Charity starring tourism

IT was all dance, sing, dine and cook with some of South Africa’s most loved soap stars this past weekend when Nelson Mandela Bay residents came out in support of the Radisson Blu’s ‘Missionvale: Water for Life’ charity drive.

 “Tourism impacts positively on the community through social awareness and this is just another instance where this is clearly the case. It is vital to boost the community and in so doing strengthening the city’s spirit and image” said Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) CEO, Mandlakazi Skefile.

The purpose of the charity drive weekend was to raise funds to assist with the supply of water tanks for Missionvale in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), thereby improving their infrastructure and bettering their quality of life.

“Water, like oxygen, is one of the few things that no one can live without. In NMB, the Missionvale Community comprises some 8000 people who have no access to clean drinking water. Instead, residents of this community have to collect water by hand from distant areas where water is available,” said Radisson Blu marketing coordinator, Tatum Miller.

The weekend’s drive consisted of four events along with two photo opportunities at malls – catering for everyone – whether dancing, singing, dining or cooking with the stars. The organizers described it as a “win-win for all as participants had the opportunity to mingle with their favourite TV characters while supporting a good cause.”

The  13 celebrities included: Hildegardt Whites (Bonnita from 7de Laan), Heino Schmitt (Altus from 7de Laan), Melanie du Bois (Felicity from 7de Laan), Jo da Silva (Gita from 7de Laan), Mimi Mahlasela (Aggie from 7de Laan), Werner Coetser (Bernard from 7de Laan), Aubrey Mmakola (Generations), Jonaid Carrera (Binnelande), Sisa Hewana (Isidingo), Lee Roy Wright (CrazE TV presenter), Lefa Pike (SA Idols), Ashish Gangapersad (Isidingo) and Crushanda Forbes (SA Idols).

Miller said that it was important for tourism products, suppliers and residents to become aware of the problems faced in the city, “there are so many people in need. Tourism has the necessary resources to assist in projects such as this – contributing to a bigger success. It may seem small, but it’s a start,” she added.