DA to intensify monitoring of GBV cases in Upington
| by Fawzia Rhoda, MPL – DA Constituency Head of Bo-Karoo |
| Error! Filename not specified. |
| Date: 24 October 2019 |
| Release: Immediate |
| The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape is disturbed by reports that Victoria West has lost out on hosting the International Tourism Film Festival.As far as the DA can ascertain, this is largely due to the provincial and local government of Ubuntu not coming to the party, in a number of ways.Not only is the town of Victoria West in a filthy state but ongoing water shortages due to delayed infrastructure projects, are also threatening the running of guest houses and businesses. The town has been without water for the past month already, with no end in sight to the ongoing water woes. Half laid water pipes and mounds of rubble also obliterate the image of the picturesque karoo town.On top of this, the town is also facing electricity cuts due to outstanding debt owed to Eskom.Victoria West thus has nothing to showcase and offer film makers at this point in time. In fact, it would be more of an embarrassment to bring international filmmakers to the town now, than it would be an investment.Aside from the pitiful state of the municipality, provincial government also does not appear to have been willing to invest in the festival, other than offering to provide 600 local residents with a laptop of food.In effect, the festival is believed to have been moved to Cape Town, where there is better support.This is a very unfortunate.Victoria West boasts the old Apollo Theatre, a South African landmark of international acclaim. For years, the locals have been trying to revive the Apollo Film Festival, that once a year saw the town come to life with well known personalities from the film industry who visited the town to attend premier film screenings by new and upcoming film makers.The International Tourism Film Festival would have been just the boost necessary to prepare the way for the planned revival of the festival in 2020.The government is making a mockery of local economic development. When real and wonderful opportunities come the way of the Northern Cape, government throws them back. If this trend continues, we can forget about further job creating investment in our impoverished province.The DA will report this matter to MEC of Tourism and Economic Development, Mac Jack, as well as the Premier, so that he can be made fully aware as to what is happening in our towns. |
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