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Mongezi Mtati

The 18th Investing in African Mining Indaba attracted a record 7 020 delegates, an increase of 17% compared to the previous year. The conference, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 6 to 9 February, also contributed more than R106m to the Cape Town economy.

"We were impressed with the high turnout and as a global event we continue to grow in leaps and bounds," said Maria Palombini, group marketing director of Investing in African Mining Indaba.

Indaba created jobs

According to the chief operating officer of the CTICC, Joey Pather, the Mining Indaba contributed to the creation of 491 direct and 246 indirect jobs in the Western Cape Province. A total of 140 people from previously disadvantaged areas were employed by CTICC for the duration of the event, 90 taxis were accredited to transport delegates to and from CTICC, and BEE suppliers were used as preferred suppliers for the event.

In addition to the economic spinoffs, this event plays a pivotal role in advancing business and leisure tourism. CTICC is a major contributor to induced tourism, which is defined as tourism that results from visitors coming to the centre, who return to the city at a later stage. One out of every four international delegates returns to Cape Town for leisure. The impact of this event also extends to the broader hospitality industry and transport sector.