The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, Cllr Matshidiso Mfikoe, announced the return of four major sporting events today, 19 October 2021, at the City of Johannesburg headquarters, Metro Centre in Braamfontein.
The City of Johannesburg has partnered with stakeholders who own rights to these major events to position Johannesburg as a sports destination of choice.
MMC Mfikoe announced the series of events lined-up by the City and its partners, starting with one of the most prestigious golf tournaments on the South African and European golf circuit, Joburg Open. This year’s edition will see the return of spectators as the Covid-19 regulations allow for 2 000 fans for outdoor events under lockdown alert level 1.
Also featured on the list of key strategic events to be hosted by the City of Johannesburg is the Joburg Ladies Open, 947 Ride Joburg and the Kyalami 9 Hour.
“For the City of Joburg hosting these events with all our strategic partners is a timely major boost to the country’s economy, now more than ever, South African economy requires a boost following the Covid-19 lockdown and with the President publicly calling for new business stimulus, the hosting of global events is perfectly timed to contribute significantly towards reviving the country’s economy that has been ravaged by the Coronavirus.
“We are delighted to also announce that the Joburg Ladies Open at Soweto Country Club. The rebirth of Soweto Country Club and its hosting of a professional tournament of this stature has been a shining example of what golf can do to uplift our community. And I must say I’m pleased with the increase of the purse for this year’s edition,” said MMC Mfikoe.
Thomas Abt, the Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, announced that the 2021 Joburg Open, boasting a prize fund of R R17.5 million, will tee off on 25 November 2021 and end on 28 November 2021 at Randpark Golf Club.
“I am excited to announce that the Joburg Ladies Open has also been co-sanctioned tournament between the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the Ladies European Tour, with a prize fund of €250 000 (R4.2 million) and set to be played at Soweto Country Club from 3-5 March 2022,” said Abt.
He also emphasised the importance of getting vaccinated, stating that as Sunshine Tour they have taken a decision to only allow fully vaccinated spectators to its tournaments.
Fritz Pienaar, the Group Managing Director for Ride Joburg, announced that the 97km adrenaline-pumping Cycle Challenge has found a new home at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. It will be the start and finish point for this year’s edition.
“The world’s second-largest timed cycling race after the Cape Argus Cycle Race, will see 10 000 cyclists take to the streets of Soweto on Sunday, 21 November 2021. The route passes some iconic sites and covers the Soweto Highway, passing the mine dumps, hugging Soweto before turning into Main Reef Road,” said Pienaar.
Sthe Mabanga, the Managing Director for Kyalami 9-Hour Race, announced that the race will be proudly hosted by City of Joburg from 03-04 December 2021 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand.
Georgina Lefifi, the Group Head: for Group Communication and Marketing in the City of Johannesburg, who was also the programme director at the briefing, applauded the City’s leadership in trusting the department to negotiate with the strategic partners to host these major exciting upcoming events in the City alive with endless opportunities.
“One of the difficult things about Covid-19 other than losing the loved ones was that Coronavirus striped us of much-needed natural human and social interaction. We also know that for centuries sport has been the unifier. We are excited that after the sporting facilities have been off limits for past 19 months, the eased restrictions have provided us with the possibility of spectators retuning to sporting events within prescribed regulations,” said Lefifi.
The Director of Events in the City of Johannesburg, Bongi Mokaba, thanked all the stakeholders in partnering and supporting the City to place it at the global stage as the world-class African City with world-class infrastructure to host global events.
“I was very worried when Joburg Open contract with Sunshine Tour and European Tour ended last year after the successful hosting of 2020 edition, which was the first international tournament in South Africa held during the lockdown last year November.
“However, the City’s leadership gave us hope when they gave us the go-ahead to negotiate a new contract that will see the city continuing to host the prestigious golf tournament from 2021 to 2023 during the Sunshine Tour and European Tour seasons.
“I am also excited to announce that the now Sunshine Tour and European Tour co-sanctioned tournament Joburg Ladies Open, will be hosted from 2022 to 2024 during the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the Ladies European Tour season,” said Mokaba.
She also revealed that the three-year partnership agreement between the City and Ride Joburg from 2021 until 2023. She further announced another three-year partnership between the City and Kyalami 9-Hour Race from 2021 to 2023.
Written by Luyanda Lunika
19/10/2021