Newly elected Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Mongameli Bobani said his top priority will be to ensure that the hosting of the 2018 Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is done with African flair and that visitors and athletes will leave our shores content and suitably impressed.
“My instalment as Executive Mayor, with no hindrance to the organisation and hosting of the first ever African edition of this continental race, showcases how far we have come as a democracy in our city.
“I want to assure the visitors, athletes, residents, organisers and sponsors of the 2018 Isuzu IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship that we are committed to fulfill our contractual obligations as the first ever African or South African host city – for that matter – entrusted to deliver on a truly memorable experience.
“Our campaign entitled Molo Festival of Triathlon is in full swing with daily activities taking place at Hobie Beach and Fan Parks that are being set up in Gelvandale, Kwanobuhle, Walmer and Motherwell to provide residents with entertainment and live coverage on big screens on Saturday and Sunday.
“I call on our residents to participate in the festivities as the hosting of such a prestigious global event, will unlock many opportunities for local businesses and contribute massively to the Gross Domestic Product of the Eastern Cape Province.
“The event, that will see more than 4 500 athletes participating – including international soapie actress Katherine Kelly Lang, popularly known as Brooke Logan – and approximately 16 000 visitors coming to Nelson Mandela Bay, is conservatively estimated to influence a direct injection of R400 million.
“I would like to appreciate the efforts of Ironman to ensure that SMME’s in wards on the Ironman route are catered for. However, since we are using this event as a springboard, it must translate to numerous other opportunities during future events – for emerging businesses in our city.
“In addition to this, unemployed youth were employed as City Ambassadors and they are not only receiving a monthly stipend, they are also active participants to help fulfil our responsibilities as a host city.
“I will be welcoming the Minister of Sport, the Premier of the Eastern Cape and many other dignitaries in our city for the event.
“We have a duty to roll out the red carpet for our guests and show them why we are known as the friendly city. Go to the different activities organised , say Molo with a smile and rub shoulders with our visitors.
“With your help we can do justice to the theme The Fiercest race in the Friendliest City,” Mayor Bobani said.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality City Manager Johann Mettler introduced the new coalition government with Mayor Bobani at the helm, elected at a council meeting on Monday, 27 August 2018, at a press conference earlier today.
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