Coach Rambo Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Community Safety and Lifesaving in Zimbabwe

Swimming instructor, lifesaver and motorcycling enthusiast Victor Kazembe, popularly known as Coach Rambo, has been honoured with an Honorary Award by the Young Achievers Awards Zimbabwe for his contribution to community safety and lifesaving. The recognition celebrates Kazembe’s dedication to responding to emergencies and promoting water safety in communities. He has earned a reputation for taking action during dangerous situations, particularly when people face water-related emergencies. His work as a swimming instructor, scuba diver and lifesaver has placed him at the centre of efforts to prevent drowning and improve awareness about water safety. The award provides recognition for a career driven by a commitment to helping others and encouraging young people to contribute positively to their communities.

Kazembe first came into the spotlight after risking his own life to retrieve the bodies of three people who had drowned in a sewage-filled trench in Harare. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by people who respond to emergencies in hazardous environments. Retrieving bodies from contaminated water requires courage, technical skills and an understanding of the risks associated with dangerous water conditions. Kazembe’s willingness to assist demonstrated the seriousness with which he approaches his role as a lifesaver. His actions also helped bring greater public attention to the importance of trained lifesavers and water-safety awareness in communities where people may encounter dangerous water sources.

His commitment to lifesaving has continued despite personal challenges. Kazembe was recently involved in a motorcycle accident that left him injured, requiring time to recover before returning to his professional activities. After recovering from his injuries, he resumed his work as a scuba diver, lifesaver and swimming instructor. His return demonstrated his determination to continue serving communities despite the setback. Balancing recovery with the physical demands of lifesaving and swimming instruction also reflects the discipline required to work effectively in activities that require strength, endurance and technical ability.

The Honorary Award from the Young Achievers Awards Zimbabwe has therefore arrived at an important point in Kazembe’s journey. Reflecting on the recognition, he dedicated the award to the people who have supported and inspired him throughout his lifesaving career. He described the honour as recognition of his contribution, dedication and efforts to empower, motivate and inspire young achievers. His response also showed that he views lifesaving as a collective responsibility rather than an individual achievement. The recognition acknowledges his personal work while also highlighting the role played by the people and communities who have encouraged him along the way.

“I am deeply honoured to announce that I, Coach Rambo the Lifesaver, received an Honorary Award from the Young Achievers Awards Zimbabwe,” Kazembe said. He explained that the special recognition celebrates his efforts in empowering, motivating and inspiring young achievers. His statement reflects the broader impact he hopes to make through his work beyond responding to emergencies. As a swimming instructor, he has an opportunity to teach practical skills that can help people become safer around water. His lifesaving work also allows him to promote responsible behaviour and awareness of the risks associated with drowning.

Kazembe said the recognition has strengthened his commitment to saving lives, preventing drowning and promoting water-safety education. These areas remain central to his work as a swimming coach and lifesaver, particularly in communities where access to formal water-safety education may be limited. Teaching people how to behave safely around swimming pools, rivers, dams and other bodies of water can help reduce preventable accidents. Swimming instruction can also equip children and adults with important skills that may help them respond more effectively in water emergencies. By combining swimming education with lifesaving and community service, Kazembe has created a role that addresses both emergency response and prevention.

“I dedicate this recognition to everyone who has supported my journey in lifesaving, scuba diving, swimming coaching, water-safety education and community service,” he said. Kazembe emphasised that the award has strengthened his determination to save lives, prevent drowning and inspire young people to serve their communities. His message places young people at the centre of his vision for safer communities. Encouraging young people to develop practical skills and participate in community service can help create a culture in which people take responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of others. His work therefore combines direct lifesaving intervention with a wider effort to encourage community involvement.

The lifesaver also expressed gratitude to the Young Achievers Awards Zimbabwe for recognising his contribution. He acknowledged the support of his family, friends, fellow lifesavers, bikers, partners and the wider Zimbabwean community. According to Kazembe, the award belongs to everyone who has contributed to his journey rather than being solely a personal achievement. This recognition of his support network reflects the collaborative nature of community safety work, where individuals often depend on training, encouragement and cooperation from others. His appreciation also reinforces the importance of recognising the wider community behind people who dedicate themselves to public service.

“To the Young Achievers Awards Zimbabwe, thank you for recognising my work,” Kazembe said. He extended his appreciation to his family, friends, fellow lifesavers, bikers, partners and the entire Zimbabwean community. He also stressed that the mission continues, with a focus on saving lives and building a safer future for young people. His message indicates that he intends to use the recognition as motivation to continue his work rather than as an endpoint in his career. For communities that face water-safety challenges, continued education and the presence of trained lifesavers can play an important role in reducing risks.

Kazembe’s passion for motorcycling forms another important part of his public identity. He continues to balance his responsibilities as a lifesaver, swimming coach and scuba diver with his enthusiasm for motorcycles. His involvement with the biking community has also expanded the network of people with whom he interacts outside his professional lifesaving activities. Managing these interests alongside physically demanding water-based work requires commitment, discipline and careful attention to safety. His experience following the motorcycle accident also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety across all areas of his life.

The recognition of Coach Rambo by the Young Achievers Awards Zimbabwe highlights the value of individuals who dedicate their skills to protecting and supporting others. Kazembe’s work has combined emergency response, swimming instruction, scuba diving and water-safety education with a commitment to community service. His decision to return to lifesaving work after recovering from a motorcycle accident further demonstrates his determination to continue helping people. The honour also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about drowning prevention and the importance of learning basic water-safety skills. As Kazembe continues his work, his message remains focused on saving lives, empowering young people and encouraging communities to take safety seriously.