With more than 14 years’ experience in a male-dominated maritime industry, Captain Londy Ngcobo is passionate about unlocking Africa’s ocean economy.
A global ship navigator who made history as Africa’s first female dredge master and owns the piercing slogan ‘I didn’t choose to be Rose from the Titanic, I chose to Captain the Titanic’, this 34-year-old Hillcrest mother and wife is making waves on land.
Taking advantage of being back in the comfort of her rustic, chalet-style Plantations Estate home after being away at sea, Londy Ngcobo describes herself as ‘a typical Piscean who dreamed of becoming a mermaid and literally chased the title’.
With a vast background that includes Maritime Studies, International Merchant shipping experience, Advanced Dredging from the Netherlands, an industry-shaking role as a former Executive Maritime Compliance Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority, current CEO of Womaritime Experts and founder of Global Maritime Youth, (whew!) this Black Excellence and multi-award-winning woman serves on various boards in the transport sector and influential organizations within leadership, women and youth spheres, ensuring continuous development of Africa’s transport, as well as strengthening the competitiveness and employment creating potential for Africans, all of which echo her notable title, Blaqmermaid.
‘I had a very fair and liberated upbringing, and looking back I suppose everything really began to fall into place during high school in Clermont after I got into an exchange student programme with Leeds Cockburn High School in the UK which opened my eyes to the possibilities of the world.’
Londy went on to the Durban University of Technology. ‘With Maths and Science as a prerequisite, Maritime Studies was my only choice. It wasn’t appealing because I didn’t know how to swim, but I chose the subject because I believed in horoscopes and it felt destined. I was determined to make it work against all odds, but I never imagined just how much it would change my life!’
As a ship navigator, Londy’s core role is to navigate (drive) a ship from one destination to the next which can mean anything from two weeks to four months on board vessels measuring up to 290m long and weighing in at 50 600 gross tons – pretty mammoth for a pint-sized sea maiden!
All crew members have cabins on board the ships because for some, this becomes a home away from home for many months in a year.
‘Our cabins are comfortable, equipped with TVs and Wi-Fi, and the ships have gyms, lounges and some even have swimming pools.’
The biggest challenge in her profession ironically isn’t with being in a male-dominated industry – because it’s really all about resilience and hard work. It’s with missing out on the milestones of loved ones. For Londy, that means her husband Sbusiso and five-year-old daughter, Sama.
‘Being home sick is common for seafarers, but our families understand that being at sea is more than just a job. Life at sea is quite unique and special given that seafarers are essential workers and contribute to 90 per cent of the global economy.’
Having mostly done the European, West African and Far Eastern routes, Londy says some of her best work-travel memories are those in which the ship’s route has gone via South Africa, meaning a local stop and an opportunity for family to visit her on-board for a few days.
‘This always comes with home-cooked traditional meals which I just love! – and I also enjoy my birthdays and Christmas’ on board, because everybody over compensates since we are not able to be at home with our families. This always makes me feel extra special.’
Londy’ favourite destination is Hong Kong … ‘mostly because the conversion to the Rand is not too far off so it makes my shopping pleasurable and guilt-free,’ and most of her funniest moments on board are from cultural dynamics.
I didn’t choose to be Rose from the Titanic, I chose to captain the Titanic.
‘We can easily have five different nationalities on a ship, and often with differing lifestyles, so on game nights, braai nights and many fun gatherings we’ve laughed a lot.’
On the less humorous side of it all, she recalls the story of a chef who passed away in his cabin and the unfolding story of his ghost coming out during the graveyard watch.
‘There was also a girl who went missing on board, and was found dead, floating in the Canary Islands. Her story is still ambiguous, so I’m not sure what to believe, but I’ll hold on to the happy stories thank you. The sea brings a lot of harmony and peace to my life. There’s no noise, no traffic, no social pressures, just the rare fascinating sights of mother nature.’
As a mother and wife, Londy is passionate about women and youth empowerment, believing that her experience has equipped her with the ability to focus on providing sustainable tools for women to thrive, and her zest for life encourages the youth to think outside the box.
‘I love human kind and feed off positive energies. I’m very carefree, so when I became a mom I founded my blog, Mamas Escape Club, to encourage moms to live their best lives guilt-free. Through this club, I’ve explored many self-care regimes but what seems to be my favourite is meditation particularly beach meditation. I also enjoy play dates with my upper highway mamas and friends where we get to converse over wine while the kids play. Hiking with my husband is also a thing now on my escape list.
‘As a public speaker, I’ve found that telling my story on different platforms has ignited many passions particularly in woman’s lives.’
From navigating the rare field to branding herself and heading many seats in her industry, the feedback from women who’ve seen Londy work and heard her story is inspiring.
‘We all have a story to tell, and we should all dare to tell it, because you’ll never know who needs to hear it.’
Having been the ‘first’ in so many areas of her industry, Londy says there’s still only two per cent of female participation globally, and her mission is to ensure an incline.
‘Women are claiming their power and it’s fascinating to witness every day. With the right qualities, the stereotype of a ‘man’s world’ can easily be wiped off. Yes, you have to keep proving yourself, but in the end, the job will be done and it will be done in heels. Now that’s challenging the status quoi!’
Many young African children have turned to ‘the Blaqmermaid’ for encouragement and motivation, something that motivated Londy to found Global Maritime Youth, through which she cultivates pure love for the ocean and awareness about the maritime industry and its activities.
‘I wholeheartedly believe that if the ocean can calm itself, so can you. I chase the light every day and try to bring it with me everywhere I go, making sure I share it with my surroundings. I want anyone I meet who hears my story not to think of it as just another heroic story, but rather see it as a different colour to our rainbow nation, because our country is beautiful and dynamic, and there really is an opportunity for all.’
Photos: Elsie B Photography
