South Africa will host the 2010 Soccer World Cup and tourists will have a variety of tourist destinations to choose from when visiting this country. South Africa is not only known for its wildlife and beautiful mountains.
When visiting South Africa in 2010 to attend the Soccer World Cup, tourist can see the 284metre long Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg. This bridge was officially opened on July 21, 2003, by the great Nelson Mandela himself.
Johannesburg
The bridge starts at the end of Jan Smuts Avenue in the heart of the city.
This bridge cost a whopping R38 million to build and carries two lanes of traffic. The buildings next to the bridge are donned with impressive artwork and are a must for tourists to see.
Largest Cable-Stayed Bridge in South Africa
This bridge is also the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa and is supported on the largest pot bearings that have ever been installed in the country.
The bridge is lit up by lights at night and can be seen for hundreds of miles amongst the big buildings in the city.
The impressive piece of architecture crosses over 42 operational railway lines that link Braamfontein and the north of the city to Newtown. It is also at the centre of a R300-million inner-city renewal project.
Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge also carries a glass parapet to ensure the safety of pedestrians. It modernises the city and can be viewed form the M1.
There is also 24-hour safety video surveillance of the bridge.
The bridge was named after Nelson Mandela to honour the role he played in uniting South Africa. It is a symbol of linkage and unity.
Anti-Apartheid Activist Madiba
Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 and held office as the president of South Africa from 1994-1999.
He is a former anti-apartheid activist and was convicted on charges of sabotage. He served 27 years in prison, many of which he was banned to Robben Island. He was released from prison on 11 February 1990 and led the country to a multi-racial democracy.
He is still an avid AIDS activist and lent his support to the 46664 AIDS fundraising campaign. (This campaign is named as such because it was his number in prison.)
He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and received more than 250 awards over four decades.
Be sure to visit this impressive piece of architecture when visiting South Africa in 2010. This bridge is truly a landmark of hope and freedom.
References:
http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsga/nelson-mandela-bridge.htm
http://www.southafrica.info/business/economy/infrastructure/mandelabridge.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela
Jana Engelbrecht - Jana Engelbrecht is a 26-year-old freelance and award-winning newspaper journalist. She has been playing with words since she was able to ...
