CTICC looks back on its 20th anniversary year

Tamlynne Thompson and Staff Reporter|Published 1 year ago

CTICC CEO Taubie Motlhabane at the centre’s annual general meeting.

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) looked back on 2023, when they celebrated 20 years of existence, at their annual general meeting (AGM) last Wednesday, February 14.

To commemorate the 20-year milestone, a new logo, an infinity symbol, was designed.

CTICC CEO Taubie Motlhabane said it symbolised the unlimited possibilities available at the centre.

The theme for the Integrated Annual Report was inspired by the rings on trees, with 20 gold rings symbolising 20 years of existence. Ms Motlhabane said each golden ring also symbolises the growth of the past and hope for the future of the centre.

At the event were industry representatives Aneeqah Samsodien from Africentric, Mark Wilkinson from Cape Winelands and Itumeleng Pooe, also from Africentric

In the past 20 years, the CTICC has hosted over 9000 events, with over 650 of these being international events, attracting over 9.5m visitors to the centre.

The centre had also contributed a total of R60bn to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and R51.5bn to the Western Cape Gross Geographic Product (GGP).

Looking back on 2023, Ms Motlhabane said despite a challenging last few years, the centre had found its feet, and they were optimistic about the future.

Lindiwe Ndaba from the City of Cape Town, and Christian Vorster from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) also attended the event.

Event numbers for the 2023 financial year almost reached pre-Covid pandemic levels with 427 events hosted, compared to just 225 in the previous year.

Nearly 275 000 people attended events, up from 127 000.

The year in review also saw an influx of international conferences, the most notable being the Africa Tech Festival with 12 000 attendees in November 2022.

The largest event for the financial year was Decorex Cape Town, bringing over 25 000 people to the venue.

During the 2023 financial year, the CTICC had a revenue of R278m, more than double compared to the previous financial year and marginally improving on its pre-Covid 2018/19 income levels of R277m.

“Leaving lasting impressions is what we do as a business – providing the conditions for people to meet, debate and make decisions that will benefit us all… This is our ‘dream’ as an organisation,” said Ms Motlhabane.

Looking to the future, Ms Motlhabane said the centre has confirmed 376 events up to 2030 - 135 of these being international events.

She said the CTICC has signed a workplace agreement with the Youth Employment Service, and nine young people have started work at the centre this month, with more joining soon.

With the improved financials in 2023, the CTICC was able to support various organisations with venue sponsorship and other services and community outreach, with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution totalling R1.2m.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the centre launched its biggest community drive of 2023, the CTICC Cares campaign.

During the drive, from October to December, over 1 400 items – including stationery, books, clothing, blankets, soft toys, cooking utensils, bedding and non-perishable food items – were collected from staff and the public, and donated.

Ms Motlhabane said because of its success, the centre will host another drive this year.

She also announced the imminent launch of the Innovation Centre for Impact.

The CTICC’s first social impact innovation partner project will be WEpads, which intends to create affordable biodegradable and compostable sanitary towels.

To the CTICC’s clients, Ms Motlhabane said: “Thank you for bringing the magic. We look forward to going with you on a journey to the third decade as our tree rings grow.”