City hoists welcome blimps around the Bay

FEELING it in the air took on a new meaning yesterday (SUBS: 1 June) when city officials hoisted two of five blimps into the air at two major intersections in the Bay.

A huge blimp was sent into the sky at the Motherwell-Addo turn-off the N2 and another one was hoisted near the off-ramp to Uitenhage.

Councillors Sicelo Mnyaka and Fikile Desi were there to make sure the blimps took flight.

“This is simply a signifier to everyone – both those in Nelson Mandela Bay and those who are visiting the city – that we are creating a mood and atmosphere that says 2010 is here,” said Mnyaka. “As the Host City and we are ready for 2010.”

Desi, councillor for ward 56 in Motherwell, said this was one of the huge steps taken by the city and that after 16 years as a councillor, he never thought he would see an African World Cup.

“Visitors will be able to say ‘yes, I’m in a Host City’ and it’s also keeping the name Nelson Mandela high, not only in the Bay but in South Africa. I’m proud of how far we have come in our planning.”

The blimps are strategically placed at points that mark major entry points into Nelson Mandela Bay and welcome visitors to the city for the duration the World Cup. There are a total of five helium-filled tethered balloons that will keep company with the birds and make sure tourists know Nelson Mandela Bay is a proud Host City, Mnyaka added saying praise should be given to those who come up with such good ideas.

The remaining three will go up on Friday, June 4 in the Northern Areas, KwaDesi and next to the Shark Rock Pier at Hobie Beach.