Whatever floats your boat

Despite the low water level of the river, the annual Tugela River Raft Race held on Saturday, was a great success.

Presiding over this popular local event, which was won by team Sappi Saiccor, Mandeni municipality mayor Siphesihle Zulu announced that in 2016 organisers plan to introduce a road running race from Mandeni to the Tugela Mouth to be run at the same time as the raft race.

“This will be one of the ways of increasing the number of people attending the event,” said Zulu.

Captain of the Sappi team Mark Mcfarlane said that this was the first time they had won and they are eagerly looking forward to next year’s race.

“We set out to conquer the river so we were pleased. The low level of the water did made our journey a bit difficult, but it was great fun,” said Mcfarlane.

The team finished the race in two hours, five minute and 36 seconds.The International Police Association men’s team took second place with Bidvest Johannesburg in third. The first women’s team was the International Police Association ladies.

Twenty rafts took part in the race from Mandeni to the Tugela River Mouth with only 17 making it to the finishing point. The other three were trapped on sand banks.

The mayor also announced that they plan to build the first municipal swimming pool in Mandeni Township.

“The swimming pool will be built in ward 15 next to Ncede Omhlophe sports field,” said Zulu.

Check out some more fun photos here.