“I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, a vibrant and coastal city that gave me a connection to the ocean and a deep cultural grounding." said Londiwe. 

“I was raised by my grandparents; our home was traditional yet full of discipline, faith and love, where humility, resilience and hard work were just part of my daily life.

“Where I grew up people looked out for each other, you could feel the rhythm of my Zulu culture in everything: from the way we greet each other to how we celebrate life. That sense of community gave me strength.

“Even now when I am at sea, I carry that spirit with me, it’s a reminder of where I came from and who I am doing this for. My hometown is full of people with big dreams, especially young women, which alone fuelled my hunger to create a different future, not just for me but for those coming after me.”

Londiwe’s first step into the maritime world was anything but ordinary.

Her first taste for life at sea was on a polar supply and research vessel, sailing towards Antarctica.

“The moment I stepped onboard my first vessel as a cadet will stay with me forever. It was surreal,” added Londiwe.

“We were sailing to Antarctica and the ‘roaring 40s’ [infamous weather conditions in southern hemisphere] did a number on me, but I felt something click inside me, like ‘this is where I am meant to be’.”

That early experience set the tone for a fledgling career that has already spanned coastal operations, bunkering barges, and now international deep-sea shipping.

A Career Sparked by Curiosity

“At first, it was just curiosity,” said Londiwe, explaining her decision to become a seafarer.

“I met someone who worked as a Chief Officer and the idea of being a woman at sea fascinated me. I learned about the industry, and I knew I had to go for it. As I learned more about maritime careers, I realised it wasn’t just about sailing; it was about breaking limits, seeing the world and proving to myself that I could thrive in any space given the opportunity. Going to sea became my rebellion and my liberation.

Londiwe’s decision to pursue a maritime career was supported by strong role models; her mother and grandmother.

“My mother was quite a force; a woman who endured so much but she never let life break her spirit. I watched her navigate her hardships with grace, which gave me the blueprint on how to move through my own challenges.

“Professionally, I was inspired by the rare women I’d see in uniform, I didn’t know their names, but seeing them made me believe I could do it too. And then my mentors, both men and women who guided me, believed in me, challenged me and reminded me that my dreams were valid, even if they were unconventional. But my true fire? That comes from within.”

After completing her cadetship, Londiwe joined a South African bunkering company that also specialises in surveying and shipbroking .

She explained: “I finished my cadetship and got my COC but opportunities were limited. I managed to get a job onboard bunker barges, operating in the Durban harbour. It was hands on, high pressure and everyday taught me something new.”

“The highlight was how close knit the teams were. We worked hard, and we had each other’s backs. The challenges were real, tight port schedules, unpredictable weather and the pressure to perform but those experiences made me adaptable.”

Breaking Ground and Building Experience

Her time on bunker barges led to a major milestone as she was the first female in the Company to achieve her Master Port Operations License.

“It felt surreal. The challenges along the way made the achievement more meaningful. I had other plans for my career, but I leaned into the opportunity that presented itself and I wanted more. It wasn’t just a personal win, it felt like I was pushing the door for other women who want to take up the space and not just the bunkering industry.”

In 2023, Londiwe joined Northern Marine. “The dream was always international, joining Northern Marine was a chance to move beyond coastal operations and reconnect with the reason I started this journey in the first place.”

“They offered me the opportunity to work on LPG tankers. It was a new journey altogether, new routes, new systems, new energy and to be a part of the future in shipping. It felt like the right step to level up in my career, learn from a global team and push myself further outside my comfort zone. The fact that they are all about women inclusion and empowering women was a bonus; I had to be a part of this Company to fulfil my hunger for change.”

“At first, it was tough [adjusting to working on an international LPG tanker], the pace, the scale, the operations and being back at sea after so long. With time, I am finding my rhythm.

“The transition is not an easy one but my experience gave me a solid foundation, and I am building on that. I ask questions, learn from senior officers, and stay open to learning from anyone willing to share their experiences with me. The deep-sea life demands mental strength, structure and adaptability and I am leaning into all of that.”

Looking Ahead with Purpose

Being entrusted with more responsibilities has been a highlight for Londiwe thus far and this has offered more growth, particular in technical competence.

The experience of working with an internationally diverse crew and being part of a high performing team has been what Lowinde describes as “empowering”.

Contributing towards successful ship inspections has also contributed towards Londiwe’s sense of pride for her colleagues and herself.

She added: “I have had the opportunity to meet with a lot of people from the Company, but the biggest highlight was meeting for the first time in my career a female Superintendent.

“And also, sailing with another female regardless of the fact that we are in different departments.

“My long term goal is to get my Master’s Unlimited Licence, not just for the title but because I want to lead with integrity, skill and purpose.

Imbokodo

In the isiZulu language the word ‘Imbokodo’ is more than just a term. It literally translates to “a grinding stone” and is both a personal and powerful word to Londiwe.

She explains: “In our culture, ‘imbokodo’ symbolizes the unshakable strength of a woman. It’s like calling a woman a fortress.

“To me, it means being rooted and unshakable, even when the world tries to wear you down. Having grace under pressure, knowing your worth and standing firm in your identity.

“What drives me is the desire to keep pushing through boundaries not just for myself, but to show other young women, that they belong here too.

"If my story helps even one person feel seen or reminded that the road may be tough but still worth walking, then it’s all worth it. There is room for all of us to rise and I’m here for that.”

ENDS

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