Paddle empowerment changes young lives
Twelve young people from the valley chosen as suitable candidates for Duzi race.
TWELVE young people from Inanda were fortunate and excited to be chosen to take part in the canoeing training programme for the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Change a Life Academy.
The 12 lucky candidates were announced by SAMSA chief operating officer, Sobantu Tilayi on Saturday.
The organisation will groom the chosen enthusiasts, with the help of former Dusi winner, Martin Dreyer, to become potential participants in the world famous Dusi Canoe Marathon in February 2014.
SAMSA, through its corporate social investment wing, has committed itself to sponsoring the training, supplying of canoes, training gear and groceries for canoeists’ families.
The organisation is calling for more candidates to show interest in filling up at least 13 more placements for training.
Mhlonishwa Hlongwane (20) who is the coach, said he started canoeing in 2009.
“At first I was just doing it for fun because I live near the dam and I have always seen people canoeing,”
In 2010, Mhlonishwa was in the top 200 in the Dusi race.
“At that time I was just happy to finish the race,” he said.
Last year he joined Martin Dreyer in the Change a Life Academy and came 27th.
The youngest candidate, Phumla Mkhize (9), said she loves learning the skills of canoeing.
Dreyer said it was a great experience to train Dusi legend, Thulani Mbanjwa, in the Valley of a 1000 Hills and that was when he realised that there was a lot of talent in the valley.
“That is when I started the Change a Life campaign where I get sponsors to fund suitable candidates.
“When we choose people, we look at attendance, performance, talent and discipline, canoeing requires lots of discipline,” said Dreyer.
The 12 successful candidates announced were; Mhlonishwa Hlongwane (20), Hlanganani Gcwensa (16), Siphamandla Shozi (19), Patrick Canham (22), Mhlonishwa Gcwensa (22), Mmeli Ndimande (18), Lazala Pangeni Nxumalo (12), Zamokuhle Gwensa (12), Sbahle Sibiya (11), Mholi Ndimande (12)and the youngest canoeist Phumla Mkhize (9).
