April 2022 was a special month amid reports of a mermaid in South Africa. However, how true was this? Mermaids are mystical, with a few purported sightings in some places worldwide. When reports of a mermaid sighting hit the interwebs, many people developed a weird conjecture of the places in Mzansi where these creatures could be. The whole mermaid narrative was both shocking and surprising.
It all started with a report of a mermaid in Kenya, Ukunda in particular. However, it turned out to be a hoax despite the ‘mermaid’ video garnering over 8.8 million views at the time on TikTok. Following these claims, South Africa emerged as a favourite destination for sighting these mythical creatures. Many other questions came up, and See Africa Today digs deep into this issue.
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Where Can You Find Mermaids in South Africa?
There is no tangible evidence of mermaids existing in South Africa. Pundits argue that most of these stories about these creatures are purely folklore and legend narrations, purely fictional. Nevertheless, some quarters believe there could be mermaids in South Africa in the following areas.
Mermaid sport in South Africa. Photo/Global Times
1. Coega River
There is nothing unusual about the Coega River in the Eastern Cape. However, some people find it mysterious. A fear factor peddled about this river is that you may hear some strange talk and see shadowy figures watching you. Thus, many conjure this to mean there are mermaids in this river and the narrative sticks and instils fear in people.
2. Cape Town Harbour
Cape Town Harbour is a beautiful tourist destination. However, there are reports of mermaid sightings in this part of Cape Town. The harbour is a alays busy. Photo/The Cape Independent
According to history, Cape Town Harbour has had several reports of mermaid sightings in Table Bay. History has it that Robben Island off Cape Town once treated people to rare sights of mermaids in South Africa. A sailor named George Carter spotted a giant sea woman with a whale’s body and a pig’s head in Cape Town Harbour in the 18th century. This sighting took place on June 26, 1783. W.B. Kingsford. A passenger on an East Indiaman during the 19th century reported seeing a mermaid in Table Bay. The passengers spotted what appeared to be a whale in the water, but the boat was approximately a mile from land.
3. Under the Big Rock
Under the Big Rock in South Africa’s eastern region is Under the Big Rock just at the mouth of the Great Fish River. With its warm, salty water, people believe it is an ideal home for mermaids. A fisherman allegedly once caught a mermaid here, so the story goes. He kept it at his house in a big crate. The mermaid attracted visitors worldwide, and she had great popularity until a few days after her death.
4. False Bay Shimmer
False Bay Shimmer has an intriguing history of mermaids in South Africa. A story goes that three people once saw a mermaid swim at the bay. This mermaid had long, dark, streaming hair, greenish-brown skin, a long, fish-like tail, and webbed hands and feet. Their accounts cite that the mermaid moved quickly with a firm grasp on fish, which she threw aside upon noticing curious onlookers. The mermaid quickly dove underwater and vanished. These are some of the most intriguing sighting reports of mermaids in South Africa.
South Africa’s False Bay Shimmer is among the places in South Africa reportedly with mermaid sightings. Many people keep away from these places over fear . Photo/Save out Sea Foundation
Who Was the First Person to See a Mermaid?
While sailing off the coast of Hispaniola in 1493, Christopher Columbus spotted three sirens or mermaids. Historical accounts report that he described them attractive than their real portrayal.
Conclusion
As much as there are indications and reports of mermaids in South Africa, they do not exist. It’s a classic call of the mind’s figment in the 21st century. Nonetheless, the presence of places such Coage River, Under the Rock, among many others, propagates a compelling theory of having mermaids in Mzansi.
