Venue - Port Elizabeth
Monday, July 17, 2006
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Nelson Mandela Bay incorporates Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch.
Port Elizabeth has many aliases, PE, the friendly city, Die Baai (Afrikaans) and Ibhayi (isiXhosa). But Port Elizabeth was named after Sir Rufane Donkin's deceased wife Elizabeth. He was the acting governor of the Cape Colony at the time. This cemented a long history Britain had with Port Elizabeth.
The first British settlers arrived in Port Elizabeth in 1820. The port city would quickly become the gateway for British settlers into the frontier of South Africa. Before the gold rush, PE was a hub for wool, mohair and ostrich feather trade. Because of its strong European influence, PE also has the richest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in South Africa.
PE was also a centre for the Eastern Cape intellectual elements of the struggle against apartheid. The Black Consciousness Movement's leader, Steve Biko's last detention was in PE before his fatal transportation to Pretoria, where he eventually died. People such as Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela originate from the Eastern Cape.
PE has 40 kilometres of immaculate beaches in a protected bay. The beaches often have perfect conditions for water activities, making it the water sport capital of Africa. King's Beach and Hobie Beach are very popular beaches and Pollock Beach, known locally as “the Pipe”, is a favourite with surfers.
PE is in close proximity to prestigious game reserves with the Big Five and the highest bungee jump in the world. Exploring the Eastern Cape promises charming and beautiful surprises such as Hogsback and Coffee Bay.
The Eastern Cape football team are the Bush Bucks, based in East London. The founders of the club were very big Liverpool FC fans and share the same slogan, “You'll Never Walk Alone”. They have a card carrying fan base of 250,000.
Stadium
Port Elizabeth has been host to numerous football games, including the 2005 Nelson Mandela Challenge. This was the stage for two African giants, South Africa and Senegal.
Nelson Mandela Bay does not have a football stadium. All international matches were played at the Eastern Province Rugby team's ground. A new football stadium, The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, will be built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
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posted @ 2:19 AM,
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