Transnet National Ports Authority, in partnership with the Uthungulu District Municipality, is set to revive its once popular port festivals, with the Port of Richards Bay due to play host to a two-day celebration from 26 to 27 September 2015.

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 10h00 to 20h00 on Saturday, 26

September and from 10h00 to 17h00 on Sunday, 27 September 2015. Entry for adults and children over 10 is a low R20 per day or R30 for a weekend package, while children under 10 enter free. Tickets will be available at the gate.

Issued by:
Nkululeko Molefe
Corporate Affairs Officer
Port of Richards Bay
Transnet National Ports Authority Tel: 035 905 3118
060 569 4060 nkululeko.molefe@transnet.net

On behalf of:
Preston Khomo
Port Manager
Port of Richards Bay
Transnet National Ports Authority preston.khomo@transnet.net