PIRATES ON BOARD
WHY IS A SHIP CALLED “SHE”?
ABANDON SHIP – The Captain goes down with the ship.
A PORT OF REFUGE
Captain Londy Ngcobo brings a leadership style forged in disciplined service, translating naval command lessons into practical guidance for business leaders and teams. Her background in service operations and crisis scenarios gives her a unique vantage point on decision making under pressure, accountability, and team psychology.
On stage she uses vivid first-hand stories to model calm leadership and clear command structures, then translates those stories into repeatable practices teams can apply the next day. Her workshops simulate real decisions and emphasize communication and simple processes that reduce stress and increase effectiveness.
Organizations going through rapid change, crisis planning, or looking to strengthen emergency response capabilities often hire Londy for both keynote inspiration and practical training sessions
Captain Londy Ngcobo is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, acclaimed as a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Her unwavering passion for unlocking Africa’s oceanic potential has defined her illustrious career spanning over 13 years. With a robust educational background in Maritime Studies and extensive experience in International Merchant shipping, Captain Ngcobo has honed her expertise to become a trailblazer in her field.
Notably, she holds advanced credentials in dredging from the Netherlands IHC, setting a precedent for excellence in her industry. Formerly serving as the Maritime Compliance Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority, Captain Ngcobo has wielded her influence to instigate positive change within maritime regulations and standards.
Moreover, she is the visionary Founder of Global Maritime Youth and serves as the esteemed Chief Executive of Womaritime Experts, a renowned consulting firm specializing in the shipping industry.
This remarkable journey has earned Captain Londy Ngcobo the fitting moniker, “The Black Mermaid,” symbolizing her profound connection to the seas and her unparalleled leadership in navigating the maritime landscape.
As the former Maritime Compliance Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority, Captain Ngcobo played a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to maritime regulations, fostering a culture of safety and efficiency within port operations. Her astute leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence have garnered recognition both locally and internationally.
Captain Londy Ngcobo’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in the maritime industry is a testament to her resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master, she embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership, inspiring audiences worldwide to chart their own course towards success.
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“Good day. I’m Captain Londy Ngcobo, known as ‘The Blaqmermaid.’ I’m honored to join the Oracle Women in Leadership series to discuss leadership, inclusion, and daring to claim your captaincy.”
“Raised in Durban, I discovered my calling in the maritime industry after a teacher sparked my curiosity. Since then, I’ve served as a navigation officer, Africa’s first female dredge master, and now lead initiatives like Unlocking Oceans Economy and Global Maritime Youth.”
“My mission is simple: I chose not to wait to be Rose from the Titanic. I chose to captain the Titanic. That mindset—leading boldly at your helm—is what I call ‘Claim Your Captaincy.’ It’s about owning your leadership space.”
“In high-pressure environments—on a ship or in a corporate room—you face storms. But resilience, rooted in purpose and clarity, can steer your ship forward. Reinvention isn’t optional; it’s survival.”
“Inclusion isn’t a buzzword—it’s survival. On a bridge, every hand matters. In organizations, every perspective drives innovation. I bring the ‘all hands on deck’ ethos to leadership.”
“With Global Maritime Youth and Unlocking Oceans Economy, we’re building pipelines—mentoring, training, and creating access for women and young talent in maritime careers.”
“As leaders, we must embody clarity, courage, and inclusive vision. Whether at sea or in business, claim your captaincy. Thank you for having me—I look forward to how you’ll rise to lead.”
00:00 Introduction: Londy Ngcobo’s background and purpose
00:30 Journey: from Durban to pioneering maritime roles
01:30 “Claim Your Captaincy” – owning leadership
02:30 Resilience & reinvention in high-pressure leadership
04:00 Inclusion as strategic advantage: “All hands on deck”
05:30 Empowering women & youth: unlocking ocean economy
07:00 Closing: vision for courageous, inclusive leadership
In this keynote, Captain Londy Ngcobo recounts her transformative journey in the maritime industry. At only 20 years old, she found herself on a massive commercial ship in the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by an all-male crew and separated from her family for months at a time. The skepticism she faced rooted in race, gender, and cultural expectations was constant, but her mother’s encouragement anchored her resolve.
Over 12 years, Londy rose through the ranks, from making coffee and scrubbing decks to becoming Africa’s first female dredge master. She describes the surreal moment when her achievement made headlines and she received an overwhelming flood of messages, interviews, and invitations. Despite the recognition, she struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling unprepared for the spotlight.
Her turning point came when a young girl in the audience looked up at her with admiration. Londy realized that her success was bigger than personal accolades it was about representation and paving the way for others. She challenges audiences to:
With only 2% of the world’s seafarers being women and just five ships registered in South Africa, Londy calls for leaders to move beyond symbolic “firsts” and deliver tangible change. She closes with a rallying cry: “Anchors away, there is no rest for the first.”
00:00 – Opening: 20-year-old at sea with an all-male crew
01:10 – Community doubts and stereotypes she faced
02:00 – Career journey across oceans, rising in maritime ranks
03:00 – Becoming Africa’s first female dredge master
04:00 – Media attention and feelings of imposter syndrome
05:30 – Awakening moment: connecting with a young girl in the audience
06:30 – Three challenges to “captains”: celebrate, serve, and mentor
08:30 – Industry realities: only 2% women in maritime, five South African-registered ships
09:45 – The importance of engaging youth and passing on knowledge
11:00 – Closing message: be the first, but not the last—“Anchors away”
In this inspiring keynote delivered at the Bold Future Awards, Captain Londy Ngcobo, known as The Blaqmermaid—introduces herself as a ship navigator, Africa’s first female dredge master, and founder of Global Maritime Youth. She highlights her journey as both a maritime pioneer and an advocate for women in a field where female representation stands at just 2% globally.
Londy challenges gender and racial stereotypes within the maritime sector, reminding her audience that Africa trades but does not own ships, with near-zero ship registry. This dependency on European companies has limited Africa’s power in the global maritime economy. Her personal vision is to change this by “claiming our tonnage” and building opportunities for Africans to participate and lead.
She speaks with passion about the hidden treasure that lies in the ocean economy an underutilized sector with the potential to generate billions of dollars and create over one million jobs by 2033. Rejecting stereotypes that suggest “a Black man can’t swim” or that women must remain at home, she proclaims: “I chose not to be Rose on the Titanic. I chose to captain.”
The heart of her message is multiplication: achievements should not end with the individual but must inspire and empower others. Londy emphasizes the need for women to open pathways for one another, engage with youth, and create scalable impact. She thanks the panelists, fellow women leaders, and mentors who see beyond titles to the deeper purpose of multiplying influence.
Her closing challenge is clear: it is not enough to be first. True leadership ensures you are first but not the last.
00:00 – Introduction: The Blaqmermaid, maritime leader and pioneer
00:40 – Women in maritime: only 2% globally represented
01:10 – Africa trades but does not own ships—need for local registry
02:00 – Unlocking Africa’s ocean economy as hidden treasure
03:00 – Rejecting stereotypes: “I chose to captain the Titanic”
04:00 – The potential of ocean economy: jobs and growth by 2033
05:00 – Call to women: multiply achievements and open doors for others
06:30 – Gratitude to mentors and panelists for guidance and support
07:30 – Closing challenge: be first, but not the last—multiply purpose
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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A: Yes — interactive simulations and team debriefs are available.
A: Yes — international bookings possible with standard lead times.
A: Standard AV and screen for visuals recommended.
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