On Wednesday the 20th of August, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) officially launched its Inner City Heritage Month campaign. The purpose of the Campaign is to mobilize Nelson Mandela Bay residents to discovery their own City, celebrate its new and old heritage assets through a number of events, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and so much more.
“The last two weeks have proven to us that the City has a huge appetite for easy, simple things to do, places to see and just time to relax and connect the past and the future, even if it is just for 67min” says Heritage Month organizer and MBDA spokesperson, Luvuyo Bangazi.
“The Route 67 tour has seen a good pilot, we’re happy with its progress, first in building awareness and generating interest. It’s amazing how many Bay citizens have not been down town since probably the early 2000’s. The tour has been averaging between 15 to 20 people each week, a real mix of people from all walks of life including hotel and guest house staff, university students, visitors from other parts of the country, senior citizens, and young professionals and surprisingly a we also had a visitor from Australia joining the tour” concluded Bangazi.
“The tour does not only provide an opportunity to experience the heritage, history and arts, it is also an opportunity to reconnect with the city. One member of the tour, a lady whose was born in Port Elizabeth but grew up in Cape Town, her lineage dating back to the 1820 British Settlers, was completely blown away at the experience, the meticulous detail in terms and storytelling of the City’s history and heritage through the Route 67”, says Tour Guide, Tony Neveling.
Tony Neveling, from Gecko Tino Eastern Cape Expeditions, has volunteered his services and time to assist with the free guided tours. He has a passion for the City and its history and tourist attractions. Originally from Johannesburg, Tony has made Nelson Mandela Bay his home and has been a tour guide operating since 2000.
Tony will also be giving the public a free guided tour of Route 67 on Heritage Day from 10am starting at the Campanile, and encourages those who are keen to join in.
Other events happening this week include:
- Friday (19th) is the Launch of Wish You Were Here Exhibition. Venue: Athenaeum, Belmont Terrace. Open from 6pm.
- Friday Lunchtime: Free Guided Tour of Route 67 and Free Concert on the Square (in front of PE City Hall), both kicking off at 1pm.
- Saturday is kick off of the Urban Run Festival Weekend (Urban Run on Sunday 21st) from the Donkin.
- Wednesday (24th – public Holiday) is the NMB Chamber Picnic – celebrating 150yrs of organized business in the City. The event is happening at the Donkin, Live music, kiddie’s fun; bring your picnic basket along. Open from 10am till 2pm.
Alan Straton
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