Thank you Programme director
Members of the Executive Council here present
Executive Mayors and Mayors
Shareholders and directors of the Ranch
Employees of the Ranch
Traditional leaders present here
Stalwarts and Veterans of our liberation struggle
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good evening!
We are meeting here this evening to join members of the Ranch Hotel on this occasion
that marks 50 years anniversary of their existence and the official opening of the golf
estate, golf academy and chalets. It is an honour and privilege to be part of this gathering
representing our government and the people of Limpopo for we understand that it is
through business growth and business successes that more job opportunities are created
for our people. In this regard, we are here to celebrate this historic moment of the Ranch
group and wish you all success in your respective business ventures. It is proper to
acknowledge that your history in this business is very interesting and motivating.
Programme director
Limpopo province has proved to be a dominant force within the hospitality business in
the country and the world over, and tourism is one of the pillars of our economic growth.
The artistic work in most of our hospitality sites is assisting in attracting many visitors to
the province and this plays a significant role in boosting our economic muscle as the
province. Our wildlife resorts and the geographical location of Limpopo in the SADC
region continues to place the province far ahead as a tourists' destination of choice.
The expansion of our hospitality sector to meet the growing demand is not happening in
isolation. Most importantly, it is taking place in the context of the needs of the market, of
which the game of golf has been at the center stage of this development. Our province is
home to some of the best luxurious wildlife golf estate resorts in the country and the
African continent as a whole. It is on this note that we are correctly regarded as a tourist
province in the country.
In recent years, we have seen a reasonable number of people showing interest in the game
of golf. But it is worth to indicate that the perception surrounding the game cannot go
unnoticed. There are some who view the game of golf as a game for the few privileged
and rich people, who do not care or careless about the plight of many people besieged by
poverty and other social ills.
The bottom line is that the game of golf is just the same as other sporting activities, but
the difference is that its requirements, especially playing tools and venues are not user
friendly to purchase or maintain. The game of golf is a very special game with its own
history of unique origin and it is now growing in the province with people registering for
membership in various golf clubs.
In 2003 it was estimated that the economic impact of golf and golf-related spending in
the province amounted to R 219 million per annum and this sector accounted for almost 2
500 jobs, spending R 34 million in salaries and R 22 million in tax revenue. Limpopo has
only 22 golf courses with a utilization rate of 22%. This is a living testimony that the
3
game of golf has enormously increased tourism, economic growth and business
expansion in the province.
We are counting on the Ranch Hotel and other organizations to join hands with
government in the development of the game of golf for interested people, including the
ordinary of members of the society.
Programme director
The opening of the Golf Estate and the expansion of this facility could not have come at a
right time than when our province is preparing to welcome and host soccer lovers from
all walks of life to the South Africa 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. It is now 19 days to
go before the kick off of the world's most loved and cherished sporting tournament, the
soccer world cup at the Soccer City. And it is 21 days to go before the kick off of the first
game at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex here in Limpopo.
We are ready as a province from all corners and we cannot wait to demonstrate our
ability of hosting a successful soccer world cup event ever seen in the history of football.
This message we also conveyed to the Deputy President of the Republic this morning
about the state of our readiness as the province.
This occasion is one of many symbols that confirm our readiness as a province to stage
an unforgettable soccer tournament. We have on many occasions wished all the teams
success in the tournament and we continue to send the same message even on this
platform.
We are wishing the Ranch Hotel many more years full of achievements and prosperity as
you commence another journey towards your centenary and beyond.
Afrika ke nako!