The army’s coming to town
People can see the convoy of tanks coming down the N3 from Pietermaritzburg to Durban City centre on 14 February.
DURBAN will host this year’s celebration of the Armed Forces Day and a special commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi will mark the event.
The SS Mendi was a requisitioned passenger liner that sunk during World War I carrying servicemen of the South African Native Corps, while on its way from Cape Town to France.
Tuesday, 14 February will see tanks and other military vehicles arrive in Durban. The tanks will drive down the N3 from Pietermaritzburg and through to Durban’s City centre.
Locals will be able to enjoy various events throughout the week, including live capability demonstrations (day and night) by the service men and women of the South African National Defence Forces. An Armed Forces Day Gala Concert will also be held at the Durban City Hall on 18 February, followed by a CISM Fun Walk/Run the next day at 6am.
The Fun Walk/Run will start at Blue Lagoon and end at uShaka Marine World. The highlight of the week will be the Armed Forces Day Parade on 21 February.
The eThekwini Municipality was chosen as host of the annual event so that all the military service arms could be represented. Residents of the city will be able to see demonstrations by the South African Navy, Airforce and Army.
North Durban’s Virginia Airport will be the home of approximately 10 light military aircraft which are expected to arrive Thursday, 16 February. The larger military aircrafts will be stationed at King Shaka International Airport.
President Jacob Zuma will be attending and will officiate the proceedings, which take place from February 16 to 21. Various events have been planned in and around the city, beginning with the grand opening at the Fan Park on Thursday, 16 February.
Events are open to the public. For further details about when and where to go, see the military’s website, www.dod.mil.za or www.gov.za.
