The Richards Bay Port Festival promises family fun, live entertainment, leisure activities, an arts and crafts market, children's entertainment and numerous waterside events. An exciting feature will be appearances and displays by some of the South African Navy's most impressive vessels, with all naval ships open to the public over the port festival weekend. There will also be various water sports guaranteed to thrill adrenaline junkies.
TNPA chief executive Richard Vallihu said: "Port festivals were once regular events attracting thousands of visitors until the advent of the ISPS code of safety for ports, which placed limitations on public interaction with our ports. However, we as TNPA have a responsibility to re-integrate our ports with their cities and communities."
At the same time, Transnet is developing its concept of 'people-centric ports' and plans are afoot to open the ports up to promote tourism, leisure, recreation, sport, career and business opportunities and community engagement.
The Richards Bay Port Festival will include a careers exhibition for learners to interact with some of the area's leading businesses, including TNPA, Foskor, Uthungulu District Municipality, Richards Bay IDZ, Richards Bay Minerals and the South African Maritime Safety Association.
Richards Bay is bracing itself for a bumper week that kicks off with World Maritime Day on 23 September, followed by the biannual Exercise Oxide military collaboration between the French and South African military and navies, and culminating in the two-day Port Festival. Port manager, Preston Khomo, said, "The regional importance of a festival such as this has been given renewed impetus with the launch of the South African government's Operation Phakisa initiative, in which TNPA is a key role player."
In launching Operation Phakisa, government set out its first project focusing on unlocking the immense economic potential of the Oceans Economy. This it hopes will boost GDP growth, job creation and employment within the marine transport sector, aligned with the priorities of the National Development Plan. The festival therefore intends to expose the youth and learners to the marine sector, oil and gas industry and the mission-critical skills required by the maritime industry.
The Richards Bay Port Festival will take place in and around Naval Island, Tuzi Gazi Waterfront and the indoor cricket facility at the Port of Richards Bay. It will be open from 10am to 8pm on Saturday, 26 September and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, 27 September 2015.
Entry for adults and children over 10 is R20 per day/R30 for a weekend package.
Children under 10 enter free.
Tickets will be available at the gate.
