Swimmers Made a Splash for Charity, Raising Over R1 Million!

Youth development swimmers from the Lamontville Swimming Academy enjoyed the opportunity to compete in their first open-water swim. Photo Credit: Supplied

Personal goals were met, over a million was raised, 14 charities were generously supported, and the community came together in a true display of South African ubuntu at this year’s epic Oceans 8 Charity Swim!

Durban, South Africa (25 June 2025) – This past weekend, the Durban Undersea Club was alive with energy and purpose as hundreds of participants came together for the 2025 Oceans 8 Charity Swim!

Embracing the spirit of ubuntu, they made waves, literally and figuratively, raising a phenomenal R1.1 million for a cause that truly matters.

This incredible sum will be channelled into 14 remarkable charities dedicated to conservation, education, and uplifting local communities.

From seasoned athletes to first-time ocean swimmers, everyone dove in not just for the thrill of the challenge, but to help rewrite the narrative for those in need.

At this year’s event, some 250 swimmers took to the water across four distances, the 1, 4, 8, and the new 16-mile challenge, from 14 to 16 June. Day 2 (Sunday, 15 June) was moved to the contingency date the following day due to unfavourable conditions.

“The safety and well-being of our swimmers is always our top priority,” said Hilary Bruss, Race Organiser.

“With the north-easterly bringing in bluebottles early on Sunday, we are grateful to all participants and service teams for their flexibility and understanding in using the contingency day. It is a privilege to swim in the ocean, even when nature has other plans.”

From the early build-up to the final swim, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and camaraderie. Warm weather and clear water visibility added to the magic, and the event village was buzzing with activity.

Bruss said an event of this nature required significant collaboration:

“We’re deeply grateful to everyone who played a part, from our safety crew and volunteers to every swimmer and supporter. Congratulations to all our top achievers and especially to those who took on their very first ocean swim.”

Londi Busse (Durban North) competed in this year’s newest race addition, the 16 Mile event, which was tough yet well worthwhile.

Oceans 8 Highlights

Among them were the youth development swimmers from the Lamontville Swimming Academy, whose courage and enthusiasm were inspiring. With entries fully sponsored by the Balwin Foundation NPC, these young athletes embraced the challenge with heart and determination, cheered on by fellow swimmers.

Londi Busse, who took on the new addition to the race, the 16 Mile, said it was well worth the effort:

“Swimming 16 miles is a deep conversation between your body, your mind, and your purpose. There were tough moments, but my ‘why’ kept me going. Every stroke was worth it to support something bigger than myself.”

Sphelele Ngubane, a first-time competitor who swam in the 1 Mile, commented:

“I absolutely loved it! It’s a beautiful, relaxed, and fun experience – all while making a difference. Next year, I’m aiming for four miles, or even eight!”

Special thanks were extended to all supporting partners, the generous goodie bag and prize sponsors, as well as key financial sponsors: Stanley, ARENA, Alu Direct, Umngeni Water and IGLU Therapy.

Bruss also thanked all the participants for the incredible fundraising efforts, one of whom was Jacqueline Cameron, who raised R35,000, topping the list!

“This has become the number one event in my calendar each year,” commented Cameron.

“The organisers and charities who put this together go above and beyond for the swimmers and for the incredible work they are doing for charity. The weekend is about camaraderie among swimmers from different walks of life – this is an amazing aspect of the event, considering swimming is always thought of as a solo sport. The cherry on top is that the event is all about supporting some incredible KZN charities – this inspires me to keep training and coming back each year.”