How the Prestige Cup goes beyond water polo and teaches young people lifesaving skills and confidence in the water
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 October 2025)- Get ready for the thrilling conclusion of the Roedean School Prestige Cup! All about giving children the confidence and ability to stay safe in and around water. The finals are set for 11 October 2025, and this year’s showdown promises action, excitement, and plenty of water polo drama.
Now celebrating its 15th year, the Prestige Cup has grown beyond just a school tournament. It is become a movement, bringing together Johannesburg schools to champion water safety and prevent drownings. A cause that couldn’t be more important. South Africa records an average of 1,477 fatal drownings annually, with a rate of 2.54 per 100,000 people. Learning to swim is a life-saving, especially for kids in under-resourced communities.
That is why every team in the tournament partners with a school from a lower-income area to teach swimming, share mentorship, and spread water safety knowledge. Have a look at this year’s pairings.
- 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 (Barnato Park High School and Newgate College)
- Roedean School (SA) with Johannesburg Girls Primary School
- Beaulieu College with Diepsloot Primary School
The February heats saw Roedean, St Stithians, and Beaulieu emerge as top contenders. After months of training, these teams are ready to dive back in, bringing strategy, skill, and fast-paced water polo thrills to the pool.
The tournament ties in with Roedean’s Learn-to-Swim programme, which has introduced over 10,000 children to water safety, with 1,000 pupils currently taking part.
Every pass, shot, and save reflects lives saved and young people inspired. The cup proves that with collaborations of different communities and backgrounds, as well as a splash of fun, we can make a real difference.
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