Cape Town - Founder of the hugely successful Swimmattix Swim School in the Western Cape, Matt Pike, has been recognised as an influential leader at the Forty under 40 South African Awards.
Pike, who has been running his business for just over 10 years, won the Family Business category at the awards hosted in Johannesburg at Radisson Blu Hotel at the weekend.
The Forty under 40 Awards aims to recognise and celebrate emerging leaders who demonstrate or impact the world personally or professionally through their leadership.
Swimmattix Swim School is open at nine (soon to be 10) branches across the Western Cape.
Over the past decade, Pike, who holds a BA in Creative Brand Communications and certifications as a STA Level 2 Swim Teacher, STA Level 2 Baby and Preschool Teacher, and STA International Tutor, transformed a simple backyard venture into a prominent swimming enterprise.
Pike has created a space where people of all ages can learn to swim at affordable rates.
“He has built each of his nine pools from the ground up,” Swimmattix said.
“He also collaborates with foster and safety homes, integrating swimming into rehabilitation programmes for abandoned babies. His dedication to uplifting his staff is exemplified by his success in helping his domestic worker transition from minimum wage to self-sufficiency, enabling her to support her family and improve her quality of life.”
Commenting on his award, Pike said being nominated already felt like a win for him.
“It felt like an achievement and then to win ... that felt amazing because winning meant affirming our contribution to the business world, especially in an industry where people do not acknowledge swimming schools as viable businesses.
“So it’s quite nice to be recognised because what I’m doing is a legitimate business, it creates jobs and uplifts communities.”
Cape Argus