The month of March has been internationally declared a time to celebrate the vital work that social workers do every day, throughout the year.
Social Workers having fun!
On Friday, 28 March 2025, the Marine Dynamics team welcomed Minister Jaco Londt and the Western Cape Government Department of Social Development to the Great White House restaurant, giving them an unforgettable shark diving experience to thank them for their tireless dedication.
Teams arrived from all over the Western Cape, including Riversdale, Paarl, and even Saldanha. Minister Londt states, “The Department of Social Development – the heart of provincial government – is among the province’s service delivery engines that use the life cycle approach, supporting and protecting the poor and most vulnerable in society through different interventions.”
Jaco Londt, Minister of Social Development – Western Cape Government.
Marine Dynamics Public Relations Officer Christine Wessels welcomed the group of 42, who could barely contain their excitement to meet and dive with the bronze whaler sharks! Christine thanked the Department of Social Development on behalf of Marine Dynamics for their dedication to providing services to the poor and vulnerable and for empowering communities to build healthy and happy societies.
She then called on each attendee—whether part of the Ministry, a social worker, or a former foster child—to extend their compassion to marine life. “Our sharks are indiscriminately caught. We have only about 500 humpback dolphins left along our coast, as they too suffer terrible deaths in longlines, shark nets, and fishing nets. Research from the University of Pretoria Whale Unit has shown that some Southern Right whales are aborting their unborn calves because there simply isn’t enough food in the ocean. Our African Penguins are now classified as critically endangered, with only 1% of their population remaining.”
Christine urged all attendees to become ambassadors and protectors of these vulnerable species.
Quoting Marine Dynamics CEO Wilfred Chivell, she emphasised the urgent need for action: “We are facing a global crisis with sharks. Longline fishing practices are devastating shark populations at an alarming rate. Legal fishing permits issued by the DFFE allow longliners to operate along the coast from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Quinn Point, targeting sharks for their meat, fins, and other products. We must all take action to protect the few remaining shark species.”
Beautiful Bronze Whaler Sharks meeting the group.
Wilfred and other shark conservationists and scientists are calling for immediate intervention to explore alternative methods of ensuring bather safety. He stated, “The KZN Sharks Board has been killing not only thousands of innocent sharks, including great white sharks, but also dolphins and sea turtles. They have operated for over 70 years, using shark nets and baited hooks (drumlines) along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. This killing has to stop!”
Following a presentation by Marine Dynamics, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, which explained the unique non-consumptive eco-tourism model that directly funds conservation, research, and community projects, guests enjoyed a buffet breakfast prepared by the Great White House.
Marine biologist and guide Amy Weber answered many questions and eased concerns about the cage diving experience that lay ahead. Finally, everyone boarded the shark diving vessel, Slashfin, and with a loud cheer, departed from Kleinbaai Harbour.
A choppier day on the water did nothing to dull the excitement of guests on board Slashfin! Bronze whaler sharks appeared within minutes of arrival at anchor, and improved visibility allowed for incredible sightings. Short-tailed stingrays were present on both trips, actively pursuing the bait throughout, undeterred by the sharks. A Cape fur seal was also spotted predating on fish, showing off its agility in the water. A great day overall—thank you to everyone who joined us!
Short Tail Stingray
For many, it was their first time ever on a boat or in the ocean. As Minister Londt put it, “We have to learn from each other and trust each other to push us even further in life.”
Thank you to Minister Londt and his Department of Social Development in the Western Cape—we feel in safe hands with this remarkable team at the heart of our society!
