Duo tackles 67km paddle on Mandela Day to save Shongweni Dam reserve

TWO determined conservationists, Greg Vogt and Sara Agostini, will set out to paddle 67 kilometres today to kickstart their project to restore the Shongweni dam reserve to its former glory.

The area has been the subject of a protracted land claim and has been abandoned.

“We are reviving the Shongweni Reserve as mandated by the Zwelibonvu community who were awarded the land claim in 2013. They only received the property to operate on 1 July 2018,” explained Vogt, who spearheads the organisation, Conservation Guardians.

For many years the dam has been home to the Umzinyathi Canoe Club and has been a popular training base for paddlers in the Upper Highway area. It has also played host to national marathon and sprint events.

The future of the venue was in dire threat after the clubhouse was largely destroyed and sections of the site were vandalised.

ALSO READ: Nelson Mandela Day: A timeline of Madiba’s 100 years

Vogt is adamant that with the local community supporting them they can rescue the reserve. The first step is to build essential perimeter fencing.

“The fences that keep these animals safe have never been maintained and today the beautiful herd of giraffes, buffalo and the other animals are at risk and are exposed to various threats. That is our first task as custodians of the reserve,” said Vogt.

“We challenge paddlers all over the world to make a donation of one unit of their local currency for every kilometre that Sara and I plan to paddle on Mandela Day,” explained Vogt.

The duo started their 67km challenge from first light. They have invited paddlers to join them at Shongweni Dam for the usual club time trial from 5.15pm.

“The response has been amazing,’ said Vogt. “There are paddlers across the country that will be doing a paddle in support of this initiative on Wednesday at their local clubs, simply because they have a connection with Shongweni or understand its significance to South African canoeing.

“There are also paddlers abroad who will be paddling in support, and their donations in Euros or pounds will go a long way,” he added.

International platform for international donors: www.gofundme.com/help-us-rescue-shongweni

SA platform: www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/shongweni67

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts