South African older women splash their way to health in Soweto pool

[tta_listen_btn listen_text=”Audio” pause_text=”Pause” resume_text=”Resume” replay_text=”Replay”]

AT a public pool in South Africa’s township of Soweto, novice swimmers in their golden years take deep breaths as they move forward, encouraging each other as they go.

More than 40 older women, who have never previously had a chance to learn how to swim, go to the pool every week during the summer to face their fear of drowning and improve their health.

Lifeguard-turned-coach Sibu Zabane launched the class in 2021, when COVID-19 was circulating widely in South Africa, in an effort to help vulnerable older members of the community get fitter.

Gabashane Molefe, 66, joined the class last year after retiring.

Advertisements

“It was a challenge! I couldn’t float, I couldn’t breathe and my knees were sore,” said Molefe, who can now swim without flotation aids.

Ntsiki Mandubu, a novice swimmer, walks to take her spot during swimming lessons at a public pool in Soweto, South Africa, March 14, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Mamie Gabashane Molefe swims at a public swimming pool in Soweto, South Africa, March 29, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Sophie Ndlovu looks on next to Mamie Gabashane Molefe during a break in swimming lessons, at a public pool in Soweto, South Africa, March 28, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Lifeguard-turned-coach Sibu Zabane gestures in front of some of novice swimmers as they take part to a lesson at a public pool in Soweto, South Africa, February 7, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

READ: Pollution adds to Covid-19 deaths, say scientists

Lifeguard-turned-coach Sibu Zabane watches some novice swimmers as they take part in lessons at a kiddies pool in Soweto, South Africa, February 7, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Lifeguard-turned-coach Sibu Zabane gestures in front of some of novice swimmers as they take part to lessons at a public pool, in Soweto, South Africa, March 14, 2023. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Gallery not found.