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How the Lamontville Swimming Academy is transforming young lives

Lungisani Zulu, lifeguard and swimming coach started the Lamontville Swimming Academy to teach children how to swim. Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers In the heart of Lamontville, south of Durban, a movement is quietly transforming young lives, one lap at a time. The Lamontville Swimming Academy, founded in 2023 by local lifeguard and community leader Lungisani Zulu, is not just teaching kids to swim; it's instilling discipline, confidence, and dreams in a community often overlooked. Zulu noted that Lamontville has produced several lifeguards for Durban's beaches. 'Our swimmers have competed at national and even international levels. Swimming has always been part of Lamontville's DNA. I started the academy to bring back that culture and give our kids a real shot.' Inspired by his own upbringing and the legacy of local swimming coach Sthembiso Madiya, Zulu said it is about giving back. 'I believe in serving the community. These kids have talent. I wanted to gather them, mentor them, and help them reach higher,' he said. The Lamontville Swimming Academy was founded in 2023 by local lifeguard and community leader Lungisani Zulu. Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The academy has already made an impact, thanks in part to support from the community and generous sponsors. 'Engen came on board in 2023 and helped us with kickstarting the academy, providing us with swimming boards, goggles, and equipment,' said Zulu. 'We've also received amazing support from DJ Thukzin, who lives in Lamontville, and Arena South Africa, who have been with us since the beginning. We are grateful.' The academy caters to a wide age group, nurturing swimmers from as young as five years old up to young adults. 'We start training them early, from age five, because that's when you can really build strong water skills and confidence,' he explained. 'But we don't limit it; some of our swimmers are in their teens, and we even work with young adults who want to improve or become lifeguards. It's about opening the door for everyone who wants to learn, no matter their age.' The academy caters to a wide age group, nurturing swimmers from as young as five years old up to young adults Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers The young swimmers speak passionately about what the academy has meant to them. Mayenziwe Mbutho said, 'As a child from a disadvantaged community, I see myself changing that. I regard swimming as a career; I want to be a professional.' For Sphamandla Mbuyisa, the academy represents more than sport: 'My dream is to become a strong and confident swimmer, maybe even compete nationally. The academy taught me teamwork, sharing, and caring for others.' Lubanzi Mkhize added that swimming had brought confidence. 'I feel safe knowing I have one of the best life skills. This is my place of growth.' And for Lwandile Radebe, swimming brought personal transformation. 'I joined because I love being in the water. Now I can swim at the beach without fear. It gave me hope, got me off the streets, and taught me that I have purpose.' Sbongakonke Yolanda Mkhize said her dream is to become a professional swimmer and a lawyer, to serve justice and make her community proud. 'Swimming is about more than water; it's about presentation and discipline.' However, the academy faces significant challenges. 'We only have one pool in Lamontville, a 25-metre unheated pool. In winter, it's a struggle. We can't train properly,' said Zulu. 'We also lack transport to bigger facilities like King's Park and need more equipment. We even work with schools to try and ensure the kids have proper nutrition. But we need help.' Support from parents has been a game changer. 'In the past, support from families was missing. But now, the parents of our swimmers are behind us. Their involvement motivates me too,' said Zulu. Zulu concluded, 'We're building more than swimmers; we're shaping future leaders, teaching life skills, and giving kids a reason to believe in themselves.' THE MERCURY