Diversity deal

True to its name, Bekezela, meaning patience or to endure, is committed to restoring, cultivating and protecting African culture and heritage by strengthening, developing and empowering rural communities.

BCF aims to use its partnership with the Clipper Race to create a platform of opportunity to make sailing part of the fabric of its community while changing the narrative through diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The partnership was revealed at a launch event in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, where the current edition of the race is in port.

A signing ceremony was held with Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose from BCF and Clipper Race CEO William Ward and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

“The Clipper Race, with its essence of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, seemed like the perfect collaboration to bring the world to Africa, and to Umhlathuze specifically,” said Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose.

“Our King and the people of KwaZulu Natal can’t wait to welcome this new leg of the Clipper Race in October next year.

“Through our sponsorship of the Clipper Race we hope to shine a spotlight on the immense raw natural beauty, modern sophistication, cultural diversity and pulsating energy which is the province of KwaZulu Natal as well as help unlock economic opportunities for rural and impoverished communities.”

The city of uMhlathuze will welcome Clipper Race Crew in the autumn of 2023 when the Clipper 2023-24 Race fleet sails to the destination.

Situated on the east coast of South Africa, a short drive from Durban, uMhlathuze is a picturesque resort that could be mistaken for Cannes or VilleFranche.

Known for its picturesque landscapes, warm water and balmy weather, Clipper Race Crew will be treated to its special South African hospitality during the stopover. The Clipper Race will then return to uMhlathuze in its 2025-26 edition.

“By partnering with the Bekezela Community Foundation together we hope to make a lasting legacy in uMhlathuze and its surrounding area,” said Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

“Our global race route will enable BCF to showcase its foundation and the region it represents to an international audience. And as a Host Port on our race route, new visitors will discover what this beautiful coastal region has to offer.

“From our many years of delivering successful ambassador programs, we have seen first-hand how empowering such schemes are for the individuals who become part of our Race Crew.

“Sailing is so much more than just a sport or pastime as it gives you experience that is as useful in the workplace as it is on board a yacht.

“The sport develops self-confidence and self-esteem and we hope that the successful BCF Ambassador Crew will inspire others in their community.”

The new host Port location means that the second stage of the sailing circumnavigation will round the famous Cape Agulhas, one of the world’s Five Great Capes.

Sailing around this cape requires skill and respect, with its currents and unpredictable weather making for a cautious passage.

Easterly Gales known as the Cape Doctor are also common, making for some tough upwind sailing in strong winds.

However, once the fleet has rounded this Great Cape, the nutrient-rich waters will mean the Race Crew can expect some of the best marine wildlife in the world, including Cape Fur seals, Southern Right whales, gannets and dolphins.

By visiting the Northern Irish stop on the Clipper 2019-20 Race route, BCF saw the positive impact that a stopover can have on host Port.

This is the fifth time the Clipper Race has visited Londonderry.

Since the partnership began ten years ago, a long-standing legacy has been created, drawing over 600,000 visitors to the stopovers over the decade, igniting civic pride and generating millions of pounds for the local economy.

By partnering with the Clipper Race, BCF aims to bring such successes to uMhlathuze and its surrounding region.

clipperroundtheworld.com