Hon Deputy Speaker, hon Minister of Tourism, hon members and stakeholders, we are gathered here during the month of pain and joy. It is a sad month as the number of our struggle icons - Comrade Oliver Reginald Tambo, who passed away on this day in 1993; Comrade Chris Thembisile Hani, and Comrade Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu - fell during this month. It is also a joyful one since those that once spoke of their blood nourishing the soil that will bear the fruits of freedom have been proven to be great foretellers of the truth that has been.
It is indeed because of the sacrifices of the likes of Comrade Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu that we stand here with no fear of contradiction and forge forth of the fruits of freedom to be spread amongst our people. The Tourism Bill that stands before us today is very important in the sense that it seeks to provide for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism for the social, economic and environmental benefits of South African citizens. The Minister has alluded to such in numerous occasions. This statement is assuring to me as a citizen and as a member of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism. It is also important that we have not lost sight of what the rule of the ANC is in emancipating our people.
This legal framework will also create amicable conditions for the drafting of policies, strategies and regulations that will promote tourism growth and ultimately the realisation of transformation which will lead to a positive contribution of the tourism sector towards job creation and ultimately the reduction of the unemployment challenges faced by our country.
This Bill can only realise its vision through not only the enforcement of the law, however, also through the promotion of one vision by different stakeholders. Responsible tourism can result out of cohesive efforts, like the trunk of a baobab tree and its branches, this legislation will be the base of all the different components toward the bigger vision.
During the public hearings we heard a number of avenues that required immediate attention for the Bill to strike the right cord, and it is the role of the department and that of us parliamentarians to ensure that work put in this Bill is not in vain but leaves a great legacy for our children's children.
The Bill also speaks of the introduction of the convention bureau that will ensure a collective effort for the bidding of business tourism events. Moreover, in as much as the SA National Convention Bureau was just introduced in the Bill, it has been operational for one year and its existence has already ensured the hosting of 87 events between 2013 and 2017. These events are expected to inject R2,6 billion into the economy of the country. It is for this reason that we believe the Bill brings forth new hope and fruits of even greater freedom.
Furthermore, the reaffirmation of the grading council as a body that will ensure that our products meet the required service excellence standard is another reason for hope. Even better, we hope that the benefit of grading of establishments will soon be realised by many in the industry and will result in mass registration for grading purposes ultimately putting South African tourism as a world class destination.
It is also important that we note the impact played by media reports. In numerous occasions, these reports disregard the great positive strides made by the country. They ignore the great state of our attractions in the country with most beaches being of excellent standards, the great scenery that the country possesses and the cultural diversity of the country. Issues such as the safety of our water, and so forth, should be great selling points and work towards changing perceptions about the country. This is why the department needs to take stock of the great achievements in the country and run with them for the benefit of our country.
With those words, I would like to move for the passing of the Bill. Long live the spirit of Oliver Tambo! Long live the spirit of Kalushi Solomon Mahlangu! Thank you.