A 12-year-old Somerset West swimmer has taken on one of Cape Town’s most challenging open-water swimming feats, completing the 7.4km crossing from Robben Island to Blouberg Beach in an impressive 2 hours and 48 minutes.
Eva Capri braved icy water temperatures of just 12°C to complete the endurance challenge, accompanied by experienced open-water swimmer and Team SPCA Athlete Howard Warrington.
While the crossing tested her physical endurance, Eva had a greater purpose in mind: raising funds for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, inspired by her love of swimming and animals.
“Those were tough conditions, even for an experienced swimmer,” said Warrington. “Eva showed no signs of fear or fatigue, just determination, strength and an incredible amount of courage. I’m incredibly proud of her.”
For Eva, months of preparation and waiting for suitable weather conditions finally paid off when she reached the starting point at Robben Island.
Reflecting on the experience, she said she was initially energetic but nervous as the boat approached the island.
“When I first got into the ocean, I was a bit cold, but I wanted to keep pushing to see how far I could get. When I realised I was halfway, I knew I would do anything to finish,” she said.
Reaching the shore at Big Bay after 2 hours and 48 minutes left her feeling a sense of achievement and excitement.
Eva also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her journey, including Warrington, boat skipper Elmarie and spotter Charl, who helped make the crossing possible.
Her fundraising campaign has raised R18,100 for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, supporting the organisation’s work to protect, care for and find loving homes for animals in need.
SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham praised Eva for turning her passion into meaningful support for animal welfare.
“Eva has shown how a young person can turn a personal passion into support for animals in need,” said Abraham.
She added that the funds come at a particularly important time for the organisation as it enters one of its busiest and most demanding periods of the year, when the needs of animals and pressure on its teams increase.
Eva’s achievement is a reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference, with her determination helping raise both funds and awareness for animals in need.
Support Eva’s fundraising campaign:
Donations are still welcome through her GivenGain campaign: https://www.givengain.com/project/eva-raising-funds-for-cape-of-good-hope-spca-121771
