Western Cape Government Urges Last-Minute Push for Table Mountain in New 7 Wonders Campaign

What's flat, 1 086 metres high and possibly the biggest compass on earth? Table Mountain, of course!

Today, Western Cape Ministers Ivan Meyer and Alan Winde paraglided from Signal Hill to raise awareness for Table Mountain in the New7Wonders of Nature competition.

With exactly four days left to vote, Table Mountain is not currently in one of the final spots.

Shortly before jumping, the Western Cape's Tourism Minister, Alan Winde, said: "As nervous as I am for this jump, I am far more nervous about this vote. A win for Table Mountain would be a win for South Africa's tourism industry, and we should not underestimate what winning would mean for us. If Table Mountain becomes one of the New7Wonders of Nature, tourism to our destination could increase by 20%. This would generate an additional R1.4 billion in revenue every year and support employment opportunities for around 11 000 people. We must show our support for Table Mountain by voting via every means possible every day."

Cultural Affairs and Sport Minister, Ivan Meyer, added: "Table Mountain is home to more than 2 200 plant species, and houses the highest concentration of threatened species in any comparable geographic area. If our mountain is voted one of the New7Wonders of Nature, it will become part of school curriculums around the world, inspiring interest in the Cape's floral kingdom, and greater awareness about the importance of conserving the area for generations to come. This is our chance to put Table Mountain front and centre on the global stage."

Table Mountain is facing stiff competition from well-known mountain sites around the world, including Uluru in Australia, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Matterhorn in Switzerland.

Friday's announcement is the culmination of a four-year competition. We have made it this far, but need a concerted effort by the entire country if we are to make it any further. If South Africans display their trademark competitive spirit, we can still get Table Mountain onto the final list of seven.

Western Cape citizens can take up the challenge of securing our top seven spot by SMSing "Table" to 34874 (each SMS costs R2), or by voting online at www.votefortablemountain.com. Residents are also urged to get their friends and family to vote.