Silindile “Mama Sli” Mbuyazi of Sodwana Bay is changing the face of ocean storytelling in Africa, using her journey from fear to mastery of the sea to inspire a new generation of divers, filmmakers and conservationists.

Once terrified of the ocean, Mama Sli never imagined she would one day become a respected dive instructor. Her remarkable transformation is now at the centre of Indoni Yamanzi, a landmark film currently in post-production. The film traces her path from a grieving sister searching for meaning after losing her brother to the ocean, to a passionate guardian of the deep.

Her story is compared to the Indoni, also known as the Black Beauty fish, which begins life alone before growing and eventually moving with others. In much the same way, Mama Sli entered a space where very few people looked like her and has since become a leader, guiding many others into the water.

Today, she is a dual-certified SSI and PADI dive instructor and is helping redefine who belongs in ocean spaces. She mentors African women, scientists and storytellers, encouraging them to see the sea as a place of learning, healing and opportunity.

“In many African communities, we grow up being told the water is dangerous,” said Mama Sli. “My work is about removing that fear and helping people fall in love with the ocean.”

The film took five years to produce and received an initial R1.4 million development and production grant from the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority. The funding was matched by NEWF through its Africa Refocused programme. Indoni Yamanzi is expected to have a first-look screening at the upcoming NEWF Fellow Summit in March 2026.

Over the years, Mama Sli has trained more than 150 divers and supported dive programmes in Tanzania, Ghana and Cameroon. She is also establishing the Indoni Yamanzi Lifeguard Academy to improve water safety in her community and help prevent drownings.

Her work continues to reshape ocean conservation and storytelling across Africa.