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This morning, we received enquiries from carefully selected journalists regarding funding for the  29th South African Music Awards.

Other journalists have also forwarded to us messages from members of certain political parties. Such messages are laced with fabrication.

Based on these messages, we are left with a distinct impression that there is an attempt to erode hope for a better future of tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors in this province.

Those who are attempting to undermine the hosting of such an economically beneficial event want to see the poor suffer from joblessness, and other major socio-economic challenges.

This event will bring 4000 visitors, create much needed jobs and generate R350 million for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

We wish to state the following:-

1. At all times, all categories of staff in the department will continue to seek guidance from Provincial Treasury, who remain the custodian of procurement processes. It is for these reasons that the department achieved clean audit for the financial year 2022/2023.

2. The procurement process followed by the department to secure approval from Provincial Treasury for funding of the SAMA Awards is above board, transparent and free of any irregularities

3. Unfortunately, in the process of ensuring transparency,  official and public available documents have been weaponized against the department to scandalize this national event with global following.

4.  In the past, KZN has hosted national and international events successfully with millions of rands generated into the provincial economy.  Such events positioned the province as a destination for tourism and haven for investment. To achieve all of this, the department invested resources to ensure the hosting of activities in line with national and international standards.

5. Hosting SAMA Awards followed a successful bid against other provinces.

Finally, we are encouraged by messages of support from the creative sector and enthusiasm showed by stakeholders in the tourism industry. 

As the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma stated recently in a meeting with mayors of municipalities, tourism is a national priority sector with enormous potential to promote economic development. 

Economies of KZN based municipalities will be stimulated through events associated with SAMA Awards.

“Each one of us here has a special role to play in making this national aspiration a reality - in one way or another, we have a direct impact on the future of tourism,” Duma stated.

#OurEconomyOurFuture

 #UnforgettableKZN

 #KZNHasItAll 

#BelieveIt

Issued by Office of the Leader Government Business and MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma