Conservation in the Sand Comes Alive at Ocean Festival

May 6, 2026

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA — This past weekend, Scottburgh main beach came alive for the annual Ocean Festival celebrations. The coastline was filled with energy as surfers, lifesavers, and surfski paddlers took to the water, supported by music, community spirit, and a shared love for the ocean.

Along the north bank of the main beach, something a bit quieter and deeply moving took shape. Over the course of the three days, a striking sand sculpture rose from the shoreline, drawing people in with its intricate detail. At its base lay a beautifully detailed humpback whale, holding within it a dolphin, turtle, octopus, and shark – a powerful tribute to the Marine Big 5 found in this part of the world. Above them sat the emblems of the Mission Blue Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot and Ocean Festival, linking art, conservation, and place.

The artist behind this work is Innocent Zungu, who travels along the South African coastline sharing his remarkable talent with both locals and visitors. His work is not commissioned. It is offered freely, sustained only through donations from those who stop, watch, and connect with what he creates. His story is as compelling as his art. He speaks openly about consciously choosing the less-traveled path in life, guided by peace, purpose, and discipline, and credits his craft with bringing meaning and opportunity.

For the duration of the festival, Innocent worked steadily on the sculpture, shaping and refining each detail by hand. At night, he slept in a small hollow dug into the sand behind the artwork to remain close and protect it. Throughout the process, he carefully sprayed the sculpture with seawater to keep the sand compact and prevent it from drying out and breaking apart in the wind. His dedication was constant and unwavering as he explained that all of his tools (plastic spoons, forks, water bottles for spraying, etc.) were repurposed from waste he had picked up on the beaches along his travels.

Within the broader piece, he included a deeply emotional dedication to stop rhino poaching. A mother and calf were sculpted with care and sensitivity, inspired by a story that stayed with him. He recalled a past story, where a calf remained beside its mother after she had been killed for her horn. That image shaped his work and added another layer of meaning to the sculpture.

Set into the sand was a simple plaque, carrying his profound messages: “To all parents who go through every circumstance, I say, be peaceful, trust in God and yourself. You are doing much better than you think you are.”

And:

“When the last tree has been cut, the last fish caught, and the last river poisoned – only then will we realise that we cannot eat money.”

This sculpture was brought to life with the support of the Mission Blue team, who introduced the concept as part of the Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot initiative. The reef of Aliwal Shoal is recognised for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance along South Africa’s east coast and is one of 168 spots around the world, identified by Dr Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue as a special place that is critical to the health of the ocean – Earth’s Blue Heart. The work focuses on building awareness, strengthening local connection to the ocean, and supporting long-term protection of this Marine Protected Area.

Innocent’s work is unique in how it creates space for reflection. It reminds people of the beauty of the natural world, the importance of compassion, and the role each of us plays in protecting it.

We are asking the community to support Innocent in continuing this work. Contributions, whether financial or in kind, will help him travel, create, and share his message along our coastline. His art brings people together, encourages kindness, and speaks for the animals and environments that cannot speak for themselves.

If you were moved by his work or by his story, please consider offering your support by sending a message to the Mission Blue team at 076 503 7895, who will guide you through how to contribute and help him continue sharing this meaningful work with the world. You can also follow him on Facebook on his page called Super Sandman.

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About Ocean Festival

Ocean Festival is a global movement that connects communities through a shared passion for the ocean, using immersive events to inspire conservation, education, and sustainable economic growth. Founded in 2023 at Scottburgh Main Beach on South Africa’s KZN South Coast, the festival has rapidly grown into one of the world’s leading concurrent celebrations of World Ocean Day, with events now taking place across multiple countries. Ocean Festival is built on three key pillars: engagement, education, and economics. The festival provides a platform for communities, organisations, and ocean advocates to come together, fostering a global network of individuals committed to protecting marine environments. By supporting coastal tourism and local businesses, Ocean Festival also strengthens ocean-based economies and promotes responsible, environmentally conscious growth. Visit www.oceanfestival.co.za | Follow @theoceanfestival on Instagram | Follow @theoceanfestival on Facebook.

About Mission Blue

Founded by legendary oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue mobilises science, leadership, and public will to secure strong, lasting protection for the ocean. Through its global network of Hope Spots, Mission Blue works with scientists, Champions, and partners to advance marine protected areas where protection can deliver the greatest impact—supporting the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.