Action packed talk

DEDICATED to being fully informed about Nelson Mandela Bay’s attractions and offerings, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) staffers visit various gems monthly, so they can give first hand information to  visitors on what sets the Bay apart from other tourism destinations.

In July, staff went on the South End Museum Heritage Trail.

“As the city’s tourism body, it is absolutely essential for us to keep up to date with the happenings and hotspots of our destination. NMBT has decided to visit one attraction per month,” said NMBT marketing manager, Titus Chuene.

The educational to the South End Museum Heritage Trail was arranged and attended by Jonker Fourie, Erenei Louw, Sadie Isaacs and Phrosnè Phillips.

“The first stop was to the Shri Siva Subramanier Aulayam Temple on Upper Valley Road. The information about this Hindu Temple was shared by one of the church elders and we were taken into the two temples,” said Phillips.

They then went to the Old Walmer Road at the top end of Pier Street. This used to be the main road running through South End towards Walmer. There is a new development of townhouses being built into the old road.

“I especially liked the next stop, St Peter’s Church and School Ruins. It‘s a very popular site for people taking wedding pictures and though I’ve seen in many times, it still has a certain moving atmosphere standing in the dilapidated church looking out over the old tramways and harbour,” Phillips said recalling the adventure.

The group took a took a drive around Lea Place which was the first “coloured municipal housing scheme” in Port Elizabeth all those years ago. Some of the houses are still in their original state.

“We then went to the South End Museum to have a look at the map of the original South End to get a better perspective on what we saw that morning. We walked around in the museum, reading the stories of the people who used to live here; it was moving to see all the rich history in such a small area. It reminds me of how much we take our city for granted at times. We also saw the Wild Fig Tree across the road from the museum – its age is unknown, but is thought to be more than 100 years old,” Phillips added.

The tour was concluded when they visited the St Mary’s Cemetery, which has graves dating back to 1799. The Malay Cemetery is adjacent.

“NMBT is situated at the top of South End, so we did not have to travel far to find this gem, but even as familiar with the area as we may be, we all learnt something new and had a blast,” said Phillips.

Watch out for next month’s attraction of the month, and make sure you don’t miss out on visiting these treasures our city has to offer.