National Geographic Society Recognizes Silindile Mbuyazi with 2026 Wayfinder Award Presented by Kia for Groundbreaking Ocean Conservation and Storytelling
The Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) proudly announces that the National Geographic Society has named Silindile Mbuyazi, a celebrated Dive Master and NEWF Dive Instructor, a recipient of the prestigious 2026 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia. This esteemed recognition celebrates individuals who are influential leaders, communicators, and innovators driving ground-breaking work in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling.
Silindile, affectionately known as “Mama Sli,” is being honoured for her transformative efforts in redefining ocean access. Today, she is a dual-certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International) dive instructor and has supported NEWF Fellows in Ghana, Tanzania and Cameroon to start their own dive programmes.
To date, Sli has trained over 150 divers, placing a special focus on empowering African women, scientists, and storytellers to overcome their fear of water. For some, it has even enabled them to finally see the marine species they’ve spent their entire careers studying. Her mentorship extends to notable figures like Nancy Iraba, a Tanzanian marine scientist, co-founder of Action for Ocean, NEWF Fellow, and 2024 National Geographic Wayfinder Awardee.
“This award isn’t just for me; it’s for my community, for every woman who dares to challenge fear and social norms, and for the ocean that has taught me resilience and purpose,” said Sli. “I hope my story inspires others to become custodians of our precious marine ecosystems and to see the ocean not as a source of fear, but as a vital part of our heritage and future.”
Growing up in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Sli initially harbored a deep fear of the ocean, influenced by local tales of danger and mythical creatures. A profound personal tragedy – the drowning of her brother in 2015, whose body was never recovered – became a catalyst. It propelled her to learn to swim and dive, driven by a mission to find the remains of her sibling, and bring healing to her family and community.
“Sli embodies the spirit of the Wayfinder Award and the mission of NEWF,” said Pragna Parsotam-Kok, NEWF co-founder and National Geographic Explorer. “Her journey from fear to fearless ocean leadership is a powerful testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. She is not only transforming lives and perceptions in Sodwana Bay but also inspiring a new generation of African ocean storytellers and conservationists through our Africa Refocused program. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized on such a global stage.”
Africa Refocused, a collaboration between NEWF and the National Geographic Society, amplifies African voices in nature, environmental, and wildlife storytelling by providing training, mentorship, and resources for filmmakers and conservation leaders across the continent.
“We are fiercely Pan-African in our vision, but we also believe that meaningful impact begins at home,” said Noel Kok, NEWF Executive Director and National Geographic Explorer. “This award is not only a powerful recognition of Sli’s leadership, it is also a particularly significant achievement for the broader KwaMbila community, whose stories, resilience and relationship with the ocean are now being seen on a global stage,” he added.
As a 2026 Wayfinder Award recipient, Silindile Mbuyazi will become a National Geographic Explorer. She will formally receive the award at the National Geographic Explorers Festival on June 18, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Sli now joins a distinguished group of South African Wayfinder Award recipients, including Pippa Ehrlich, National Geographic Explorer and director of the Oscar-winning documentary “My Octopus Teacher,” and Shamier Magmoet, National Geographic Explorer and NEWF Fellow, highlighting the significant impact of African voices in global conservation and storytelling.
