Of the 225 8 Milers, Fred is the only person swimming in aid of marine conservation - an issue that has for very good reason moved to the top of the environmental agenda over the past few years.

As a keen surfer, Fred spends a lot of time in the ocean and as a journalist, focuses a lot of his work in covering critical issues affecting the health of the oceans. His decision to swim in aid of WildOceans - the marine conservation arm of the WildTrust - was largely inspired by the Ocean Stewards programme, which helps train young marine scientists. Like Professor George Branch, author of Living Shores and co-author of Two Oceans: a Field Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa, Fred rates the Ocean Stewards programme as one of the most dynamic marine conservation initiatives to have emerged in South Africa.

“It offers a wonderful blend of practical, hands-one experience, training in modern survey methods, and the challenge to think for oneself, as well as the joyous personal friendships that breach barriers across age, race and language.” – Professor George Branch. Read more here: https://rovingreporters.co.za/ocean-stewards-inspired-by-beach-bum-extraordinaire/

Fred is an associated director of Roving Reporters environmental journalism programme. He is an award-winning journalist who has been described by colleagues as a breed of journalist now so rare in South Africa, they should be listed by CITES.

Fred was roped into the 2019 8 Mile Club at the eleventh hour. Please do help him accomplish his fundraising target of R12,000.

Note: For tax requirements, a S18 certificate can be issued on request from WILDTRUST. Please email me on fredk@rovingreporters.co.za or contact Stan Kozlwoski on 083 654 8663 for further information.