Nicolette Dirk
HOTELS in Cape Town are filled to capacity, with visitors here for two major events – today’s State of the Nation address (Sona) and the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba
All eyes will be on President Jacob Zuma’s speech to the nation themed “Following up on our commitments to the people”.
Besides the local and international visitors, thousands of people are expected to meet at various places in the city to take part in three separate demonstrations.
Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) chairperson and The Westin Hotel general manager Rob Kucera said with the Mining Indaba and Sona coinciding, the city was saturated with visitors.
“Hotels situated around the Cape International Convention Centre (CTICC) have had an extremely high occupancy during this period with hotels being nearly 100 percent fully booked,” said Kucera.
More than 7 000 delegates have been in the city for the Mining Indaba since Monday, while many of them will be checking out today.
“There is likely the influx of visitors with people keen to hear what the president has to say this year,” said Kucera.
Cape Town Tourism chairman Enver Duminy said events like Sona and the indaba attracted large crowds that include attendees, journalists and other business people to Cape Town.
Statistics showed that the Cape Town accommodation sector had a positive growth between February 2014 and February 2015 with an occupancy rate of 84.1 percent.
Duminy said February was usually an exceptionally busy month in Cape Town.
“The city benefits from job creation in the tourism and hospitality sectors as well as the boost to the economy that comes with visitors spending on accommodation, food and visiting attractions before and after events,” he said.
Three organisations were granted permission to have marches today. The City granted permission for 5 000 #ZumaMustFall supporters to march from Greenmarket Square to the Grand Parade.
About 1 500 Ses’Khona People’s Rights Movement supporters will assemble at Keizersgracht, while 500 DA supporters will assemble at Mill Street. Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said ANC and EFF members will most likely join in the marches.
“SAPS will take the lead in security, while we will have 441 staff members to assist.
City spokesperson Priya Reddy said the organisations could not be denied their constitutional right to demonstrate. They will be allowed to march until 5pm before the commencement of Sona.