Latest news with #Ndhlovu
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Everyone says you do white people things' – Zandi Ndhlovu on why she wants more black people to access oceans
Zandi Ndhlovu is Mzani's first black female freediving instructor. Zandi Ndhlovu who is also known as the Black Mermaid is big on bringing access in marine life. Picture: zandithemermaid/Instagram Zandi Ndhlovu says she got the 'black mermaid' tag during a radio interview where callers kept referring to her as 'watermeisie', which is the Afrikaans word for mermaid. 'I said there's something about that, because I feel like I've seen mermaids but I've never seen a black mermaid and somehow that kind of lived and it's stayed,' Ndhlovu tells The Citizen. 'Everyone will say 'but there's different mermaids that have always been black' but when you look at Ariel [The Little Mermaid], the exploratory way of living with the ocean that has no fear attached to it, there is not enough of that representation, and so black mermaid helped.' Ndhlovu, South Africa's first black female freediving instructor, spoke to The Citizen ahead of Shark Week, which officially starts on Monday in South Africa. 'I think Shark Week is such a powerful platform for people to get educated but also the opportunity to care,' said Ndhlovu. ALSO READ: Photographer's exhibition gives humanity a wake-up call on its impact on wildlife Shark Week Shark Week is an annual programming event on the Discovery Channel that celebrates sharks and ocean conservation. It features a week of shark-themed documentaries, specials and educational content. It's something that began in the US and is now in South Africa. While it kicks off on Monday in Africa, through Discovery Channel Africa, it wrapped up on Saturday in the US. 'Because of its scale, it [Shark Week] expands how we not only view sharks but who can be in the shark space and who can live and work in that space,' said Ndhlovu. Some of the shows that will be screened on Discovery Channel Africa throughout this week include Battle for Shark Mountain, Great White Reign of Terror and Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus. 'What makes this year especially exciting is the incredible talent and stories coming out of Africa, from the breath-taking coastlines of Mozambique to the powerful voices of local scientists and conservationists,' said Head of Factual Channels DNets EMEA & Scripted Acquisition CEE, Kerrie McEvoy. ALSO READ: WATCH: SA short film 'Caleb: Beyond the Bite' wins gold at film festival Ndhlovu's passion for sea life It was less than 10 years ago when Ndhlovu went on her first snorkel trip in Bali, and nothing has been the same for her since. 'I was 28 years old, had no idea how to use a mask to snorkel and just absolutely fell in love, that's of course after I freaked out.' She says she found a sense of belonging when she snorkelled. 'That feeling of belonging would go on to change everything cause I knew I wanted to live with the ocean.' She came back to South Africa and learnt how to scuba dive around 2017 and 2018. 'In 2019 I go on my first ever free diving course and as I held my breath under water, for the first time, there was that feeling [from 2016 in Bali] and I knew that's where I needed to be.' The following year, she qualified as a free-diving instructor, going on to become South Africa's first black female free-diving instructor. 'From there, I started the Black Mermaid Foundation because I knew that I don't want to work in a dive shop. I want to work to create access and increase representation because again, I come from Soweto, where we have different beliefs about water,' she says. Ndhlovu adds that the idea is not to completely change these beliefs about water. 'It's the hope that we could introduce duality in how we view the world.' ALSO READ: Khabonina Qubeka on Shaka iLembe role: 'My aim as an artist is to make you feel' Ndhlovu on representation She says the vision to be more intentional about representation and creating access expanded after 2019. 'It is said that when you arrive in a room and you're the only one, your job is to keep that door open to make sure that everybody can enter the room and for me it was not about being the only one there that said how do we see a future that's more representative. How we save anything is all hands on deck,' she shared. 'The more you educate, the more people know. The more people know, the more people do. That's why for us ocean literacy is huge,' she shared. Ndhlovu has been named in the BBC 100 Women list, and she continues to inspire as a powerful voice for ocean equity and youth empowerment. She decided to target kids because they are more receptive to her teachings about marine life. 'Everyone would say 'you do white people things'. I knew that my friends are not the way in which we're gonna change this. I said 'what does it mean if we try and catch them when they're young' and that's how I started working with kids, 10 to 15 year olds.' ALSO READ: Saving the environment through song Collaborating with communities She's now expanding and targeting high school students. Ndhlovu started by working with young students from Langa in Cape Town. She now works closely with Philippi Village, a safe and vibrant space that connects the Philippi community to necessary services, employment opportunities, educational resources, and cultural activities. 'When we worked KwaLanga, yes we worked with the community advice office but we have as strong support. So when you look at Philippi Village, they have an excited team that are actively trying to make sure that learners have access to these opportunities. They are so determined.' She says that when the Black Mermaid Foundation partnered with Philippi Village, opportunities began to open up. 'We've opened our first ocean hub. I think it's important for the kids to go out to sea but they need to see that sea represented in their communities and we work in township spaces. How do you change a narrative without the community being able to witness this ocean space in their everyday as well.' The Black Mermaid Foundation's ocean hub is a container located in the Philippi Village, where students can visit to learn about sea life. 'Philippi Village gave us a safe space to establish the ocean hub and we're growing, we're expanding our work from one-off snorkel mission, educational missions to six weeks intentional missions that capacitate high school students to leaders in the ocean space,' she says. 'We want the world to witness Africa in her brilliance. Just because we grow up in townships, our geniuses are different because we have a different kind of lived experience. 'Our genius shows up from the communities from which we come. We can build things that can scale because South Africa is 80 percent black, so much of our experiences are lived and shared.' NOW READ: Sharks are 'rhinos of the sea' – Why are we not protecting them?
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Bushbuckridge youngster wants to make an impact through her foundation
Bushbuckridge youngster wants to make an impact through her foundation In a heart-warming tale of kindness and compassion a young woman started a charity initiative in her community. Thobeka Ndhlovu (23) from Mountain View, the founder of the Thobeka Charity Foundation, has been helping those in need since 2020 when she was still in high school. Ndlovu said that because of her own experience, she knows how it feels to lack basic essentials. 'I wanted to lead by example in my community by showing them that charity begins at home,' Ndlovu said. She makes sandwiches and gives them to people living on the streets and the boys who push the shopping trollies at the Bushbuckridge Complex. ALSO READ: Mbombela celebrates International Nelson Mandela Day Ndhlovu said she wants to make a difference her community, just as others did in her life. When she was in high school, she used to buy bread for those on the streets. Although she could see that it was not enough, she wanted to try to help. She said that she has a dream of building a home of safety. ALSO READ: Gedlembane female footballer dreams big 'I want to be part of the group of people that make a difference in the lives of others and support them, especially in academics. I want to create job opportunities in my safe house and help locals to earn money to avoid the increase of crime in my community,' Ndhlovu said. She said she wants to be the change her community needs. 'People of my age who come from struggling families share a pain that lives in your memory for life, but it is up to you whether you change it for the better or continue to be desperate.'
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From Soweto to the sea: SA's first Black freediver makes waves
ZANDILE Ndhlovu is South Africa's pioneering Black freediver, widely known as the 'Black Mermaid.' Image: Supplied ZANDILE Ndhlovu holds her breath. She's 25 metres underwater, without oxygen, and face-to-face with a bull shark off Sodwana Bay on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast. Man and beast engage in a silent stare-off. Then the shark glides away. It's not a movie scene, but a regular moment in the life of Ndhlovu - South Africa's pioneering Black freediver, widely known as the 'Black Mermaid.' 'You can't leave until the bull shark stops the stare-down,' she says, because you have to establish dominance. 'And then it eventually leaves, and you just break for the surface because you realise that if you hold yourself and you calm yourself, the animal is calm. So if you just pause in the moment and not freak out, you're already on the winning side.' Ndhlovu, known for her blue braids and fearlessness in the ocean, is a research assistant for an award-winning team of scientists featured in Shark Week 2025, airing this week on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv 121). Throughout the week, a series of documentaries will spotlight African scientists, conservationists, and filmmakers helping to reshape shark science and ocean storytelling. Last year, the series drew over 25 million global viewers. ZANDILE Ndhlovu, known as the Black Mermaid, and her colleagues, marine biologist Ryan Johnson(left) and shark geneticist Gibbs Kuguru, appear in the documentary Great White Reign of Terror. Image: Supplied Ndhlovu and her colleagues; shark geneticist Gibbs Kuguru and marine biologist Ryan Johnson, appear in the documentary Great White Reign of Terror, which investigates a spate of shark encounters in the Eastern Cape. Her job is to dive in and retrieve whatever the science team needs. 'Whether it's to dive in and retrieve a receiver or help with tagging or understand what the problem is; is there a shortage of food for the sharks? Why are they not there? My assistant work is a question of what do the scientists need and how can I get into the water and be able to do that in the most streamlined way that allows us to get closer to wildlife.' The founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation, conservationist, and TEDx speaker, Ndhlovu believes sharks can 'read' your heartbeat. 'That's why you have to pause, make eye contact until it elects that you can go and then you go. The secret is not to act like prey because sharks will always chase,' she says. 'I often say our fear is often the danger. There's a possibility that we can do something to harm them. And so there's something in capturing and holding ourselves accountable to how we show up in wildlife spaces that allow the animals to also be calm.' Sharks, she says, are essential to ocean health. 'They are ecosystem regulators. Without the big sharks, we have larger fish species that bloom and grow unchecked… They can eat up smaller species that are key to coral health.' Ndhlovu can freedive to 35 metres and hold her breath for over five minutes. 'The thing that is most humbling about freediving is that not every day is going to be a strong breath hold day. Some days you wake up and your body's like, no, and then other days you wake up and it's like, okay, cool.' Ironically, the writer and filmmaker who is South Africa's first Black female freediving instructor, grew up in Soweto, a landlocked township in Gauteng. This week, she told the Independent on Saturday that it all started at the age of 28 in 2016 when she went snorkelling for the first time. 'It was so beautiful that I wanted to know what happens after snorkelling,' said Ndhlovu. Scuba diving followed, then freediving, and finally the founding of the Black Mermaid Foundation. 'I said to myself, I think this is what I'm looking for. And from the first moment when I held my breath I knew that that's where I wanted to be.' Before turning to the ocean, Ndhlovu worked in customer relations and ran her own agency. But the ocean tugged at her heart and she listened. 'The pull to this day is the ability to be with the water. And in the water, there's no one identifier — not the idea of being Black or a woman or anything in this world. She's a universal equalizer. To her, we're just all human. And there's something about not holding the burden off of identity. There's something about just being.' Her mission now includes bringing marine access to township children. Through the Black Mermaid Foundation, she's already introduced over 1 000 youngsters from Langa and Gugulethu to snorkelling and conservation. 'Who I am is a conservationist, but at heart, a storyteller. My grandmother's table is where I learned about stories. I think about using stories as a powerful tool for change, for narrative expansion, for conservation.' To this day Ndhlovu calls Sodwana Bay her underwater home because that's where she had her first open water dive. 'It's a very special place to me… It's the one place where you could come across anything; great white sharks, bull sharks, whale sharks, whales. It's such a magical part of the country.' However, she warns that Sodwana Bay is already showing signs of climate change because recently she went diving there and noticed coral bleaching. She believes that local coastal communities who are often wrongly blamed for what's happening in our waters have a crucial role in conservation. 'Local communities may not be the hardest hitters of impact on the ocean, but when we're catching small fish, that kills reefs, which means less fish… There is a powerful place for ocean literacy, education that allows communities to see how we can do better together.' As Shark Week hits local screens, and Ndhlovu starts a new six month course for children in Philippi, Cape Town she reflects on what her journey means. 'Just to see these shows come home is powerful because, again, it's just such a reminder that regardless of where you come from, you don't know where the world will take you. Even as a girl from Soweto, who only found the ocean at 28 years old, it's never too late. But also the world is open and what a time to be alive.'
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Managing PCOS can improve fertility chances
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility, but with the right help, many women can still have children. Dr Jackson Ndhlovu, a reproductive health specialist at Netcare Hospital in Polokwane, says around 15–20% of South African women may face infertility, but PCOS is often manageable. Read more: Six signs you might have PCOS and don't even know it! PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects ovulation. It can cause irregular or missed periods, high levels of male hormones, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. These changes make it harder to track the fertile window and fall pregnant. Common signs include irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excess body hair. However, some women with PCOS may still have regular periods and a normal weight. Dr Ndhlovu advises that lifestyle changes can make a big difference. 'Losing 5–10% of body weight helps many women ovulate regularly. Exercise and healthy eating are key,' he says. He also warns that PCOS can affect mental health. 'Anxiety, low self-esteem and depression are common. Counselling is often helpful.' PCOS may also increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Women under 35 should seek help after trying for a year. Women over 35 should consult their doctor sooner. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medication, hormone therapy, or IVF may be used, all under medical supervision. Dr Ndhlovu urges women to speak openly with their doctor. 'The right support and a clear treatment plan can make all the difference.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Tebbutt Academy shines at provincial championship with 60 medals
The Tebbutt Academy celebrated its recent success at the Gauteng Provincial Championship and festival held at Greyville Primary School, Lenasia. The Lambton-based school walked away with 29 gold, 21 silver and 10 bronze medals, leading the scoreboard with 518 points. According to a proud Kancho Alex Tebbutt, the founder, the academy had 29 students from the age of five compete. ALSO READ: Local athletes bring home medals 'The competition was tough, but we dominated again. I am a bit tough on my students, but that is what they need to succeed,' said Tebbutt. 'We are now training karate and kickboxing because we have tournaments ahead which require both,' said Tebbutt. The school will next compete in the Kickboxing Organisation of South Africa (KOSA) SA Open Championships in Lenasia. The students will compete in semi and light contact, low kick light, full contact and K1. Student Solakele Ndhlovu won two gold and one silver medal at the Gauteng Provincial Championship. ALSO READ: Local athlete bags gold medals and qualifies for nationals She said she was not happy about her silver because she had aimed for gold, but attributed it to her lack of focus and mistakes during the fight. 'I will now compete for the first time in kickboxing at the KOSA event. I started martial arts almost a year ago, and am improving every time I compete,' said Ndhlovu. 'Since I was young, I was fascinated with martial arts, but my father never allowed me to join. After matric, I decided to join and tell him weeks later. He now supports and encourages me. ALSO READ: Local martial arts academy scoops medals in championships 'Thanks to Kancho Alex and other teachers (senseis), I keep winning and improving. 'This year only, I was mugged four times and survived by disarming the people aiming to rob me. One guy had a firearm pointing at me, and I disarmed him before he took off,' said Ndhlovu. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
