Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews: Sports Events Boost the Mother City

Cape Town is solidifying its reputation as a global hub for major sporting events, with the Cape Town 7s set to take center stage this weekend. Hot on the heels of the successful Cape Town Marathon in October, Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews is optimistic about the positive impact these events have on tourism and the city’s international profile.

Cape Town 7s: A Festive Tradition

The Cape Town 7s, a staple in the HSBC World Sevens Series since the 2015/16 season, has become a highly anticipated event for the city. With teams, fans, and families from around the world arriving in Cape Town, the tournament serves as a vibrant kickoff to the festive season.

“The 7s is always an event we look forward to hosting,” Andrews said. “We recognize the teams and their families visiting our city. It kickstarts our festive period, and we are quite excited to host the event again.”

UFC in Cape Town?

The possibility of hosting a UFC event featuring South African middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is another exciting prospect for the city. While UFC CEO Dana White expressed interest in bringing an event to Africa if du Plessis retained his title, logistical and financial hurdles remain.

“We definitely want Dricus to defend his title here on the continent, and certainly here in Cape Town,” Andrews shared. “We are engaged in discussions, though nothing has been finalized yet. There’s heavy competition from other cities. Hosting the event requires a significant return on investment, and we are assessing what we can put on the table to secure the fight.”

Safety Measures for Tourists and Events

As the city enters the bustling festive season, concerns around safety for both residents and visitors are top of mind. With reports of armed robberies and kidnappings raising alarms, the city is doubling down on efforts to ensure safety during high-profile events.

"We have comprehensive logistical plans involving metro police, traffic enforcement, and neighborhood watch groups,” Andrews explained. “We also work closely with SAPS to ensure effective policing. Our approach has been tested and proven during previous events, such as the Cape Town Marathon, which successfully met safety requirements.”

Cape Town Marathon's Major Milestone

The recent Cape Town Marathon earned praise for its seamless execution and has moved one step closer to becoming Africa’s first World Marathon Major. Andrews sees this as an example of the city’s ability to host large-scale events safely and efficiently.

A Call for Hospitality

Andrews concluded with a heartfelt message to Cape Town residents: “We want the people of Cape Town to enjoy what we have to offer—not just the 7s tournament but the upcoming events as well. We urge our locals to be hospitable and allow our international friends to enjoy our beautiful city.”

From rugby to running—and potentially mixed martial arts—Cape Town is showcasing its capability to host world-class sporting events. With safety measures in place and a focus on international partnerships, the city is poised to thrive as a premier destination for sports tourism.