Our Surfers



Every surfer in Surf for Lives is part of something bigger; a movement built on courage, connection, and community.
While we can’t feature everyone here, we’ve chosen to share the stories of a few who’ve stood out; surfers who have
excelled in their sport, made an impact beyond the waves, or inspired us through their personal journeys. Each one
reflects the spirit of Surf for Lives; riding with heart, purpose, and a deep respect for the ocean.


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Mduduzi Ndovela A Life Rewritten by the Ocean
Mdu first arrived at the club in 2010, a quiet 12-year-old navigating circumstances that would challenge even the strongest among us. Of the four siblings he grew up with, he is the only one still alive today—some were lost to violence, others to prison. His survival is not accidental; it is the result of determination, mentorship, and the welcoming arms of the surf community.
Through the club, he learned to swim, learned discipline, and found a sense of belonging that had long been missing. The older surfers guided him, supported him, and ultimately became his closest friends. Today, he is a devoted father to a little boy who is turning eight, and he is preparing for six months of work away next year to create a better future for his family.
Mdu keeps his life simple—he avoids phones, believing they distract from what truly matters. To him, swimming tests are “easy, if you’re a surfer”—a humble reflection of how far he has come. His journey stands as a quiet but powerful reminder that resilience, community, and the ocean can change the trajectory of a life.

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Siyabonga Building his Future Through Study
Siyabonga is committed to his education, working diligently towards a strong academic pathway. His dedication reflects the broader mission of Surf for Lives: to encourage young people not only to ride waves, but to build futures. His success in the classroom is a source of pride for the entire club.


 
 

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Okhule Ngcungama
Surf For Lives Athlete
 Okhule first touched a surfboard at 12 years old, and the ocean quickly became more than a pastime; it became his direction, his discipline, and his hope. Inspired by surfers like Ethan Ewing and Jordy Smith, Okhule studies the way they move with power, flow, and rail-game precision. He dreams of one day carving waves with the same confidence and purpose. Growing up, life didn’t always offer easy paths, but everything changed when Mduduzi Ndovela brought him “from the street to the ocean.” That moment opened a new world for Okhule; one built on support, mentorship, and the belief that he could become more than his circumstances. He carries deep gratitude for the opportunities surfing has given him. Okhule has represented his district at SA Champs in Jeffreys Bay twice and has competed in the SA Open Camp, experiences that pushed him, challenged him, and strengthened his determination. He dreams of surfing legendary breaks like Scottburgh and St Michael’s on bigger boards; 8 to 9 feet; to feel new speeds, new challenges, and bigger barrels. His long-term goals are as bold as his spirit: to become a professional surfer or pursue a career in law after finishing school. His wish for his final junior year at SA Champs is simple but powerful; to come home with a good result and make his community proud. Okhule’s journey is a reminder of what can happen when passion meets support, and when a young person is given the chance to trade the streets for the sea.

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Amkela Mcgcina

 Amkela is a determined and passionate young man whose journey began in the ocean under the careful guidance of Royden, who taught and nurtured him to swim and surf from a young age. Growing up, Amkela has had to navigate life in a privileged area as the grandson of a valued cleaner in the community, carrying himself with humility, grace, and quiet strength. His love for the ocean runs so deep that we often have to call him out of the water, and that same passion shines through in his growing lifesaving skills and his natural ability to coach and encourage younger surfers and beginners at Royden’s surf school. Surf For Lives has proudly supported Amkela through his current schooling journey, and today he stands as a focused, caring young man with a bright future ahead of him.

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Tando Sashi
The Swimmer With the Heart of a Surfer Fifteen-year-old Thando joined the surf club at eight and has grown into a calm, dedicated young man with two brothers and one sister. His favourite surfer is Mick Fanning, whose power and finesse inspire him daily.
Although he loves surfing, his future goal is unique, he hopes to become a swimmer once he finishes school. He is deeply connected to the ocean, and Jeffrey’s Bay remains his favourite wave. Thando is a reminder that the sea does not only create surfers; it creates watermen, young people with courage, endurance, and a lifelong love for the water.

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Mashaba The Competitor With a Dream
At just 15, Mashaba already carries the focus and ambition of a seasoned athlete. He joined the club when he was only seven or eight, and today he proudly surfs in the Under-16 division—his first year competing at that level.
He has one younger sister, dreams of becoming a lifeguard after school, and rides every wave with discipline and joy. His favourite surfer is Eli Hanneman, and Jeffrey’s Bay remains his favourite wave. Last year, he reached the quarterfinals at the SA Champs in the Under-14 division, a remarkable achievement for such a young athlete.
His equipment is part of his identity: a perfectly-sized board—5'2 most days, 5'3 when conditions rise, and a trusted 5'4 Smith when the waves are big. Mashaba is the embodiment of potential: grounded, optimistic, and chasing his goals one swell at a time.