By Tendai Dhliwayo
JOHANNESBURG will play host to the annual International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) to be held on 17 May at the Dome in Northgate.
The event, co-sponsored by SA Tourism, would also give film producers and directors a chance to gather and discuss some of the key issues impacting on the Indian film industry and, at the same time, network with their South African counterparts.
The decision to bring the IIFA awards in South Africa came at a time when the country - as one of the world's fastest growing tourism, convention and movie-making destinations - was still frolicking in the immense global awareness made during the coverage of the Cricket World Cup, said South African Tourism head, Cheryl Carolus.
"We are fully appreciative of the fact that the eyes of the world will be on South Africa in May during the IIFA weekend and we are thrilled that its organisers have taken up our call to live to the moment in deciding that now is the time to visit South Africa," added Carolus.
SA Tourism recently launched a "value for money" family holiday package aimed at attracting Indian tourists to South Africa.
A series of events in the week running up to the awards will be held including a press conference to announce further details at Southern Sun's Montecasino complex in Fourways on 30 April.
