Durban Port Festival returns to city

The two-day event is taking place at Wilson's Wharf today and tomorrow.

Those attending can look forward to a host of land and water activities, including rides in tugboats. 

There will also be an expo for learners who are interested in the maritime industry.

Durban Port Manager Moshe Motlohi says another highlight of the festival is tours for members of the public of South African Navy ships, including the SAS Protea and SAS Drakensburg. 

Motlohi says after many years, it was time to bring the event back and reconnect with communities.

"We decided to reinstate the festival because we believe that our port has to be a people's port. We want to make Durban a smart people's port. It's an opportunity to show them the latest technology. The ports exist because of people and therefore people must benefit, whether they are in shipping or not," he said.

Motlohi says the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code following the 9/11 attacks had limited the movement of ordinary members of the public at ports due to tighter security.

The ports authority has since re-launched festivals at other South African ports, including Richards Bay and Cape Town. 

At the Durban festival, acts such as the Drakensburg Boys Choir, Micasa and Zakes Bantwini are expected to wow the crowds withe their performances

The festival runs from 10am until 8pm on Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Entrance is free.