The SAS Drakensberg would leave for the island of St Helena on Sunday to take part in the island’s 500th anniversary celebrations, SA Navy headquarters said in Simon’s Town on Thursday.
Also aboard for the celebrations will be Jeanette Beater, the acting provincial manager for the SA Heritage Resources Agency’s Gauteng offices.
SAS Drakensberg crew members would perform traditional Zulu dances for the islanders during the visit.
Navy representative Lieutenant Commander Lisa Hendricks said the visit would provide an opportunity to pay tribute to both vastly different Boer and Zulu cultures and emphasise the richness and diversity of the SA Navy, and South African culture.
The ship’s company will also visit Napoleon’s tomb and house and participate in an environmental fund day at the millennium forest.
St Helena was a place of exile for many years for people such as the pretender to the Zulu throne Chief Dinizulu and more than 6000 Boer war prisoners. SAS Drakensberg will return to Simon’s Town on June 24. – Sapa