By: Nhlanhla Mthembu

The city of uMhlathuze is geared up to host the South African Music Awards (SATMA) celebration to be held at the University of Zululand in Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal.

City of uMhlathuze are the proud host of the 2015 SATMA awards ceremony and they have opened arms for all the SATMA awards celebrations which are scheduled to take place from
the 29 September to 3rd October.

SATMA awards are expected to engage communities of uMhlathuze Municipal with lot of fun activities before main awards ceremony, activities will include cultural parade, public
viewing festival and indigenous comedy show.

City mayor Cllr Mdu Mhlongo said they are proud to host such big event.

He said the type of events creates number of informal employment.

“Such events brings about boost in our tourism and local economy as it increases bed nights in hotels and other lodging establishments,  fast foods retail and petrol stations,” said
Mhlongo.

Zinhle Mntambo resident at eSikhaleni said she hopes more international event will be hosted in future.

“SATMA awards are one of the world recognised awards, I am excited that they are hosted by my home city and I this is the start of more international events to be held here.

Event of this kind will come handy to local street vendors and businesses, and it will make a huge difference in the tourism sector as well,” added Mntambo.

The city will welcome SATMA Awards international delegates led by Mama Sarah Obama – grandmother to United States of America’s President Barrack Obama.