Richards Bay paddler on brink of Lake Malawi challenge

RAISING funds for autism, Richards Bay Sea Border police officer, Lt-Col Kobus Olivier will next week set off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

This will see him become the first ever solo paddler to circumnavigate Lake Malawi.

Part of the Nomakanjani team which in 2010 paddled from Kosi Bay to Richards Bay, also to raise funds for ABLE (Autism and Behavioural Learning Environment) in Meerensee, Kobus’ fellow Nomakanjani team mates on Friday joined him in a farewell paddle from the Zululand Multisport Club.

Looking forward to this adventure, Kobus is aware of the challenges that lie ahead but says the reason he is undertaking this solo journey is worth the risk.

Planning on paddling 35km each day, Kobus will cross Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique, and aims to finish his 1400km circumnavigation in about 54 days.

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‘I am taking food rations but I plan to integrate with the locals, as well as catch fish to eat,’ said Kobus.

He has packed medication, water and a solar-charged cell phone in case of crisis.

The route starts in the south, at Malawi’s Senga Bay, and will see Kobus paddle to Tanzania and Mozambique, finishing with a 30km cross-lake paddle back to Malawi.

‘That will be the most challenging paddle, as I will be navigating the crossing without any land in sight as a fixed point,’ said Kobus.

‘Up to the last stretch, I plan to start at 5am when wind conditions are preferable, and paddle for six hours.

‘Paddlers who have taken on the challenge in groups advised I keep my distance from reeds swarming with mosquitoes, and that I stay well hydrated.’

Kobus’ objective is to raise money for additional infrastructure to allow the sustainable existence and operations of the ABLE centre, and to create a greater awareness of autism in communities in Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Through livestream.com, Kobus’ circumnavigation will be live streamed by Afri Live Stream, and he will be uploading daily photos and videos to Instagram, NomaMalawi.

The link to the live streaming page can be found on the Nomakanjani Facebook page.

To contribute to the worthy cause, supporters can transfer funds electronically to account holder JH Olivier, account number 54901201671 (FNB), branch code 250 655, reference NOMA17.

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