The first heart transplant. Nelson Mandela. Thundering vuvuzelas (although some may disagree about the importance of this one). And Table Mountain.

These are just some of the things cementing South Africa in that global realm of hope and wonder.

As one of the biggest campaigns to rally the force of online culminates in its third and final stage, it's no surprise that SA's iconic, flat mountain is sitting at number 6 in its category of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

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. Officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro, it trails other popular sites such as Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.

To me Table Mountain is wondrous for its directional power alone. Any self-respecting Capetonian knows it remains unrivalled by even the most up-to date Garmin. But this isn't reason enough for it to be named as one of nature's most spectacular sites.

While it's become a regular feature in adverts selling anything from oven-baked chips to Mexican restaurants, its true beauty cannot be commercialised.

Sitting at the edge of the mountain after a boggling scoot up with the cable car or near one of the dams after a trek up Constantia Nek, perspiration punctuating pure exhilaration - everything does appear more wondrous - at least for a little while as you appreciate the seascapes and view of the city below.

If you've ever had an encounter such as this with Table Mountain, then it is for that very personal reason alone that you should boost its position before Tuesday July 7, when voting closes.

To qualify for the third and final round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees. Only you can determine this. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.

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.

Vote online at www.votefortablemountain.com or by calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting Table Mountain's three-digit code which is 332. 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).

Contact the Cableway on 021 424 0015 for more information.

Intrigued by Table Mountain? Find out more about the many myths and legends that surround this iconic mountain.