'ANC conference offers tourism opportunities for Gauteng'

The party's 54th national conference in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg not only attracts ANC delegates from all nine provinces, but also both the party's alliance partners and its international friends.

Henama says the conference is not only an important political event, but also an opportunity to showcase Gauteng.

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''For the Gauteng economy, possibly every hotel is booked, especially within the greater confines of Johannesburg.

''The inward migration of thousands of people into Johannesburg to attend the elective congress, is a function of tourism.

''These delegates, and friends of delegates would be in need of accommodation, food and beverages, entertainment, and use transportation to and from the venue.”

Henama says the local economy must use this opportunity to cash in.

''The elective congress occurs when the politics of money are well-documented in ANC literature, and this means a plethora of brown envelopes will emerged as the chief persuader.''

Henama also suggests that the ''Night Time Economy'' - which usually sees a peak in profits during this time of the year - will come out as the biggest tourist attraction during the conference.

He says the extension of operating hours for clubs and restaurants in and around Gauteng will be extremely beneficial to their businesses.

''The ‘Night Time Economy’ is associated with the 24-hour economy where clubs, bars, shopping malls, and restaurants seek to ensure that they satisfy the nocturnal entertainment needs.

''This should have been an opportune time to temporarily extend operating hours, to ensure maximum economic benefit for the Gauteng economy.''

Henama also suggested that the next conference should be held in the Western Cape, citing that besides tourism opportunities, this may also be a great political ground for the ANC to gain support in the province.

''Cape Town would be a great destination for the ANC 55th National Elective Conference so that the party can try and mend itself within the province.''

The conference is the highest decision making body of the ANC, where the party members from selected provincial branches elect new leadership.

The ANC presidential race is a highly contested one with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC MP Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma vying to succeed President Jacob Zuma.