Shark Spotters

02/09/2026

Over the past 2 years Aloe Unique, a women-led South African brand, has shown immense support towards the work we do at Shark Spotters. Starting back in 2024, we were able to grow a relationship that drove positive change not only through our like-minded sustainability but through our responsible habits to help preserve ocean health.

We would like to thank Aloe Unique for the most recent donation to Shark Spotters.

We truly value your support for the work we do and our growing relationship over the years.

Read more about Aloe Unique’s beliefs and support towards Shark Spotters here: https://sharkspotters.org.za/aloe-uniques-support-for-shark-spotters/

01/09/2026

In June, our Coastal Conservation team attended a Wildfire course at Nature Connect to help equip them with practical firefighting skills. This is a great skill to have, as their work along our coastal belt, and in our mountains prepare them for Cape Town’s upcoming dry season.

The course was facilitated by Nature Connect, an accredited training provider and made possible by De Beers. We value the support and continuous development of our team to help keep them skilled and ready for action on the ground.

31/08/2026

A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY RECRUITED GTPeeps!

In the first week of August, we officially welcomed our second cohort of Graduate Training Programme interns: five incredible young women. As we celebrate Women’s Month, their presence is a fitting reminder of the important role women play in our society. Already, their positive spirit and impact has been felt in the organisation.

The aim of the programme is to promote transformation and inclusion in the critical and complex employment field of marine science. It is designed to increase the diversity of human capital in the field through relevant training, certification, and experiential learning.

“… Gosh, all that I've learnt since then has been so enriching. The programme delivered on its promise to expose us and build relationships on day one when I partook in my very first necropsy…”, Aakifah Momath, GTP Intern, reflecting on her first weeks.

Though it is still early days, we can’t wait to see what they learn over the next couple of months as we watch them grow in the space.

This programme wouldn’t be possible without the generous financial support of the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) and De Beers, whose contribution assists in providing financial support for the interns and developmental training throughout the internship.

Please give a warm welcome to our new Graduate Training Program (GTP) Interns in the comments 🦈.

30/08/2026

Lovely read on Dennis Chikodze or as we know him: Uncle D 🦈!

Most mornings, Dennis Chikodze can be found inside a wooden lookout hut high above False Bay, keeping a close eye on the beach below him.

30/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the slow-moving, filter-feeding and largest known extant fish, the WHALE SHARK!🐳🦈

August 30th has been known as International Whale Shark Day since 2012, in order to raise awareness about these giant species of sharks, their dwindling population numbers, and to encourage efforts to conserve this species 💙

Did you know that the whale shark was named in 1828 by Dr. Andrew Smith from a 4.6m specimen caught in Table View, South Africa? Yes! It was named here in Mzansi 🙂🇿🇦

28/08/2026

We’re looking for pre-loved snorkels, masks and fins. If your used but usable diving gear still has some life in it, donate it to us and let its next adventure support our Safety, Research and Education programmes. To donate or arrange a drop-off, email [email protected] or contact +27 71 675 4361.

25/08/2026

TUNE IN TO HELDERBERG FM THIS WEDNESDAY!
Our Spotter, Liesel Benjamin, will be on the Breakfast Show tomorrow morning. Tune in to Helderberg FM 93.6 as she reflects on and celebrates her 20-year journey. Don't miss out!

📆 Date: 26 August
🕣 Time: 08:15 am
📻 Station: Helderberg FM 93.6

19/08/2026

Last year, the Ackermans Family Foundation generously donated towards the ongoing work at Shark Spotters. The donation has been invaluable in supporting our operational needs.

On behalf of everyone at Shark Spotters, we are deeply grateful for the support and generosity. Your donation towards Shark Spotters creates ripples of impact.

18/08/2026

NEW BLOG ALERT

“Our datasheets didn’t have enough space for all the sharks we would see at once. I felt sorry for the beach spotter who had to run up and down to change the flags.” Liesel Benjamin is our oldest female spotters and this woman’s month we are highlighting her. In this blog we learn more on how she has grown confident with once scary aspects of the role, and her overall love for our oceans and sharks.

Read more about Liesel and her journey here:
https://sharkspotters.org.za/when-there-are-sharks-liesel-benjamin-spotter/

17/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE | COMMISSION TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Shark Spotters is proud to announce a 12-month funding agreement valued at R984 064 with the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). The funding will support Shark Spotters’ operational needs, making the NLC one of the organisation’s primary funders.

Read the full press release here: