STORY:
Millennium Rave Boat Has Cape Town Officials Upset

Cargo ship will be turned into New Year's Eve rave party for 10,000

Authorities in South Africa are reacting with shock to the news that a massive millennium party aboard a rave ship is being planned for New Year's Eve. The ship, a bulk carrier, can handle 10,000 partygoers. Promoters plan to anchor it next to Robben Island near Cape Town. According to Ticket-Web, more than 1 000 tickets have already been sold, at R1 500 each and R2 500 for VIPs.

According to the Sunday Times in South Africa, Cape Town Harbour Master John Woodend knew nothing about the party ship and told the paper that no permission to anchor the ship has been requested. Promoter Samantha Ferguson of Johannesburg-based 2'Z Production Company said the company was still waiting for permission but reportedly was pressing ahead with plans regardless.

"We're waiting for the port authorities to come back to us," Ferguson said. "But we've covered ourselves - if we don't get permission to anchor in Table Bay then we'll have it in Duncan Dock. We're not going into international waters.

A navy spokesperson said the rave ship is a bad idea and that Cape Town doesn't have the facilities and boats to move 10,000 people. Moving that many people with what's available would take three days he said. The Cape Town fire Chief Donald Sparks told the Sunday Times that his agency would have no jurisdiction over the ship. He believes party organizers had opted for a rave ship to avoid strict safety regulations on land, where rave parties are periodically closed down by the fire department.

The party has been dubbed "Judgement Day" and is being billed as the ultimate millennium entertainment, featuring the country's top DJs and the latest dance music for a 24-hour nonstop party. Promoters reportedly say those attending would each be issued with a life jacket, Tiger Balm, Fizz pops and chewing gum. All ticket holders stand a chance of winning prizes that included an Opel Corsa 160i, R40 000 in cash as well as stereo equipment, ghetto blasters and CDs.

Source: Sunday Times (South Africa)

DATE: 8/09/99

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