KING Mabhudu Israel Tembe wants the Mthayi Festival to grow to the level of major respected events such as the Vodacom Durban July and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
The king said that although the festival is different from the Durban July and the jazz event, he wishes that the festival is also counted with these events when it comes to events that improve the economy.
He said this while talking toOf this country.
Mkhosi wo Mthayi is celebrated every year where women bring products made from mangu including alcohol fermented from mangu.
The king said he wants the festival to improve the local economy.
“Although the festival is not the same as Durban July, if Durban July comes to Durban, it means that it will leave about R1 billion in the economy in just one week. Jazz in Cape Town also does the same thing. We hope that here in the homes there will be a residual economy that will enable people who rent out lodgings to be able to make a living until the time comes when more people rent out lodgings.”
The king said he wants there to be demonstrations to be held when there is a festival.
“We want to have an exhibition where we will cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture. We want to see that people can benefit from agriculture. The big car company, Toyota, will also do an exhibition. Their cars are bought a lot in the area. They have a responsibility to give back to the community. We will look at what they can do for the community.”
The king said he wants them to help people who sell products so that they can sell to foreign countries. The king said he also wants them to strengthen the marine economy, especially fishing.
“There is still an untouched economy here in tourism, the marine economy. This is still being talked about, it works a lot for the Western Cape when there is a lot of fishing. This economy is very strong. We also want to bring experts closer.”
The king has experience in tourism and economic development as he has been the chairman of the boards of tourism organizations.
King has been the chairman of the board of Simangaliso Wetland Park, he has been the deputy chairman of the board, and he has been a member of the board of Mwelo KZN Wildlife.