South African dive instructor Silindile “Mama Sli” Mbuyazi will receive the 2026 National Geographic Wayfinder Award on 18 June at the National Geographic Explorers Festival in Washington, DC. Mbuyazi is being recognized for her work in ocean conservation, marine education, and her efforts to increase water safety and access for local communities.
Why this recognition matters
The Wayfinder Award, presented by Kia, honors 15 individuals annually for achievements in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling. According to Mbuyazi, this award is particularly significant as she is the first Black South African woman to receive the honor. Her work focuses on dismantling the influence of superstitions regarding the ocean by teaching communities about tidal patterns and water safety.
Mbuyazi’s commitment to the ocean began after the drowning death of her brother. Seeking to understand the circumstances of his passing, she learned to dive and subsequently transitioned into a career as a marine educator and filmmaker. She holds dual certifications from Scuba Schools International (SSI) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
Silindile Mbuyazi has trained more than 150 divers to date and currently leads 30 local children in water skills training as part of her ongoing community education initiatives.
Expanding access to marine careers
Beyond water safety, Mbuyazi aims to broaden career horizons for young people in her community. She collaborates with the Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) organization to lead NEWF Dive Labs. This program provides Black African science and conservation storytellers with the opportunity to earn internationally accredited dive qualifications.
Mbuyazi notes that her students often view the ocean differently after participating in her programs. By showing underwater footage in schools and cinemas, she intends to shift the perception of the ocean from a place of fear to a vital part of heritage and a viable career path. She reports that many of her students are now expressing interest in marine-related fields, moving away from conventional career paths like social work or medicine.
The significance of this award lies in the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and modern marine science. By framing the ocean as a space for both safety and professional development, Mbuyazi is challenging historical barriers to entry for Black African women in marine conservation. The shift from viewing the ocean through the lens of superstition to one of scientific understanding is a measurable change in how local communities interact with their coastal environments.
What happens next
Following the ceremony in Washington, DC, Mbuyazi intends to continue her advocacy for lifeguard work to help prevent drownings on local beaches. She plans to maintain her educational outreach in schools, utilizing her background as a diver and filmmaker to demystify marine environments. While the award provides a global platform, her stated goal remains local: fostering a generation of confident swimmers and ocean custodians in her home community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Geographic Wayfinder Award?
The award is presented by Kia to 15 visionaries each year who demonstrate outstanding achievements in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling that help protect the wonders of the world.
How did Silindile Mbuyazi become a dive instructor?
After her brother drowned, Mbuyazi learned to dive in an effort to find his remains. She eventually fell in love with the ocean, pursued professional training, and earned dual certification from SSI and PADI.
What is the focus of Mbuyazi’s work with NEWF?
She leads the NEWF Dive Labs, which provides Black African science and conservation storytellers with access to internationally accredited dive qualifications and opportunities to document the underwater world.
How might increased access to formal water safety training change the way local communities interact with the ocean in the long term?