The celebrations marking the Official Inauguration of Table Mountain as one of the New7Wonders of Nature moved to Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, yesterday with the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the headquarters of South African National Parks in Muckleneuk.
Speaking in Muckleneuk, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, said the inauguration ceremonies marked the culmination of an inspiring campaign of which all South Africans could be proud.
“Table Mountain is the only African site to be named one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It possesses a biodiversity that is exceptionally important, given its proximity to a major city, and offers visitors to South Africa the unique experience to actually walk on top of the mountain and enjoy the most inspiring perspective,” he said.
Dr David Mabunda, CEO of South Africa National Parks, said he looked forward to capitalizing upon the status of Table Mountain as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
“Table Mountain is a wondrous site and will remain a national park in perpetuity,” he said. “We look forward to showcasing Table Mountain to the world by using this title to our country’s benefit.” Dr Mabunda added that the New7Wonders campaign had touched the lives of South Africans as a symbol of hope, unity and transformation.
Sabine Lehmann, Table Mountain Cableway Managing Director and chairperson of the Table Mountain Official Supporters Committee, expressed her gratitude to all those who had supported the Vote for Table Mountain campaign including Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
“I am very grateful to the people of South Africa and the entire African content for making this moment possible,” said Lehmann. “Table Mountain, the sole African representative among the New7Wonders of Nature is exceptional in the way it embraces humanity in an urban environment.”