The coastal beauty, rich biodiversity, and vital conservation value of the West Coast of South Africa will be brought to the attention of viewers across South Africa through a new Afrikaans series titled 'Hey Skipper'.
Series Presentation and Content
The series, which premieres on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 18:00, will be closely linked to the work of CapeNature. The series consists of 13 episodes and is produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker, and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser. It offers viewers a deep dive into some of the world's most impressive marine environments, exploring the delicate interplay between human activity, water, and environmental conservation.
Protected Areas and Initiatives
The Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the West Coast will take centre stage in the series, as Visser explores the unique coastal landscapes, marine biodiversity, and innovative conservation initiatives that give the province's coast global ecological significance. CapeNature manages six key MPAs: Robberg, Goukamma, Stilbaai, De Hoop, Betty's Bay, and Roorschelp, all of which will be featured. Furthermore, viewers will see footage from other renowned nature reserves, including Lambeth Bay Bird Island, Walker Bay, De Mond, Dyer Island, Keurbooms, and Heelkraans.
Ecosystem Conservation Work
Throughout the series, episodes will showcase the critical practical work being done to conserve fragile marine ecosystems. This includes ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable species, maintain healthy marine environments, and encourage responsible human interaction in these sensitive zones. Dr. Ashley Naidu, CEO of CapeNature, emphasized the significant impact of visual media on raising environmental awareness.
Importance of Nature Conservation
Dr. Naidu noted that storytelling has the power to connect people with nature, and through 'Hey Skipper', viewers can get to know the coasts of the West Coast while learning about the work to conserve these ecosystems. She added that MPAs play a vital role in maintaining ocean health, supporting biodiversity, and creating opportunities for sustainable ecotourism, and the organisation is very proud to share the work of its dedicated teams and partners through this exciting broadcast.
Project Mission
The ultimate goal of the series is to inspire both local and global audiences by showcasing the adventures, beauty, and powerful conservation stories found along international coastlines. Dewald Visser, a representative of the project, stated that 'every place has a story to tell, and our oceans are filled with incredible people, places, and conservation efforts. CapeNature's MPAs are an example of how protecting these environments can create opportunities for exploration, education, and appreciation.'
Viewers can expect diverse marine adventures, ranging from exploring local shores and waterways to showcasing international marine conservation projects, with each episode conveying the message that understanding and protecting oceanic environments is essential for sustaining both nature and surrounding communities.