Letter of the Day: Exciting chances for industry

INTERESTING times indeed, while the BEE debate has certainly got the passions rising, and is indeed a very important discussion to be having, I do feel that there are many exciting opportunities that are out there in this industry that are not being focused on, but which would provide entry into this industry for people from all walks of life. For example, Cape Town, while truly beautiful and world class in its product, fails to highlight the one thing that makes it unique in the world - the Cape Malay culture. This is truly one of the richest cultures I have ever come across in my travels, full of fun, passion and colour, with some of the finest cuisine in the country. But, you would not know this by visiting Cape Town, because it has no platform. One idea would be to create a street in the city somewhere, perhaps Bo-Kaap or District Six, where this amazing culture could be highlighted. Imagine a street, full of flower sellers, fish markets, Cape Malay restaurants and food stalls, a small theatre featuring, District Six the Musical or Cats and Kings every night. One could have a New Year party every evening with the Kaapse Klopse! The opportunities are endless, the tourist and locals would love it! The point is, it is a potential unique selling proposition in which many local people could potentially participate. Another opportunity, the Metro rail system, today unsafe, a headache and seriously under utilised, but again full of potential for job opportunities. Why not outsource the security to a private security company to be developed in the local community with a brief to instil a zero tolerance, while being trained as local tour guides. Get local artists in to paint the trains in our local colourful way. Give the stations to local communities to operate, let local people open coffee shops, craft markets, curio shops etc! Get local musicians in to busk! The point of both of these ideas is that while we are focusing on everything that is negative and getting all caught up in passionate discussions about the existing industry, we are missing exciting opportunities, to improve our tourism products, which have far more potential to bring local people into the industry. Steve Lailvaux Kleine Zalze See Speakers' Corner for more views on industry issues. (Disclaimer: The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of TNN and Now Media.)