I am writing this from a café somewhere in Paris as The Muse downs another glass of rosé and the waiters eyeball me, wondering when exactly we will be ordering dinner (I’m going for the fish). That said, this is going to be a quick one.

But an important one, nonetheless.

It’s to do with this little guy:

I call it “Le Table Mountain”

You will fondly recall the last time we chatted about this, when I wrote you an article entitled “TABLE MOUNTAIN UP FOR NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD.”

To recap:

South Africans have until July 7 to vote for Table Mountain in the global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The country’s most famous mountain needs an injection of votes to secure its spot as one of the world’s top wonders.

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Well would you believe it, Table Mountain has reached the number 7 spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature rankings. The beast of a rock has climbed 22 places in less than one month. Thanks to extensive media support and an Election event, the mountain is now a top contender (being in the top 11 in its category) for inclusion into the next round.

South Africans must continue voting to keep it in the top 11. Voting ends July 7, 2009.

So that is what we are here chatting about right now. We simply MUST all get on board and make this happen. Come on, gang – it’s VERY EASY to do.

Follow these instructions (local AND abroad!):

Since Table Mountain was announced as an official nominee in January this year, supporters have only been allowed to vote online. Now, with the introduction of telephone voting, more Table Mountain fans can show their support for the Cape’s most recognised icon.

Table Mountain supporters can choose to dial an international telephone number, type in Table Mountain’s three-digit code and hang up. Standard international telephone costs apply.

You can cast your telephonic vote by calling 0041 77 312 4041. After a short message, you will be asked to key in your nominee’s three-digit code. Type 332 for Table Mountain. Once you hear a thank you message, you can hang up.

Table Mountain soared to number 5, but now sits at number 7 in the New 7 Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 two weeks ago. It needs an injection of votes to remain in the top 11. It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro.

To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category – mountains and volcanoes – which has 36 fellow nominees. Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 36. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.

“We are thrilled that the New7Wonders committee has organized a telephone voting service as it allows all those with no internet access to vote,” said Sabine Lehmann, CEO of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Calls to the New 7 Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times (7am – 7pm) and R2.92 a minute off-peak (7pm – 7am).

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

 

 

The New 7 Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public. South Africans and fans from outside of our borders can show their support for the Mother City’s majestic mountain by visiting www.votefortablemountain.com or calling 0041 77 312 4041 (press 332 for Table Mountain) and casting their vote.

Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) – these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin. The official New 7 Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.

Over 100 million votes were cast in 2007’s first-ever global election for the New 7 Wonders of the world. More than 1 billion votes are forecast in this 2nd global election. To cast your vote for Table Mountain visit www.votefortablemountain.com or call 0041 77 312 4041. Contact the Cableway on 021 424 0015 for information.

I thoroughly enjoyed the line, “It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro.”

Hah!

Smell you later, K2!

“Sorry, Kilimanjaro, what did you say?” [cups ear, struggling to listen] “I can’t hear you because our Greatest Mountain in the World badge is making too much noise!!”

DO THE RIGHT THING, TEAM, AND CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!!!!