that was negatively publicised about the beach was proven wrong. People were barefoot and the beach was clean. About 15 000 people attended the public viewing area on the beachfront while thousands more were at other venues,” said Zondi.
He was referring to the recent Carte Blanche segment called Goodbye Durban?, that referred to Durban’s beaches as littered with needles from drug users, and shards of broken glass from bottles smashed to make crack pipes.
It referred to the municipality planning a R39 billion facelift along the coastal promenade, and questioned whether holidaymakers would still flock to the city.
“We ensured that working with SuperSport, we had a live cross at Max’s Lifestyle and the one on the beachfront. From a tourism point of view, the destination was sold out during the game.
“All the broadcasting stations who were involved mentioned Durban throughout the game as well,” said Zondi. Four establishments – Sbu’s Lounge, Artizen Lounge, Max’s Lifestyle and Eyadini – held about 15 000 spectators on the day, and the venues accumulated a combined R2.85m.