An item to sponsor R8 million for the staging of the Sunshine Tour and European Challenge Tour co-sanctioned tournament at Humewood Golf Club at the end of February was heavily debated at the first Nelson Mandela Bay council sitting of the year on Tuesday.
Presenting the item, Executive Mayor Retief Odendaal said the amendment to the Operating Budget under the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC) Directorate was necessary to create jobs for Bay residents.
Mayor Odendaal submitted that hosting this professional golf tournament was an attempt to revive the City and stimulate the local economy through paying particular focus to events that trigger socio-economic activity.
However, opposition parties felt the matter must be referred to the standing committee for further consideration.
Deputy Mayor Khusta Jack and EFF councillor Nondumiso Qwazi agreed.
ANC councillor Lorna Makwethu said the money could be better used to restore the dignity of the disabled people around the Metro by building pavements and houses.
Patriotic Alliance councillor Bradley Murray said the money must rather be spent repairing the public swimming pool facilities around the city.
The matter was then duly referred back to the standing committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
In November last year, The Sunshine Tour announced two new DP World Tour events and four Challenge Tour events on their schedule in 2023.
The $1.5 million SDC Championship, which is co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and the DP World Tour, will be played at St Francis Links at St Francis Bay from 16-19 March.
The four co-sanctioned Challenge Tour events include the Dimension Data Pro-Am from 9-12 February at Fancourt in George and the Nelson Mandela Bay Championship at Humewood Golf Club from 23-26 February.
