Six South African students made the country proud as they finished third in the international Cape2Rio boat race. They undertook this massive voyage with the idea to spread peace and unity across Africa, and were the first monohull to complete the race.

The announcement, which was shared to the #ImStaying movement Facebook page, garnered huge support and praise from South Africans across the country. “When the youth band together for a cause bigger than themselves I believe that they become true Patriots and it’s their dedication to peace and unity that makes me happy to say #imstaying@jmbusha54peacesailingteam #peacepledge,” posted Damian Johnson-Viljoen to the group. 

The distance the team travelled to make it to the finish line (Source: #ImStaying Movement/Facebook)

The team, called the JM Busha 54 Peace Sailing Team, also thanked everyone who supported them throughout the journey.

“The team is so grateful for all the messages of motivation and for all of the behind the scenes hard work (special thanks to Mike Robinson). A fantastic team effort both on and off the boat. So thankful to have been able to partner with Jmbusha54 for the worthy cause of Peace and Unity in Africa,” the team said on their official Facebook page.

The parents of the students on the boat to support them (Source: JM Busha 54 Peace Sailing Team)

Picture: Cape2Rio official site

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Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.