To mark World Nature Conservation Day, Discovery Channel Africa hosted a Shark Week outreach at Philippi Village’s Ocean Hub, inspiring 30 local learners with stories from top ocean advocates. The event kicks off the countdown to Shark Week 2025, celebrating African voices in marine science.
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In celebration of World Nature Conservation Day (28 July), Discovery Channel Africa brought the energy and impact of Shark Week to the Cape Flats through a moving youth outreach programme hosted at Philippi Village. The event welcomed 30 high school learners from Sinethemba Senior Secondary School, Sophumelela Senior Secondary High School, and Dr Nelson Mandela High School for a personal and inspiring session with three of South Africa’s most recognised ocean advocates, Zandile Ndhlovu, Dr Alison Towner, and Dickie Chivell.
The programme formed part of the local campaign build-up to Shark Week 2025, airing from Monday, 28 July to Sunday, 3 August on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv 121), which this year celebrates a standout line-up of African talent and marine science storytelling.
Hosted at the newly launched Ocean Hub at Philippi Village, an inclusive marine education space founded by Zandile Ndhlovu through her Black Mermaid Foundation, the event focused on unlocking access to the ocean, showcasing how South African voices and conservation efforts are shaping the global shark science landscape.
At the buzzing Ocean Hub in Philippi Village, an atmosphere of excitement filled the room as learners heard firsthand from Dr Alison Towner, one of Africa’s leading shark scientists, who shared insights from her Shark Week research and footage from her programme Great White Assassins. “It was so rewarding to connect with these bright young minds,” said Towner. “There’s a real need to show students from communities like Philippi that marine science is not only relevant to them, but that they can actively be a part of it. It’s about access and inspiration, and today we saw both.”
Dickie Chivell, a familiar face to global Shark Week audiences, brought his signature energy to the room. “I’ve jumped in the water with great whites, but nothing gives me a buzz like talking to young people about what’s possible when you follow your passion,” said Chivell. “Some of these learners had never even seen the ocean. Today was about showing them what’s out there, literally and figuratively!”
Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa’s first Black female freediving instructor and founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation, reflected on the power of representation in science and storytelling:
“When young people from communities like Philippi are given access to the ocean, everything changes, not just what they see, but what they believe is possible for themselves. Today was about planting the kind of seed that grows into future scientists, storytellers, and guardians of the sea.”
Following the session, four learners, Sinelizwi Nqodi, Somila Ngqungqute, Yolisa Dwadwa, and Mihlali Bizo-Tshangana, were selected to join the Shark Week talent for an unforgettable ocean outing in Simon’s Town with Shark Explorers. A boat trip out to sea provided the students with a front-row seat to the coastal marine environment and a unique opportunity to learn from experts in real time.
“It was the best day of my life,” said 17-year-old Sinelizwi. “I didn’t think I’d ever be on a boat, talking about sharks with people who’ve been on TV. Now I want to study more about the ocean!”
The outreach event also highlighted the role of Philippi Village, a dynamic mixed-use development in Cape Town’s Cape Flats, which aims to uplift township communities through entrepreneurship, education, and social engagement. “This is exactly what Philippi Village is here for,” said Angela Teffo, Programme Lead and Spaces Manager. “We’re creating spaces where young people can dream beyond the boundaries of what they see every day, and thanks to Discovery Channel, today was proof of that.”
This once-in-a-lifetime day reinforced Discovery Channel Africa’s commitment to storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects with audiences across the continent. With African marine talent at the helm, Shark Week 2025 proves that the next generation of ocean defenders is already rising, right here at home.
Shark Week 2025 airs from Monday, 28 July to Sunday, 3 August on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv 121)
