Middelburg Amazing Race Archives

Blood, Sweat and Spectacles

Blood, Sweat and Spectacles

It was a hotly contested Amazing Race Saturday. 28th of October 2023 was a memorable day; the country was on tender hooks, because of the Rugby World Cup final that evening. Nevertheless, ten teams started their day competing in the Amazing Race 2023 Middelburg. They gave it their all, some their blood, some their tears and the deciding factor was spectacles.

At the start of the race, everyone was dressed to the nines, or rather in their rugby shirts, t-shirts or as branded teams. The energy was palpable and one or two team members looked like they were waiting in the starting blocks for the whistle.

The MCCI marshals held the envelopes ready and then Zelda blew the whistle for the race to start. Fortunately, no animals or small children were harmed in the race for the first clue. The teams scattered like rabbits to their vehicles, to be the first at clue number 1.

What fun it is to marshal this event. Some people could park like champions; others could not even read GPS coordinates to save their lives, and anyone who saw the teams at BUCO, no, that was the race, not crazies in the store. Brimis, your clue was perplexing and many stood in front of your gate looking around like zombies ready to attack. Water and fire were the challenges at Vivo Bingo and the region’s tourism stops.

Two teams were neck and neck to the end, and If Erica van Zyl and her team of JJ Engineering had not lost her glasses in the challenge at Alveston Manor, Nico Denner and his Gemecs team would not have won for the Amazing Race for the third time.

Everyone who took part, from the little ones to the more experience team members, everybody had fun. See you in September 2024 for our next Amazing Race.

Tourism Development in STLM

Tourism Development in STLM
The local tourism organization in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality held its quarterly meeting on 18 October 2022. The industry discussed tourism repositioning, reconstruction, and funding opportunities available to tourism businesses.

Members made suggestions on how we can attract tourists and generate revenue. Adriaan Esterhuizen from BMDC gave a presentation on funding opportunities for tourism and how tourism members can apply for these funds. Qualified for these funds are SMEs that provide the following services: Transport services – i.e. tour/shuttle services ❑ Travel agencies ❑ Tour operators’ ❑ Boutique Hotels ❑ Guesthouses ❑ Bed & Breakfasts ❑ Hospitality (including restaurants)

For more information on how to access these funds, please contact: adriaan@bmdc.co.za

Amazing Race Middelburg postponed until 15 October 2022

Amazing Race Middelburg postponed until 15 October 2022
There is good news for all those who wanted to take part in this treasure hunt adventure on 24 September but already had plans! Due to the many other activities taking place in town and the many requests received, the organizers have decided to postpone the event until Saturday, 15 October 2022. The closing date for registrations is 30 September. Manual registrations will be accepted at the Middelburg Outreach Festival at the Rustique Boutique Hotel on 24 September, so look out for our stall!

On the day of the race, teams of 4 will race around town in their own vehicle solving clues that will take them from location to location where they must complete mental and/or physical challenges until you reach the finish line! You will put your skills and knowledge of the town to the test – with a little help from Google if necessary. We will take you to various points ranging from local shops to tourist attractions and historically significant sites.

There are great cash prizes to be won!

All you need to do is complete the entry form and pay the entry fee of R700 per team before the closing date of 30 September. If you enter two teams, you will receive a discount of R600per team.
The competition is open to businesses as well as private groups and families. The number of participants is limited, so do not delay! Registration forms are available at the Middelburg Information Centre office, 292 Walter Sisulu Street or by emailing marketing@middelburginfo.com. Online registrations can be made via the Facebook page @amazeraceMid or WhatsApp 0849832819 to receive the registration link.

We are appealing to businesses to get involved as sponsors. Contact Elsabe or Mmabatho on 013 2432253.

Many business opportunities in Burundi

Many business opportunities in Burundi
A delegation from Burundi led by Ambassador KN Jolobe, HE Ms, met with Que Naidoo, President of MCCI and various members of the Middelburg Chamber Executive.

Burundi has 6% of the world’s rare earth deposits and exports Arabica coffee. They are also looking at possible investments or partnerships with local businesses in tourism, internet connectivity, mining opportunities and agriculture. Burundi has 17 provinces and a different mineral has been found in each province.

The aim of the meeting was to establish contacts with local businesses that can network with Burundian businesses. Today, they have cut the red tape by introducing the ambassador directly to the Chamber of Commerce.

The next step is to organise a networking event between The East African Investment, Trade, Promotion Agency, the Burundi delegation and members to plan and explore the proposed trade delegation to Burundi.

Members are invited to send me their details to secure their invitation to the next Burundi investment event. Contact Anna-Marth Ott at ceo@middelburginfo.com.