Shosholoza: An African Dream

Shosholoza means “to move forward.” It is also the title of South Africa’s unofficial national anthem. By naming its boat Shosholoza and manning it with a mixed race crew, sponsor T-Systems captured the new spirit of South Africa through the drama and excitement of a 2007 America’s Cup Challenge.

Behind the scenes is the Izivunguvungu Sailing School, a non-profit founded in 1997 by SA Olympic sailor Ian Ainslie. The school teaches Cape Town’s disadvantaged youth and street children life skills through sail training.

Part of the MSC Foundation, the school’s key benefactor is Captain Salvatore Sarno who also serves as the Managing Director of Team Shosholoza. Assisting with the youth sailing program is the South African Navy.

Together, their efforts are changing the lives of the poorest of South Africa’s children: instilling pride through the discipline of sailing and national identity through positive role models, black and white, crewing aboard Team Shosholoza.

Bowman, Golden Mgedeza and other Team Shosholoza crew members became new heroes for children who are turning away from crime, returning to school, and embracing sailing as a way to give new meaning to their lives.