A colourful spectacle for all ages, full of excitement, team spirit, and racing. The annual Gauteng Dragon Boat Regatta had all this plus more to offer. A picture and its story.
Elegant, swift, and with its head held high, the dragon glides through the water. There are sixteen people sitting on its back, wearing orange life jackets. Cheering, they throw their arms in the air: their dragon boat crossed the finish line first.
Paddling like crazy
On Saturday morning, 18 April 2026, Florida Lake in Johannesburg in South Africa was teeming with people and dragon boats. Forty teams of paddlers had come for the annual Dragon Boat Regatta. The youth team from Soweto Emdeni congregation showed some powerful strokes and determination during their training session. Alongside seasoned veterans, the youth team Cape Town Dragons from Cape Town made their way to Johannesburg to compete.
Between prayer and competition
District Apostle Peter Lambert, District Apostle Helper Patrick Mandla Mkhwanazi, and the Apostles Jerry Joubert, Jan Mabaso, Abrey Page, and Gavin Van der Hoven were also in attendance. District Apostle Lambert opened the event with a prayer. As the day moved on, more and more spectators of all ages were drawn to the cheerful spectacle. Around 2,000 people enjoyed the sunshine, food market, and other activities. In the end, third place went to the team Fast And Faithful, Zandspruit came in second, and the winners of the 2026 regatta were the Cosmo City Soldiers.
Photo: NAC Southern Africa
