Friday, February 16, 2024
This morning, the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) held a media breakfast to unveil its annual report and commemorate the significant milestones achieved during the fiscal year 2022/23. The gathering saw the convergence of essential stakeholders and members of the press to discuss the Durban ICC’s economic performance, distinguished honors, and its substantial impact 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 standout accomplishments shared at the event was the Centre’s impressive financial recovery. Facing the adversities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Durban ICC showcased a strong rebound in economic performance throughout the fiscal year 2022/23. The Centre reported a notable increase in its earnings, marking a successful return to its financial state prior to the pandemic. It achieved a gross revenue of R180 million, marking a 65% rise compared to the prior year’s R109 million.
Additionally, the Durban ICC proudly announced its achievement of receiving a clean, unqualified audit opinion for the ninth year from the Auditor General of South Africa. 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 also secured a flawless rating of 100% on its performance evaluation by its primary stakeholder, the eThekwini Municipality. The Centre upheld its commitment to generating economic benefits, fostering job opportunities, and enhancing brand visibility for the locale by surpassing its expected performance outcomes.
Furthermore, the Centre contributed R5.7 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Africa in the fiscal year 2022/23. It also played a crucial role in creating and maintaining over 11,000 jobs, thereby significantly aiding the nation’s economic revival and growth.
John Aritho, the Chief Operations Officer of the Centre, announced several prestigious awards received from the World Travel Awards and World MICE Awards, cementing the Durban ICC’s status as a frontrunner 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 impactful contributions to community development through its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. These efforts were directed towards uplifting local communities, in alignment with King IV principles, the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development, and the Centre’s dedication to corporate social responsibility.
The event was graced by the presence of the Board Chairperson, Dr. Mduduzi Bophela, and the Board Committee Chairperson for Finance, Ms. Linda Ngcobo, along with key figures from the eThekwini Municipality such as Deputy City Manager, Dr. Musa Gumede, Head of the Mayoral Parlour, Muzi Sithole, Shannon Tulsiram, Head of Economic Development and Investment Promotion, and Eric Apelgren, Head of International and Governance Relations.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
