Enterprise Ilembe, the economic development agency of the Ilembe district municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, has resolved to redirect money meant for other planned events in order to raise R3-million needed to fund a Durban July bash called the “Durban July Ballito Experience”.
The bash is billed for July 6 in Westbrook. And it has already raised eyebrows after the KwaDukuza local municipality poured in R350 000, even though it would not benefit. The host venue falls under eThekwini municipality, which has a bigger economic muscle.
Enterprise Ilembe is tasked with economic development in the KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo and Ndwedwe local municipalities, which fall under Ilembe.
Drive economic activity to region
In its motivation for hosting the event, the enterprise claimed that it was approached by Mphelo Trading. The latter is a private events and entertainment entity, and was approached to fund the bash.
It said it agreed on the basis that it would leverage “the Durban July weekend to drive economic activity in the iLembe region”.
“Enterprise iLembe is intensifying its focus on heritage tourism as a key strategic pillar of regional economic development. It is recognising the significant tourist influx and national attention generated annually by the Durban July.
“The entity has identified an opportunity to create a complementary event, the Durban July Ballito Experience. This is to position Ballito and surrounding areas as prime destinations for heritage, lifestyle and cultural tourism,” reads an internal memo obtained by Sunday World.
Allegations of corruption
The memo is part of a larger dossier containing allegations of corruption within the entity. In one allegation, a senior manager relocated from Gauteng to Ilembe and asked to be reimbursed. She is the contact person in the same company that helped her relocate. The entity did not take any action against her. This despite the fact that it was recommended that she should be hauled over the coals for the alleged corruption.
Regarding the Durban July bash, after receiving the proposal, Enterprise Ilembe sprang into action. It approached the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to source funding for the bash. And it only got R5-million. It needed to close the R3-million gap (to make up R8-million).
It is where the decision to redirect budget from other activities and selling tickets was approved.
R3m shortfall at centre of saga
“Shortfall Strategy (R3-million): It is anticipated that the shortfall will be covered through event budget reprioritisation. Also through potential event revenue via the sales of tickets and other sponsorships that the implementing agent may undertake,” reads the internal document.
CEO of the entity, Siyabonga Mazibuko, did not respond when he was asked how they reached the figure of R8-million to stage the event.
