RMB dismisses regatta sponsorship rumours

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has dismissed rumours of its withdrawal from the 2025 Buffalo Regatta as the headline sponsor which kicks off next week, and will be joined by new local co-sponsor, Slimsy Sports Hydration.

The Buffalo Regatta costs an estimated R500,000 to host and will see 14 schools, seven universities, clubs and members from the SA rowing team in attendance from February 6-8 at the Buffalo River. It generates around R4m in revenue for the city.

RMB has sponsored a quarter of this funding for the last 10 years along with Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). Towards the end of last year, ECDC revealed to the GO!&Express that it would not be sponsoring the 2025 Buffalo Regatta but intends to return from 2026. This cast speculation on RMB’s possible exodus from the historic event which was exacerbated when RMB proposed reducing the amount of funding sponsored or possibly providing the funding after the event.

Through talks between Rowing SA (ROWSA), RMB and East London Boating Association (ELBA) an agreement was reached last week to ensure the funds were provided ahead of the event in order to cover urgent and immediate expenses relating to readying the Buffalo River for the event, including fuel for motorboats which alone is R50,000.

RMB’s sponsorships marketing lead Michael Edwards said RMB is committed to a long-term partnership with the Buffalo Regatta and as a sign thereof, will also be upgrading the trophies for the women’s single scull (W1x) and four (W4-) events, in aid of nurturing greater equity and recognition for women’s rowing.

Edwards added: “We’re aware of the speculation surrounding our termination of our sponsorship of the regatta. It is factually incorrect and we are proud to still be sponsoring this important and historical event in 2025.

“RMB has been the title partner to RMB Buffalo Regatta and is committed to growing the sport on all levels. The RMB Buffalo Regatta showcases celebrated talent and is a long-standing event considered the cornerstone of the SA rowing community, and draws athletes and spectators from across the country to the Buffalo River.

“We will continually strive to grow rowing together with ROWSA.”

ROWSA’s Ben Burnand said that at no stage was any indication ever given that RMB would be leaving Buffalo Regatta.

Burnand said: “The good thing about sponsors such as RMB is that they understand that an organisation like Rowing SA needs significant funds to be able to operate and to ensure that SA athletes are given equal chance to take on other countries at World Champs and Olympics.

“RMB have been a long-term sponsor of rowing in SA and the Buffalo Regatta and their sponsorship enables us to host amazing regattas across the country and attract more participants to the sport while also developing Olympic level athletes.”

Burnand also added that ROWSA’s new commercial commission, led by ex-national rower Carolyn Thomson, focuses on building financial support from sponsors like RMB in order to achieve inclusivity in the sport and secure more international medals for SA.

East London brand, Slimsy Sports Hydration has joined the fray as the headline sponsor for the Selborne Sprints event, contributing a quarter towards the funding making it the first local business to ever co-sponsor this 144-year-old event.

Slimsy’s marketing manager Laura Guest said the company jumped at the opportunity to host the regatta because of the potential they saw in it for sports tourism that could elevate the profile of the city and the province.

Guest said: “We are excited to be the headline sponsor of the Selborne Sprints and we hope that this alignment elevates our profile as the go-to hydration partner for athletes, while reinforcing our support for youth and sporting culture of the Eastern Cape.

“We are contributing financial backing towards ensuring the regatta runs smoothly and has the resources it needs in order to thrive. We are committed to uplifting the Eastern Cape and through our platforms we will be using the regatta to showcase what East London has to offer on our media platforms which has a national reach.

“This partnership is the first step in a broader commitment towards supporting sports across SA.”

Ryan Baisley of the Eastern Cape Rowing Association welcomed Slimsy Sports Hydration as a new sponsor, noting the opportunity to expand rowing into untapped corporate communities.

Baisley highlighted the importance of sponsorships in enabling reinvestment into the Buffalo River Rowing venue, which supports underprivileged schools and clubs.

These partnerships are critical to growing the sport and ensuring the success of SA’s oldest regatta.

Border Kei Chamber of Business executive director Lizelle Maurice said the chamber welcomed Rand Merchant Bank’s continued support and the addition of Slimsy Sports Hydration as a sponsor for the Buffalo Regatta because these partnerships align with the chamber’s goal of positioning East London as a sports tourism hub.

Highlighting past successes like the recent 2024 IPT youth water polo tournament, Maurice called for local businesses to collaborate in providing visitors, athletes, and spectators with an exceptional experience during the regatta, ensuring East London becomes a sought-after destination for major sporting events.

ELBA’s Kate Godfrey said Slimsy’s co-sponsorship of the regatta is a testament to the growing interest from local businesses seeking to be a part of rowing while also marking the start of a burgeoning new relationship between ELBA and Transnet which will see both parties working together to foster development at the Buffalo River with local businesses.

This comes in the wake of a finally concluded year-long standoff between the two regarding the lease agreement which has finally been settled on R10,000 a month for the next 10 years with 7% annual increase.

Through relationship between ELBA and Transnet there will be a market at Latimer’s Landing with Kidlinks Small Farm Incubator and Border Kei Chamber of Commerce with more collaborations with local businesses to follow.