Done by Lionel Bart, this production will be directed by Greg Everard in his fourth outing as Director for the society. In fact, Oliver marks Greg’s 20th year in Port Elizabeth’s amateur theatre. PEMADS is also privileged to welcome yet another talented and seasoned musician known as Nici Coleman who will be the musical director.

In addition, in his debut as choreographer, Oliver the musical will include the terrifically experienced dance talents of Jerry Fortuin with lighting by award-winning David Whitehouse. The vast talents of Alan Williams as the sly Fagin, Rose Cowpar as the kind, street-wise Nancy and introducing Seth Berry and Andre Visser as Oliver, with Kurt Rix and Jarred Steele as the mischievous Artful Dodger not to mention teams of children and chorus members complete the team who will bring this family adventure to life.

With such talent and life, this amazing production promises to be truly an exciting, colourful, fun filled musical adventure for both young and old alike.

Oliver begins on the 8th of April at the Little Theatre in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Tickets are available from the Walmer Park Information Kiosk or you can phone their booking line on 041-3682690. Purchase your tickets now to witness this eventful production!
 

St Georges Park is home to the second oldest cricket club in South Africa, a large cricket stadium designed by one of South Africa’s most famed architects John Rushmere, a duck pond, an open air theatre, bowling grounds, a large swimming area and jungle gyms for children to enjoy. St Georges is also where South Africa’s first rugby test took place. Numerous other events that have been staged at this historic venue.

St Georges Park is where joggers dot the walkway, children play on the swings, artists sell their goods, the smell of fried doughnuts and pancakes fill the air, and talented clubs enjoy bowling, cricket, hockey and rugby. Yes, St Georges Park is a hustle and bustle of activity and entertainment.  Yet, despite all the activity, St Georges remains one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in the Eastern Cape. Tall trees, lush foliage and magnificent gardens add to the splendour this park offers to all visitors. In addition, there is a magnificent botanical garden.  It is no wonder then that numerous blushing brides and grooms choose St Georges for their wedding photo’s.

Interestingly, on 2 June 1971 the Parks and Recreation Committee considered a request from the Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival and resolved that provision be made for the development of an open air theatre in St. George’s Park. Today, the theatre comprises a stage area and grassed area as well as grassed tiers where sears are placed. Brilliant Shakespearian plays are hosted here yearly.

Also situated in St Georges Park is the well known Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum which hosts an abundance of brilliant South African, British and Oriental works.

Arts in the Park is another popular event held here once a month. Talented artists, craft makers and food stalls dot the grass and offer shoppers all sorts of goodies and delicious treats. It is a must to experience!

St Georges is a treasured park where residents truly appreciate all that this mystical park has to offer. Whether it is to relax, shop or enjoy a sporting event, St Georges in the Nelson Mandela Bay is the ideal hotspot. Both young and old love to explore St Georges Park.

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum opened on 22 June 1956 and renamed in December 2002. All the fascinating collections are housed in two buildings framing the entrance to St George’s Park. The collections consist of South African art, British art, international printmaking as well as Oriental art. Yes, over the more than 50 years, this gorgeous museum has evolved  into a effulgence of intrigue and information.

Due to the limited exhibition space, the works are constantly rotated from their Permanent Collection.

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum welcomes the opportunity to host cultural, professional and educational functions. Exhibitions of well known and famed South African artists are often hosted here. In addition, many of these exhibitions are attended by the artist him/herself where visitors are welcome to ask questions and learn more of the artists intent and talent. 

Numerous schools attend the gallery yearly where they learn more of South Africa’s most talented people. One will often see students here studying works for projects and examining keenly techniques and use of colour. The museum often hosts art exhibitions where local residents are invited to hand in their best works based on a specific subject matter the museum intends. 

The Art Museum is open 7 days a week, except 1 January, Good Friday, Freedom Day, Workers’ Day, Youth Day & Christmas Day. Free guided tours, lectures and fascinating films are always available for interested enthusiasts. 

For the disabled, there is a parking bay available outside the Arts Hall as well as wheelchair ramps leading to both entrances.  A wheelchair is available on request.

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum is ideally situated in the magnificent St. Georges Park in Central. The surrounding tall trees and lush foliage make this art gallery a must to experience. Bustling coffee shops, curio stalls and exciting bowling games are moments away in the area. 

Yet, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum has so much more to offer viewers than art. This amazing museum opens a world of history and South African splendour and talent. Yes, what better way to explore all this amazing country boasts than to go to its original roots.

Make sure you visit the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in the Eastern Cape.

In addition, the MBDA has also been tasked to start the search for an operator for the 2010 soccer stadium.

Initially, the MBDA was mandated to operate in the Port Elizabeth CBD namely, Central, Humerail, Baakens Valley, the waterfront and North End. Now, development has been extended to other parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay. The decision to expand the MBDA‘s mandate is part of a validation process in which the municipality is restructuring 6 of its entities to do away with duplication and in some instances make savings. Municipal lawyers are now in the process of changing the institution into a share- holding company. Interestingly, this will be the first municipal entity in South Africa to operate on a private company basis. This holds many advantages in that it will create numerous capitalisation opportunities as any municipal assets will be transferred to the MBDA.

Currently, there are several municipal assets lying dormant. Once these are given to the MBDA, it will use them to earn revenue for the city. An example of this is the old tramways building at the corner of Valley and Baakens roads.

In order to attract investment, there needs to be a significant investment in the public infrastructure and that is exactly what the MBDA aims to achieve. Research will be done in retail, leisure, residential as well as entertainment to identify what exactly is lacking. They also aim to improve the infrastructure so as to boost the confidence of potential developers.

Development and improvements continues in Port Elizabeth.

Overlooking Shark Rock Pier and beyond, Ginger Restaurant is a must to experience when driving along Port Elizabeth’s beachfront. It has recently opened adjacent to The Beach Hotel and affords visitors safe parking, fine dining and magnificent views.  

Of course, its inviting deck and delicious cocktail menu is the perfect way to start off the evening!

Indoors, the lower dining area, with its stunning wooden flooring, surrounds a gorgeous central bar, while the upper, carpeted area is adjacent to the open plan kitchen. Yet, no matter where one chooses to sit, the views are truly beautiful, the service is top notch and the food is a taste bud experience.

Ginger boasts everything from warm friendly atmospheres to fine dining and unique foods. Its use of only the freshest ingredients to create subtle dishes with distinctive flavours boasts a rather Eastern Cape influence.

Yet, despite its find cuisine and superb lavish interior, Ginger does not claim to be a new trendy hot spot in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Instead, Ginger places its emphasis on having a new take on traditional fine dining, by catering from the young businessman to the more mature gentleman.

Whether wishing to sip on crisp refreshing cocktails on the deck or dining inside amongst lavish interiors, make sure you make your way down to Ginger Restaurant in the Nelson Mandela Bay. 

After an exciting cultural experience, visitors can enjoy a gastronomic meal at the new restaurant.

The restaurateur, Mrs Tiny Stamper Sume, has signed a 3 year contract with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in December 2007.

All visitors can now feast on truly home-cooked South African cuisine in a relaxed and interesting atmosphere. The food is not only delicious but also reasonably priced. Enjoy a scrumptious Buffet Lunch for R40 and a Buffet Supper for only R50.

The Red Location Museum has won numerous awards including the World Leadership Award in December 2005 for Best Architecture and Civil Engineering, The Riba Lubetkin Award in June 2006 for Best Architecture, the Dedalo Minosse Prize for Commissioning the building of the Museum in June 2006, as well as the Eastern Cape Leadership PMR Award in June 2006 and June 2007.

Make sure you make your way down to the red Location Museum for a spectacular experience. Opening hours are Mondays to Saturdays 11:30 am-14:30 pm and 17:00 to midnight, Sundays from 11:30-14:30 pm and 17:00 to 23:30 pm.

A R16-million investment at Transnet‘s Port Elizabeth port terminal will make sure that additional perishable cargo keeps cool!

The port authority has recently announced that the investment will include the development of over 400 new reefer plug points which will boost the refrigeration capacity of the entire container terminal. The additional points will bring the number of reefer plug points to 810. These reefer plug points will ensure that the containers carrying perishable cargo such as fruit, meat and poultry, remain connected to an electricity supply throughout the terminal handling process. In addition, the increased capacity causes the Transnet‘s Port Elizabeth port terminal to be better placed and will attract more reefer cargo through the terminal as well as improve the service offered. This will greatly contribute towards the economic growth of the country.

Being ahead of the citrus season, these new points will be ready in March. This fantastic investment is the highest ever on reefer plug points in Port Elizabeth.

The old hotel was acquired by the Kat Leisure group for approximately R15,4-million at an auction last year. In addition, a hardware store complex and three other erven which are part of the hotel property were auctioned separately. 

The entire piece of glorious property will soon be developed into one of Port Elizabeth’s most upmarket hotels. Plans for the proposed development to the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality have already been sent.

As soon as the plans are approved, development will begin and the once derelict property will become a magnificent 5 star hotel and upmarket property.

Because the building is older than 60 years, the company has also applied to the historical society to have some parts demolished.

The entire development is expected to take between 18- 24 months to complete.

Yet another spectacular hotel is on the cards for the Nelson Mandela Bay.

The popular Cape Town Fish Market comes with a reputation attached and carries a rather established, nation-known name. Its popularity makes booking essential of course. 

Boasting a renowned sushi bar including a train, teppanyaki and fresh fish market features, the CTFM is a definite hotspot at the new King‘s Court. 

Even though not near the waterfront, the atmosphere immediately captures the essence of the Cape Town fish market hullabaloo. 

There is plenty of seating in booths, tables and outdoors with a rather large and impressive bar in one corner. The enormous fish tanks and other appropriate decor makes the entire ambience an absolute delight.

Yet, even if you are not in the mood for fish, the CTFM menu is rather extensive not to mention the wine list! The food is delicious and rather ipressive.

For a gastronomic experience and great dining, make sure you make your way down to the Cape Town Fish Market in Kings Court in the Nelson Mandela Bay.

The commitment of local authorities as well as new investors to renew the city has had a rather dramatic effect on the Nelson Mandela Bay.

It was reported that the strategy being followed by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in invigorating and restoring the inner city would help revitalise the entire metropolis.

The Nelson Mandela Bay has experienced phenomenal growth, improvements, developments and investment interest and it is definitely showing! Some of the latest investments include upgrades to pedestrian malls throughout the CBD, the Parliament Street upgrade, Goven Mbeki upgrade, a new stadium for the 2010 World Cup, 2 massive new malls and more! Of course, these are rather important factors to convince investors to return to the city.

Unfortunately, in the past few decades Port Elizabeth has experienced a disadvantage in its rejuvenation due to investor reluctance. Now, however, the situation has changed dramatically. Both local and national investors have seen Port Elizabeth’s potential. Local Port Elizabeth property developers have realized the excellent tax incentives for undertaking capital improvements on either existing premises or erecting new buildings for business purposes within the city’s urban development zone.

Port Elizabeth is an attractive coastal city with a traditional industrial working base.  With a properly structured strategy, there is no reason why the Nelson Mandela Bay cannot achieve the same improvements in terms of urban renewal that other major cities have received.

Yes, the Nelson Mandela Bay is truly experiencing a phenomenal investor interest as well as CBD development and growth. Invest now in the Nelson Mandela Bay!