The region of KwaZulu Natal has been another key partner in facilitating the return of World Football Summit to Africa has been
Ms Hlengiwe Mavimbela, MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture KwaZulu-Natal was also kind enough to speak with WFS Digest to share her expectations around the event and why the region is the best place to welcome us to Africa for the first time.
WFS: Why is Durban the ideal place to host the World Football Summit? How can the region of KwaZulu-Natal add value to the football industry?
HM: Football is one the most beloved sports not only in SA but in KZN also. The Province of KwaZulu-Natal prides itself on being one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. Premier Zikalaala has entrusted the Department of Sport and Culture with the responsibility of bringing major events to KZN through Sport Tourism in order to boost our economy.
From a football standpoint, the city is full of iconic memories from the 2010 World Cup and world-class infrastructure which gives us an advantage of being able to host major events.
Hosting the first-ever WFS Africa helps us be at the center of the football industry for two days and welcoming some of the brightest minds in the world of sport benefits our region on many fronts
WFS: What benefits will an event like World Football Summit bring to KwaZulu Natal?
There are certainly many of them, but just to list a few:
Hosting the first-ever WFS Africa helps us be at the center of the football industry for two days and welcoming some of the brightest minds in the world of sport benefits our region on many fronts.
Continuing with what I said before, it creates awareness at a global level and attracts tourism, which creates a substantial economic impact in the form of new opportunities for local and African businesses and employment.
Moreover, there is a transfer of knowledge from the experts to our people, which helps us nurture talent and also expose our youth to the international community of football leaders.
Our people are passionate about football and this event will get them closer to the game they love. It will be an enormous source of joy for all of us and most importantly leave a legacy, especially for underprivileged communities.
WFS: What are your expectations for World Football Summit?
As the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, we are excited to be the hosts of WFS Africa and we hope that we will continue with our relationship in partnering for many events in the future hosted by World Football Summit.
Our expectations are very high; we hope WFS Africa creates a massive long-term economic impact in the region of KwaZulu-Natal and that it opens the door of our clubs, leagues, and federations to the global stage. We look forward to welcoming the biggest names in the African football industry to our shores.
This interview featured in the latest edition of WFS Digest, our insider’s guide to the latest and most relevant thoughts and practices from within the football industry. You can subscribe to WFS Digest HERE.
