Named after South Africa’s most famous global icon, the Nelson Mandela Bay region (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch) is commemorating 20 years of democracy in South Africa, with an open invitation for the public to share their experiences of freedom via the recently launched NMBT blog.
The “Freedom Captured” competition has already attracted the interest of storytellers from near and far who have submitted their “Freedom Stories”, via the online form.
With just over a week left to enter (the competition closes 16 June 2014) submissions can be personal, cultural, environmental or social, but must embody the beauty and integrity of ‘freedom’ in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. One or two images should support the stories.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, shares why Nelson Mandela Bay is referred to as Ikhaya lenkululeko which means – home of freedom. “Nelson Mandela Bay has the ability to provide a continuous experience of genuine freedom. This is not only through the historical value and symbolism of the struggle against apartheid. The Bay has a variety of attractions, activities and authentic experiences which has the ability to evoke the spirit of freedom in any person’s soul.”
Nelson Mandela Bay MMC, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe adds, “We are ready to share our unique and captivating story with the world and we invite you to become part of the journey and add your voice to the marketing of Nelson Mandela Bay. Our story is not a perfect one and neither is our democracy perfect. But within us all burn the flame of freedom ignited almost 20 years ago – it is time to let it shine.”
The prize is an exceptional Nelson Mandela Bay experience which includes,two domestic flights to Port Elizabeth, two nights’ accommodation in Nelson Mandela Bay, two Nelson Mandela Bay Passes, two nights at Addo Elephant National Park, and five day’s car rental. The winner will be announced on June 19, 2014.
Some of the entries to date:
- Responding to the question, ‘What does Freedom mean to you?’ – Lucinda Roberts from the Eastern Cape said, “Not needing anything from anyone, being totally independent, freedom is never free, you have to work for it.”
- While Cindy Botha from the Limpopo region, had something different to say, “Freedom to me is just the simple things in life … The freedom to choose and express my own religion. The freedom to say what I feel and think. The freedom to express myself any which way I choose. The privilege to just have freedom … Many people overlook the small freedoms we have in life … not me … I focus on the smaller things to appreciate the bigger things!”
- Says Akhona Mti, from Gauteng; “Freedom is the ability to be free from everything and free to make your own choices, freedom means being able to interact with other ethnic groups, where black and white can be seen as one.”
“We are excited about Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism‘s new digital marketing journey. Within the first month the new blog has attracted many unique visitors from 24 different countries. We are investing in rich, unique content development for the region. The average user has viewed three pages and spent more than four minutes on the site. This is excellent by international standards,” concluded Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Kaelo Destinations Details the Solar Power and Conservation Behind Its Stays - 11 November 2026
- USN SA Pairs Protein and Hydration for Hot Summer Training Days - 10 November 2026
- Vanstippen Returns to the Top at 2026 Ducati King of the Whip - 10 November 2026
- The Gold Avenue Tells Rolex Owners to Skip the Polish Before Selling - 10 November 2026
- From Busking to the Business of Music: MEX Opens New Doors - 10 November 2026
