The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, making it the largest living space on our planet. It’s a vast world, largely unexplored, and has the ability to both soothe and terrify. Embracing both these on a daily basis is Zandile Ndlovu, lovingly known by many as The Black Mermaid. Conservationist, activist, filmmaker, author, and South Africa’s first black female freediving instructor, Zandi has now added one more title to her long list of achievements – penguin warrior. We sit down with this formidable woman of the water to find out more about life under the sea, embracing fear, saving penguins, and changing lives.