Visually impaired Durban swimmer tackles charity challenge
After excelling in adaptive surfing with three national gold medals, a KZN woman is now turning her focus to open water swimming.
Alwande Mthembu, a 22-year-old from Ntuzuma, will compete in the 1-Mile Oceans 8 Charity Swim at Vetch’s Beach in Durban from May 23–25 after Kathryn Powell, who is recovering from a 2022 leopard attack, gifted her a sponsorship, reports Berea Mail.
Mthembu, who is blind in her right eye and has limited vision in her left eye, discovered adaptive surfing through Made for More.
After earning three SA gold medals and a national team call-up, she is now adding open-water swimming to her achievements.
“I am out of words for this opportunity,” she says.
“It is a privilege and an honour to represent Kathryn and her family. I am so excited to swim, to grow, and to create lasting connections. I am truly grateful.”
Made for More’s Anele Zama notes that Mthembu came to them still finding her confidence and is now a changed person. “She is living proof of what’s possible when young people are given the chance to discover their potential.”
The swim raises funds for KZN charities – swimmers in the 1-Mile event must contribute R200, plus at least R800 for beneficiaries.
Support Alwande and Kathryn
Support Powell’s campaign and help her reach her R11 000 goal vist Kath & Alwande | One Extraordinary Ocean 8 Swim.
To enter, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. For more information or to learn about partnership opportunities, contact info@oceans8swim.co.za. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.
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