2 Women, 1 Ocean: How the Oceans 8 Charity Swim Has Sparked an Extraordinary Story of Resilience
2 Women, 1 Ocean: How the Oceans 8 Charity Swim Has Sparked an Extraordinary Story of Resilience
In a true reflection of the heart of the Oceans 8 Charity Swim, two South African women - each navigating their own extraordinary challenges - have come together in a powerful act of courage and generosity. This year’s event, taking place on 23 to 24 (25) May 2026 at Vetch’s Beach, will see Alwande Mthembu (Ntuzuma, KZN) compete in the 1-Mile swim for the first time, having received a generous sponsorship from Kathryn Powell (East Rand, GP).
How Kathryn Powell Turned Trauma into Purpose
In 2022, Kathryn Powell’s life changed in an instant when she survived a brutal leopard attack while living in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The injuries were devastating, and she was airlifted to Mediclinic Nelspruit, where doctors worked through the night in an 11-hour surgery to save both her life and her leg.
When she woke from an induced coma, she couldn’t move her left leg or her right arm. Doctors warned she might never walk properly again. She had suffered severe nerve damage that required a further nine surgeries, spending 86 nights in hospital – as well as a life-threatening spinal infection following a neurostimulator procedure intended to manage chronic pain.
It’s been a long journey relearning how to walk, write, and live independently again, supported by her devoted husband, Jason. Despite these setbacks, Kathryn found renewed purpose through open water swimming. Inspired by Jason, she hoped to take part in the Ocean's 8 Charity Swim this year, but ongoing health challenges prevent this.
So, while she continues rebuilding strength, she realised she could better contribute by gifting her entry to someone who might never have had the opportunity – Alwande Mthembu from Made for More.
“Oceans 8 brought so much more than just a swim,”
she shares.
“It gave us an outlet to pour our energy back into the community that supported us during our hardest days. “This is not just about swimming but creating opportunities, lifting others up, and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Meet Alwande, who is Redefining Limits
That opportunity found its way to Alwande, a 22-year-old living with a visual impairment. She’s completely blind in her right eye, with limited vision in her left. But Alwande’s story is defined not by limitation, but by determination.
“I struggled in my early years because I didn’t fully believe in myself,”
she says.
“But now, the confidence I have is beyond compare. Any chance I get to try something new, I take it.”
A chess star at school, Alwande is also a professional dancer who recently completed her studies in Drama, Theatre and Performance. But this multi-talented individual has also succeeded in the sports realm. It was in her matric year (2022) at Open Air School that Alwande discovered adaptive surfing through Made for More, an NPO that uses sport as a platform to empower individuals with disabilities.
Alwande quickly took to the sport, placing second in KZN that same year, going on to earn gold in the SA Surf Champs three years running. She’s even been selected to represent the country at the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship, but financial limitations are the only barrier to this dream.
Now, she is stepping into a new challenge with the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 1-Mile.
“I am out of words for this opportunity,”
she says.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to represent Kathryn and her family. I’m so excited to swim, to grow, and to create lasting connections. I am truly grateful.”
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