Following the January 22, 2023 launch of the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy, Afrika Tikkun issued this press release:

26 January 2023

Eleventh Grader unites swimmers across the seven seas

In a world mostly driven by self-interests, personal gains and individualistic ideals, the actions of one selfless young visionary, all the way from Northern Virginia in the United States, have helped restore our faith in mankind. Sasha Minsky, an 11th Grader from the Potomac school, embarked on a feat many twice his age can only dream of achieving.

On Sunday, 22 January 2023, Sasha’s awe-inspiring efforts brought together Afrika Tikkun, the father of Alexandra Mr. Linda Twala (Bab’ Twala), King David High School (Linksfield), and Aquatics Gauteng Lions to witness the launch of the Alexandra Youth Swimming Academy (AYSA). Sasha’s relentless resolve and philanthropic spirit, saw them raise more than $20 000 in swimming kits that were awarded to 120 Afrika Tikkun and AYSA beneficiaries. In addition, King David High School (Linksfield) have granted the young boys and girls access to their pool for swimming lessons, coached by Aquatics Gauteng instructors every Sunday.

This initiative was borne after Sasha met with the father of Alexandra in 2019, who expressed his dream: “to teach the kids of Alexandra to swim”. During his trip to Alexandra, Sasha was exposed to the squalid and derelict conditions of Alexandra township. Bab’ Twala also took Sasha to see the Jukskei river, one of the longest rivers in Johannesburg that runs parallel to the dilapidated shacks.

It was this scenario that spurred Sasha to act. Thus, in 2020, Sasha began mobilising and raising funds to make Bab’ Twala’s dream and his vision a reality. Indeed, the actions of Sasha, Jeff, Bab’ Twala, Aquatics Gauteng, King David High School and Afrika Tikkun have afforded young boys and girls from Alexandra a chance at a better life.

As Marc Lubner, Afrika Tikkun Group CEO, marvels: “In a world increasingly focused on self-interests, leaders like Sasha offer a different approach, the high road towards human togetherness. We would rather choose their way, of outstanding service-driven leadership.”