Winter swim for rhino charity

JAY Azran, a keen swimmer, although relatively new to the concept of open water swimming, has pledged to swim 2.5km across crocodile and hippo infested waters of Jozini Dam to raise funds for Project Rhino KZN.

On behalf of Swaziland’s Royal Jozini Big 6 Game Development, Azran hopes his winter swim, on 28 June, will attract charitable donations from far and wide for this worthy cause.

‘The rhino war got out of control a long time ago and it only seems to be escalating,’ said Azran when asked about the inspiration for his daring swim.

He went on to say, ‘I don’t think people realise the reality of what is happening and how fast this species is dwindling.

‘Working here at Royal Jozini Big 6 every day and looking across the dam, daring myself to swim it, I thought a swim to save the rhino would make it worthwhile.’

Azran, who swam for his school before focusing on running as a sport, got into open water swimming a mere two years ago, after slipping some discs in his back and being advised to stop running.

His most recent event was a five kilometre swim, his longest to date, at the Bela Bela Splash in Limpopo at the end of March.

Having grown up in Hillcrest and Salt Rock before heading overseas, Azran has been living and working in Swaziland since 2007.

The weather dependent event is scheduled to begin between 9am and 10am on 28 June.

The 2.5km stretch of Jozini Dam across which Azran plans to swim is at the South African-Swaziland border.

All monies raised will be donated to Project Rhino KZN.

Anyone who is willing and able can make a donation to the following account: Unity Properties (Pty) Ltd, Standard Bank, Account No: 251175138, Branch Code: 042826, Ref: Project Rhino KZN