Captain Londy Ngcobo, also known as The Blaqmermaid, stands as a powerful trailblazer in the maritime industry and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. With more than 15 years of experience in the sector, Londy has become a global leader in maritime awareness and community upliftment. She is Africa’s first female Dredge Master and the founder of Global Maritime Youth (GMY), an organisation dedicated to inspiring and educating disadvantaged youth about the vast opportunities within the blue economy.
Through GMY, Londy has taken on the mission of creating lasting change, particularly for women and rural communities, by using the ocean economy as a catalyst for growth. Her leadership focuses on providing marginalised youth with exposure to maritime careers, mentoring, and skill-building initiatives. GMY’s core belief is to foster a love for the ocean and unlock potential for disadvantaged youth, preparing them for careers that are critical to the future of the maritime industry and economic development.
Londy’s work is aligned with the National Development Plan’s Operation Phakisa, which aims to unlock South Africa’s ocean economic potential, as well as the United Nations’ initiatives on the International Maritime Organisation. Her dedication to inclusivity is evident in the structure of GMY’s programs, which cater to a wide range of age groups and include initiatives focused on swimming skills development, mentorship, and career exposure. These efforts help build confidence, teach life-saving skills, and promote education about the ocean economy.
GMY’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, from young children to young adults. “Meet The Little Mermaids” introduces kids aged 5-12 to the wonders of the ocean through storytelling, puppet shows, and swimming lessons. For teenagers, the “Meet The Fly Fish” program offers maritime exposure and mentorship, encouraging them to explore career paths within the maritime industry. Finally, “Meet The Captains” targets young adults aged 19-29, providing them with career pathways, hands-on training like boat building, and cadetship placements, all with a focus on inclusivity, including initiatives that train participants with disabilities, such as the deaf.
Londy is assisting disadvantaged communities through GMY, providing them with resources and training that can unlock opportunities in the maritime sector. Her work has positioned her as an influential figure in maritime leadership and youth empowerment, and she continues to advocate for the involvement of all communities in the ocean economy, irrespective of background or circumstance.
With her visionary leadership, Londy is shaping the next generation of maritime leaders, ensuring that the ocean economy benefits everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. Her advocacy for youth empowerment and inclusion continues to inspire, making her a standout figure in the ongoing effort to build a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving maritime industry.
As a finalist in the Best Woman category at the CSI Legacy Awards, Captain Londy Ngcobo’s work stands as a testament to the power of transformative leadership and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth. Through her efforts, Londy is not only changing the landscape of the maritime industry but also creating a ripple effect of positive change that will resonate for generations to come.
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