Premier Zille Supports Call to Rename Robben Island Swim After Theodore Yach

Premier Helen Zille expresses her deepest condolences to the family of Theodore Yach, following his untimely passing.

Mr Yach was a world-renowned swimmer and author. He remains South Africa’s most decorated open water and ultra-cold swimmer, having secured accolades throughout his illustrious career of over 30 years.

Premier Zille has today announced her support for renaming the Robben Island to Cape Town swim the ‘Theodore Yach Challenge’, in his honour.

“I can think of no honour more appropriate than naming this event after Mr Yach. He was the first person in history to complete the Robben Island to Cape Town swim a full 100 times over,” said the Premier.

Mr Yach is also well known for having completed a swim across the English Channel in 2012.

The Premier further conveyed her admiration for the transformational contribution that Mr Yach has made to Cape Town and its residents.

While Mr Yach is world famous as a swimmer, he is also celebrated in Cape Town for being one of the key strategists and drivers behind the City Improvement District, which helped the City avoid the inner-city decay that has affected so many other cities in South Africa and across the world.  The maintenance of a thriving central City, under his guidance and leadership, is a key reason why the Western Cape has continued a steady rate of economic growth and the highest rate of job creation in the country.

“Theodore Yach was an extraordinary man. He was the visionary and the brains behind the City Improvement District and has played a huge role in the transformation of the City,” said Zille.  “To his wife, Michelle, his sons David and Daniel, his mother Estelle and his siblings, we send our deepest condolences and wishes for a long life.”

May his soul rest in peace.