The hosting of major events in eThekwini continues to boost the local tourism sector with two major events expected to pull large crowds this weekend.

 

Approximately 74 000 visitors are expected to descend on the City this weekend from 4 to 6 November for the MTN 8 Cup Final match between AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Gcwalisa Spring Picnic taking place at King’s Park on 5 November is also expecting a large turnout.

 

The soccer match will be watched by a capacity crowd after tickets were sold out within two days. Kick-off is at 6pm.

 

The projected direct spend from the 74 000 visitors in the City is R10.7 million. This includes spend by visitors at restaurants, hotels and non-hotels, takeaways, taxi services, airlines, land transport, shopping malls, and spending at other local businesses. A projected contribution to the City’s GDP is R21.4 million.

 

The number of jobs to be created is 4 200. This includes additional chefs, waiters and cleaning services, security, parking assistants, informal traders inside and outside the stadium, shops (clothing, grocery stores, pharmacies, supermarkets etc.) and maintenance staff.

 

Statistics indicate that from the 54 000 strong crowd expected for the football match, 40 percent are from Durban, 38 percent from KwaZulu-Natal, and 22 percent from outside the province.

 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said: “The hosting of such big events expands the visitor economy, attracts future visitors, provides local jobs and helps to boost the City as a must-see attraction via media exposure. Our tourism capabilities were promoted during the recent AmaZulu King certificate handover ceremony, and we aim to continue capitalising by showcasing the City’s gems through the hosting of such big events.”

 

Security around the venue will be enhanced with law enforcement agencies urging fans to arrive early to avoid congestion. Gates will open at 3pm.

 

Durban Metro Police Superintendent Boysie Zungu said there will be no road closures. However, law enforcement officers will be situated at all major intersections around Moses Mabhida Stadium.

 

If the need arises, then certain roads will be closed, Zungu said.

 

There is designated parking for the public around the stadium at Mustering Fields, Kings Park Swimming Pool, and the Suncoast Parking area. The public can also utilise street parking available in uMgeni Road, Livingstone Road, Adrian Road, Windermere Road, and Percy Osborn Road on the western side of the stadium.

 

Public transport drop-offs and pick-ups can be done in uMgeni Road with access to the stadium via Isaiah Ntshangase Road. They can also utilise Masabalala Yengwa Avenue at the pedestrian crossing opposite Kings Parks Swimming Pool.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit. For media enquiries contact Municipal Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220.