APPS
APPS
In this powerful and intimate documentary, The Black Mermaid follows Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa’s first Black African freediving instructor, as she breaks barriers and reclaims the ocean for her community. Through her Black Mermaid Foundation, she challenges deep-rooted fears and historical narratives that have distanced Black communities from the sea.
Following Zandile’s journey to witness the Sardine Run, the film explores the complex relationship between Black people and water—once seen as a force of both survival and destruction in African folklore. Through personal reflections, stories from her grandmother, and insights from a seasoned skipper, we witness the power of one woman’s mission to change perceptions, open access to the ocean, and rewrite a narrative long left untold.
09:00 | 2022
COMING SOON TO CORE
Afrikaans Edition
Author Zandile Ndhlovu and Illustrator Katlego Keokgale
Zandile Ndhlovu, known as the "Black Mermaid," is South Africa's first Black female freediving instructor and a passionate ocean conservationist. Born in Soweto, a landlocked township near Johannesburg, Zandile's early interactions with water were limited. It wasn't until she was eleven years old, upon attending a multiracial school, that she learned to swim. Her profound connection to the ocean began in 2016 during a snorkeling trip in Bali, Indonesia, where she was captivated by the underwater world's beauty.
This transformative experience inspired Zandile to pursue scuba diving certifications and eventually led her to discover freediving. Recognizing the lack of diversity in ocean activities, she became determined to create inclusive spaces for Black communities in marine environments. In 2020, she founded The Black Mermaid Foundation, aiming to diversify ocean spaces and introduce youth from ocean-facing communities to the sea. Through her foundation, Zandile educates young people about marine conservation and challenges historical narratives that have distanced Black individuals from ocean exploration.
Beyond her foundation work, Zandile is an influential speaker, storyteller, and filmmaker. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2023. Her mission is to reshape perceptions of the ocean, advocating for inclusivity and representation in marine activities and conservation efforts.
Founded by Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa's first Black African freediving instructor, The Black Mermaid Foundation is dedicated to increasing diversity in ocean spaces and inspiring a new generation of ocean advocates. The foundation works primarily with children from underserved and coastal communities, introducing them to the wonders of the ocean through snorkeling, freediving, and marine education programs.
Historically, Black communities in South Africa and beyond have had limited access to the ocean, often due to systemic barriers, generational fears, and economic constraints. The Black Mermaid Foundation seeks to break these cycles by fostering curiosity, confidence, and connection to the water. Through immersive ocean experiences, storytelling, and conservation education, the foundation empowers young people to see the ocean as a space that belongs to them too.
Beyond education, the foundation challenges societal narratives that have historically excluded Black people from marine environments. By sharing stories of representation and highlighting the importance of diversity in ocean conservation, The Black Mermaid Foundation advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable future where everyone has access to the healing and opportunities that the ocean provides.
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