We are delighted to introduce Ivana Samujh, Syethemba Zungu, and Ntombencinci Mxotwa – our newest interns with our Research team.
These talented students are gaining hands-on experience within our Research department and across the Two Oceans Aquarium, developing the technical and practical skills essential for a career in marine science. Nurturing the next generation of researchers is one of our key focuses – through our partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Diploma in Marine Sciences Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme, students are provided with vital on-the-job training and exposure to scientific research, animal husbandry, and marine conservation.
Here’s a closer look at their experiences and aspirations:
Ivana Samujh
Ivana holds a Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology from the University of Pretoria and is completing a year-long internship at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation through the WWF's internship programme.
Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. “I hope to play a meaningful role in protecting marine life and to inspire others to care about our oceans as much as I do,” she said.
“Most of my days are spent working with turtles – from cleaning and feeding to preparing enrichment activities that encourage their natural behaviours,” says Ivana.
She also conducts research projects as part of her internship: “At the moment, I’m working on a behavioural study on our spotted gully sharks to understand how construction noise might affect them. In addition, I am assisting with a citizen science project that maps the distribution of sunfish.”
Syethemba Zungu
Currently in his final year of Marine Science at CPUT, Syethemba has chosen to focus his WIL research project on Cape fur seal entanglements from 2018 to 2024.
“My daily tasks vary according to the schedule,” he explains. “I usually work with jellyfish every Monday and Tuesday: Feeding them, cleaning their tanks, and changing their water. I also work with the Marine Wildlife Management team, conducting daily patrols and monitoring seal populations on the various seal platforms. I also help out with daily tasks at the Turtle Conservation Centre”.
“My goal is to care for every living creature under the sea. I aspire to become a marine biologist – it may seem like a big dream, but I would rather dream big or not dream at all. I am passionate about the ocean and committed to protecting it.”
Ntombencinci Mxotwa
Ntombencinci is a third-year Marine Science student at CPUT. She is currently focused on the Aquarium’s quarantine area, where she assists in the care of animals undergoing rehabilitation, healing, or awaiting new homes.
“My daily responsibilities include preparing food for the animals, maintaining cleanliness in the area, and siphoning tanks after feeding to ensure water quality stays high,” she explains.
Ntombencinci’s career vision is to contribute to large-scale ocean protection efforts: “In the future, I would like to work with organisations or government departments that preserve and protect our marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable practices. I also aspire to become a Marine Biologist.”
Our interns’ dedication, curiosity, and passion for marine life exemplify the values of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. Through mentorship and experiential learning, they are gaining invaluable insights into the realities of marine conservation that are preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the field.
The future of ocean stewardship is bright, guided by young scientists who are as inspired by the ocean as they are committed to its protection.
Sign up to our Newsletter
Receive monthly news, online courses and conservation programmes.