Africa’s first female dredge master, Captain Londy Ngcobo – known as the
“Blaq Mermaid” – is breaking barriers at sea and creating opportunities for the
next generation of maritime leaders.
For many people, the ocean represents adventure, freedom and escape. For Umhlanga’s Captain Londy Ngcobo, it became the place where she discovered her purpose.
Affectionately known as the “Blaq Mermaid”, Londy is a trailblazer in the maritime industry, making history as Africa’s first female dredge master. A dredge master is responsible for operating and managing specialised vessels that remove sand, silt and other material from the seabed, helping to maintain safe waterways, ports and shipping channels. It’s a role that requires technical skill, precision and strong leadership – qualities Londy has embraced throughout her career.
As CEO of , Londy has built more than a successful career – she has created platforms focused on maritime consulting, youth development and knowledge-sharing. Her journey was recognised when she received the Bold Future Award from Veuve Clicquot, an accolade she says strengthened her credibility and commitment to creating lasting change.
Finding her way to the ocean
Growing up in Clermont, Durban, Londy never imagined that childhood beach trips would one day shape her future.
“We used to go to the beach at least once a year and could barely sleep the night before,” she recalls. “I loved the ocean, even though I didn’t know how to swim.”
Her curiosity grew when Maritime Studies was introduced at school.
“All I knew was that it was about the ocean, and that was enough for me to enrol in Grade 10,” she says, joking that being a Pisces felt like all the validation she needed.
But the ocean was also something she feared. Growing up hearing stories of drownings and floods made it feel intimidating.
Through studying Maritime Studies at the Durban University of Technology and being recruited as a cadet by Maersk, Londy slowly built her confidence.
“The training made a huge difference. From then on, I became laser-focused. I had one goal – to learn everything I could about navigating a ship and get closer to my dream.”
Leading where few women have gone before
Entering the maritime industry as a young woman came with challenges.
“It was exciting and hard, humbling and, at times, very lonely,” she says.
Instead of trying to fit into a traditionally male environment, Londy learnt that she didn’t need to change who she was to belong.
“I didn’t need to be one of the boys to belong. I needed to be exceptional, consistent and clear about who I was and what I was there for: a girl simply chasing a dream.”
Becoming Africa’s first female dredge master brought even greater responsibility.
“When you’re the first, people often judge the entire idea of women’s leadership through your performance.”
For Londy, leadership is about more than achievements.
“Leadership isn’t only about doing hard things; it’s about doing hard things without losing your integrity, your health or your humanity.”
Creating access for others
In 2020, Londy left her role as Executive Maritime Compliance Manager to establish Womaritime Experts.
“I realised that being a success story is good, but the rooms weren’t shifting enough for me to multiply. I needed to create more access.”
Through Womaritime Experts and Global Maritime Youth, she is helping young people understand the possibilities within the ocean economy.
“Access is not only about employability. It’s access to information, to belief and to understanding the opportunities that exist.”
For Londy, representation matters because it changes what people believe is possible.
“Representation changes what people think is normal. And what people think is normal shapes what they fund, hire, protect and promote.”
Her advice to young women pursuing unconventional careers?
“Don’t wait to feel ready. Be bold enough to be seen learning. Your authenticity is your differentiator and your delivery is your proof.”
Today, Londy continues to expand her impact through Womaritime Experts and her personal brand, Blaqmermaid, including her upcoming Claim Your Captain platform, which helps individuals and teams shape and share their stories.
“I am proof that stories can shift industries,” she says.
“Being the first comes with the responsibility to ensure that you are not the last.”
