NMBT encourages sustainable tourism

NELSON Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) in partnership with the municipality tourism department and the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) together with high school students from Nelson Mandela Bay, yesterday launched a cleanup drive of various historical sites in the city.

The day-long clean-up was an incredible success, said organisers.

“It really has been an amazing day with literally tons of rubbish collected,” said Reuann Smith, from NMBT. “Scholars participation, questions and interest was amazing and overall it was just an absolute fun day of learning and cleaning.

“Scholars and teachers realised how they enjoyed doing the service and the importance thereof as to how it affects their future.”

NMBT chief executive Mandlakazi Sekfile said NMBT was committed to educating the public about the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the historical attractions in the city.

 “More than just cleaning up these historical sites, we are taking these high school students and grooming them into a generation that will cherish their heritage and preserve the amazing history, culture and biodiversity of Nelson Mandela Bay,” said NMBT chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile.

The cleanup saw students from Sophakama, Ithembelihle, Westville and Arcadia High schools from Port Elizabeth and V. M. Kwinana and Nkululeko High schools from Uitenhage taking part in tidying up historical places in Langa Memorial in Uitenhage, Bethelsdorp Alms houses, slave bell and graves in Northen Areas, and Emlotheni and Mendi Memorials in New Brighton.

About 60 students attended the clean-up events, which are part of activities to celebrate heritage month.

“Initiatives like this encourage all the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to take ownership and be proud of this amazing city with all its adventure, culture and historical sites. There’s so much to love about our city.  We have to take care of it and encourage the younger generations to continue building the Friendly City,” said Skefile.