Shark Spotters

A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY RECRUITED GTPeeps!

In the first week of August, we officially welcomed our second cohort of Graduate Training Programme interns: five incredible young women. As we celebrate Women’s Month, their presence is a fitting reminder of the important role women play in our society. Already, their positive spirit and impact has been felt in the organisation.

The aim of the programme is to promote transformation and inclusion in the critical and complex employment field of marine science. It is designed to increase the diversity of human capital in the field through relevant training, certification, and experiential learning.

“… Gosh, all that I've learnt since then has been so enriching. The programme delivered on its promise to expose us and build relationships on day one when I partook in my very first necropsy…”, Aakifah Momath, GTP Intern, reflecting on her first weeks.

Though it is still early days, we can’t wait to see what they learn over the next couple of months as we watch them grow in the space.

This programme wouldn’t be possible without the generous financial support of the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) and De Beers, whose contribution assists in providing financial support for the interns and developmental training throughout the internship.

Please give a warm welcome to our new Graduate Training Program (GTP) Interns in the comments 🦈.

Lovely read on Dennis Chikodze or as we know him: Uncle D 🦈!

Most mornings, Dennis Chikodze can be found inside a wooden lookout hut high above False Bay, keeping a close eye on the beach below him.

Today, we celebrate the slow-moving, filter-feeding and largest known extant fish, the WHALE SHARK!🐳🦈

August 30th has been known as International Whale Shark Day since 2012, in order to raise awareness about these giant species of sharks, their dwindling population numbers, and to encourage efforts to conserve this species 💙

Did you know that the whale shark was named in 1828 by Dr. Andrew Smith from a 4.6m specimen caught in Table View, South Africa? Yes! It was named here in Mzansi 🙂🇿🇦

We’re looking for pre-loved snorkels, masks and fins. If your used but usable diving gear still has some life in it, donate it to us and let its next adventure support our Safety, Research and Education programmes. To donate or arrange a drop-off, email [email protected] or contact +27 71 675 4361.

TUNE IN TO HELDERBERG FM THIS WEDNESDAY!
Our Spotter, Liesel Benjamin, will be on the Breakfast Show tomorrow morning. Tune in to Helderberg FM 93.6 as she reflects on and celebrates her 20-year journey. Don't miss out!

📆 Date: 26 August
🕣 Time: 08:15 am
📻 Station: Helderberg FM 93.6

Last year, the Ackermans Family Foundation generously donated towards the ongoing work at Shark Spotters. The donation has been invaluable in supporting our operational needs.

On behalf of everyone at Shark Spotters, we are deeply grateful for the support and generosity. Your donation towards Shark Spotters creates ripples of impact.

NEW BLOG ALERT

“Our datasheets didn’t have enough space for all the sharks we would see at once. I felt sorry for the beach spotter who had to run up and down to change the flags.” Liesel Benjamin is our oldest female spotters and this woman’s month we are highlighting her. In this blog we learn more on how she has grown confident with once scary aspects of the role, and her overall love for our oceans and sharks.

Read more about Liesel and her journey here:
https://sharkspotters.org.za/when-there-are-sharks-liesel-benjamin-spotter/

PRESS RELEASE | COMMISSION TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Shark Spotters is proud to announce a 12-month funding agreement valued at R984 064 with the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). The funding will support Shark Spotters’ operational needs, making the NLC one of the organisation’s primary funders.

Read the full press release here:

sharkspotters.org.za

WELCOMING OUR WIL STUDENTS: ZUBENATHI SIBHADU

Zubenathi Sibhadu is a final-year Environmental Management student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Zubenathi grew up in Ndwana, Eastern Cape, where she was surrounded by nature from a very young age.

Zubenathi says, “Growing up, I became curious about how we could protect the environment, whilst also making sure that communities can continue benefiting from it.” This led her to pursue a diploma in Environmental Management.

“Outside of my studies, I enjoy being outdoors. I love going to the beach, watching sunsets and spending time with my friends.”

One of her favourite childhood memories was going out to collect wood with her friends. Zubenathi says, “I think those experiences helped shape my connection with nature without me even realising it at the time.”

Zubenathi is proud of her journey because it shows how far she has come. Through this journey, she got the opportunity to work with Shark Spotters. She never imagined that this journey would take her from the Eastern Cape all the way to Cape Town. She hopes to continue learning and eventually use her knowledge to make a meaningful difference in Conservation and the communities that depend on these environments.