Cape Town – The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is proud to celebrate the renewal of Oceana Group’s Platinum Partnership support, marked by a symbolic cheque handover event held at NSRI Station 3, V&A Waterfront, on Friday, 10 April.
The event saw Oceana Group CEO Neville Brink hand over a cheque representing funds raised through Oceana’s recent golf day, which generated R283,000, alongside confirmation of their R395,000 Platinum Partnership contribution for 2026. This continued support reinforces a longstanding relationship that has played a vital role in life-saving operations and water safety education across South Africa.
Oceana first supported the NSRI in 2002 and became a Platinum Partner in 2013. Over more than two decades, this enduring relationship has grown into a meaningful collaboration rooted in a shared commitment to saving lives and strengthening water safety in coastal communities.
“Partnerships like this enable us to continue our mission of saving lives, changing lives, and creating futures,” said NSRI CEO Mike Vonk. “Oceana’s consistent support, both financially and through active collaboration, has had a tangible impact on our rescue capability and our drowning prevention programmes.”
Beyond financial contributions, Oceana and the NSRI collaborate on development initiatives within the small-scale fishing sector. These include NSRI-led water safety sessions incorporated into Oceana-supported programmes – equipping fishers with essential lifesaving knowledge and skills.
The partnership has also expanded into broader community initiatives. Oceana has supported water safety education for children in disadvantaged communities, including funding programmes in the Eastern Cape linked to World Drowning Prevention Day. In addition, NSRI volunteers have participated in Oceana-led initiatives, including Mandela Day activities and coastal clean-ups.
A key focus of the collaboration is improving safety among small-scale fishers – a group particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents. Through joint initiatives, hundreds of fishers across provinces, including the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, have received water safety and survival swimming training, helping to build safer and more resilient coastal communities.
“Oceana’s Platinum Partnership with the NSRI reflects our recognition of the critical role they play in saving lives,” said Oceana Group CEO, Neville Brink.
“Through our collaboration, particularly in the small-scale fishing sector, we are able to contribute to meaningful, sustainable change – equipping communities with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe on and around the water.”
The cheque handover symbolises not only continued financial support, but also a shared vision between the two organisations – to reduce drowning incidents and protect livelihoods connected to South Africa’s waters.
“Looking after the fishing and maritime industries is a core part of our mandate,” added Vonk. “It is a natural fit for the NSRI and Oceana to stand together in this space. This partnership continues to grow from strength to strength, and its impact is felt in communities across the country.”
The NSRI extends its sincere gratitude to the Oceana Group for their ongoing commitment to water safety.
