New Enyokeni Royal Precinct: A R140 million boost for tourism and job creation
The R140 million Enyokeni Royal Precinct building, which will house 2,000 guests, will be ready for use during this year's reed dance ceremony. The building is just outside Enyokeni Royal Palace.
Image: Willem Phungula
The construction of the R140 million Enyokeni Royal Precinct for the annual Reed Dance ceremony, which is presided over by the Zulu king, will boost Zululand tourism and create business and job opportunities.
This was revealed by KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer and Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Mtomuhle Khawula, who conducted the last inspection of the project on Tuesday before Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli officially handed it over to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini before the Reed Dance ceremony in September.
The MECs' oversight visit was part of the Reed Dance preparation, where more than 20,000 virgin maidens present reeds to the king as part of the celebration of keeping themselves pure.
MEC Meyer, whose department is responsible for all Public Works projects in the province, said he was happy that the project will be finished on time to host this year's event, adding that the precinct would not only cater for the Reed Dance event but will be a draw card for tourism, which in turn, will create business and job opportunities.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
'I hope to see B&Bs coming up in the area because of this iconic building. This will be a major draw card for international tourists who will come and visit eNyokeni Palace because of this building, which is our biggest project ever as the Government of Provincial Unity. We are also glad that this will generate income for the local communities,' said Meyer.
Khawula mentioned that his department will save significantly on costs previously spent on marquees and toilets for dignitaries, as the venue will now provide catering and sanitation.
The MEC said the venue would not only benefit the Reed Dance event, but also that performing arts and community events will be held there.
'I will meet the king soon to get all calendar events for this year, and I can see more traditional events being redirected to this place,' said Khawula.
He added that the Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, will also come before the building is handed over to the king.
The dome-design auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,000 people, a stage, changing rooms for artists, and ablution facilities.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
British Airways cancels London flights to Dubai and Doha after US strikes
British Airways cancelled flights between London Heathrow and both Dubai and Doha on Sunday, citing safety concerns after U.S. strikes on Iran raised fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Image: British Airways/Facebook British Airways cancelled flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Dubai and Doha on Sunday following US strikes on Iran and fears that the situation in the Middle East could deteriorate. "As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew," a BA spokesperson said, confirming that outgoing and incoming flights between Heathrow and Dubai or Doha were cancelled. A British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Dubai was diverted to Zurich on Saturday night, according to the tracking website Flightradar24. The BA website showed no flights available for Sunday or Monday when AFP checked for those routes, but flights were still available from Tuesday onward. BA did not confirm when the flights would resume, but said it would keep the situation under review. The airline typically flies three times a day between London Heathrow and Dubai, and two times to the Qatari capital. The US carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites overnight Saturday to Sunday after over a week of deadly missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. Israel closed its airspace after it launched a bombing campaign against Iran on June 13 -- briefly reopening it on Sunday for repatriation flights. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Several airlines last week cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran and other Middle East destinations, with Iraq, Jordan and Syria also closing their airspaces at the start of the latest fighting. Emirates and Qatar Airways were still running flights from Heathrow to Dubai and Doha. AFP
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Youth Month: Building a stronger CA pipeline by addressing the accounting skills gap
African women chartered accountants remain a minority. Image: File. As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, a time dedicated to honouring the role of young people in shaping the nation's future, it's a vital time to reflect on how we are preparing them for meaningful participation in the economy. One of the most impactful professional pathways is that of the Chartered Accountant (CA) - a role that underpins ethical, sustainable leadership in both business and the public sector. CA's play a pivotal role in ensuring financial integrity, driving strategic decision-making and upholding governance standards across sectors. Yet despite its significance, the CA profession remains out of reach for many talented South Africans due to persistent systemic barriers in our education and training landscape. The journey to qualification is demanding, requiring not only technical excellence but resilience, adaptability, and the right kind of support. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Structural challenges such as unequal access to quality basic education, limited career guidance, and the pressures of work and home life can disproportionately affect students. The result? Many capable young people are excluded from pursuing this career - not because they lack potential, but because they lack opportunity. To strengthen the CA pipeline, educational institutions should consider innovative ways to support aspiring accountants. Academic programmes should strike a balance between rigour and responsiveness, reflecting the real-life challenges students face. Flexibility is vital - whether through part-time study, half-workloads, online learning options, or inclusive teaching approaches that cater to diverse learning styles. Creating conditions where students can truly succeed requires programmes that integrate empathy, academic excellence, and a future-ready mindset. Comprehensive support is equally critical. Psychosocial services, academic scaffolding, and bridging programmes must be seen as essential, not optional. Students from under-resourced schools need more than just a seat in a lecture hall or course - they need targeted interventions that address learning gaps and boost self-confidence. Tools like structured weekly study plans, mentorship from recent PGDA graduates, access to engaged academic staff, dynamic online platforms, and a dedicated wellness team create a personalised support system. This ensures that students are not only academically capable, but also emotionally and mentally prepared and supported to navigate the demands of the CA journey and beyond. Today's accounting education must also evolve in line with the profession itself. It must include digital literacy, sustainability, and data analytics alongside traditional technical competencies. Career trajectories are also shifting - from audit and financial management to entrepreneurship and public sector leadership - and education must prepare students for this diverse range of roles. Encouragingly, results are beginning to reflect the value of these adaptive, student-centred approaches. Milpark Education's recent performance in the SAICA Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) is a powerful example. More than 21% of all successful IAC candidates came from Milpark - a clear sign that flexible, well-supported online learning models can work, especially for students juggling multiple responsibilities. South Africa's youth unemployment crisis demands bold, innovative solutions. Building a more inclusive and accessible CA pipeline must be part of that response. By removing barriers and investing in the full potential of our youth, we don't just close a skills gap - we unlock opportunities for economic participation, ethical leadership, and nation-building. A future-focused, inclusive accounting profession can be a powerful engine for change. Sumaya West, Subject Head of Corporate Governance and Auditing at Milpark Education. Image: Supplied.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Unlocking the future of African tourism
As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Image: Supplied Africa is on the cusp of a tourism renaissance. With its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline, the continent is perfectly poised to become one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. Now is the time to transform long-recognised potential into lasting progress – and cruise tourism is one of the most promising ways to do just that. As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Together, through strategic collaboration and forward-thinking investment, I believe we can unlock the full value of cruise tourism across Africa. A coastline of opportunity Africa's more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline span vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Ports like Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Richards Bay, Maputo and Walvis Bay already welcome cruise ships with some offering advanced facilities that allow servicing of the vessels too. These destinations are proving just how much potential exists, and they provide an inspiring foundation for future growth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ We're particularly excited about MSC Cruises' upcoming 2025/26 season, which includes MSC Opera returning to South African waters and extending her reach to stunning destinations such as Port Louis and, for the first time, Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. These itineraries are a testament to the growing appeal of African coastal cruising, and to what's possible when we embrace a shared vision for tourism growth. Laying the groundwork for growth To ensure this industry flourishes, there's growing recognition of the importance of holistic infrastructure development. Modern ships like MSC's World America can carry nearly 10,000 people (passengers and crew), representing a bigger economic opportunity. However, many African cities will need to gear themselves up to handle this scale of tourism. While well-equipped ports are essential, a truly world-class cruise experience depends on the entire journey, from seamless airport connections and modern roadways to efficient services and memorable inland excursions. In Durban, for example, guests would be thrilled to be able to easily access highlights like Hluhluwe or the Drakensberg. Equally important are the enriching leisure activities that make each destination unforgettable. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring World Heritage sites to savouring local cuisine and enjoying traditional music and dance, these experiences create lasting memories for guests while supporting local businesses. Whether it's a guided township tour in Gqeberha, a spice market visit in Port Louis, or a sunset dhow cruise in Maputo, curated excursions help connect travellers with the heart of each destination, transforming a port stop into a meaningful cultural journey. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism. At MSC Cruises, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with port authorities, tourism boards, local governments, hotels, transport operators and leisure activity providers to align our efforts with broader development goals and help build a vibrant, sustainable tourism economy. By co-creating cruise-ready cities where ports act as welcoming gateways to rich inland adventures and cultural experiences, we can generate lasting value for both local communities and international visitors. Tourism that enriches and empowers Sustainable growth lies at the heart of MSC Cruises' approach. From adopting cleaner fuel technologies and advanced waste management systems to designing efficient itineraries, environmental responsibility is embedded in everything we do. Just as importantly, we believe cruise tourism should uplift the people and communities it touches. That's why we prioritise partnerships with local guides, artisans and entrepreneurs, ensuring that every stop on a cruise route contributes to local job creation, cultural exchange, and small business growth. With the right training and enterprise support, local communities can become active participants in the tourism economy, creating authentic, meaningful experiences for visitors while expanding opportunity at home. Working together for shared success One of the most exciting aspects of Africa's cruise tourism journey is the growing spirit of collaboration. Around the world, successful cruise destinations have been built on coordinated strategies between public and private stakeholders. Africa is no exception. From shared marketing to joint infrastructure projects, there's a unique opportunity to harness the power of partnership. Regional cooperation can take this even further. Multi-country cruise itineraries offer unmatched variety, and by working together to streamline visa processes, harmonise standards, and co-promote cruise corridors, African nations can create a world-class, interconnected cruise experience that benefits all. A bright future in sight The global cruise industry has already proven its transformative potential. For example, Florida's cruise sector contributes over $168 billion to its economy. While every region is unique, there's no reason Africa can't chart its own bold course. Already, tourism contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP – and it is poised to grow. We have only to look at the success of South African peers like Morocco or Greece to understand the potential. In Morocco and Greece, strategic investment, coordinated marketing, and public-private collaboration have transformed coastal towns into vibrant cruise destinations. In Morocco, ports like Casablanca and Tangier have become gateways to rich cultural experiences, while Greece has leveraged its islands to offer seamless itineraries filled with history, cuisine and natural beauty. These countries show that with the right infrastructure and partnerships, cruise tourism can become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, job creation and global visibility, an inspiring blueprint for South Africa and the wider African continent. This is a moment filled with promise. With aligned policies, smart investment and a shared commitment to inclusive development, Africa can emerge as a leading cruise destination, one that blends innovation, sustainability and authentic cultural connection. We believe this transformation is not only possible, but already underway. By working together with purpose and positivity, we can unlock the future of African tourism and shape it for generations to come. Ross Volk is Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa. He champions sustainable and inclusive tourism as a key driver of economic opportunity across the continent. Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
