The organisers of Berlin November are all set to welcome thousands of fashion, music and horse racing enthusiasts to Ntabozuko.
This announcement was made during a press briefing on Thursday.
The briefing featured live performances by Betusile Mcinga and Ikhona Mvana, and attendees experienced a preview of the free train ride from East London to Ntabozuko, giving visitors a taste of what to expect.
The event was also supported by key partners, including the department of transport, the department of social development, Sanlam, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Buffalo City Metro representatives and the sporting community, represented by the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture.
Themed “Purple Reign”, the event’s organiser and founder, Luthando Bara, expressed their readiness to welcome thousands of fashion and horse racing enthusiasts to the town.
Bara said they were ready to treat visitors to great music, cuisine, fashion and horse racing.
“It’s all systems go. We are happy and ready to welcome visitors from all over the country who are coming to join the Berlin November.”
He said that every year they took it upon themselves to create a memorable event which catered to the needs of the underprivileged, those who were not accommodated and creatives who needed to be celebrated.
“We try every year to curate an event that responds to the challenges that people face on the ground, and among them are unemployment and the need to promote the creative industries.
“One of the decisions we took this year was that 90% of artists booked will come from the Eastern Cape.
“We can confirm that we have more than 100 artists in pre-parties, main events and different marquees, after-parties and a gospel show that will be held on Sunday.
“We have vendors who are setting up their stalls and, most importantly, the reason we are here — the horses.
“There are horse owners, jockeys who will be coming here to entertain us and of course, we are pleased that it looks like the weather will be on our side for a change, but we have planned for rain and you can see the upgrades that we have done.”
Ngongo said the department was impressed with the growth of the flagship event.
“The department is generally pleased with the growth of traditional horse racing in the province,” she said.
Equestrian sport had opened doors for less privileged people to participate, which the department appreciated.
“The sport has made it possible for previously disadvantaged communities to participate in this almost exclusive industry.
“It has opened up opportunities for our people while they get to participate in these races from the comfort of their homes.
“We are particularly pleased with the growth of the Berlin November and its impact on the sport.
“To have produced a professional jockey who hails from a stone’s throw away [Ndevana] from where the race takes place is proof of its life-changing impact,” she said.
She urged corporate companies to take back the initiative.
“We want to make a clarion call to all the big corporates to partner with the organisers and be part of building the Eastern Cape we want through sport [particularly traditional horse racing],” she said.
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Industry (ECPTA) chief executive Vuyani Dayimani said one of their initiatives was showcasing the beauty and tourism attractions of the province.
Dayimani said Berlin November was a perfect platform to highlight tourism attractions.
“Our partnership with Berlin November highlights ECPTA’s commitment to showcasing the Eastern Cape as a hub of cultural celebration and tourism excellence.
“Supporting events like this creates opportunities to highlight our breathtaking destinations and promote sustainable travel while fostering community engagement and economic growth in our province.”
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