By Daviot Kelly , Staff Reporter
The good times were not just for the adults at the reception on the SAS Drakensberg as (from left) Lesedi and Wandiswa Chiliza hang out with their friends Thuli and Thuthu Zuma.
I'M NOT a big fan of boats, but there was something about the SAS Drakensberg that appealed to me.
Maybe it was the fact that it was a South African ship, signifying the closest I've gotten to the country. Or maybe because it was a combat support/supply ship not a luxurious yacht to remind me that I was poor, monetary wise. Whatever the reason, the reception hosted by South African High Commissioner Thanduyise Chiliza on the ship last Wednesday night was simply delightful.
The 153-strong crew, all smartly attired, were again willing to serve their country but in a social capacity this time around, donning the mantle of waiters and waitresses. There were no less than five different brands of South African beer and red and white wine to enjoy. All this while catching the whiffs of the sea breeze swirling around the Carib Cement Pier in Rockfort. No one cared whether the Protease (nickname for South Africans) had just won the test cricket series against the West Indies. This was not a night for cricket talk.
GONE ARE THE DAYS
Gone are the days when ship crews were destined to have slop for dinner. The tasty spread that was presented for the guests was absolutely delightful. The grey salmon was especially tasty and there was more than enough to go around. Complemented by the assortment of quiches and the ever-popular shrimp, all were forgiven for going back for seconds. If this is how the crew usually dines, then it's a sailor's life for me!
The ship and crew, led by Officer Commanding Captain Kevin Wise, arrived as part of the delegation that visited Haiti in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Revolution. According to media liaison officer Lieutenant Commander Prince Tshabalala, the ship was commissioned in 1987 and usually carries a crew of 120 but added a few extras for the special trip. It was built totally by South African hands and machinery. The crew is also 100 per cent South African. They arrived at our shores on Tuesday and are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning.
So with soft music both from the motherland and more contemporary stuff, guests enjoyed the aura that surrounded the SAS Drakensberg.
