Chris Hani Girls Shine at SA Indoor Rowing Champs

Buffalo City, Eastern Cape – Learners from the Chris Hani District delivered an impressive performance at the South African National Indoor Rowing Championships 2025 & EXPO, hosted from 11–14 February 2026 in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.

The national event, organised by Rowing South Africa (RowSA), brought together top indoor rowing athletes from across the country. Representing the Eastern Cape Province were learners from Nkwanca High School, Get Ahead, Lingelihle and John Noah – with all medal winners from the Chris Hani District being female athletes.

Gold, Silver and Bronze for Chris Hani

The district secured an outstanding medal haul:

• Gold Medal: Alulutho Sakaola (Nkwanca High School)

• Silver Medal: Simanye Nomngana

• Bronze Medals: Lathitha Zawula and Esethu Siza (both from Lingelihle)

Their performances placed Chris Hani District firmly on the national map, highlighting the growing strength of indoor rowing development in the region.

The Championships attracted athletes from eight provinces – Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape – demonstrating the expanding national footprint of indoor rowing in South Africa.

A Celebration of Unity and Inclusion

This year’s Championships were described as more than just a sporting contest. The Opening Ceremony was celebrated in vibrant cultural fashion, honouring South Africa’s diversity through traditional performances and provincial representation.

Organisers said the ceremony reflected unity in diversity, reinforcing that rowing in South Africa belongs to all communities, languages and backgrounds.

The energy and competitive spirit displayed by learners throughout the four-day event illustrated the transformative power of sport – particularly for young women – as a tool for education, empowerment and social cohesion.

Growing the Programme in Chris Hani

Chris Hani District Indoor Rowing Coach, Viwe Zikalala, expressed appreciation for the opportunity afforded to the district’s athletes.

Zikalala confirmed that new schools, including several primary schools, have recently joined the indoor rowing programme. He indicated that additional municipal support would assist in ensuring that every school has the opportunity to participate in the initiative.

The expansion of the programme signals steady grassroots growth within the district, with indoor rowing increasingly being introduced at school level as both a competitive and developmental sport.

#TeachingTheNationToRow

National Sport Coordinator Ms Virginia Mabaso highlighted that the Championships further strengthened the impact of the growing movement #TeachingtheNationtoRow.

According to Mabaso, the initiative seeks to expand access to rowing, build inclusive community programmes and position indoor rowing as a catalyst for holistic youth development across South Africa.

The success of the Chris Hani athletes aligns with this broader national vision, showcasing how school-based programmes can open pathways for young people – particularly girls – to compete at provincial and national level.

A Proud Moment for the Eastern Cape

For the Eastern Cape, and specifically the Chris Hani District, the medal performances represent more than podium finishes. They reflect discipline, dedication and the increasing accessibility of sporting opportunities in rural and township communities.

As more schools join the programme, and with continued institutional support, indoor rowing could become one of the district’s fastest-growing school sports.

For now, the spotlight remains on the four young women who carried the Eastern Cape colours with pride in Buffalo City – returning home with gold, silver and bronze, and inspiring the next generation of rowers in the process.