LONG SWIM TO FREEDOM

A dozen swimmers braved the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean on Freedom Day to raise funds for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as well as awareness for the plight of the Palestinians.

Symbolically, the event, which took the form of a relay, saw the swimmers cross the 7.4km stretch from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand, on Sunday 27 April.

Aiming to raise at least R500 000 for the Gift of the Givers' efforts, the humanitarian organisation said on Sunday afternoon that the event had brought in around R600 000.

Among the swimmers were youths such as Saarah Moosajee (11) and Amaan Fataar (18).

It also included novice adult swimmer Dr Karen Daniels, representing South African Healthcare Workers for Palestine, and the seasoned Nadia Kariel, who previously completed a back-to-back crossing to Robben Island and back in a single swim.

The organisers of the event stated: “Swimmers are ordinary South Africans taking to waters synonymous with our history of struggle and incarceration in solidarity with others who suffer under oppression.

“It is in the spirit of the words of Tata Madiba [Nelson Mandela], that we know that ‘our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians’.”

They further described it as a collective stand for humanity, done in gratitude for South Africa’s achievement of democracy 31 years ago.