Roedean Prestige Cup tackles SA’s drowning crisis through sport
The water polo cup is making waves by teaching underprivileged children lifesaving swimming skills and nurturing young athletes.
Every year, more than a thousand lives are lost to drowning in South Africa, a crisis that disproportionately affects children in underprivileged areas.
Many lack access to swimming lessons, so staying afloat remains untaught. But at Roedean School’s Water Polo Prestige Cup, the focus extends beyond competition. It’s about making water safety an accessible reality, one child at a time.
Read more: Roedean School U14 water polo team clinches bronze at Inland Festival
The February 15 and 16 tournament featured eight teams in an exciting showcase of skill. Roedean claimed a decisive win over Crawford International, and St Stithians followed with a commanding 14–2 victory. In the final three matches, Beaulieu College, Roedean, and St Stithians combined for 40 goals, reflecting their dedication to the sport. Ultimately, the true victory lies beyond the pool.
Each participating school has teamed up with an under-resourced institution to teach children the fundamentals of swimming and water safety. For many of these children, this is their first time stepping into a pool, let alone learning how to stay afloat. All partners have taken their roles seriously to provide the support these young learners need. Through hands-on mentorship, proper facilities, and expert instruction, these collaborations are transforming the narrative of water safety in Johannesburg.
Also read: St Johns College narrowly misses at St Andrews College Shields Water Polo Tournament
The following schools have shown their commitment to addressing the issue by partnering with local institutions:
• Reddam House Bedfordview with Tokoza Learn-to-Swim
• St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls with Emaromeni Catholic Primary School
• Kingsmead College with Parkhurst Primary School
• Crawford International with Witkoppen Primary School
• St Mary’s Waverley with HA Jack Primary School
• St Stithians College with Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy
• Roedean School (SA) with Roedean Academy and Johannesburg Girls Primary School
• Beaulieu College with Diepsloot Primary School.
Zamokhule Brown, a product of the Learn-to-Swim programme, transformed from a beginner to a four-time Gauteng provincial water polo player. He shared, “I never thought I’d be where I am today. This programme didn’t just teach me to swim, it gave me the confidence to push boundaries.”
Since its start, nearly 10 000 learners have benefitted, with around 1 000 currently in lessons. Roedean’s head of sport, Marcel Lamont, emphasises the initiative’s significance. “Every child who learns to swim represents a family that is safer around water. We’re not just building athletes, we’re saving lives.”
With the final round of the Prestige Cup scheduled for October, the excitement continues to build. But the greatest triumph won’t be measured in goals or trophies. It will be in the lives changed, the fears conquered, and the knowledge that the water, once a source of danger, is now a place of possibility.
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Related article: Kingsmead learner to make waves for South Africa at World Water Polo Cup in December
