Minister Winde Becomes Ambassador for Table Mountain in the New7Wonders of Nature Campaign

Western Cape Tourism Minister, Alan Winde, has become an ambassador for Table Mountain in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, a process to select the seven best natural sites in the world. Table Mountain is one of 28 remaining finalists out of an initial list of 440 sites in 220 countries.

Responding to the announcement, Winde said: "I am thrilled to be an ambassador of this campaign because Table Mountain rocks! According to a study by Grant Thornton, if it 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."

With just over four months left of the four-year campaign, Western Cape residents will have to vote as often as possible if Table Mountain is going to make the final list: "We are up against stiff competition, including Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia, and we are currently not in a winning spot. However, I am confident that if Western Cape residents display their trademark team spirit and get behind this campaign, we can still climb to the top of the list."

Fiona Furey, New7Wonders' campaign manager, said: "It's time for all South Africans to get behind their mountain. Minister Winde has shown ongoing support for the Vote for Table Mountain campaign since 2009. We are delighted that he has agreed to come on board as an official ambassador."

Western Cape citizens can take up the challenge of securing a 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.

The New7Wonders of Nature will be announced on 11 November 2011.