Cape Town ready for World Design Capital judges

The judges will be keeping a low profile on their whirlwind tour of several sites and significant design-led projects. "This is a big moment for Africa, being the first time that a city from the continent has made it through as a finalist for World Design Capital," says host and Cape Town Partnership MD, Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana.

"We hope to inspire the judges with our innovation, passion and humanity. Cape Town has an important story to be told; the tale of a city that is using design to overcome our historic problems of disconnection, inequality and urban sprawl to create a more inclusive and liveable city for all citizens. Our bid theme is Live Design. Transform Life and we will be demonstrating to the judges how Africa is leading the way, when it comes to socially responsive design. "

As part of a full city welcome, Cape Town will decked out in celebratory yellow - the official colour of the city's World Design Capital campaign, starting with Table Mountain. The mountain began its first yellow light glow at 6pm on the night of Wednesday 20 July. The trunks of 100 trees in Heerengracht Street will be wrapped in World Design Capital colours and a fleet of Green Cabs' low carbon emission vehicles will temporarily be going yellow, as they ferry the judges around town.

Support the bid - go yellow

Capetonians and all South African can support the bid by flying your World Design Capital colours and go yellow wherever you are.

Go to www.capetown2014.co.za, download your World Design Capital button and use it in the spirit of the city's bid - on your email signature, your company website and your personal blog. Join the group on Facebook and the Creative Cape Town Twitter feed.