Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism drives clean-up on Nelson Mandela day!

NELSON Mandela Bay Tourism’s (NMBT) latest initiative is a drive to clean-up various heritage sites in the city, symbolically starting with historical tourist route, the Donkin Heritage Trail, on Nelson Mandela Day next Monday, July 18. NMBT staff and volunteers will start the cleaning campaign in honour of the former president, iconic leader and namesake of the city at 12:30pm, gathering at the tourism visitor information office at the Donkin Reserve.

“We are concerned about the state of our tourism attractions. The aim is to give back to our community by cleaning up this important trail – for both the locals and for tourists visiting our city,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager. “We are committed to reviving the image of our important history, which is embodied in the numerous historical sites we have in a city strategically named after the man who led South Africa to freedom.”

The clean-up path will honour Nelson Mandela by dedicating 67-minutes to picking up debris in the inner city along a section spanning a kilometre and a half of the famous five kilometre Donkin Trail. The route will lead volunteers past historical gems Fort Frederick, the Athenaeum, number Seven Castle Hill, the Opera House and back to the Donkin Reserve.

NMBT conceptualised the proactive campaign to clean the historical sites, which have in the past received little attention, but are again gaining prominence after city efforts to reinvigorate the CBD. “With renewed attention focused on important city sites and monuments, NMBT hopes to generate interest and appreciation for the valuable history of Nelson Mandela Bay,” added Chuene.

The Donkin Trail, named after early nineteenth century acting governor of the Cape, Sir Rufane Donkin, features 51 historical attractions including Fort Frederick, which was built more than 200 years ago and stands at the centre of the history of Port Elizabeth. The fort, named after Frederick, Duke of York, was constructed on a natural citadel. Its main undertaking was to defend the Baakens River mouth in the Algoa Bay.

Management and maintenance of the Donkin Trail is the responsibility of the tourism, culture, heritage and museums sub-directorate at the municipality.

“Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, though not mandated to take care of the monuments, is leading by example in taking steps to clean some of the historical monuments. We want to encourage and invite the people of the Friendly City to take pride in the historical attractions and take ownership of the growth and development of Nelson Mandela Bay as a premier tourism destination,” said Chuene.

Members of the public are encouraged to take part in the initiative. Volunteers are asked to bring along water, a hat, sun-screen, and comfortable walking shoes and clothing. Gloves, cleaning implements and garbage bags will be provided.