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NELSON MANDELA BAY FEATURE
Mandela Bay Development Agency offers facilities for every occasion
The Mandela Bay Development Agency, an entity owned by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, is here to cater for any event, as it offers several venues and facilities in the Bay.
By Luvuyo Bangazi, MBDA executive manager for corporate services
Established in 2003, the MBDA has evolved, to include facilities management. Currently, the MBDA is pursuing large-scale facility developments, including the planned development of the International Convention Centre that is part of the Bayworld Precinct revamp. Please refer to the expression of interest here
The MBDA has achieved many successes over the years. One such success is Route 67.
Route 67
When Nelson Mandela Bay was offered the opportunity to host several FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup matches, the city needed to quickly develop additional attractions that would leverage the unique tourism opportunity and build a legacy that would sustain tourism growth.
During this time, the MBDA, on behalf of the city, with support from the National Department of Arts and Culture and Lotteries Board, revamped the Donkin Reserve — which is now the popular Route 67 hub.
Route 67 is a visual arts, urban design and heritage offering that aims to package an experience aimed at uniting all segments of a formerly divided community, showing the world what magic exists in the post-apartheid era.
The route begins at the Campanile. Visitors can also join the route from the Donkin Reserve at the Belmont Terrace. The old lighthouse houses the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Information Office.
Within two square kilometres, delegates will find themselves surrounded by a mix of exquisite old Victorian churches, newly renovated, terraced cottages on Donkin Street, and a lighthouse that once guided ships into Algoa Bay. Sir Rufane Donkin, the founder of Port Elizabeth, built a stone pyramid on the site in memory of his wife. A message on the pyramid reads: ‘To the memory of one of the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below’.
While the pyramid and lighthouse were built in the 1800s, the massive mosaic at the base of the pyramid was created in the 1990s. It visually tells the history of the people of Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape. This mosaic was restored by the MBDA, pre-World Cup. The circular mosaic depicts harmony in nature, as reflected in a silver pillar.
Among many iconic landmarks, you’ll find some contemporary elements. One such landmark is the large metal cut-out of Nelson Mandela, fist raised in triumph, leading a line of South Africans representing the voters who cast their ballots in the country’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.
Another landmark, dominating the hilltop, is the largest South African flag in the world. The flag represents the democratic status of the country and its people.
The Athenaeum
Just blocks from the Donkin Reserve lies The Athenaeum. Inside, natural lighting illuminates permanent and temporary exhibitions that include a collection of beaded quotes by talented crafters from the Eastern Cape. The Athenaeum building is at the heart of a burgeoning creative industry in Port Elizabeth. It is situated at the corner of Castle Hill and Belmont Terrace in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Athenaeum is the first of the properties that was co-managed by the MBDA to offer an artists’ hub, with theatre, visual arts, spoken word, and so much more.
The Athenaeum serves as a cradle of diverse activities within the arts industry. It showcases both national and international art exhibitions, live performances, art interventions, and theatre shows. Several emerging creatives hold office and studio space within the building. It is considered a fusion of new South African art and old South African design. To ensure sustainability, The Athenaeum also offers services such as venue hire, exhibition hosting and curation, event management, bar services, marketing and promotion, and service provider management.
Tramways Building
In 2012, the MBDA began to revamp the old and dilapidated Tramways Building, established in the 1800s as a trams station, and later transformed into a bus station. The refurbishment of the Tramways Building was completed in 2015 as part of the greater Baakens Valley masterplan. The venue is now firmly established as a key contributor and player in the events calendar of the Bay. Offered as a clean canvas for bespoke events, the Tramways allows for creativity and innovation. Since opening its doors, the Tramways has had a packed calendar full of diversity. The venue, which is in the city centre, is accessible by road, rail, and only five minutes way from the airport.
In 2016, the Nelson Mandela Bay Council mandated the MBDA to manage two additional facilities, the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre in Uitenhage, a neighbour to Volkswagen, and the 2010 World Cup iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a multipurpose facility that made its mark during that 2010 global showpiece. The NMB Stadium is available for indoor or outdoor events. The team will deliver an exceptional experience.
The MBDA is proactively looking to deliver new and exciting facilities.
Contact Info
Tel: +27 (0)41 811 8200
