On Sunday, 2 December 2012, Table Mountain was officially inaugurated as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The provisional New7Wonders of Nature were announced on 11 November 2011 after a lengthy public voting process concluded. An audit was then carried out to verify the results and the inauguration ceremonies have been taking place at the various sites throughout 2012.
To mark the occasion a ceremony was held at the foot of the mountain on Sunday morning where Cape Town Executive Mayor Alderman Patricia de Lille, unveiled the New 7 Wonders of Nature plaque in front of 41 international delegates.
The festivities continued during the day with a culmination of an additional plaque being unveiled to over 80 000 Capetonians as they joined in the celebrations at the Festive Lights switch-on. A massive Table Mountain float also formed part of the parade through the city centre.
Bernard Weber, founder-president of the New 7 Wonders Foundation, said the inauguration marked the culmination of an inspiring campaign of which all South Africans could be proud. “Table Mountain is not only a spectacular backdrop for Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it also offer visitors the unique experience to actually walk on top of the mountain and enjoy the most awesome panoramic views,” said Weber.
Alderman Patricia de Lille said the title would bring tremendous direct economic and socio-economic benefits to South Africa and the Mother City. “Table Mountain’s inauguration as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature is a worthy recognition of this symbol that we all own and cherish.
“While it defines our city, it is much greater than it. It is a natural heritage that belongs to all South Africans and, we believe, the world. I would like to thank everyone who voted for Table Mountain to win this precious accolade,” said De Lille.
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