NELSON MANDELA BAY TOURISM SERVES IN MULTIPLE COMMUNITIES FOR MANDELA DAY 2015
Celebrations during the cutting of the ribbon at Siyaphambili Community Project on Mandela Day.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) heeded the call to action by serving in multiple communities for Mandela Day 2015. Time was spent making a difference and creating awareness on Friday, 17 July and Saturday 18th July in Walmer Township, Motherwell as well as New Brighton.
Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism shared, “It is such a privilege to be in a position to commemorate the iconic Madiba’s Birthday in such a manner that is impactful on the lives of others. Nelson Mandela Bay is truly a friendly city that understands the meaning of ubuntu as displayed not only in Mandela Day but the entire month of July.”
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) collaborated this year for Mandela Day in order to commemorate Nelson Mandela‘s Birthday by making a difference in the lives of Siyaphambili Disabled Community project. This project consists of a group of 12 members with a variety of disabilities who generate an income by doing arts and crafts to sustain their livelihoods.
Ms Mandlakazi Skefile CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism shares, “A flourishing tourism destination is all about having a great place to visit live and play, therefore by having citizens that are happy and comfortable helps to have a more welcoming destination. We are excited to assist this project so that the industry can further support it by purchasing arts and crafts from.”
Siyaphambili is a community project currently situated in Walmer Township who does arts and crafts of all different kinds varying from beadwork, sewing, crocheting of plastic bags and more. The facility in which the group of 12 men and women were working was a shack that did not provide adequate space or shelter in adverse weather conditions and leaked every time it rained.
After discussions with Mr Lucky Nonimba who is the leader of the group and Mrs Glenda Brunette of Walmer Angels Project; TNPA and NMBT came up with a few suggestions. It was officially decided the main necessity was a dry and safe working environment for the group to continue their crafting skills.
Mr Rajesh Dana, Ports Manager of TNPA confirmed, “One of our responsibilities as a Port is to improve the lives of the communities in which we operate and we trust that our contribution, in partnership with NMBT, will fulfill that objective. This is definitely a project of value to support and we felt it a matter of urgency to provide a comfortable dignified working space for the group to continue their efforts of being self sustainable.”
NMBT and TNPA have opted to spend more than the 67 minutes and had a group commence work on Monday, 14 July 2015. The existing shack would be partly broken down and replaced by a 6m converted container; wheelchair ramps and a cement platform among other additions are to be added. Also a collection of items will be handed over while their small vegetable garden will be repaired after the construction of the new facilities.
Mr Lucky Nonimba Siyaphambili Disabled Community Project leader confirms, “We are so excited for these new facilities to work in as it will be a great help to us in order to move forward as the name of you project Siyaphambili means – “moving forward.”
The afternoon of the 17th July saw Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism staff spend time and deliver care packages to a home for the aged in Motherwell. The home consists of 20 elderly men and women who have not only requested basic toiletries and clothes but also the opportunity to spend time with others telling their stories. In addition the great need at the home is for blankets, heaters and bed mattresses.
MMBT CEO confirms, “Mandela Day should be everyday and we will continue to look for partners and sponsors who can assist in delivering what is still needed for the group at the home for the aged.
NMBT continued to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s Birthday on the 18th July by hosting the Rock Girls on a 5km walk through New Brighton. Rock Girl is a grassroots movement used to inspire, encourage, and invest in girl-initiated and girl-focused projects in the private and public sectors.
“Although the weather was cold the event was well attended again showcasing the destinations tenacity of standing together to dedicate their 67 minutes and the citizens’ passion of service for community.” Confirmed Skefile
The Rock Girls took to the streets of New Brighton on Saturday morning to share their stories with each other and the community. The rock girls had 40 representatives from New Brighton who lead the way. In addition they were joined 35 students from the United Kingdom joining the here visiting Nelson Mandela Bay.
Mr Mike Pantsi confirms, “The reason behind the commemorative walk taking place in New Brighton is because of the 1952 Defiance campaign which was led by the late Raymond Mhlaba who was a comrade of Nelson Mandela.”
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela
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