Discovery Channel’s Shark Week is airing in South Africa on Discovery Channel Africa, DStv channel 121, and this evening, Zandile Ndhlovu, also known as The Black Mermaid, stars in Monster Hammerheads: Species X at 18:30.
To amplify her message of shark conservation, she is also lead an exclusive ocean excursion today at the The Aliwal Shoal, a rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5 kilometres off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Through this excursion, The Black Mermaid Foundation, led by Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa’s first Black female freediving instructor, in collaboration with the Lilitha Environmental and Development Foundation, aimed to bring diversity and inclusion to marine conservation. This initiative goes beyond a simple dive; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these magnificent creatures while showcasing the beauty and biodiversity of South African waters.
This charter, made possible by African Watersports, offered a unique blend of educational insights, including thrilling shark encounters, and a focus on other African marine life. The Aliwal Shoal is home to a diverse array of shark species, including Ragged-Tooth Sharks, Bull Sharks, seasonal Tiger Sharks, and Black Tips. Located close to communities that often don’t get an opportunity to access these waters, this Discovery Channel Shark Weekexcursion aimed to foster connection and understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants.
As an award-winning conservationist and recognised on the BBC 100 Women list of 2023, Zandile Ndhlovu has made significant strides in reshaping narratives around marine conservation. Her work with The Black Mermaid Foundation, coupled with her participation in Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, showcases her dedication and passion for the ocean. In Monster Hammerheads: Species X (Tuesday, 16 July @ 18:10) and Belly of the Beast: Bigger and Bloodier (Sunday, 21 July @ 17:15), Zandile highlights the importance of shark conservation and the beauty of South African marine life.
Zandile adds, “Discovery Shark Week, for me, is an incredible opportunity to explore through science while actively creating the needed representation in ocean arenas for girls around the world who look like me. You can’t protect something you’ve never seen nor understood; this is an incredible opportunity to build a connection to the ocean, and we at The Black Mermaid Foundation are honoured to be a part of this work, sharing our beautiful South African oceans with the youth, the future leaders of this world!”
Dominic Naidoo from the Lilitha Foundation shares, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Discovery Channel and The Black Mermaid Foundation to bridge the gap, expand narratives around the sea, and see some of South Africa’s magnificent sharks! This Shark Week excursion is intended to educate while creating a positive first-time encounter at sea with marine wildlife.”
The Shark Week excursion, hosted by Zandile, a PADI Freediving Instructor, included a snorkel briefing and a water comfort check in the pool, followed by a snorkel session in the sea.
One of the participants from the Lilitha Foundation, 27-year-old Siziwe Hlongwa, expressed her excitement, saying, “I never thought I would get to see the ocean up close, let alone swim with eight Oceanic Blacktip Sharks (Carcharninus limbatus) and three Ragged-tooth Sharks! This experience is like a dream come true, and it makes me want to learn more about how we can protect these amazing animals.”
Don’t Miss a Moment of the Action:
Dive deep into the wonders of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, the longest-running and most anticipated TV event in history, airing from Monday, 15 July to Sunday, 21 July on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv channel 121). Hosted by the one and only John Cena, this year promises groundbreaking discoveries, thrilling encounters, and a spotlight on South Africa’s shark experts, including Zandile Ndhlovu.
Programming Highlights:
Great White Danger Zone – Monday, 15 July @ 17:15 CAT
Alison Towner and her team investigate a new great white hotspot off the coast of South Africa. Equipped with cutting-edge fin cameras, tracking tags and underwater surveillance, researchers unveil unusual behaviour in these massive great whites.
Deadliest Bite – Tuesday, 16 July @ 17:15 CAT
A group of shark experts set out to discover which shark species has the deadliest bite. Using bite force meters, biomedical imaging, and a cutting-edge super slow-motion camera rig, they’ll document and analyse shark bites like never before.
Monster Hammerheads: Species X – Tuesday, 16 July @ 18:10 CAT
Dr Austin Gallagher and his team of researchers, including Liv Dixon, Zandi Ndhlovu, and Dr Tristan Guttridge, investigate an aggressive population of Hammerhead Sharks in Turks and Caicos, which they believe could be an entirely new species.
Great White Serial Killer: Sea of Blood – Wednesday, 17 July @ 17:15 CAT
After fatal shark attacks in 2022 and 2023 off the shore of a Mexican fishing village, shark attack survivor Paul De Gelder joins shark investigator Brandon McMillan to work with locals to ID the killers and help prevent future attacks from happening.
Alien Sharks: Ghost of Japan – Thursday, 18 July @ 17:15 CAT
Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante explores the alien world of Japan’s oceans. Teaming up with deep-sea shark expert Christina de Silva, they search for the extremely rare Japanese angelshark, the “ghost of the sea.”
Jaws vs. Leviathan – Friday, 19 July @ 17:15 CAT
In New Zealand, a clash of titans is about to erupt: the Great White versus a 60-foot leviathan. Dr. Tristan Guttridge and Kina Scollay simulate epic battles and study orca tactics to discover the ultimate predator.
Sharks of the Dead Zone – Saturday, 20 July @ 17:15 CAT
Dr. Tiara Moore has discovered bull sharks thriving in polluted, algae-filled lagoons. Teaming up with Dr. Craig O’Connell, they study why pregnant females still migrate there and how their pups survive in a seemingly hostile environment.
6000-LB. Shark – Saturday, 20 July @ 18:10 CAT
With reports of enormous fat white sharks appearing off the coast of New Zealand, scientists Tom Hird and Leigh de Necker set out to find one of these behemoths and determine if the great white can reach a staggering 6,000 lbs.
Belly of the Beast: Bigger and Bloodier – Sunday, 21 July @ 17:15 CAT
Join Dr. Austin Gallagher and his fearless team as they deploy a 29-foot whale decoy to attract and study massive great whites in New Zealand. Witness their feeding frenzy as they uncover dominant “Queen Boss” females ruling male-dominated clans.
Shark Attack Island – Sunday, 21 July @ 18:10 CAT
A South Pacific paradise has become a shark attack hot spot with Bull, Tiger and Great White sharks moving closer and closer to resort beaches. Seven people have been killed in just the last five years, some in knee-deep water only steps from the sand.
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