Festival launches Sao Joao fund

A HERITAGE Day festival, which will include a bumper National Braai Day braai competition, will be the first of a number of events that will be hosted by the South Coast Tourism Umtamvuna Area Sub-Committee to raise money for its Sao Joao Memorial Fund.

The proceeds of these fund-raisers will be used to rebuild the monument to the Portuguese galleon, Sao Joao, wrecked off Port Edward in 1552. Built in 1550, it had completed its first voyage to India and was on its way home when it sank. About 120 of her 600 passengers died in the wreck and the survivors undertook a difficult five-and-a-half-month march to the mouth of the Maputo River in Mozambique. Of the nearly 500 people who began the march, only 25 arrived at the Maputo River.

As well as the braai competition the Heritage Day fund-raiser will include a spit braai, stalls, games and family entertainment. It takes place at De Novo Lodge in Banner’s Rest on Saturday, September 24, from 10am. For more details contact 083 5035056.