During Lockdown Levels 5 to 2 we in Nelson Mandela Bay witnessed the coming together of many citizens as they beautified and cleaned their immediate surroundings, banded together to help those less fortunate and gave willing of their time and money in search of a better life for all. All this aided in instilling a sense of pride in place and people amongst us all.
Building upon this exemplary work and taking cues from amateur historians, a core group of friends – Alan Straton, Mike Pantsi, Lungelo Ngabaza and Annette Du Plessis began meeting on a regular basis to grapple with the challenges facing all communities whilst seeking a way to combat the present downward spiral that many of our communities seem locked into.
We would meet outside the Red Location Museum, at the South End Museum, at the Langa Memorial and other significant places in our Metro whilst we discussed just how we merry band of friends could really make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.
Eventually that ton of verbiage and discussion became distilled into just one word – PRIDE.
That germ of an idea is now taking shape and is ready to become a beautiful butterfly.
By being the catalyst for many social programmes, by embracing all existing programmes and by being a positive agent for change The Heritage Society has one mission: By highlighting our Cultural History (tangible & intangible) we will bring back a sense of place and pride in all citizens. Out of that pride and acknowledgement of our rich shared heritage we will “Look Forward” to and help engineer a country, city, neighbourhood and society in which all people will Pro-actively Participate, Benefit from, have Fun (PPBF) and be proud of. Together we will walk side by side with pride.
Join us on 23 October 2020 at Chief Ngqoko’s Place in Ferguson Road, New Brighton from 9:00 am as we introduce ourselves to you and then embark on a short historical walk along Ferguson Road to the Mendi Memorial.
Our aim is to ensure that our valuable Heritage is showcased and kept in pristine condition to the benefit of all tourism product owners in the Metro.
See more here: https://heritagesociety.co.za/events/new-brighton-tourism-showcase/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheritagesociety/
The Heritage Society recognises that for far too long we have expected a beleaguered government to bear the burden of responsibility for the many projects that South Africa needs. It is time for our citizens to get back their pride in their immediate surroundings and to stop expecting ‘government’ to do the task for them.
Prosperity and Pride are within our own hands and it is only through our own efforts that we will make a country and society of which we can be proud.
Three events are scheduled:
- 23rd October 2020 – Tourism Walk from Chief Ngqoko’s Place
- 27 November 2020 – The State of The Red Location Cultural Precinct
- 29 January 2021 – The Campanile Tour.
About:
Mike Pantsi: Born in New Brighton in 1955. A former Showbiz Promoter. Former Eastern Cape Boxing Ring Announcer. Former Props and Production manager of Various film companies. A co-founder of Imbewu South Africa a South African Swiss connection NGO. Founder of the Gompo Friends of the Libraries. Former Chairperson of tourism in the NMBMM. Co-founder of Fezayona imizamo educational and cultural hub initiative. Find Mike on Facebook to experience more.
Lungelo Ngabaza: Lungelo Ngabaza is from Red Location in Port Elizabeth. Owner and founder of Lungton Tours, a Tour Operating company in Nelson Mandela Bay. A father of two and a qualified Tourist Guide, who loves to share stories about our heritage. If you want to know more about what Lungelo’s does, feel free to visit LUNGTON TOURS on Facebook.
Annette Du Plessis: Cape Town born and grew up in various rural places in South Africa and Namibia. My first remembrance doing art and art installations goes back to when I lived on a family farm at the age of 5. Annette is an artist and activist with many exhibitions under her belt and pieces in collections all over the world. The former Marketing Director at the Red Location Museum is still a prolific artist and activist for the arts in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
Alan Straton: An autobiography in keywords – MyPE Founder, Sailor, Solar, Meters, SEO, Opinionated, Nature, Guide, Vegan, Father, Son, Love, Pride, Empathy and Service above Self. #BeKind – Real Kindness is when you give up something you need yourself.
Video: The Heritage Society – PRIDE
More Info on The Heritage Society – PRIDE here: https://heritagesociety.co.za/
Twitter:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheritagesociety/
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