THE largest South African flag is once again blowing in the wind above the Donkin Reserve, after undergoing refurbishments and maintenance.
The cause of the damage was triggered by severe wear and tear on the nearly 10-year-old mechanism used to hoist the flag. The flag was hoisted for the first time in 2010, amid a regal ceremony facilitated by members of the army.
The 12m x 8m national flag is part of the Route 67 that starts at Campanile, continues to Jetty Street, past St Mary’s Cathedral and to the Donkin.
The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) built Route 67 which has 67 artworks in mosaic exhibited all along the route to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 67 years in politics.
The MBDA spokesperson, Luvuyo Bangazi said, “The gearbox system that drives the hoisting packed up after nearly a decade of regular maintenance. This unit was manufactured in the USA and the MBDA took the decision to build capacity locally and have it repaired in South Africa.”
Bangazi explained that the reinstallation of the largest flag in the country is testament that the MBDA is willing to deliver when people of the city speak to the agency about their concerns.
In addition, the residents should continue engaging with the MBDA on social media platforms and on scheduled public engagements.
He added, “The MBDA is pleased to be able to deliver on the promise to fly the national pride again. As the city’s urban renewal agency, we aim to continue to revive the Donkin as a tourism product for the city. Many NMB citizens and tourists from the harbour and N2 freeway have been able to excitedly spot the flag.”
