Johannesburg - KwaZulu-Natal sports MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha expressed sadness on Saturday at the death of 57-year-old paddler, Heine Jordaan, during the Dusi Canoe Marathon at Inanda Dam.
“We were deeply saddened to learn about the death of Jordaan during the race,” she said in a statement.
“His death comes hot on the heels of another tragic incident of a swimmer who drowned during the Midmar Mile race.”
Tristan Dennis, 30, went missing during the Midmar Mile swimming race north of Pietermaritzburg earlier this month. He was found in the dam three days later.
Sibhidla-Saphetha sent condolences to Jordaan's family and the paddling fraternity.
Jordaan died during second stage of the Dusi Canoe Marathon on Friday.
The Durban-based dentist started the race in batch G with fellow Stella Canoe Club paddler Neels Meyer.
Their boat hit a rock at a rapid near the Big Bend Rapid where Meyer managed to get out of the boat.
Jordaan remained trapped and was forced under water for approximately three minutes.
Sapa