Zandi Ndhlovu: Tales of a Black Mermaid

Hi there! I’m Zandi Ndhlovu, and I have a fascinating story to share with you today. It’s all about my incredible journey as a black mermaid. Yes, you heard it right – a mermaid!

Now, you may be wondering, “But mermaids aren’t real, are they?” Ah, my friend, that’s what I thought too. Until one fateful day when everything changed.

Picture this – I was swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the deep ocean, minding my own business, when a magical transformation took place. Suddenly, my legs turned into a magnificent tail, glistening with vibrant colors. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

As a black mermaid, my journey isn’t just about exploring the vast underwater world. It’s also about breaking stereotypes and embracing my unique identity. Being a mermaid of color comes with its own set of challenges, but it also brings a sense of pride and empowerment.

Imagine the awe and wonder on people’s faces when they see a black mermaid swimming gracefully through the waves. It’s like witnessing pure magic. I’m a living testament to the beauty and diversity that exists in our world.

In this fast-paced, ever-changing world, it’s essential to celebrate our differences and appreciate the extraordinary. Society often tries to fit us into neat little boxes, but why conform when you can stand out?

So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a black mermaid, let me tell you – it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, a whirlwind of adventures, and an exploration of self. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and daring to be different.

Now, I invite you to join me on this incredible journey of self-discovery and oceanic wonder. Together, let’s dive into a world where dreams come true, and mermaids break the mold. Are you ready? Let’s make a splash!

Did you know that a black mermaid and a white shark have something in common? It might surprise you, but they both share similar qualities – fearlessness, sharpness, and a love for the deep sea. Interestingly enough, they’re both named Zandi. Meet Zandile Ndhlovu – a passionate conservationist and social activist. Not only is she the first freediving instructor from Soweto, but she’s also the first black instructor in the entire country.

Now, let me take you back to a moment that made me go, “Oh no!” It was my first encounter with a white shark, and it happened while I was diving in 2016. Surprisingly, I wasn’t afraid of marine life before that. On this particular day, I found myself inside a cage in Mossel Bay, filming for the Discovery Channel. My mission was to locate these magnificent creatures and tag them. I must admit, I wasn’t sure if I’d be calmer inside or outside that cage. But the experience turned out to be breathtaking. Finding her, tagging her, and then discovering that she had been named after me – it was absolutely mind-blowing.

I have a shark friend named Zandi, and let me tell you, she’s quite the character. She has a knack for disappearing for days on end, only to reappear out of thin air when you least expect it. Sound familiar? Well, if you know me well, you know that I have a similar unpredictable nature. I’m constantly on the move, hopping from place to place, and then suddenly going silent. People are always left wondering, “Where the heck did they go?” That’s why Zandi and I are kindred spirits. We’re two peas in a pod.

I remember the first time I saw what was hidden beneath the water’s surface back in 2016. It was during a snorkeling trip in Bali, and I was instantly captivated. It was as if something awakened within me, calling me to explore more. When I returned to South Africa, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What comes next after snorkeling? What lies beyond?” And that’s when I knew diving was my path. I realized I didn’t just want to indulge in this underwater world for my own pleasure; I wanted to share it with others, to teach and inspire anyone who would listen.

In a great week, you’ll find me submerged in the water three to four times. Sometimes it’s a proper dive, and other times it’s simply swimming in the vast ocean. But no matter how, I crave it like an addiction.

When I’m down there, in the depths of the ocean, I’m truly free. It’s like all the weight of the world, of society, just disappears. I can be my most authentic self, without any expectations or judgments. There’s a profound sense of peace and liberation that washes over me. The ocean becomes my sanctuary, my sacred space where I can connect with something greater than myself. It’s my personal form of worship, a place where I can lay down all my thoughts and burdens and simply marvel at the wonder of life.

I didn’t discover the joys of diving until later in life, and even now, the ocean’s untamed beauty still leaves me in awe. I never felt any real fear when swimming with marine creatures. I vividly recall my first shark dive, with the blacktip sharks gracefully circling our boat. They were about one and a half to two meters in length, but when the command to ‘Jump!’ came, I instinctively rolled back into the water, descending into their world. I wasn’t afraid in the slightest.

Letting go is a beautiful way to overcome fear. When you dive in the ocean, you can see up to 25 meters or even more. But when you dive in a quarry, the darkness creeps in at around seven or eight meters. It’s a different story in Joburg – it’s pitch dark down there. In those moments, you have no choice but to let go of your fears. It’s a powerful lesson to find peace in the darkness.

Your experiences and beliefs also shape how you perceive the water. Some say that healers venture into the depths to connect with their ancestors. So, it really comes down to the stories and narratives you grew up with. Even though there are no sharks in the quarries, fear still lingers. The ocean is vast, and the chances of encountering something truly surprising are quite slim. But in the quarry, those odds aren’t as reassuring – maybe about one in 12. Your imagination runs wild, and that’s when fear takes hold.

Did you know that quarries are a great place to practice diving skills? It’s true! And the best part is, you can get your certification at a lower cost compared to diving in the sea. If you’re looking to become a better diver, especially if you don’t live near the coast, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Personally, I didn’t always feel comfortable in the ocean. Growing up in Soweto, it took some time for me to feel at ease. The fear of something going wrong was always there. But now, I have the skills to handle any situation that may arise.

When I first started diving, my family was worried. They would ask, “What are you doing? Are you trying to put yourself in danger?” My grandmother, in particular, would express her concern frequently. However, as time passed, their perspective changed. They realized that maybe it’s okay for me to be in the water. Although their newfound understanding hasn’t influenced anyone else in my family yet.

That’s the reason I started the Black Mermaid Foundation – to introduce kids who don’t have many opportunities to the water. You see, I wanted to let everyone know about this amazing thing I discovered. I want everyone to feel what I feel when I’m in the water – even just once. And I want to change the way people think about the water. We need to break down this fear. How do we do it? By working with kids. I want to see families of all colors at the beach, having fun in the water. It’s time for a new way of thinking.

My own family is a big part of why this is so important to me. I brought my sister and brother with me when I went diving, and sharing that experience with them, despite the fear, was truly amazing. I can’t even put into words how special it was when my sister trusted me and went diving with me. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish.

Discover Zandi’s Favorite Dive Spots

KwaZulu-Natal

Sodwana Bay is an amazing place where you can encounter all sorts of fascinating marine life. And let me tell you, Aliwal Shoal is like a shark magnet! It’s a diver’s dream come true.

Cape Town

Prepare to be blown away by the enchanting kelp forests – they are truly mind-boggling. I promise, you won’t be able to stop marveling at their beauty.

North West

Marico Oog is a pristine freshwater spring located in Ventersdorp. It’s like stepping into a crystal-clear paradise, and it’s perfect for beginner divers who want to explore.

Egypt

Dahab and Ros Mohammed boast breathtaking coral reefs and warm, crystal-clear waters that will leave you speechless. Plus, there are some incredible shipwrecks to discover.

Africa’s East Coast

When it comes to Kenya, it reminds me a lot of Sodwana. You’ll encounter plenty of paper fish there – they come in different colors like pink, purple, black, and white. The underwater world in Mozambique is truly enchanting. And I have to mention Seychelles as well, because diving there feels like being in a warm bath.

This article was originally published in the September 2022 edition of Getaway magazine.

Photos by Kristof Goovaerts and Nicolene Olckers

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