The Eastern Cape government will inject R1m into the much-anticipated fifth annual Berlin November rural horseracing spectacle.
The race will be staged in Berlin, situated 47km from East London, on November 24.
Sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Bulelwa Tunyiswa announced the financial boost during a glitzy media launch at the Chairman’s Bistro on the East London beachfront on Thursday evening.
Tunyiswa had only good things to say about the event, which was founded by former Fort Hare University spokesperson Luthando Bara.
The department signed a three-year partnership with the event organisers, running from the 2017-18 financial year to 2019-20.
Other sponsors include MTN, Yekani Technologies, Eastern Cape Gambling Board and Galaxy Bingo.
“This event tells of the position the Eastern Cape holds as a world-class traditional horseracing destination and increase of investment in the rural communities and its sporting properties,” said Tunyiswa.
She said although it was the duty of district municipalities and metros to develop sporting facilities, DSRAC would always extend a hand of support to initiatives like the Berlin November.
“We are committing ourselves to say that if people from province leave for other provinces [in search of opportunities], they will be leaving because they want to leave, not because there aren’t opportunities here at home, we are the home of the legends.
“Things are starting to change now and we must take that very seriously. So congratulations to the organiser and his team.”
She said one of the highlights of the event was the attendance of well-established jockeys, local visitors and those travelling from both the province and outside of it to attend the event.
The media launch’s red carpet was graced by MEC of economic development, environmental affairs, tourism and finance Oscar Mabuyane, deputy speaker of the legislature Mlibo Qoboshiyane, radio legend and former Kaizer Chiefs PRO Putco Mafani and founder of Keith Ngesi Radio, Keith Ngesi to mention a few...