Mossel Bay Port showcased at festival
Throngs of people enjoyed waterside activities, live entertainment, exhibitions and markets at the new-look Garden Route Port Festival hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 November 2019 at the Port of Mossel Bay.
Port-goers gathered for live screenings of the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday and areas of the festival erupted into celebration when the Springboks were named the champions.
“It was a very special weekend for the community of Mossel Bay and the greater Garden Route that really brought people together,” said Mossel Bay Port Manager, Shadrack Tshikalange.
“We were extremely delighted to open up our port once again so that we could educate the public about what happens here through a range of fun, family-friendly activities and demonstrations,” he said.
Visitors of all ages were able to enjoy tours of the Ruth First patrol vessel, as well as Transnet tugs. Locals and tourists took advantage of the free public open days at the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse over the weekend. A business and maritime careers exhibition showcased information from organisations such as Transnet, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL), ETA College, Petro SA, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), SAPS Da Gamaskop, Sea Harvest, South Cape College and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Fishing enthusiasts took part in the shoreline and deepsea fishing competition which kicked off bright and early at the port breakwater on Saturday, while young and old had lots of fun participating in the Garden Route Colour Splash 5km fun run and walk which took them through sites in and around the port.
For many, the big highlights were the free music performances on the main stage by the likes of national hit- national hit-makers Kwesta on Saturday evening and Vusi Nova on Sunday afternoon, as well as a host of local artists and performers.
Port Festivals play an important role in TNPA’s drive to create Smart People’s Ports that best serve port communities. TNPA uses this platform to educate the public on what happens in its ports.