October 1, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
IN a matter of days adventurous Joburgers who are not intimidated by heights will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to abseil down the side of Ponte City, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere.
At 173 metres high, abseiling down the famous round building is reserved for people with nerves of steel and brave hearts. And their opportunity comes on Saturday, 13 October.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and Investagain, Ponte's developers, sponsored this once-off initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the current developments in and around the city.
"This is indeed a unique awareness-raising event," said Ngaire Blankenberg, the director of Space Market, the organisers. "We want people to be confident in their city. There is a lot happening in the city but people have very little knowledge about these projects [which] are turning their city into a world-class African city."
A view of the inner core of Ponte
The public generally lacked awareness about the many projects under way in the inner city, such as renovating Ponte City into upmarket residential units by Investagain; revamping the Ellis Park precinct; and public environment upgrades in Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville, all run by the JDA.
"All the money raised at the event will go to the Creative Inner City Initiative," she said. This is a non-profitable organisation in Hillbrow that trains and develops local artists. Blankenberg said that the organisation dealt with a wide range of artworks, such as mosaics.
Participants are expected to pay R500 for the abseiling privilege. "We are not too specific about age, but 16 years and older participants are most welcome. Judgment will be done by the safety officer on board. His main focus will be the body weight and height of the participant."
Candidates will have to sign an indemnity form for medical and insurance purposes. The fundraiser will start at 10am and run until 5pm at Ponte City, 1 Lily Avenue, Berea. There will be refreshments, music and kids' entertainment.
"Friends and family can are welcome to come along with their children. The kids will have their faces painted and music will be played to entertain the visitors," she said.
Payment to abseil can be made on the day.
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