SA Navy action lined up for Durban Port Festival

THE South African Navy will bring four naval ships and highly trained forces to Durban’s shores as part of its World Hydrography Day celebrations, which run alongside Transnet National Ports Authority’s Durban Port Festival from 18 to 19 June.

Observed officially on 21 June, World Hydrography Day is a global commemoration that celebrates the art and science of hydrography and its importance for all shipping and recreational use of waterways. Durban last played host to this South African Navy celebration in 2013 and this year’s activities will tie into a weekend of free portside fun lined up by South Africa’s port authority.

From Saturday, 18 to Sunday, 19 June port-goers can board and tour four real-life SA Navy ships stationed at the N Shed passenger terminal in the Port of Durban – the area of the port from which cruise ships usually depart.

SAS Protea, SAS Drakensberg, SAS Makhanda and SAS Isaac Dyobha will hold pride of place from 9am until queues to visit the ships close at 4pm on both days. As seen at previous such events, long queues should be expected and the public is urged to get there early and enjoy the array of other waterside and landside activities taking place as part of the port festival.

The SA Navy will also have its diving display tank present on site for the public to interact with SA Navy divers.

In addition Transnet National Ports Authority has made available some of its tugboats to enable the public to get on board and enjoy free tug rides throughout the weekend of the Durban Port Festival.

Another guaranteed highlight will be the free SA Navy Band gala performance at the City Hall on the evening of Friday, 17 June, featuring the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir and the Umlazi High School Choir. Doors open at 6pm and the concert starts at 7pm. The concert is free but bookings must be made by phoning 031 460 6376.

On Saturday, 18 June spectators will get to witness a Right of Entry parade marching off from the City Hall around 10.45am, featuring a 96 person Guard of Honour accompanied by the SA Navy Band. Attendance is also free.

Other portside edu-tainment lined up as part of the Durban Port Festival includes a careers exhibition focusing on maritime vocations, while at Wilsons Wharf throughout the Durban Port Festival weekend port-goers can enjoy a special kids’ zone, live entertainment and a mini market.