Sailing Fraternity Mourns the Death of Talented Young Sailor Who Represented SA at Youth World Championships

• A young sailor's life came to an abrupt end when he was stabbed to death in an informal settlement
• Khanya Mafuta represented South Africa in the Youth Sailing World Championships this past July
• SA Sailing mourns the untimely death of the kind and talented young man who lost his life due to rampant crime in the country

MOSSEL BAY - Khanya Mafuta was stabbed to death at Marikana township in KwaNonqaba close to Mossel Bay. He was a sailor and joined SA Sailing five years ago via the Skipper Foundation.

The 18-year-old was chosen months ago to represent the country in the Netherlands in the Youth Sailing World Championships, reported News 24. Michael Robinson, the president of SA Sailing, said:

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"We are all absolutely devastated by the news of Khanya’s tragic death. He was a truly wonderful young man who worked hard and was forging a promising sailing career that could have changed his life.”

According to Dispatch Live, Lindani Mchunu, SA Sailing transformation officer, said World Sailing collaborates with clubs across the world to offer sailing opportunities to underprivileged kids like Khanya.

He also said it's unfortunate that crime in the country prevents young people from realising their dreams.

"To have such a fun loving and talented young man taken away in these circumstances is an absolute tragedy. So many of SA Sailing’s development programmes are aimed at at-risk youth to provide a way out for them by introducing them to sailing — not just as a sport or pastime, but also a possible profession in the maritime industry. Khanya’s tragic, untimely death shows just how great that risk is.”

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Tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu says German tourists are not deterred by murder

Briefly News recently reported that Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu noted that there were cancellations by German tourists who planned to vacation in South Africa. She was speaking at a media briefing following the murder of a German near the Kruger National Park.

Sisulu said the government is “on top” of the situation. She said discussions around increasing hotel security for the safety of tourists are also being had.

Source: Briefly News