It takes a special kind of grit to look at the icy, unpredictable waters of the Atlantic and dive in, but Kami Engelbrecht’s 7.5km swim was powered by something far stronger than muscle alone.
Cape Town, South Africa (04 May 2026) – Inspired by her mother’s courageous fight against cancer, Grade 10 Rand Park learner, Kami Engelbrecht, decided to stand with her by taking on her biggest physical challenge yet.
In a display of courage and determination, Kami recently embarked on and completed a gruelling 7.5km open-water swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand on Friday, 24 April.
Kami showed resilience and commitment, joining nine fellow swimmers as they set off from Robben Island at 8 am, completing the demanding crossing in an impressive 3 hours and 23 minutes!
“Kami undertook the challenging swim in honour of her mother, who has recently undergone treatment for cancer. Her effort was not only a personal milestone but also a meaningful initiative to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection,” Rand Park High School shared.
The swim was not without its challenges. The young swimmer encountered jellyfish, tidal currents, marine life, and even ocean litter along the way – obstacles that tested both her physical endurance and mental strength.
Kami’s mother, Shan Engelbrecht, shared the pride in her daughter’s feat on the school’s post, saying that each stroke was a declaration that she would survive her cancer battle.
“I’m so proud of you and your determination. My guiding light,” Shan said.
Beyond the personal milestone, Kami’s feat serves as a gentle but firm wake-up call for the rest of us.
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As her school puts it:
“Her achievement stands as an inspiring example of determination, while also shining a spotlight on an important cause close to her heart. Well done Kami!”
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