PE2EL Ocean Canoe Challenge 2025 delivers epic finish as new guard takes on legends
Sibusiso Zulu draws on mental strength and discipline during the PE2EL, mirroring his journey from micro-entrepreneur to Helplink graduate.
Image: Supplied
The 250km Port Elizabeth to East London (PE2EL) Ocean Canoe Challenge, widely regarded as the world’s toughest ocean paddling race, concluded in a spectacular display of grit, endurance and human spirit. The four-day event, held from December 3 to 6, 2025, proved a resounding success and reflected the resilience and perseverance championed by its key sponsor, Helplink, the AI-powered platform transforming South Africa’s informal economy.
The 2025 PE2EL lived up to its nicknames, "The Maker of Men" and "The Blood, Guts and Glory Race," serving as a powerful, 250km metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey and the challenges of building a compliant business in South Africa.
An Epic Finish: The New Guard vs The Old Guard
The final stage of the race delivered one of the most thrilling head-to-head battles in the event's history. In a gripping ocean duel that showcased the competitive caliber of the event, rising star Zach Preyser crossed the finish line just 20m ahead of Helplink-sponsored athlete, three-time winner Bevan Manson, after an incredible 68km of head-to-head racing. The clash between Preyser and Manson was a true showcase of the new guard taking on the old guard in an unforgiving ocean battle.
Three-time PE2EL winner Bevan Manson powers through the final stage, proving once again why he remains one of the toughest competitors in ocean paddling.
Image: Supplied
Helplink Paddlers Embody the Spirit of Endurance
Helplink’s sponsored trio of paddlers - brand ambassador and Helplink graduate Sibusiso Zulu, dedicated lifeguard Sandile Menjenjalo, and champion athlete Manson - all successfully navigated the treacherous Sunshine Coast. Their participation provided emotional storytelling and a powerful, living connection between the rigorous demands of the PE2EL and the tenacity required for micro-entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses.
“The PE2EL is called the world’s toughest paddle race for a reason: it strips you down to raw determination and forces you to keep moving forward no matter what the ocean throws at you,” said Adelaide McKelvey, executive director of Helplink. “That same unrelenting grit is exactly what South Africa’s micro-entrepreneurs need to break into the formal economy and thrive there. Zulu, Menjenjalo and Manson proved on those 250km of brutal coastline what we see every week on the Helplink platform: when resilience is paired with the right tools, mentorship and clear direction, people don’t just survive the journey; they finish stronger and ready for whatever comes next. We’re incredibly proud to have our mission of fast, sustainable formalisation riding alongside this legendary race.”
A Message of Grit and Growth
Helplink graduate Zulu represented the thousands of resilient micro-entrepreneurs ready to make the leap into the formal economy. “The Helplink programme taught me that endurance is not just physical; it's about having the right strategy, mentors, and the mental fortitude to push past the breaking point,” said Zulu. “Every day on the PE2EL race needed focus and proper commitment, just the same as in running my business. I am proud to represent the thousands of resilient micro-businesses in South Africa who are ready to make the leap into the formal economy.”
Champion paddler Manson added a compelling voice to the importance of perseverance: “Four days of non-stop big swells and howling wind on the PE2EL teach you pretty quickly that quitting is never an option,” said Manson, three-time PE2EL winner and Helplink-sponsored athlete. “That exact mindset is what Helplink instils in every micro-entrepreneur they support: keep paddling, stay on course, and trust the process even when it hurts.”
Menjenjalo, who received access to the Helplink AI Course as part of his sponsorship, perfectly highlighted the race's relevance to career advancement and life skills, embodying the Helplink spirit that real growth occurs when grit meets guidance and learning fuel’s purpose.
Helplink: Fuelling Inclusive Growth
The success of the PE2EL challenge provides a perfect, high-impact platform to highlight Helplink’s role in bridging the gap in South Africa’s economy. The company’s AI-powered platform, supported by extensive mentorship, accelerates the growth of micro-businesses into compliant, fundable and future-ready enterprises through SETA-aligned, AI-enabled business growth training.
Helplink is actively seeking funders and partners to empower not only their own employees but also micro-businesses from their supply chain.