MOSSEL BAY NEWS - "The economic impact of hosting the MosJazz Music Festival could be hugely advantageous to Mossel Bay and the locals would benefit tremendously if the festival is allowed to grow and develop," said co-owner of Camissa Solutions, Clarence Ford.

That was the main message from Camissa Solutions, organisers of the festival that will be held at De Bakke / Santos from 17 to 20 January.

The first one was held earlier this year and was well supported by locals and vistors, but controversy followed when some people complained about what they perceived to be unacceptable noise levels.

Long haul
At the Mossel Bay Advertiser Indaba on Wednesday, 24 October, Ford and Lovetta Bolters, chief executive officer of Camissa Solutions, said they are not coming to Mossel Bay to score quick money, but that they are "in it for the long haul".

Ford explained that in five years' time the economic impact of the MosJazz Festival on Mossel Bay and surrounds could be about R320 million if they manage to secure 30 000 bed nights – which is possible because of the available space, infrastructure and facilities. He said it was important to understand that festivals bring an injection into the tourism economy as most attendees are visitors to the town. Colin Puren, Mossel Bay Municipality executive manager for strategic services, welcomed the fact that Camissa Solutions was prepared to address the community's concerns regarding the MosJazz Festival.

Public participation
He said that during the previous festival the council received numerous complaints about noise. "We handled all the complaints and we spoke to Camissa before council took the most recent resolution. Measures were put in place with Camissa to prevent a recurrence of what happened last year, and we trust Camissa to stick to the agreement."

Puren emphasised that in the tough economic times where ratepayers are struggling financially the municipality has to look for alternative revenue streams and MosJazz is one of them. He gave the assurance that the municipality will regulate the sound levels and there will not be a repeat of last year's occurrence when a soundcheck happened at 02:00.

"Camissa promised it will not happen again. Mossel Bay's people enjoyed themselves. We don't want the MosJazz Festival to go away, and Camissa want to partner with Mossel Bay."

Social investment
Bolters said there could be huge spin-offs for Mossel Bay and its inhabitants, citing the example of Paarl, where the One World Festival takes place.

There an international conference on healing is taking place, where 32 countries will be represented – all as a result of the music festival. "That is an opportunity that a festival such as this one brings and that is part of what we are able to do."

Employment opportunities, education and training by music professionals are other benefits for the locals.

The mood at the meeting was overwhelmingly in support of the festival and it was evident that the locals want it to happen.

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