A Quarter Centuary of Excellence Marine Dynamics
On 10 May 2025, under stormy skies and at the southernmost golf course in Africa, Marine Dynamics marked its 25th anniversary in style. Guests braved the first winter gale to join them at Gansbaai Golf Course for a celebration overflowing with pride, gratitude - and, truly, “a sea of emotion”. From 25 years of boat-based whale watching to 20 years of diving with and protecting sharks, and from the founding of the Great White House and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust to the creation of the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, every milestone represents their unwavering commitment to protecting South Africa's unique marine heritage.
Christine Wessels, PR and Personal Assistant to the CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Wilfred Chivell, served as master of ceremonies. She opened the morning by thanking every partner, scientist, guest, and government representative who has shaped Marine Dynamics' journey. “This celebration is as much yours as it is ours,” she reminded the audience, before introducing Alderman James Vos of Cape Town's Economic Growth Committee. Alderman Vos's keynote underscored the vital link between the Western Cape's economic success and marine tourism.
CEO and founder, Wilfred Chivell, recounted how, after losing everything in the late-'90s financial crisis, he borrowed vehicles and scraped together funds to launch boat-based whale watching. Today, Marine Dynamics employs 130 people and sails a fleet of eight vessels. Christine then highlighted Wilfred's pivotal fight against a proposed nuclear power station at Bantamsklip in 2010 - where his “Save Bantamsklip” campaign helped protect irreplaceable marine life. “A powerful example of how science - and fearless advocacy - can safeguard our heritage,” she said, introducing the marketing team whose purposeful campaigns amplify that message worldwide.
Executive Marketing Manager Zile de Kock and Marketing Manager Cari Roets shared insights into their award-winning international campaigns. Susan Visagie (CFO and owner of the Great White House Restaurant) treated us to time-lapse footage of Susy the Whale - the skeleton of an adult Southern Right Whale now suspended in the restaurant's ceiling. Susan then introduced Chef Chris Pead, whose foraging-inspired menu exemplifies the region's deep culinary roots.
The 10th anniversary of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary was also celebrated. Senior Bird Ranger Lwando Baleni shared what life on Dyer Island truly entails. Wilfred's son, Dickie Chivell, shared his fondest memories of growing up in the seas off Gansbaai. Following him, Sanchia Chivell - Wilfred's daughter - shared her own cherished recollections of time at sea and on land.
In her closing remarks, Christine reflected on the “ecosystem of change” that Wilfred and CFO Susan Visagie have built - a business that's a force for good, a conservation trust, and a sanctuary all rolled into one. She thanked every team member, scientist, supplier, and supporter, then invited Wilfred and Susan back on stage to receive a photograph and flowers. The team of the Gans-Berg news also would like to congratulate Wilfred Chivell, Susan Visagie and their amazing teams for what the've don deur the past 25 years.
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