WASHINGTON: IN a bid to foster better ties with local communities, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) hosts a weekend-long free Durban Port Festival this month. From Saturday to Sunday, 18 to 19 June, in conjunction with the SA Navy’s World Hydrography Day celebrations, the port will open its doors to the public. Tours of navy ships, tugboat rides, a maritime career exhibition, entertainment for children, live entertainment, a craft market, food stalls and much more will be on offer at the event which takes place around Wilson’s Wharf and the Durban passenger terminal’s N-shed.
“Port access has been restricted since the advent of the global ISPS code of safety and security for ports a few years ago, and as a result communities have become disconnected from the ports. While we do need to adhere to these requirements, we are also aware of the need to develop and nurture relationships with our communities and ensure they are exposed to the work we do and the opportunities that exist for them through the ports.
As the port authority, we are compelled to ensure the ports offer positive and sustainable spin-offs to their surrounding communities. Port festivals are a workable solution to make our ports more community friendly and to expose the public to the opportunities available in this sector through a range of edu-tainment activities,” said TNPA’s Durban port manager, Moshe Motlohi.
The SA Navy’s Hydrography Day celebrations from 17 to 19 June include, among other things, a SA Navy band gala performance at City Hall on Friday, 17 June featuring the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir and the Umlazi High school choir and a right of entry parade through the streets from City Hall at about 10.45am on Saturday, 18 June. Bookings for the concert must be made by phoning 031-460 6376.
“Although the SA Navy is a small navy in world terms, we are proud of the fact we are a very professional and competent navy. Very few people know that hydrography plays such an important part in maritime trade. If ships cannot safely navigate the waterways of the world, it means trade becomes dangerous and expensive.
The SA Navy is helping all South African consumers by keeping the shipping insurance costs of imports and exports down to a minimum. The SA Navy is also in the process of upgrading the existing Naval Station in Durban back to a fully operational Naval Base. This means the footprint of the SA Navy in Durban will continue to grow,” said SA Navy spokesman, Commander PG van den Berg.
“A key aspect of the Transnet market demand strategy is that of uplifting our communities and developing requisite mission critical skills to take this country’s ports to another level. There is also the government’s Operation Phakisa: Ocean economy initiative in which we are playing a crucial role in ensuring we can unlock the tremendous potential of the oceans as a driver of job creation and economic growth.
In all its ports TNPA is now actively developing the concept of ‘smart people’s ports’ with a focus on community development, tourism, leisure, recreation, career and business opportunities and community engagement,” said TNPA chief executive, Richard Vallihu. Entry to the Durban Port Festival and the SA Navy’s World Hydrography Day activities is free.
