NEWF Observed World Oceans Day with a Milestone for Ocean Access in Africa
eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Since the very first Dive Lab in Sodwana Bay in 2019—where nine NEWF Fellows earned their Open Water certification—NEWF has been committed to shifting the tide of representation in storytelling, and marine science.
What started as an introduction to underwater filmmaking has grown into the largest Ocean Access Program for African Scientists, Conservationists and Storytellers facilitated at eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre in Sodwana Bay built on land 50% owned by local dive instructor and youth mentor Silindile Mbuyazi, which is managed by a local team that include local dive training and lifeguard interns who are part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) internship programme. Now, eKhaya is a certified PADI Educational facility with 9 team members and fellows training as PADI-certified instructors, inviting a new season of African-led impact.
“eKhaya is the physical manifestation of our values - an African-led hub of collaboration and the basecamp for all our programming. That said, ocean access and exploration continue to be a huge part of our organisational identity and mission work. Our ocean access programs support both the enhancement of skills for the passionate ocean advocates and multidisciplinary explorers in our community, and confidence and water safety skills enhancement for the local community.
Being certified as a PADI Educational Facility is a huge milestone for NEWF’s collective ocean journey; we are super-charged.”
This globally recognised certification by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) means NEWF can now deliver internationally recognised PADI dive training—from beginner to advanced certifications—at eKhaya, led by diverse African instructors.
More than a certification, it represents NEWF’s deepening commitment to access, and a step forward in reclaiming African ocean stories and seas - including in the dive service and training industry in South Africa and Africa at large.
“It’s important to us to carry the heart of World Oceans Day with us everyday - to celebrate the communities, the stories, and the futures being shaped in and around eKhaya. We observed and celebrated World Oceans Day by announcing this new chapter alongside the public release of a poetic short documentary by Cape Verdean director and diver Samira Vera-Cruz, and Mozambican director and cinematographer Carlos Noronha, which premiered at the #NEWF2025 Congress. ”
‘Precious Home’ follows Precious Osariemen, a young Nigerian marine scientist who trained with us in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) last year. Her story about access, she represents one of many determined young woman in the NEWF Community who study the ocean floor based only on books and videos without ever experiencing it for themselves.
To date, more than 160 of 334 NEWF Fellows have become certified divers, with skills ranging from Open Water and Advanced certifications, to specialised techniques in underwater cinematography, rebreathing and freediving. This new wave of certifications marks the next tide of change for African-led training, exploration, custodianship and storytelling.
For more information about NEWF, the largest ocean access program for African scientists, conservationists and Storytellers, and eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre connect with us via connect@newf.co.za
ABout NEWF
Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) is a platform dedicated to growing a representative and inclusive community of African conservation content creators. Through training, mentorship, funding, and internship programmes, NEWF empowers emerging filmmakers, scientists, and storytellers to bring African perspectives to global environmental narratives.
About NEWF DIVE LABS
The Largest Ocean Access Program for African Scientists, Conservationists and Storytellers; facilitates certified ocean access programs that include open water, advanced, freediving, divemaster, and instructor certifications. These internationally accredited qualifications provide emerging and seasoned scientists, conservationists, ocean advocates and explorers, and ocean storytellers with opportunities to enhance their skills in storytelling and conservation, as well as the opportunities to establish new industries and compete in the African and international dive industry that remains under-represented by diverse African people. n content creators. Through training, mentorship, funding, and internship programmes, NEWF empowers emerging filmmakers, scientists, and storytellers to bring African perspectives to global environmental narratives.
