The GCN recently spoke to André van Zijl, to find out more about his latest record attempt (see GCN, Novemer 14).
Van Zijl, who already boasts an impressive number of records, explained his plans to spend 10 days in the Lebombo.
The Lebombo, the first Boeing 747 to arrive in the country, can be found at the SAA Museum at Rand Airport.
Van Zijl will spend an impressive 10 days and three hours on the craft, beating the previous record of four days and three hours.
It is hoped that this event will assisst in raising funds for and awareness of the St Francis Care Centre, in Boksburg, the SAA Orange Tail and the SAA Museum.
Van Zijl famously said, in his last interview with the GCN: “I don’t attempt – I do,” and that is what he’s done.
He entered the Lebombo, last Wednesday, following a press conference held on the plane itself.
The conference included announcements about the various events that will be taking place at the museum over the next 10 days, in addition to van Zijl’s 45th and 46th world record attempts.
These events include the commemoration of the B747 Helderberg crash, which took place 27 years ago, on Friday, November 28.
The conference also offered an opportunity to announce a joint project with East Rand Stereo, for World Aids Day, which was celebrated on Monday, December 1.
The World Aids Day festivities included van Zijl’s 46th record attempt, which will see him trying to host the longest Skype chat.
The chat to open to all who are interested and can be joined in andreaidsafrica.
Guest speakers at the event included ex SAA Captain Heinz Kutzner who spoke of the Helderberg accident, Barbara Wickli who spoke on behalf of SAA Orange Tail Staff Association, Tilly Brouwer from St Francis Care Centre, Angeline Moroakane from East Rand Stereo radio station and Ex SAA Captain Karl Jensen from the South African Airways Museum Society.
All before van Zijl explained to those in attendance what he would be doing for the next 10 days.
While he is on the plane, flamboyant van Zijl will lead tours, giving visitors a chance to see things they have never seen on a plane before.
“I encourage the community to come through to the museum and get involve however they can,” he said.
To mark the end of his record attempt, at 3pm on December 6, the museum will host a “coming out party” for van Zijl, complete with live music and a flea/craft market which will be set up under the wings of the planes homed at the museum.
East Rand Stereo will also broadcast live from the event.
The station will add to the record attempts by broadcasting live for 10 hours from inside the same plane, while van Zijl will call home.
Anyone interested in setting up a stall at the event can send an email to Janine Keizerwaard, at dakota@telkomsa.net.
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