Don't exclude white businesses

OPEN letter to the acting chief executive, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency:

I refer to your advertisement placed in The Herald promoting The Lilizela ETEYA (Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award).

Having been an active participant in the business community, employing thousands of unskilled workers over many years, I completely understand and support the drive to provide training and empowerment, and to promote and facilitate BBBEE, equity opportunities and small business development which will enable and grow our country's economy in general. Although I don't always agree with the methods used, I also believe it is necessary to "encourage" selectors and administrators in sport to ensure our teams are properly representative of our country's demographics.

However, I do not understand the rationale behind acknowledging and rewarding only black-owned SMMEs in the tourism sector. Surely anybody who is involved with and contributes to our tourism development is equally worthy of appraisal and acknowledgement.

I believe the exclusion of white-owned SMMEs is blatant and unnecessary discrimination which serves no purpose and offers no benefit to any segment of the tourism market. Surely the aim and objectives of your organisation is to enhance, encourage and develop tourism in general.

Does it really matter who initiates and drives the promotion of our province? There is no justifiable reason why the competition can't be open to all participants with a separate award acknowledging black- owned SMMEs.

Although I am indirectly involved with tourism as an SMME, I am not eligible to compete so this issue is not personal but my belief in encouraging business in our region is.

Sharon Grobler, Port Elizabeth