A Grade 12 learner from Matatiele is set to represent South Africa in the United States after being selected to attend the prestigious Arshay Cooper Leadership Rowing Camp in Vermont later this month.
Sibabalwe Msindo, who attends the Lawhill Maritime Centre Programme at Simon’s Town High School, will join learners from around the world in a leadership, personal development and rowing programme.
Sibabalwe relocated to Cape Town in 2025 after being accepted into the Lawhill Maritime Centre. Although he only started rowing in June 2025, he quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed Lawhill Rowing Captain after just four months.
“When I received the call, I couldn’t believe it. I felt incredibly proud and even shed tears of joy,” he said.
Initially, Sibabalwe struggled with the sport, but says inspiration from his older brother, Athabile Msindo, and fellow rower Zimele Masike, both former Arshay Cooper camp participants, changed his perspective.
“They made me fall in love with the calmness, the peace and the happiness that rowing brings.”
The aspiring leader hopes the camp will help him improve both his rowing and leadership skills.
“I want to learn new ways of rowing, become a better leader and bring back new ideas to teach the younger rowers at my school,” he said.
Despite the demands of Grade 12, Sibabalwe says rowing has helped him manage the pressures of school.
“Being out on the ocean helps me release stress and anxiety. It refreshes my mind and prepares me to study again.”
His journey from rural Matatiele to an international leadership programme is a testament to how determination, perseverance and hard work can create life-changing opportunities.
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