A significant milestone was achieved through the partnership between Sun International and the Nalithuba Development Group, providing swimming lessons to school children from various local schools in wards 23 and 24. Sun International went the extra mile by offering free transport to and from their destinations to attend the swimming classes at Wild Coast Sun.
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Mr. Bandile Mdliva, SED manager at Wild Coast Sun, explained that the purpose of this basic swimming course is to equip children with the skills to handle strong currents, particularly as Mbizana is a hotspot for drownings during floods and at sea beaches. Sun International has invested hundreds of thousands in this six-month project, which runs after school.
Mr. Mdliva also expressed gratitude for the presence of Miss Heidi Edison, SED Specialist from Sun International’s head office. The event’s key figures included assistant instructor Nozuko Mbuthuma, main instructor Moses Mbuthuma, and Miss Heidi Edison.
The schools that participated in this historic venture were Marina Senior Secondary School, Vulindlela Com Tech, Plangeni JSS, Sigidi Primary School, Free Methodist Primary School, Ebenezer JSS, and Mdatya Primary School. The top 10 swimmers were Mbhele Vuyolwethu, Sonjica Ntombikayise Oyena, Zulu Azola, Geza Onwabe, Diya Mncedisi, Ntozakhe Awethu, Sonjica Pinkie, Dlamini Minenentle Sienna, and Mbuthuma Anith. Sonjica Ntombikayise Oyena from Marina SSS was the top female swimmer, while Mbhele Vuyolwethu was the top male participant.
Instructor Moses Mbuthuma, who worked tirelessly to ensure the participants’ success, could not hide his happiness, his smile reflecting his pride. He committed to training more children and promised that soon, some of these skilled swimmers would gain recognition.
Mr. Bulelani Mlambo, speaking on behalf of the parents, encouraged them to support their children in their sporting activities as a show of solidarity and motivation. Mrs. N. Qhosha thanked all stakeholders, especially Sun International and Mr. Moses Mbuthuma, for facilitating the course and preparing the children to handle water-related dangers.
The project, which started in 2022, is growing stronger, having spent approximately R500,000 to date on lessons, transportation, meals, and graduation expenses. Mr. Shusha of Nalithuba Development Group expressed the need for a swimming pool to cater to training, competitions, and skill development. Miss Edison praised the Wild Coast Sun Unit for their significant community involvement, expressing her heartfelt connection to the project and encouraging the community’s support. She promised that a swimming pool would eventually be constructed, depending on community dedication.
Additionally, Sun International has teamed up with the Mark Fish Foundation to develop sports in the area, including a sport facility for soccer activities and the promotion of talented soccer players.
