MEET THE FELLOWS
HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE STORY?
YOU CHANGE THE STORYTELLER…
DR JULIET KARISA
MARINE ECOLOGIST
As a Kenyan Marine Ecologist and conservationist, I’ve recently completed my PhD study aimed at providing climate resilient coral reefs. It is frustrating that my work which involves the conservation practices of coral reef restoration is stuck in scientific publications and conference proceedings and mostly inaccessible to the general public. In addition underwater ecosystems are uniquely fascinating yet very few people can access and relate to these habitats. It is my passion to effectively take the science that I do to the people for greater impact in conservation.
KIMERUDI MOTSWAI
FILMMAKER
I’m a young South African woman who loves all things art, creativity and story. My passion for visual storytelling began when I found out that my grandfather was a professional photographer. Today, I hold a BA in Motion Picture Medium, specialising in cinematography, colour grading and data wrangling. We need more young people of colour to take a more curious approach to the arts and their relationship with nature and in order for South Africa to preserve and care for its environment, it is important that we, its people (such as myself) take plunge and “dive” right in.
LEBOGANG MATLAKALA
MARINE SCIENTIST
Originally from Limpopo Province, my passion for science and the environment was ignited from the lessons learnt while working on a farm with my grandfather, observing how he valued and intimately interacted with the environment. As an Oceanographer with a Masters in Applied Ocean Sciences my real love for the ocean began after being awarded a scholarship to study at UCT in Cape Town. I am now a Project Manager at Oceans Without Borders and am excited about bridging the divide between scientists, policy makers and the general public, by using storytelling as a tool to inspire, inform and improve people’s lives.
MUNEERA SALLIES
FILMMAKER
I am a Writer, Director and Producer from Bo-Kaap, Cape Town and come from a family of filmmakers. Pursuing my love for the big screen, in 2010 I graduated from AFDA, School of Motion Picture and Live Performance. My professional career began with writing, directing and producing short films, television programs and commercials for both local and international markets. In 2020, I went on to make my feature film directorial debut by co-writing and directing ‘Twisted Christmas’, for the MNET DSTV and Showmax market. My hope is for more women to occupy spaces within conservation, wildlife and underwater storytelling, creating and telling stories which will change the narrative and impact a better tomorrow.
NANCY IRABA
MARINE SCIENTIST
With a Masters in Marine Sciences, I am a young Tanzanian researcher with a passion for science communication. As an undergraduate, whilst still harbouring dreams of becoming a medical doctor, my life-changing experience with the ocean began when I had the opportunity to work with renowned senior and young scientists across Africa onboard the SA Algulhas II research vessel. This turned me into a passionate Marine Scientist and Ocean Advocate aspiring to create ocean-literate communities in my country. I believe the ocean has no boundaries and in order to inspire the next generation of African ocean conservationists we need to become their role models by being the future they too can be.
NASREEN KHAN
MARINE SCIENTIST
From eMnambithi-Ladysmith in Kwa-Zulu Natal, I am a Marine Scientist and Conservation Advocate with a Masters in Environmental Science. Specialising in Island conservation and biology, I’ve had the privilege of working in a few of the world’s most pristine environments including Marion Island in the sub Antarctic, and the Seychelles Islands in the tropics. It’s a privilege to be a Marine Scientist in South Africa and I’m here as an embodiment of the hurdles that stopped us in the past and to pave the way for future young women who think they are not worthy of filling those roles. I hope to have the tools to tell the stories of the precariousness and preciousness of our world to the masses and bridge the gap between science and communication for the purposes of advocacy.
SIMANGELE SITHOLE
ECOLOGIST
From the rural village of eMatimatolo outside Greytown, Kwazulu-Natal, I have always been fascinated by the relationship between nature and people. With a Masters inHydrology, I have been fortunate enough to build a career as an Ecosystem Services Ecologist, where I demonstrate the value and benefits of biodiversity to human well-being and livelihoods. My work contributes to the conservation of biodiversity in a manner that also understands, respects, and integrates traditional and indigenous knowledge. Passionate about science communication, I realise there are very few opportunities that encourage and highlight the contribution of young black women in conservation and this has inspired me to tell those stories and shine a light on the relationship that indigenous people have with the environment.
STEFANIE LEE TITUS
STORYTELLER
Meet me, Stefanie, a 30 year old environmentalist, photographer and writer with a passion for storytelling and creating meaningful connections with nature. I am the communications director for the organisation Sea the Bigger Picture, in Cape Town. My dream is for the future women of colour to find their bliss and purpose earlier than I did, to see their dreams represented by faces similar to theirs, to elevate themselves through opportunities that tap into their raw talent - rather than existing in a place of disempowerment where the rules are not written by or for them.
THANDEKA HLONGWA
JOURNALIST AND STORYTELLER
I am a Journalism Graduate, Social Media Manager and Traditional Healer, and I believe that the greatest attribute of a good storyteller is being an attentive listener. As Thandeka, the journalist, I have learnt that the best way to capture someone’s story is by having them retell it to you without interruption. As Gogo Nqobizizwe, the traditional healer, I have learnt that the best way to help people, is to listen to the ancient stories of guidance shared by their sources. I come from a place where these two “people” were unable to coexist without suffocating each other. My connection with nature is my heritage, and as an Nguni person my entire identity is linked to this great system. Through storytelling I hope to become the bridge for co-existence.
ZANDILE NDHLOVU
STORYTELLER
Growing up in Soweto, Johannesburg, meant the possibilities of what we could be were always limited to what we saw in front of us and after years of the corporate world, my journey of discovery of me began. I am Zandile Nhdlovu, free-diver and founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation, a vehicle where the true meaning of belonging was finding my purpose to bridge the gap and make oceans more accessible to all. Through storytelling, I want to travel back into the stories we grew up with and add curiosity as opposed to fear, move from stories of firsts to those of adventures and exploration and see ourselves adequately represented so that we dream anew.