City Ready to Host DP World Tour Investec South African Open Championship

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 29, 2025

The eThekwini Municipality is all set to host the DP World Tour Investec South African Open Golf and Business Event Series which is one of only five DP World Tour-sanctioned golf tournaments and it will be happening in Durban.

The DP World Tour Investec South African Open Championship will be held at the Durban Country Club. | Photo: Supplied. 

This golf tournament is the second oldest National Open in the world after the Open Championship and there will be 156 professional golfers competing over four days from 27 February to 2 March at the Durban Country Club.

The Executive Committee recently approved the sponsorship of the highly anticipated golf tournament. The business sector has also contributed over R4 million to the improvement and readiness of the Durban Country Club to host this highly anticipated event.

The total sponsorship rights package is R5 million which will secure sustained coverage of Durban over a five-month period and reach more than 1.25 billion viewers.

This golfing event is intended to significantly boost the City’s economy and create jobs. According to Golf RSA, a combined entity comprising of the South African Golf Association and the Women’s Golf South Africa Association, the golf sector provides R49 billion to the economy of South Africa, or around 4% of the GDP, providing jobs to over 40 000 people each year.

The National Department of Tourism has been extensively consulted by the Presidential eThekwini Workstream 4 on Tourism and is committed to supporting activities in collaboration with the City and leaders in business.

Durban Film Office Opportunity for Film Festivals, Markets and Development Programmes

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 28, 2025

EThekwini Municipality’s Durban Film Office has opened the call for partnership opportunities for organizations and individuals that are interested in contributing to the development and expansion of the city’s film industry.

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is a Department of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Unit and was established in 2003 and is responsible for the promotion and development of the Film and Television Industry in the City of Durban.

‘’The city’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and talented artists make it a prime destination for international filmmakers,’’ noted City Manager Musa Mbhele at a recent film event.

The Municipality is looking for proposals from interested parties to partner on film festivals, film markets and development programmes aimed at strengthening the creative economy.

These partnerships are designed to foster growth in the film industry, promote local talent, and position Durban as a leading destination for global film initiatives. The partnership opportunities are open to event organizers, filmmakers, cultural organizations, and creative industries professionals.

Key Areas for Proposals include:

Film Festivals, Film Markets and Film Development Programmes

Proposals should demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting Durban’s film industry and contributing to its long-term growth and sustainability.

Closing date for all partnership proposals is 10 February 2025.

Application Process

Applications from film industry specific business organisations which are formerly registered as a Non-Profit Company will be considered.

Applications must have a detailed proposal on how the organisation will assist the city in growing the local film industry. A Business plan that illustrates how the initiative will drive the culture of local content appreciation, the plan should clearly outline the target audience.

Proposals should outline the organisation’s expertise in running and hosting film festivals/markets and film industry development programmes. A proven marketing and distribution track record of the applicant.

A detailed Project Implementation Plan including proposed screening programme needs to be included.

The proposal should include a detailed Audience Development budget that shows funds already raised for the project.

The applicant should also provide a detailed financial implication for a 36-month period relating to film programmes aimed at transformation, industry and audience development.

Proof of copyright ownership should also be included.

Tiers

Tier 1: This is for established international festivals and events (international – refers to festivals that attract audience from several continents) that have been operating for more than 10 years and can show they attract funding from multiple sources. This tier qualifies for funding of R300 000 – R1.5 Million.  

Tier 2: Intermediate Local Film Festivals and events that have been operating for more than 5 years and less than 10 years. This tier will only qualify for up to R300 000.

Tier 3: Emerging regional Film Festival and events that have been operating for fewer than 5 years. This tier will only qualify for up to R200 000.

Tier 4: Emerging Film Festivals and event that have been operating for fewer than 2 years. This tier will only qualify for no more than R100 000.

All applications must be delivered to the Economic Development Unit Offices: 11^th Floor, Rennie House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban, 4001 between 9am and 3pm. Only physical applications will be accepted.

Terms and Conditions apply.

For more information visit: https://film.durban.gov.za/news/EThekwini+Municipality%E2%80%99s+Durban+Film+Office+Invites+Partnership+Proposals+for+Film+Festivals%2C+Markets%2C+and+Development+Programmes?fbclid=IwY2xjawHzNPZleHRu%E2%80%A6

The Splendid Bumper Festive Season That Was

 

THE SPLENDID BUMPER 

FESTIVE SEASON THAT WAS 

THE festive season brought the City to life with vibrant events that took place during the holiday season. Thousands of visitors descended to Durban's shores for a 

memorable, world-class

holiday. 

The City welcomed visitors to relax, enjoy outdoor restaurants, the vibrant nightlife, and friendly establishments which provided everything an out-of-towner could wish for while on holiday. 

Signature events such as Fact Durban Rocks; Woz' eDurban Picnic; the uMhlanga Beach Festival, the All White Elegant Party and many others brought people from across the continent to eThekwini for the diverse entertainment. 

Clean beaches and pools, enhanced security, and prioritised child safety were some of the highlights mentioned by holiday makers. All children visiting the City's beaches were given armbands which had their guardians contact details to ensure reunification if they were separated. Child minders assisted separated children who were reunited with their families within 24 hours. The City pulled out all the stops to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. 

Of the City's 25 beaches, 21 were open for bathing throughout the festive season. Around one million people were recorded to have visited Durban beaches during the festive season. Lifeguards worked tirelessly to ensure safe swimming and adherence to beach rules. No drownings were recorded during permitted hours on the City's beaches.