STRENGTHENING A 25-YEAR SISTER CITY PARTNERSHIP: NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY AND JACKSONVILLE COLLABORATION GROWS STRONGER.

 

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is proud to celebrate the 25-year milestone of its Sister City relationship with the City of Jacksonville, Florida, USA. This long-standing partnership, established on 22 February 2000, has played a crucial role in fostering international collaboration, particularly in the areas of cultural and artistic exchange, economic development, and education.

 

As part of this continued growth, a delegation from the City of Jacksonville has arrived in the Metro to participate in the Mandela Bay Arts Festival (MBAF). Their involvement includes hosting a series of training workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of local artists and filmmakers. These workshops, focusing on filmmaking, production, and scriptwriting, underscore the commitment of both cities to cultivating a sustainable creative arts economy. 

 

Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, emphasised the Metro’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, investment, and cultural tourism. She stated, "Our partnership with Jacksonville is a shining example of how global relationships can create meaningful opportunities for our communities. Through initiatives like the Mandela Bay Arts Festival, we are equipping our creatives with the tools to thrive in international markets while also showcasing our city's rich cultural heritage. This is a testament to our dedication to positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a hub for economic growth and cultural exchange."

 

The Sister City agreement aligns with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s International Relations Policy and strategic objectives, which emphasize global engagement as a tool for local development. Through skills transfer, exchange programs, and experiential visits, this partnership has provided artists and cultural practitioners with unique opportunities to expand their expertise and access new markets. The ultimate goal is to foster an arts and culture sector that is self-sustaining and less reliant on government funding.

 

One of the key outcomes of the current training initiative will be the production of a promotional documentary showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism potential and economic opportunities. This documentary, funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), will be a valuable tool in positioning the Metro on the global stage. In addition to training the Local Film Forum and the broader arts community, learners and educators from various educational institutions—including Steven Mazungula Primary in New Brighton, Ebhongweni Primary School in Kwazakhele, Pearson High School, Cotswold Primary, Nelson Mandela University, Nicky Ray Studios, and Stage World Productions—will benefit from these workshops. Their participation ensures that the next generation of creatives is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.

 

The work produced through this collaboration will be showcased at MBAF 2025, offering a platform to highlight the immense local talent nurtured through the Sister City partnership.

Furthermore, the final documentary will be broadcast on local production outlets and promoted through global film distribution channels, enhancing international visibility for local creatives.

 

This Sister City relationship continues to demonstrate the tangible benefits of international cooperation. By leveraging global networks, Nelson Mandela Bay is creating pathways for economic stimulation, cultural enrichment, and sustainable development, ultimately strengthening its position as a competitive player in the global creative economy.

 

For more info on the programmes, visit: https://www.facebook.com/mandelabayartsfest