THE theme of the 46th Tugela River Raft Race on Saturday, 29 March is ‘Battleship’ and competitors are encouraged to build their rafts around the theme.
The Mandini Round Table has been working hard to ensure all the logistics and safety precautions are in place for this year’s event which should prove to be a great success, but make sure your raft is ready for 17km of rafting pleasure, otherwise it can become a nightmare.
Life jackets are recommended and if you do not have a raft, join the fun on a tube at a cost of R150 each.
Owing to the heavy rains, the river is expected to be flowing and teams should beat last year’s times set by the first teams, Sappi Tugela (2:10:10), Lithotech Labels (2:47:02) and Lithotech Blues (3:03:32).
The Raft Race starts in Mandini at 10am after registration between 5pm and 9pm on Friday or 6am until 9.30am on Saturday.
The entry fee is R850 per raft, but companies entering three or more rafts will be charged at R600 per raft.
Camping has been moved to the Mandini Sports Grounds for improved safety and is free of charge with basic showers and toilets available.
At the main campsite at the river mouth, there will be a marquee with DJ, food and a bar for Friday and Saturday nights.
Mandini Round Table, with the support of their sponsors, InterWaste, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Mandini local municipality, will assist in cleaning the Tugela River from start to finish.
The north and south beach of the Tugela River mouth will also be cleaned and the organisers ask rafters to respect the river and not to leave polystyrene and any other waste.
Rules, regulations and late entries are available by contacting PZ Sibisi on 032 4568270 or 078 4408889 (patience.sibisi@mandeni.gov.za) or JB Gwamanda on 032 4568274 or 082 5004837 (bongani.gwamanda@mandeni.gov.za).
Entry forms can be faxed to 032 4562504.
