POLOKWANE - The Premier of Limpopo Province, Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi has, urged "everybody regardless of race, religion, gender or colour" to support a marketing drive for the province. He was the guest speaker during the launching of the new name of the province last Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering during the glittering function, Ramatlhodi said that as a responsible government, they have a duty to work towards socio-economic development of all the people. "Every year our education system is showing measurable progress as we increase our efforts to strengthen the culture of learning and teaching in our schools. It is by constantly improving our skills and knowledge that we can develop our province into the powerhouse it is destined to be," he said.

According to him, the launching of the new name was the beginning of life for the young province. "In addition to giving us a new identity, Limpopo will take us along to a bright and prosperous future," he added. The Premier added that the launching of the new name is to shape our destiny as driven by our shared vision of a "peaceful, vibrant, dynamic, united and self-sustaining province", ready and able to feed her children.

"For many years we discussed and debated various suggestions in our efforts to find a name that is not only distinct and descriptive of our great province, but also affirms our special place within South Africa and on the continent of Africa," he said.

From a marketing perspective, Ramatlhodi said they recognised the need to create a distinct identity for the province that will set it apart from the country's neighbours and enable the province to promote its economy, agricultural and mining products and its tourist attractions in a unique manner.

He also paid tribute to the people of Limpopo, while stressing the importance of their contribution to the strengthening of the agricultural sector, which he described as the backbone of the province's economy.

Among the top tourist attractions that Limpopo boasts are the majestic baobab tree, the world famous Kruger National Park and the Mapungumbwe and Makapan Valleys - both of which have been declared world heritage sites.

Ramatlhodi said his administration was committed to an aggressive marketing drive to promote the province as an ideal place which to invest and holiday. "We are determined that Limpopo will be on the lips of thousands of people in Africa and abroad. Through vigorous marketing and comprehensive education of our people regarding the economic advantages of attracting tourism, there can be no reason why we cannot realize massive benefits from a rise in tourism," he said.