Vuyisile Jaca is a young woman from Umzinto Emgangeni on the South Coast who is 24 years old. Vuyisile, also known as Vuyi, studied nautical studies in high school at JG Zuma High School in KwaBester. At the Umkomaas ScubaCoDiving and Travel base, is wherer she improved her sailing abilities.

She later joined Sail Africa in 2015 when she began her swimming lesson. The Sail Africa Youth Organization helped me learn and develop, and earlier this year I participated in a swimming program run by KZN Aquatics, where I assisted in teaching primary school students from our neighborhood in the municipal pools. Later, I had the chance to take an LTS course through KZN Aquatics, which is how I was able to improve my swimming,” said Vuyisile.

Vuyisile is currently a swimming instructor and an assistant sailing instructor with Sail Africa. She has worked arduously and with determination to hone her sailing abilities. Participating in significant sailing competitions has given her exposure, which has helped.

The proudest moment of her career according to Vuyiswa, was participating in the Vasco da Gama ocean race in 2021 and placing first in the L34 class and seventh overall. Her readiness for The Maiden Factor has been influenced by her participation in the Vasco da Gama.

Vuyisile will be among the all-female crew sailing for the Maiden Factor leg, which will compete in an around-the-world race to raise money for girls’ education, after passing the application and interview requirements. Beginning on November 3, 2022, a ship will set sail from Dakar, Senegal, to Cape Town for the Maiden Factor leg.

The Maiden Factor is a global ambassador for empowerment by raising funds for girls’ education around the world. On this year’s leg representing South Africa is Sail Africa’s swimming instructor Vuyisile Jaca who will partake in the leg from Dakar, Senegal to Cape Town

‘’Being a thalassophile (A person who is fond of being in the sea) is nice and water sports are fun!! It is okay to challenge yourself, do something different, and explore. We are still young so let us explore more. I believe if you put your mind to something you can do it. Let us not fear water. Let us Sail and Swim!!’’

EMC would like to send Vuyisile best wishes as she prepares to set sail and steer a straight course while flying the South African flag aloft.