Women: Strong, capable, interesting, varied, accomplished – there are countless reasons to celebrate and revere this gender on National Women’s Day (and every other day). But for South Africans, 9 August has a special meaning – to commemorate the 1956 Women’s March when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to petition against the Pass Laws of Apartheid-era South Africa. Today, it is essential to remember that the issues facing women persist, and that’s why equal human rights for all remains a significant priority, every day. 

Here at the Two Oceans Aquarium, we are privileged to have a large and powerful group of impressive women taking care of business. Our senior management team is 50% female, and our entire staff contingent is 50% female. From our online statistics, we have also learnt that social media fans are predominantly women! It’s great to know that we are speaking, on a daily basis, with the people who make the world turn … And we salute you. 

On most days, the very first person that you meet when you visit the Aquarium will be a woman. So, ahead of National Women’s Day in South Africa, we decided to a chat with a few of the females whose job it is to work and interact with you, our wonderful Aquarium guests.

Babalwa Ntontela

Affectionately known as “Babes” you are likely to find Babalwa at the Visitor Services desk. Her colleagues describe her as the face of the morning, creating the energy for the day with a bright smile and positive attitude.

She works as a Visitors Services Assistant, which involves welcoming guests at the turnstiles, assisting with queries, and making visitors feel welcome. She also interacts with guests from all over the world at the Skretting Touch Pool and Microscope Exhibit, sharing information about the plants and animals in this exhibit.

Babalwa started working at the Aquarium in 2016 where her love for the I&J Ocean Exhibit began when she was first introduced to Yoshi, a gigantic loggerhead turtle - the former resident of the I&J Ocean Exhibit. Despite the smell, Babalwa says the Penguin Exhibit is also one of her favourites as she adores the lovable nature of penguins.

“What motivates me every day is the opportunity to learn new things in an ever-changing environment,” Babalwa said as she reminisced about the Ocean Experience she had with green turtles, Bob and Sandy.

Abongile Sobekwa

Abongile studied a BSc in Biological Sciences at Walter Sisulu University, knowing from a young age that she had a passion for animals and science.

Abongile works as a Visitor Services Guide, her duties involve giving presentations at daily feed talks at the I&J Ocean Exhibit as well as interacting with visitors. “One of my favourite parts of the day is interacting with school groups and seeing young children learn new things about marine life,” says Abongile. 

“The swaying motion of the jellies along with the beautiful colours provides a calming effect and helps me whenever I am feeling a bit restless,” said Abongile as she smiles watching the jellies’ rhythmic pulse.

Princess Bakajana

A woman who visitors will always see smiling is Princess. Princess’ introduction to the Two Oceans Aquarium was in 2015 as a Travel and Tourism student when she began her internship as a Visitors Services Assistant. Since then she has been working in the ticket office as a cashier, selling tickets to visitors and letting them know what activities are happening on the day, such as feeding times and puppet shows.

“My favourite exhibit in the Aquarium is the turtle wall, I love the message it brings across about conservation regarding turtles and plastic pollution,” Princess said. Apart from the beautiful marine species on display at the Aquarium, she believes that conservation and education are the most important aspects of the Aquarium.

Princess also enjoys learning new skills and getting to know everyone that works at the Aquarium. When asked what she does for fun she responded by saying: “Sometimes on my days off I enjoy coming to work as a volunteer behind the scenes. It’s a great change of scenery and allows me to experience all aspects of the Aquarium.”

Phumza Jongihlati

With a friendly face and helpful nature, you are likely to find Phumza at the turnstiles or information desk.

Phumza joined the Aquarium team in 2016 and works as a Visitor Services Assistant. When visiting the Aquarium you are likely to find Phumza at the turnstiles welcoming visitors, behind the information desk or speaking to visitors at the microscope and touch pool.

“The microscope is my favourite place inside the Aquarium, it’s cool there! You get the same reaction from adults as well as children who are seeing things for the first time which they weren’t able to see before,” Phumza said. The animals at the microscope are commonly found in rock pools and are overlooked by most or mistaken for being simple creatures. Phumza explains that when interacting with visitors and explaining the behaviour of different animals on display at the microscope you’re imparting necessary knowledge which they can implement on their visits to the beach.

Jenny Labauschagne

Jenny has always been very passionate about marine life and with a love for penguins she began her volunteering journey at SANCCOB. When presented with the chance to volunteer at the Aquarium she eagerly jumped at the opportunity.

Jenny is currently a Visitor Services Guide and occasionally acts as a floor manager. Her responsibilities include guided tours of the Aquarium, presenting feed talks, interacting with visitors at the Skretting Touch Pool and Microscope Exhibit and making sure volunteer duties are sorted for the day.

Although penguins have always been her favourite, Jenny has grown to have a great passion for turtles and a better understanding of sharks.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at the Aquarium she said: “I enjoy telling visitors about various animals. I also enjoy where possible interacting with animals.” Jenny went on to say that one of her most memorable experiences has been participating in an Ocean Experience, spending some time with Bob and Sandy the turtles.

From all at the Two Oceans Aquarium, we would like to thank all the incredible women that have been part of building our organisation and continue to put their passion and work into all aspects of Aquarium life. To these women, the friends, the colleagues, the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, aunties and wives who inspire each of us to be better, more compassionate people every day – thank you.