In 2022, I established key partnerships that formed the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy. King David Linksfield (KDL), overseen by Principal Lorraine Srage, provides use of their eight-lane pool and transports the children between Alexandra and KDL. Certified instructors from Aquatics Gauteng (AG), led by Anton Jordaan, teach the boys and girls to swim using a Gauteng Department of Education (GDE)-approved curriculum. Afrika Tikkun, led by Marc Lubner and dedicated to empowering the impoverished youth of South Africa, provides administrative and financial support for the project.

Following is an excerpt from my keynote speech at the January 2023 launch of the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy that highlights the value of each of the partners:

First, this project doesn’t happen without the vision of Linda Twala, the father of Alexandra, and the tireless efforts of his protégé, Lawrence Ruele. I’ll never forget when Baba Twala said during a Zoom call in 2020, “my dream is to teach the kids of Alex to swim.” As a life-long swimmer, that was music to my ears.

Second, this project doesn’t happen without a pool, and there’s no better partner to fulfill this requirement than King David Linksfield. Not only is KDL generously providing use of their beautiful 8-lane pool, but they’re also ensuring the transportation of the Alex kids, which is key. Partnering with KDL was predestined, given their history working with Alex and the kind-hearted nature of EVERYONE at this amazing school.

Third, this project doesn’t happen without a swim curriculum and certified instructors that are being provided by Aquatics Gauteng, which is affiliated with Swimming South Africa. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Anton Jordaan, president of Aquatics Gauteng, personally involved. His ‘buttoned-up’ curriculum, which will take our swimmers first through water safety and then through learn-to-swim, is the product of collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

And finally, this project doesn’t happen without kids, and Afrika Tikkun is the critical component in bringing much needed professionalism and support toward organizing the kids who will participate in our program. I had the opportunity to spend time at Afrika Tikkun’s Phuthaditjhaba in Alex, as well as at one of their transformative agriculture facilities in Diepsloot. We’re fortunate that Marc Lubner, Afrika Tikkun’s CEO, has embraced our program and  provided us support from his world-class staff.

The beauty of our program is that everyone involved shares Baba Twala’s initial vision.  Each party needs and depends on the other, and it’s this SYMBIOTIC relationship that will serve to keep us going throughout the summer and beyond.