Thousands of people flocked to the Port of Durban on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September 2017 for the annual Durban Port Festival, hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The event showcased South African Navy vessels and equipment, Transnet’s marine fleet, maritime business and career opportunities, local music artists, fashion, design, arts and crafts, and waterside demonstrations and entertainment.
“The first port festival in over a decade was a great success last year, but this year we saw even greater numbers attending. We are very pleased to be able to commit 50% of the proceeds to a charity which will be announced by the end of the week,” said Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Moshe Motlohi.
TNPA said attendance on the first day had been close to 9 000 and the second day was estimated at 7 400.
Motlohi said the event would not have been possible without TNPA’s partners eThekwini Municipality, the South African Navy, MSC Cruises South Africa, African Marine Solutions, the Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and media partners Gagasi FM, The Mercury and Isolezwe.
In her opening address TNPA Chief Executive, Shulami Qalinge, said the event had an underlying strategic focus. She touched on programmes such as the government initiative Operation Phakisa which emphasised using the Oceans Economy to drive economic development, job creation and skills development.
“Our port festivals encourage communities to enjoy all the edutainment lined up to bring them closer to the ports, creating ‘Smart People’s Ports’ that foster community engagement, tourism, leisure, recreation, and career and business opportunities.
“We must raise awareness of the ports, including the career and business opportunities they represent. We must continue to develop the competence within the local maritime industry that will allow us to use our ports as a strategic lever for reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality,” she said.
A business and careers exhibition at the N Shed cruise terminal provided information on maritime careers, bursaries and companies in the sector. Festivalgoers were able to board and tour Transnet’s harbour tugs and two naval ships, SAS ISAAC DYOBHA and SAS GALESHEWE. The public interacted with divers in the SA Navy diving tank. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) staged sea rescue demonstrations, Yamaha showcased jet-ski action on the water and attendees were also treated to a tug dance and tug spray.
On Sunday Motlohi and Port of Durban Harbour Master Captain Alex Miya joined local yacht clubs to observe a sail-past declaring the Summer Sailing Season 17/18 officially open.
Key highlights for many were the live performances on the main festival stage behind Royal Natal Yacht Club. Durban-born rapper, songwriter and record producer Nasty C performed on Saturday and Afro-soul sensation, Amanda Black, headlined Sunday’s festivities. Gagasi FM jocks Collen Zondo, Mario Munday, Nomalanga Shozi and DJ Heazy, as well as DJ Thukzin and DJ Nivaadh Singh rocked the decks in between.
The kids’ zone buzzed all weekend with fun and games for children of all ages, including rides, jumping castles, face painting, zorb balls and costumed characters thrilling little ones.
A spectacular fireworks display over the harbour closed off the Durban Port Festival on Sunday.
