Sansui Summer Cup gets Gauteng tourism calendar racing

Kate Rau and Tara Turkington – 26 November 2011

MEC for Economic Development Qedani Mahlangu and jockey Gavin Lerena, winner of the Sansui Summer Cup 2011

The Sansui Summer Cup, which took place at the Turffontein Racecourse today, forms an essential part of the formula set to grow domestic tourism in Gauteng.

“We have created a superb lifestyle event for GeePees,” said Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Qedani Mahlangu.

“Our vision is not limited to the province and its residents, though,” she added. “We aim to grow the Sansui Summer Cup into an African horse-racing event that will talk to our neighbours on this continent as we move into a collective spirit of hip and happening African events.”

Mahlangu added that lifestyle headline events, such as the Sansui Summer Cup and the Joy of Jazz music festival, are key to driving an annual social calendar that is well established.

Communications manager at GTA Barba Gaoganediwe: “Today is too GeePee in style – fabulous, exotic and rocking!”

“The Gauteng government takes great pride in sponsoring this event. It was an awesome day – I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The fashion was an important part of the activity, and so was the horse racing.

"Seeing the winning owners and jockeys so happy was wonderful. This is the first year we are partnering with the event, and we are definitely looking to grow this partnership in the future," she said.

Dawn Robertson, CEO of the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), spoke about the importance of signature events to drive a visitor economy in Gauteng.

“Our long-term strategic vision is to boost this domestic event into an ‘African event’ that will form part of a predictable annual calendar,” she explained.

Did she enjoy the day? “It’s been great! There is major potential for this race to become one of the major races in the country.”

Barba Gaoganediwe, communications manager at GTA, added, “Today is too GeePee in style – fabulous, exotic and rocking!”

Beulah Mosupye, the chief director: sector transformation in the national Department of Tourism, said, “I think this race day is a fantastic idea that has got the local Gautengers to come out and experience a major local Gauteng activity. It’s great for domestic tourism.”

GTA's destination marketing manager, Nonnie Kubeka, said, “Today’s got a family picnic atmosphere – but with great style!”