Port Elizabeth’s Route 67. Donkin Reserve.
Eastern Cape. #ShotLeft. - The Donkin Reserve is a public space gifted to the city by its founder, Sir Rufane Donkin. Equal in size to about two city blocks, its main feature is a stone pyramid monument with a touching inscription in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom the city was named. Also the lighthouse built in 1861, which I just had to climb for best views towards the harbour.
Today the area holds 67 pieces of public art to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public life and his contribution to the freedom of South Africa. The route starts at the Campanile built on the beach where the British Settlers landed in 1820. Standing 52m high it is one of the beacons of Route 67. The walk starts here and winds its way through the CBD all the way up to the Great Flag - the tallest flag pole in Africa, symbolizing our freedom.
The walk is symbolic of the struggle that Madiba and fellow comrades underwent during South Africa’s apartheid years and is a symbol of hope for the youth of today. Sending out a strong message - the struggles of the past were not in vain.
A life size laser cut figure of Mandela leads a line of voters in SOuth Africa’s first democratic elections.
The 470 square metre mosaic celebrates the multi-cultural heritage, history, fauna and flora.
The view from the top of the lighthouse.
From above, the view down the path way with its white crosses which represent the voting queue in 1994. On either side the 43 lights representing a journey along the voting line.
The lighthouse also holds the headquarters of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.
I’m touching briefly on the attractions, as everywhere you look there’s a piece worthy of time and appreciation. Don’t visit Port Elizabeth without spending a couple of hours taking in all this area has to offer.
