Two West Rand-based paddlers finished the toughest FNB Dusi River Race in a decade. Due to the drought, this year’s Dusi, which took place between Pietermaritzburg and Durban from 16–18 February, was tougher than previous years.
The first day had plenty of water thanks to recent rainfall entering the Umgeni and Umsindusi River systems. But the race gradually got tougher over the next two days. By Day 3, there was very little water coming from the Inanda Dam, and paddlers began joking about having to walk to the finish line in Durban instead. They also had to contend with temperatures of between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius in the Dusi Valley, as well as strong winds over Inanda Dam. These conditions solidified the Dusi’s reputation of being the world’s toughest endurance canoe marathon.
Florida Lake Canoe Club’s Shaun Maphanga finished the race in 29th position overall, and was second in the Veterans’ age group. His time of 10h16m ensured he finished in the Top 50 and won a silver medal. He was only 8 minutes behind the well-known Jacques Theron, who finished just in front of him and claimed first place in the Veterans’ category.
Maphanga has quite a history with the Florida Lake Canoe Club – he started at the club as the gardener, whose job was to mow the lawn. Now he is a supervising coach, repairs boats, manages the club community and youth development programme, and he is the Club’s Grounds Manager. He was ranked fourth Gauteng finisher at the Dusi event.
The top Gauteng finishers, who all qualified for silver medals, included two Sowetans, Siseko Ntondini in eighth place, and Loveday Zondi in 12th, Victoria Lake Canoe Club’s Richard Cele in 23rd position, and Fleurhof resident and Fire Department paramedic Nkosi Mzolo, who trains at the Sowetan Canoe & Recreation Club, in 44th place, in a time of 10h44min.
An enormous amount of preparation and training is required for a successful Top 100 or Top 50 finish and these young men are very proud of their achievement this year, given the extremely difficult conditions.
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