The East London Boating Association (ELBA) has been praised for hosting a successful three-day historic Buffalo Regatta rowing contest held at the Buffalo River in East London recently.
There was uncertainty about the continuation of the event this year af-ter 136 years of the event’s success.
In October last year, it was revealed that the 136-year-old Buffalo Regatta was at risk of cancellation due to rental increases by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), from which the non-profit East London Boating Association (ELBA), the custodian of the regatta, rents its facilities.
Ultimately, the TNPA and ELBA negotiated an affordable rental arrangement, which resulted in the money-spinning Buffalo Regatta happening again this February and is expected to continue for the next 10 years.
This year, ELBA unveiled a mural in honour of Fort Hare University vice-chancellor, Professor Zakhele Buhlungu.
The painting is a symbol of gratitude to Professor Buhlungu for his role in the revitalisation of rowing in the East London area.
“It has been my honour and privilege to be part of this project, and I would like to wish the rowers and organisers all the best for the honour and respect shown to me,” said Buhlungu.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Buffalo City constituency leader, Leander Kruger, said the continuation of the historic Buffalo Regatta in East London marks a significant victory for the economy of the Buffalo City Metro and will prevent the Metro from losing millions of rands in tourism income.
“The regatta, which attracts thousands of visitors annually to the Buffalo River, injects over R4 million into the local economy, supporting the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, transport services, and small businesses. It serves as a vital venue for sports development at local universities and rowing clubs,” added Kruger.
Viewed as one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious national sporting events, the regatta attracts schools and universities across the country to compete in East London.
The regatta began in 1881 and has been held every year until recently, when it was interrupted in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
