THE BLACK MERMAID

Zandile Ndhlovu is the founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing mindsets and bringing people (particularly for Black and Brown people) closer to the ocean. She is South Africa’s first Black free-diving instructor and through this work, Zandi is providing equitable access to nature and showing that our beliefs about the ocean can coexist with exploring its depths. Our conversation is an exploration of how she came to this work and how it has evolved over the years.

Zandi’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Before becoming a free-diving instructor, she was navigating racism in corporate South Africa. After exiting this world, she used her experiences as a catalyst for change, leading her to establish her own consultancy. And that was just the beginning. As you listen, you'll discover how she carved out her path to becoming a visible and prominent figure in the world of sustainability.

Dive into Zandi's world of storytelling, and you'll find yourself captivated by her tales of teaching children from townships about the ocean and the joy she finds in it. You'll also hear about her children's book, "Zandi's Song," a transformative story that has been essential to furthering her cause. She is a testament to the power of dreams, the beauty of the ocean, and the strength in breaking barriers.

LINKS AND MENTIONS

The Black Mermaid Film

Zandi’s Ted Talk – You can watch Zandi’s Ted Talk here

Explore other stories of black women doing incredible things in water here