Captain Londy Ngcobo, known as The Blaqmermaid, is a transformational leader whose influence spans far beyond the maritime world. With over 18 years of experience in global shipping, port governance, compliance management, and ocean economy consultancy, she is Africa’s first female Dredge Master and a trailblazing force in leadership, advocacy, and empowerment.

Londy’s maritime journey began in a Durban township, sparked by a teacher’s offhand remark about maritime studies - a moment that led her to become a navigation officer for global shipping giant Maersk, train in advanced dredging through the Netherlands’ IHC, and later oversee national port operations in South Africa. Today, she channels that deep-sea expertise into transformative strategy through her organisation, Unlocking Ocean Economy (UOE), which also houses Global Maritime Youth (GMY) under the same umbrella.

UOE focuses on inclusive business consulting, development, and advocacy, including in youth and women’s empowerment. Through GMY, Londy has pioneered mentorship and training pathways for young people, including those with disabilities - from education initiatives to cadetship and career development programmes that reshape access to the ocean economy.

Londy is a highly accomplished speaker, host, and MC - a confident and relatable voice on leadership, purpose, and transformation. Her signature keynote, “Claim Your Captaincy,” inspires individuals and organisations to lead with authenticity and courage, drawing on her lived experience in high-pressure environments and her mission to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. As Londy puts it, "I chose not to be Rose from the Titanic, I chose to captain the Titanic!".

A Forbes Africa 30 Under 50 honouree and Winner of the Veuve Cliquot Bold Woman Award, Londy is a leading voice in organisational and industry transformation, challenging traditional narratives and inviting others to rethink what leadership looks like.