Rooigrond Management Area under Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West region had the privilege of hosting Freshwater Angling championships that took place at Barberspan in Delareyville from 11 to 14 November 2024.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) anglers descended on Delareyville with the aim of mastering their fishing rods to compete for the best spot in the competition, as well as to indulge in a unique sport that offers both entertainment and therapy for the participating officials.
The participating anglers from the six regions, Free State and Northern Cape (FS&NC); KwaZulu-Natal; Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West; Eastern Cape; Western Cape and Gauteng, woke up early every morning determined to launch into the deep waters for a great catch.
The defending champions, Free State and Northern Cape put up a spirited fight in defence of their crown as the other regions mounted a valiant effort to knock them off their perch. In the end, the FS&NC guard did enough to clinch the gold and finishing the fierce as undisputed champions. The team underlined their status as they produced an exceptional performance even though they were placed in the dry zone.
According to the rules of the game, the teams must compete and outsmart others on the weight of a fish, number of fish caught, and daily performances.
Mr Braam Scheepers, who is from the office of Sports and Recreation at Head Office, appreciated the time spent on the contest and acknowledged the commitment and discipline exhibited by anglers and for bringing their A game.
The President of Freshwater Angling, Mr Dawie Erasmus expressed his satisfaction on how the championships unfolded, and thanked everyone for their participation. The competition ended with Mr Erasmus announcing the new NEC that will serve DCS Angling.
Results under the two categories are as follows:
Individual winners
| Angler | Team | Points | Fish | Weight |
| Lenard Gerhardus Roelofse | FS/NC | 35.00 | 103 | 143.49Kg |
| Sarel Deysel | FS/NC | 35.00 | 103 | 140,9Kg |
| Martinus Christoffel Van der Westhuizen | FS/NC | 34.00 | 109 | 142,09 Kg, |
Regions performance
| Team | Points | Fish | Weight |
| 1. Free State & Northern Cape | 360.00 | 1004 | 1244,89kg |
| 2. KwaZulu-Natal | 263.00 | 736 | 899,52kg |
| 3. Western Cape | 261.00 | 793 | 936,84kg |
| 4. Gauteng | 256.00 | 717 | 879,31kg |
| 5. Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West | 182.00 | 502 | 622,98kg |
| 6. Eastern Cape Province | 182.00 | 464 | 609,96kg |