The MyLife Dusi annual canoe river race runs from Pietermaritzburg, on the Umsundusi River, to finish in Durban. The 120km race takes place over three days. The 2021 race took place between March 18 and 20 and covered some major Grade 2 rapids, as well as numerous portages.
It is here where the paddlers had to take their boats out of the river and run around the more dangerous non-navigable rapids, carrying their boat until they can put into the river.
The portages, depending on the water level, can be up to 18km. The river winds through the Valley of 1000 Hills in Zululand and attracts many supporters to cheer the paddlers on as they run through rural villages in the hot Dusi valley sun.
The top finishers at this event, from the Germiston and Bedfordview area, were the coaches, and mentors, at the Victoria Lake Canoe Club based in Germiston, Loveday Zondi who was the 26th K1 finisher in a time of 9:21. He was also the second place podium for the sub-veteran age group. Richard Cele finished in 29th position, in 9:30 as 15th senior age category finisher.
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One of the major supporters and sponsors of the event is the Eurosteel (Sport) company. Its CEO Colin Wilson is an avid competitive paddler and this year it was his turn to second his son in a single kayak (K1). Ian Wilson finished the race as 74th senior finisher and 164th K1, in 11:57. Benjamin Cockram completed the race successfully in 11:35 over the three days, finishing as 151th K1, and fifth in the Master age category.
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
