As SA marks Freedom Day on Monday, popular Buffalo City Metro (BCM) lifeguard Sandile Menjenjalo, pictured right, will be making waves far from home, lining up in Cape Town against some of the country’s top open-water paddlers.
The 38-year-old, who lives in Potsdam Village in Nxamkwane, has built a life connected to the ocean.
As a child, he spent afternoons swimming at the Buffalo River and in pools where his mother worked.
“I developed a love and respect for the ocean at a young age. After becoming a lifeguard at 18, that connection only grew stronger,” he said.
Menjenjalo officially joined BCM as a lifeguard in 2016, where self-control, consistency, and resilience became part of his daily routine. It was during this time that paddling entered his life, initially as cross-training.
“Open water tests everything — strength, endurance, and decision-making. It’s you versus the elements.”
He credits much of his development to mentors and supporters. Brad Fisher, who recognised his potential, helped open doors into the paddling space.
He also acknowledges the impact of John Woods, Terry Philips, and Duncan Boyd, who pushed him to reach his full potential and instilled the value of endurance training.
“I didn’t always enjoy long-distance work, but they taught me to stay consistent and patient. That’s what built me into the athlete I am today.”
A three-year break from the Border Canoe Club tested his resolve, but his return has been marked by renewed focus and determination.
Now, thanks to the support of a Cape Town-based sponsor and organisations such as Helplink and the Border Canoe Club, he can compete on a national stage.
“That support allowed me to focus fully on training and preparation instead of worrying about costs,” he said. Balancing lifeguarding duties with a demanding training schedule is no easy task. His days often begin before sunrise, in cold, unpredictable water.
Competing in the Freedom Paddle holds deep personal meaning for him.
“This is bigger than sport. It’s about representing Buffalo City and showing that talent from smaller communities can compete at the highest level.”
With Cape Town’s cold waters known for their unpredictability, he said: “My goal is to stay calm, stick to my race plan, and adapt to whatever the ocean throws at me.”
