The Eastern Cape government has thrown its full weight behind an International Motorsport Show that organisors say will turn Nelson Mandela Bay into the Monaco of Africa.
The Mzansi International Motorsport Show was officially launched in Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday - promising to bring the roar of Formula One cars and the glitz of the F-1 circuit to the Port Elizabeth beachfront.
The brainchild of Christine Moss, daughter of motorsport legend Terry Moss, the event is scheduled to take place from the 10th to the 13th of December, during the last four days of the Mandela International Film Festival.
It will also be anchored by Formula One team, Lotus Mercedes, which is expected to bring its F-1 cars along for the ride.
Eastern Cape Economic Development MEC, Sakhumzi Somyo, says the initial investment in the project is around R39 million and that the economic spin-off is projected at more than R100-million.
"When the idea came to us by the organisers, myself and the Premier looked into it and found that it was something that could benefit the province in terms of tourism and to enhance the economy for this part of the province. The ECDC has been pulled through to the business part of it and to ensure sustainability. It should not be an event that comes and go but must become a legacy for the people of Nelson Mandela Bay" he said,
"The Eastern Cape Province and Nelson Mandela Bay have never experienced nor hosted an event of this magnitude, that promises to drive economic growth in the province, whilst drawing local and foreign tourists to our shores. We are pleased to welcome Mzansi International Motorsport Show to Port Elizabeth in December," said Mandlakazi Skefile, CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.
MIMS Project Director Thokozani Shongwe said "Mzansi International Motorsport Show is an astronomical undertaking and we are pleased at the positive response that we received from local business who have pledged support through (the) purchase of various offerings that we presented."
