Largest floating book fair docks in Durban

Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, will soon bring its international crew with their life changing stories to, Durban, the first stop in South Africa.

“My outlook on life changed and it is a transforming experience till now,” said Seelan Govender from Durban, the Managing Director of Logos Hope. He has been serving with GBA Ships for more than 15 years in multiple leadership roles along with his wife Carlien and two children.

Seelan started his journey with GBA Ships in Maputo. He met a team from Doulos, the sister ship, while he was working in a local organisation in Mozambique. The way the team served impacted his life and planted a desire for him to join the ship.

His first voyage was with Doulos in 1999.

From working in the book fair, advance preparation team, to leadership on-board, he enjoys the international team and seeing the transformation in people’s lives around the world.

“I found it fascinating to live in a community that is passionate about making a difference,” said Seelan who is excited to see the ship visit his home town. “South Africans have a story to tell and they will find a willing international community to listen and hear in our book fair.”

Seelan is one of the ship’s 400 volunteers who have come from more than 60 nationalities, leaving behind families, jobs, and homes.

The crew offers a unique example of unity in cultural diversity. Some come with qualifications to fill specific roles such as engineering officers, plumbers, carpenters, bookkeepers, cooks, and other professionals; many young people, come with no qualifications except a willingness to serve.

Although they have different backgrounds, the crewmembers agree on a common goal: serving people through social service projects and good literature.

MV Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships eV, an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany.

Since 1970, the organisation has welcomed more than 45 million visitors up the gangways in over 150 countries and territories around the world.

MV Logos Hope will open to the public at N-Shed Passenger Berth, Durban Port from  March 17 to April 3. Opening hours are: Wed – Sat: 10am – 9.30pm; Sun, Mon, Tue: 2pm – 9.30pm; (exception: 17 and 25 March, opens from 2pm). There is an entrance fee of R5 per person and children under 12 years enter for free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, check www.logoshope.org/durban.