DEPUTY MINISTER OF TOURISM ON A SHO’T LEFT IN NELSON MANDELA BAY

9 September 2014, Deputy Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Ms Tokozile Xasa arrived in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) not only to undertake important tasks but also to explore the City Of Freedom. The destination proudly named after Nelson Mandela – former South African President, humanitarian, freedom fighter and world icon of peace, embodies the essence to allow each individual to “Discover Freedom” on its shores. This is not only through the historical value and symbolism of the struggle against apartheid of which many stories originated within the area but through various other features, attractions and activities the destination possesses.

Ms Xasa’s visit to Nelson Mandela Bay during tourism month included various activities on her scheduled visit which complemented the theme of tourism month, “Transforming Lives” and highlighted the progress and many activities of the Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Sector. The Deputy Minister launched the National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) on the 8th September 2014 at the Athenaeum and then attended the Lilizela Tourism Awards at The Feathermarket Centre on the 9th September 2014.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism utilised this opportunity to showcase Nelson Mandela Bay as the City of Freedom through taking the Deputy Minister on a Freedom Tour which commemorates and highlights much of the history which contributed to the Freedom of South Africa. The tour takes one along the footsteps of some of the struggle heroes and heroines who originated from Nelson Mandela Bay.Along the route the delegation took time out to pay respects during a wreath laying ceremony to honour liberation struggle heroes, Mr Raymond Mhlaba (Oom Ray) and Govan Archibald Mvuyelwa Mbeki (Oom Gov).

Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO shared, “We were grateful and privileged to share time with the Deputy Minister of Tourism in order to showcase NMB during her Sho’t Left visit.”