One girl. One dream. A nation behind her. Countless hours of training and dedication, and sheer talent have culminated in placing Madison Alberts on the brink of realising her lifelong dream: to represent South Africa at the 2025 International Surf Rescue Championships in New Zealand!
Durban, South Africa (10 July 2025) – Few things compare to the exhilarating moment when hard work, dedication, training, and perseverance perfectly align to place you in a position to pursue your heart’s deepest aspirations. Eighteen-year-old Madison Alberts stands on the brink of realising her lifelong dream, ready to embrace it, and ride the waves of her passion.
The Durban talent, who possesses a deep love for the ocean, has earned the incredible honour of representing South Africa at the 2025 International Surf Rescue Championships in New Zealand, a true culmination of her biggest dreams.
“This means everything to me. Lifesaving has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Countless early mornings, hours of training, and unwavering dedication have led to this moment, and I couldn’t be more excited (and a little nervous!) to wear the green and gold on the world stage,” Madison shares.
According to her mom, Jolene, Madison’s journey is not only about athletic achievement, but about representing her country, chasing a lifelong dream, and showing young people what’s possible with passion and persistence.
However, with the total cost of the trip, flights, accommodation, gear, and entry fees coming to around R75,000, the expense has proven to be more than the family can manage on their own.
Not one willing to back down on what she’s always dreamed of, Madison launched a BackaBuddy campaign six days ago to help raise the funds needed to cover the costs and finally get to represent SA with pride.
“If you’re able to contribute, no matter how small, you’ll be helping me chase a dream I’ve worked so hard for. Every bit of support brings me one step closer to diving into the waves with pride, knowing I have a whole community behind me,” Madison appealed.
To give Madison the boost she needs to reach her goal, visit the One Girl. One Dream. A Nation Behind Her crowdfunding campaign.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

