April 23, 2004
By Lebofsa Masha
DESIGNED to suit energy and interest levels, the new cellphone tour of Africa's richest square mile allows Sandton tourists to undertake personal tours of the area with stop-offs at restaurants in their own time.
The brainchild of Beryl Porter, who started the project in 1999 after being involved with the Johannesburg Big Walk, Talk Tour provides access to 29 local landmarks in eight languages - English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Sesotho, isiZulu or Mandarin - via a cellphone call.
Starting at the general stop at the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE), in Maude Street, and ending at Norscot Manor, on the corner of Virginia and 14th streets, colourful signposts along the routes signify when to dial a particular 084 number.
To kick off the tour visitors can call 084 191 0002 for a history of Sandton, outlining the development of the area from a rural location into the country's premier commercial centre and Africa's richest square mile.
The first stop of the Talk Tour, the four-star Balalaika Hotel, opposite the JSE, is a popular meeting place famous for its rustic gardens and green lawns.
From there tourists can decide how far they want to walk and which places they want to visit. Some stops are quite a distance from the business, hotel and mall precinct, but many are within easy reach even for those who are not that fit.
One example on the tour is stop no. 13, Nelson Mandela Square. By 084 191 2313 visitors are introduced to the focal point of Sandton's CBD. Nelson Mandela square, previously known as Sandton Square, was recently renamed in honour of South Africa's great statesman. "It is difficult not to be impressed by the 6m bronze statue donated by a group of anonymous overseas donors," says the voice over the phone.
Porter says she came up with the Talk Tour idea while planning somewhat more extensive tours around Johannesburg.
"I thought that when passing a building or site people might want to know more information. When they see a number they can easily dial in and listen to the commentary in the language of their choice. This project is a communication tool without a tour guide," she said, adding that the Sandton walk was within easy reach of major international hotels in the area. Pamphlets explaining the walk are available at all the hotels.
Another popular venue, the JSE, is based in a modern, marble-clad structure inside of which beats the economic heart of Africa. Dial 084 191 2304 to hear JSE director Geoff Rothschild explain the thinking behind the architecture of the building.
"In my view it is of great benefit to both the residents and tourists of Johannesburg in that the JSE is a national institution and a critical part of the South African economy," Rothschild adds.
Other landmarks include the Village Walk, River Rangers, Sandown Union Park, Michelangelo Hotel and the Sandton Convention Centre.
For more information, contact Beryl Porter on 011 444 1639 or 083 269 9769.
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