The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Cllr Mzwandile Masina yesterday, 21 April 2020, met with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to South Africa, HE Mahash Saeed Alhameli via the virtual meeting application Zoom. The meeting was arranged to discuss amongst other things the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic opportunities in the region.
On the 28 March 2020, during his State of the City Address, Executive Mayor Masina announced plans to offer the private sector bulk land parcels for the development of the first Disneyland Amusement Park in Africa and a Formula One Grand Prix race track in the City of Ekurhuleni. Ambassador Alhameli has expressed interest in both of the large scale developments and has committed to facilitating a meeting between UAE investors and the City of Ekurhuleni after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. “We are humbled by the positive engagements I had with Ambassador Mahash Saeed Alhameli. The City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Dubai, are two Aerotropolis Cities which need to continually collaborate in developing our respective local economies. We look forward to meeting with investors in the UAE after this COVID-19 pandemic and hope we can begin work on these two catalyst projects which will change the face of Ekurhuleni forever.” Said Executive Mayor Masina. The Disneyland Africa and Formula One Grand Prix catalyst projects form part of the broader Aerotropolis Masterplan which is anchored by the Ekurhuleni University of Science, Technology and Innovation which was recently announced by President Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address. Furthermore, the City is Proceeding with other strategic catalytic projects which are at an advanced stage, Including, but not limited to the Ekurhuleni Botanical Garden, the Ekurhuleni Zoo and the Ekurhuleni International Convention Centre. All these projects will be in collaboration between Government and the Private Sector to stimulate the local economy. The Ambassador was briefed on the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 in the City of Ekurhuleni.