Route 67 forms part of the greater Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Journey which includes a number of art galleries and different locations, such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum, the Athenaeum building, the Red Location Museum, Uitenhage Market Square and the artEC Art Gallery, to name a few. PE Express’ new reporter, KAILIN DANIELS, became a tourist in her new home and explored some of the highlights of Route 67. ZELDRÉ STRAUSS SWANEPOEL captured the moments on camera.
AS the wind blew through my hair and the breeze of the Indian Ocean welcomed me to the beautiful city of Port Elizabeth, my exciting journey waited ahead.
Cape Town has been my home for as long as I can remember, but I’ve instantly fallen in love with the Friendly City upon my arrival at the beginning of July. I had to see more . . . experience more, so I met up with a tour guide from Africabs Travel, Luvo Ndima, to show me around the “Windy City”.
I immersed myself in the history and the culture of this incredible part of the country through art by taking a tour of Route 67.
This route is a collection of 67 art pieces celebrating the years Nelson Mandela devoted to South Africa’s freedom struggle.
Statues and historical buildings caught my eye as I barrelled down Route 67, which has blown new breath into the historic heart of the Bay.
The tour began at the Donkin Reserve where the colourful Piazza mosaic of diverse histories and abundant animals and plants light up the area. We made our way down the 204 steps of St Mary’s Terrace (at least I wore comfortable shoes!) to the CBD – the heart of the city through Vuyisile Mini Square. As we passed the city library, I had to stop to take a look at the statue of Queen Victoria, which is impossible to miss.
Each art piece we’ve passed represents a specific period during the 67 years and comes accompanied by quotes, media articles and historic events. When we reached the top of the Campanile, I was in awe of the breathtaking view of the entire city with the sound of the bells echoing from above.
The most important part of the tour was how public art can create an interactive urban space, and to spark a feeling of pride and freedom in the Bay. One of the art pieces that stood out for me was the large metal cut-out of Nelson Mandela, his fist raised in triumph and leading a line of South Africans who had cast their votes in the country’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 – a sight I will always cherish.
My Route 67 experience was one of pure bliss – what’s not to love about this place? As a newcomer to the Bay, it was surely an unforgettable journey.
What you need to know:
- * To book a tour, contact Luvo Ndima at 073 140 0630 or send an email to luvo@africabsandtravel.co.za
- * www.africabsandtravel.co.za
- * Address: Corner of Brookes Hill in Marine Drive, Summerstrand
- * Prices: from R280 per person
- * Duration: 3 hours
* Tours can be done via walking or driving (guided)
* Remember to wear comfortable shoes
