Zandile Ndhlovu aims to change Africa’s narrative about who belongs in the ocean and to diversify representation in ocean-facing careers, sports and recreation. Her dream of eradicating the fear of deep waters by exposing kids to the ocean became a reality when she founded The Black Mermaid Foundation to create a space where fear expands into love. | Supplied
ZANDILE Ndhlovu, South Africa’s first black female free-diving instructor and founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation, hopes to inspire many as she joins Discovery Shark Week 2024, set to premiere across Africa on July 15.
Returning on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv channel 121), the programme promises more groundbreaking findings, exciting interactions, and a focus on shark experts in South Africa.
Some of the most exciting episodes of the week will include Ndhlovu, Leigh de Necker, and Dr Alison Towner, pioneers at the forefront of shark research and protection.
By sharing her story, she says she wants to encourage people, particularly young girls from marginalised communities, to connect with the ocean and work towards protecting it.
“Joining Monster Hammerheads: Species X was an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for freediving and showcasing the beauty and diversity of sharks,” says Ndhlovu.
“I hope to inspire others, especially young girls from under-represented communities, to connect with the ocean and become advocates for its protection.”
In Monster Hammerheads: Species X, which premieres on Tuesday, July 16, at 6.10pm CAT, Black Mermaid from South Africa goes diving in the Turks and Caicos with Dr Austin Gallagher to look into a possible new species of violent Hammerhead sharks.
Additionally, on Sunday, July 21, at 5.15pm CAT, she will join Gallagher’s team in Belly of the Beast: Bigger and Bloodier, where they will be studying huge great white sharks in New Zealand.
De Necker also revealed that filming 6000-LB Shark for Discovery Shark Week 2024 in New Zealand was one of the most exhilarating experiences of her life.
“To witness these magnificent creatures in their element, surrounded by five, six, or even seven at a time, was awe-inspiring. These weren’t just any sharks; we're talking chunky animals between 3.5 and 5.5 metres in size! My marine biologist brain was in overdrive! Why were there so many sharks? Why were some so large? What were they feeding on? Could any be our South African sharks? This experience has deepened my fascination for these incredible creatures and fuelled my passion for their conservation.”
South Africa, revealed as the first to protect great white sharks in 1991, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with Shark Spotters, a pioneering organisation dedicated to shark conservation, research, and education.
Shark Spotters CEO Sarah Waries notes that the organisation is aware of the wonder and excitement that sharks arouse in people, particularly during Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.
“Our work aims to ensure the sustainable co-existence of people and sharks in our oceans, conserve these important animals, protect the marine environment, and create responsible ocean users. We look forward to sharing this with the world during Shark Week.”
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