People give voice to most loved icons

MOST people believe that it is Nelson Mandela Bay’s friendly people that make the city so unique and loved. This month Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, as part of its I love NMB competition and search for one city icon, asked locals and visitors what they love most about the city.

The response has been incredible with people coming up with moving, unusual and standout icons.
First to throw her weight behind the icon campaign was The Herald Miss PE Nandipha Mnuma who didn’t hesitate to share what she most loves about the city and what stands out for her as a marketable icon: ‘’It just has to be the Red Location Museum in New Brighton.

“It shows the significance of our history, culture and where we come from. Red Location is one of the few historical sites in Nelson Mandela Bay which reflect so much about our history – from the apartheid era to the legends that have come from this city.

“I love this specific place because it incorporates the old with the modern – it still reflects the concept and lifestyle of the original Red Location but gives it a present day, modern touch. There are also many cultural and social events happening in this museum which I love because it brings people to the township areas to experience the township life.”

Local travel expert Trish Difford, said it has to be the people. “In Nelson Mandela Bay, you meet real people in real places, not false people in fake places – that’s why I love it here.”

Zola Yeye, SABC Eastern Cape Regional Manager and former Springbok team manager, threw his weight behind Dan Qeqe stadium in Zwide. “I spent most of my life playing sports as a political activity at the Dan Qeqe stadium and that’s why I believe it is a Nelson Mandela Bay icon, both for personal reasons and for the people in the township area surrounding it who have come to the stadium for many important moments in their lives from sports to funerals, riots to political rallies.”

The cleanliness of the city is another drawcard. “But the main reason I love Nelson Mandela Bay is because it is the cleanest, neatest city in the whole country,” said Pam Tshwete, an ANC MP and apartheid activist. “When I compare this city to others around the country, it’s without equal.

“The streets are all spotless, people look after their houses, there are plants and trees everywhere – and even though it’s windy – it’s the cleanest city in South Africa.”

An Argentinian filmmaker fell in love with both the city and one lucky Nelson Mandela Bay local on his third trip to the country. “I was welcomed with open arms – and I fell in love with this city and its incredible people – so I haven’t left,” said Jorge Piwowarski – and the love of his life? “It was just an instant spark between us. I think it has to do with this city that has warmth. It’s friendly, it’s got different cultures and whether you are in the townships or in the city, the people make it a great place to feel at home in.”

For local karate star the belle of the Bay is without a doubt the Donkin Reserve. “The Donkin captures the old and the new history of our city,” said Nkuleleko Apleni. “The statue of Nelson Mandela represents freedom for our country and the name of our city and the pyramid tells a story of love and the founding of Port Elizabeth. The Donkin is a place where our history is told – the old and the new.”

NMBT chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile had to add her “two cents worth” too. “I love the pyramid on the Donkin because it speaks of a great love, so much so that Sir Rufane Donkin named Port Elizabeth after his wife who never made it to South Africa, dying on her voyage from India.”

The icon campaign runs for three months and will see one icon selected to market the city by.