The Covid-19 pandemic did not only disrupt many businesses, but it also called for much innovation in the event industry. The vibrant popular, Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) operated Tramways building, was not spared from the hard-hitting lockdown that cancelled most of its bookings for the 2020/21 calendar. When President Cyril Ramaphosa moved South Africa to level 1 and relaxed the covid-19 regulations, it was crucial for the MBDA to ensure strict precautionary that limited foot traffic to the Tramways Building, to guarantee that all clients and employees are at minimal risk. Hence, the development of the 3D Tramways virtual tour.

Over 300 companies registered on the newly launched e-tendering system developed by the Mandela Bay Development Agency. The e-tendering system enables all compliant companies to register, source all the necessary information and bid for publicised tenders.
Through the e-tendering system, the Agency’s Supply Chain Management Department, which is the heart of the MBDA, provides a controlled one way stop for sourcing and procuring services from third parties. 

Thursday 16th September 2020, The Mandela Bay Development Agency handed over the R12m Helenvale Sports Pavilion to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality ‘s Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture directorate (SRAC).

In an effort to harness a resolution-based conversation around financial governance, the Mandela Bay Development Agency hosted a webinar on Thursday, 16th of September. The aim of this webinar was to rally together practitioners, industry experts, civic society, public and private organisations to share knowledge that will empower participants in various forms of refining financial management in the public sector.

Despite the prevailing crippling effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the tourism and hospitality industry, the establishment of the Fly CemAir routes from Gqeberha to East London and Bloemfontein respectively, is an important step towards revitalising the industry. Fly CemAir, in existence for the last 16 years, will initially operate thrice weekly to the King Phalo Airport (East London) and four times a week to the Bram Fischer Airport in Bloemfontein from 15 September. The company plans to increase their offering when consumer demand improves.