Revival of local angling tournament rekindles community spirit

MOUNT Edgecombe’s fishing community celebrates the revival of a cherished tradition as the Natal Estates Angling Federation hosted the Mid-Year Angling Friendship Tournament.

Once a unifying event for sugar mill workers in the 1990s, the tournament has returned to foster community spirit across the area’s 22 estates, with local angler Krishna Ramlochan landing an impressive 8.2kg sand shark to claim first prize. 

The event has been revived by the Natal Estates Angling Federation (NEAF), under the sporting wing of the Mount Edgecombe and Estates Community Association (MEECA) and took place at the Eastmore Beach in Umhlanga on Saturday.

It drew anglers from Mount Edgecombe’s 22 estates.

“The tournament rekindled a beloved tradition that once united sugar mill workers and their families in the early 1990s. It was a vibrant celebration of legacy, heritage, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of Mount Edgecombe’s fishing community,” said MEECA chairperson, Patchie Naicker.

Its sports coordinator, Brian Rasen, lauded NEAF’s dedication.

“The passion and precision with which the federation organised this event was nothing short of spectacular. It is a testament to their love for the sport and the community,” he said.

Taking first prize for the 8.2kg sand shark he reeled in, was Greenbury resident, Krishna Mahabeer Ramlochan.

The 61-year-old said he was happy with his catch and win.

“It was good to meet so many people and share stories of old times. Now that we have brought back the tradition, I hope we get to keep it going.”

Ramlochan, who was raised along Blue Lagoon during the apartheid era, is a fisherman.

He fished to feed his family, friends. and neighbours. To this day, he continues to supply fish to people.

“When people see me going fishing, they always ask me to bring fish for them,” he laughed. Among the many anglers present at the tournament was Bhai Samaroo, a major sponsor.

His father was a legendary Natal angler known for landing one of the biggest catches of his generation. Samaroo was visibly moved by the revival of the tournament, recalling the days when sugar mill workers and their children eagerly awaited the annual angling extravaganza.

“This event brings back the soul of our community. It is more than fishing – it is memory, pride, and connection.”The Mid-Year Angling Friendship Tournament is set to become a permanent fixture in MEECA’s annual calendar,promising future generations the chance to reel in not just fish, but stories, friendships, and legacy.