Dundee July Legacy Project To Unleash Economic Potential Of Traditional Horse Racing
MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Hlengiwe Mavimbela has applauded the collaboration of private and public stakeholders in the Dundee July Legacy Project which seeks to unleash the economic potential of the traditional horse racing industry in the Province.
MEC Mavimbela was speaking during the launch of the Project at the Dundee Traditional Horse Racing Track in Dundee on Friday, 24 October 2020. The function was attended by MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza and representatives from various stakeholders.
The project is a collaborative effort between different government departments and private sector stakeholders to explore and develop the value chain of economic opportunities that are linked to the ever-growing traditional horse riding, known as umtelebhelo.
MEC Mavimbela said the project was born out of a consultation process with all stakeholders following the cancellation of the Dundee July traditional horse racing due to Covid-19 outbreak. The hosting of the Dundee July contributes in excess of R15 million annually to the local economy.
“After seeing the potential this event has and the difference it makes in changing the lives of our communities, we couldn’t sit and do nothing after we saw how Covid-19 has affected the sector. After engagements with our stakeholders, the question was, what can be done to assist the rural horse-riding community? What other opportunities are available for the sector that we can assist with? This ladies and gentlemen, is what gave birth to the idea of launching the Dundee July Legacy Project,” said MEC Mavimbela.
Some of the projects to be implemented include:
- Improvement of infrastructure at the Dundee Traditional Horse-Riding Track, including construction of spectator stands, permanent lighting, renovation of the office block and track improvements.
- Creation of the stud book for the traditional horse racing sector that will assist with recording of horses records and other information that can be used to track the horses. This will provide punters with information for future betting.
- Creation of manufacturing plants for horse racing related merchandise including saddlery, horse shoes, uniforms for jockeys and horse feeds.
- Training and capacity building programmes for traditional horse-riding industry and related sectors, including fashion industry.
- Development of the homestays programme, which includes assisting township homes to set up bead and breakfast establishments to benefit from tourism opportunities.
Stakeholders who are part of the project are Government Departments including Sport and Recreation, Arts and Culture, Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs as well as Tourism KZN, Ithala Bank, National Horse Racing Authority, Endumeni Local Municipality, Umzinyathi District Municipality, KZN Gaming and Betting Board, Hollywood Bets, Agribusiness Development Agency and the Traditional Horse Racing and Breeding Association.
Discussions are ongoing with other stakeholders who can contribute to the different aspects of the industry.
MEC Mavimbela said horse owners who started this industry must benefit from these developments.
“The most important part is that these developments, as contained in the Equine Industry Development Master Plan, must benefit the originators of this work, that is members of the Traditional Horse Racing and Breeding Association. Government intervention is not meant to take away this industry from you, but it is meant to enhance it for your benefit. However, in order for you to see these coming true, it is imperative that you organize yourselves and ensure that you have proper governance structures,” she said.