[Durban, South Africa, 13 June2016]  Live music and entertainment, a special kids’ zone, water craft displays and tours, South African Navy vessels, a careers exhibition and more will be part of the exciting line-up of activities taking place at the Durban Port Festival this weekend. The bumper weekend of activities is hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority, in partnership with the South African Navy and eThekwini Municipality.

The festival kicks off at 09h00 on both daysandthe main activities take place at Wilson’s Wharf and at the N Shed facility at the Durban cruise terminal.

Well-known South African music acts Mi Casa, Zakes Bantwini and the Drakensberg Boys Choir, will share the festival stagewith a line-up of local musicians, DJs and other performers.

ABest of Durban Talent line-up from 09h00 to 11h30 at Wilson’s Wharf on both Saturday and Sundaywill feature a number of entertainers from in and around the port city. They includeacapella act Hyena Blues, pantsula and Kwaito group Tinkler Champions, the Ubuhle Umlazi Zulu dancers, Indian dancing from the Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute and music from Ndumiso Shabangu.Also performing is 13 year old singing sensation Sandra Majola, known by her stage name Lasandra, as well as musician David Jenkins aka Qadasi, an accomplished Maskandi musician who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age while growing up in Empangeni.

The Drakensberg Boys Choir are the highlight of the official festival opening ceremony on Saturday at 13h00.

Mi Casa performs on Saturday while Zakes Bantwini is the crowd-puller on Sunday.

The Durban Port Festival promises to be an exciting celebration of South Africa’s busiest commercial port, with the public able to access a number of waterside and landside activities throughout the weekend.

“A festival like this intends to expose port communities to the port and the opportunities that exist through the maritime sector, but in an interactive and entertaining manner,” said Durban Port Manager, Moshe Motlohi.

Two South African Navy vessels, SAS PROTEA and SAS ISAAC DYOBHA, will be open for the public to board andview throughout the festival weekend. The vessels will be berthed at the Durban cruise terminal and are in port as part of the Navy’s World Hydrography Day celebrations. The SA Navy will also have its diving display tank present on site for the public to interact with SA Navy divers.

Other activities include a shark dissection by the KZN Sharks Board, tugboat displays by Transnet NPA and a yacht sail-past and boat rides from Sail Africa, which provides sail training for young South Africans who could otherwise not afford the privilege of participating in sailing.

There will also be a free careers exhibition to expose the youth and learners to some of the opportunities available in the maritime industry. Participating organisations include Transnet National Ports Authority, National Sea Rescue Institute, eThekwini Maritime Cluster, SA National Defence Force, Transnet Maritime School of Excellence, Transnet Engineering, Transnet Freight Rail, Transnet Port Terminals, Durban University of Technology, Subtech Group, University of KZN, SA Maritime School & Transport College, MSC Cruises and Maritime Business and Computer College.

Landside activities will offer family fun, live entertainment, leisure activities, an arts and crafts market, local food stalls and children’s entertainment.

Important information
Entry is free for all activities.
The festival will be open from 09h00 to 17h00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Queues to visit the navy ships close at 4pm on both days.
Attendees are encouraged to take along their camp chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to ensure they are comfortable during the two days of fun.
No braais will be allowed.
No outside beverages, alcohol or weapons will be permitted through the security checkpoints.
There will be food and beverages on sale at the festival as well as arts and crafts market.

Watch the press and social media for further details. The Durban Port Festival’s Facebook event page can be found at http://ow.ly/LAad300DKKlor follow #DurbanPortFestival for the latest information.
Find Transnet National Ports Authority on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @TransnetNPA

Issued by:
Ayanda Mantshongo
Corporate Affairs Manager
Port of Durban
Transnet National Ports Authority
Tel: 031 361 8527
0711095434
ayanda.mantshongo@transnet.net

On behalf of:
Moshe Motlohi
Port Manager
Port of Durban
Transnet National Ports Authority
moshe.motlohi@transnet.net

and

Greyling van den Berg
SA Navy Internal Communications Officer:  Commander
Tel: (012) 339 4468
Fax: (086) 598 6647
Cell: (081) 784 7134
Email: pgvdb@sanavy.co.za