Tuesday, February 20, 2024
This morning, the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) hosted a media breakfast to reveal its annual report and celebrate the significant milestones reached in the fiscal year 2022/23. The event brought together key stakeholders and members of the press to delve into the Durban ICC’s economic achievements, notable awards, and its considerable influence on the economy and local communities.
Lindiwe Rakharebe, Chief Executive Officer of the Durban ICC, commented, “We are thrilled to share our major achievements with the media and our stakeholders. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to driving economic growth and community development.”
One of the highlights of the event was the Durban ICC’s remarkable financial recovery. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre demonstrated a strong resurgence in economic performance during the fiscal year 2022/23. It reported a significant increase in earnings, successfully returning to its pre-pandemic financial position. The Centre achieved a gross revenue of R180 million, a 65% increase compared to the previous year’s R109 million.
Furthermore, the Durban ICC celebrated receiving a clean, unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor General of South Africa for the ninth consecutive year.Commenting on this accomplishment, the entity’s Chief Financial Officer, Melanie Rambally said, “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sound financial management, transparency, and accountability, and underscores our steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity in all our operations.”
Over the past year, the Durban ICC achieved a flawless rating of 100% on its performance evaluation by its primary stakeholder, the eThekwini Municipality. The Centre’s commitment to generating economic benefits, creating job opportunities, and enhancing local brand visibility exceeded its performance targets.
In addition, the Centre contributed R5.7 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fiscal year 2022/23 and played a vital role in creating and sustaining over 11,000 jobs, significantly supporting the country’s economic recovery and growth.
John Aritho, the Centre’s Chief Operations Officer, announced several prestigious awards received from the World Travel Awards and World MICE Awards, solidifying the Durban ICC’s position as a leader in the international meetings and events sector. The Centre was honored as “Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre” and “South Africa’s Best Convention Centre.”
Aritho also highlighted the Centre’s meaningful contributions to community development through its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. These efforts focused on uplifting local communities, aligning with King IV principles, the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development, and the Centre’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The event was attended by Board Chairperson Dr. Mduduzi Bophela, Board Committee Chairperson for Finance Ms. Linda Ngcobo, and key figures from the eThekwini Municipality, including Deputy City ManagerDr. Musa Gumede, the Deputy City Manager; Muzi Sithole, the Head of the Mayoral Parlour; Shannon Tulsiram, the Head of Economic Development and Investment Promotion; and Eric Apelgren, the Head of International and Governance Relations.
There are no upcoming events at this time
Comments: