15-18 October 2026: The annual Swartberg Stock theft Prevention Association (SSPA) Dekalb Fly-fishing Festival took place in Swartberg from 15-18 October 2026.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, dam owners, farmers, committee, SSPA members and fishermen for their contribution. Without their help, this event would not have been possible.
Receiving sponsorship for this event creates a unique opportunity for community members to raise funds to ensure the protection of livestock on both commercial and rural farms surrounding Swartberg, KZN. SSPA is a non-profit organization with the aim of preventing stock theft by guarding the Lesotho/South Africa border, creating a communication network with Lesotho residents, and maintaining an operational radio network between the two countries.
This festival hosts 70 fishermen from across the country, treating them to some of the best fly fishing in Southern Africa. The Fly-fishing festival plays a crucial role in raising funds to ensure the success of the SSPA. These costs include paying for guards, vehicles, uniforms, radios, ration packs, housing, fuel, legal and admin fees, insurance, the Thule Road and Hopewell Clubhouse maintenance and more.
With your help we can protect the livelihood of farmers, both commercial and rural.
A big thank you to all the dam owners for opening their dams to us. Having access to these amazing dams is the backbone of this fundraiser.
This year s Fly-fishing Festival was a huge success! Fisherman arrived from near and far for a festive weekend. They gathered at Hopewell Dam clubhouse, owned by Dawie and Mariaan du Plessis, where the committee ladies provided delicious dinners. This year s weather was ideal; fishermen spent two days on the water in the hot sun without a breath of wind. They were spoiled with great fishing and beautiful sunsets.
Hopewell Dam also hosted the Swartberg School kids bass fishing competition on Saturday, making it a great day out for the whole family. Thank you to Dekalb as the Title Sponsor. Thank you to GP van den Berg for going above and beyond. A special thank you to our Major Sponsors: Xplorer, Pioneer, AG Services, Shiptech, Kokstad Milling, Pannar, Farmers Agri Care, Syngenta, UPL, AFGRI Equipment, AFGRI Animal Feeds, Rigtech, KZN Beefmasters, Dorning Motors, Ecovite, Mahindra Zwartberg Garage, RPO KZN, Kynoch, Wild Fly and Gilson Brothers Contracting.
Thank you to our Minor Sponsors: Garrun Underberg, TWK Swartberg, Saamstaan, FNB, Mount Fifty, Voermol, Molatek, EG Vets, Virbac, Afrivet, Agricol, Greenlands, Fairfield Dairies, Underberg Super Spar, Underberg Dairies, Rolyats Super Spar, Johnstones Kokstad, Sani Springs, Underberg Country Club, Castleburn, Build It Kokstad, Bearing and Bolt, Valley Lakes, Groundcover, Spargs, St Bernards Peak Hotel, Lake St Bernard, Kyron, Padel Club, Quantum Silver, Hopewell Cottage, Banchory Cottage, Lalamanzi Southbroom, Axxis FMS and Snow Valley.
Thank you to the Swartberg farmers who donated sheep towards the spit and auction: Jeff Fitch, Clark Rattray, Murray Cathcart, Lance Rorich, Andrew Gilson and Keith Gilson.
Congratulations to Graeme Steart from Giants Fly team for winning the raffle. It was a huge success!
14 Teams of 5 fishermen gave it their all on Friday and Saturday, and most were rewarded with some mighty catches! The results were as follows: 1st Place: EG Commorants 551 cm total. 2nd Place: Xplorer 534 cm total. 3rd Place: Jamaican Rum 527 cm total. Biggest Fish: Antony Mitchell from Team Brandis 69 cm (Hopewell Dam). Best Dam: Waterford Trophy (Andrew Gilson). Riparian of the year: Andrew Gilson. Bonehead: Brian Brandis. Best Photo: Roland Miller.
Well done to Rhett Quin on another successful year as chairman. Thank you to every single sponsor who contributed to this year s SSPA Fly Fishing Festival. See you next year!
