CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most spectacular marine environments, exploring the relationship between people, water and conservation.
Dewald Visser, kykNET Hey Skipper Producer and Presenter.
As part of the 13-episode series, The Western Cape’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will feature prominently as Visser explores the unique coastal landscapes, marine biodiversity and conservation initiatives that make the Province’s coastline of global conservation importance.
CapeNature manages six MPAs, namely Robberg, Goukamma, Stilbaai, De Hoop, Betty’s Bay and Rocherpan. All will feature in the series while other nature reserves including Lambert’s Bay Bird Island, Walker Bay, De Mond, Dyer Island, Keerbooms and Geelkrans will also be included.
Robberg Nature Reserve and MPA features in the Hey Skipper series.
The episodes will highlight the important work taking place to conserve marine ecosystems, including efforts to protect vulnerable species, maintain healthy marine environments, and promote responsible interaction within these areas.
Storytelling has the ability to connect people with nature and through Hey Skipper, viewers will get to experience the coastlines of the Western Cape while learning more about the conservation work that takes place to conserve these ecosystems. Our Marine Protected Areas play an important role in maintaining healthy oceans, supporting biodiversity and creating opportunities for sustainable nature-based tourism. We are proud to share the work of our teams and partners through this exciting series.
Visser said the series aims to inspire viewers by showcasing the adventure, beauty and conservation stories found along coastlines around the world.
Every destination has a story to tell, and our oceans are filled with incredible people, places and conservation efforts. CapeNature’s MPAs are examples of how protecting these environments can create opportunities for exploration, education and appreciation.
The series will feature a variety of marine adventures, from exploring local coastlines and waterways to showcasing global marine conservation projects. Each episode will highlight the importance of understanding and protecting the ocean environments that sustain both nature and surrounding communities.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
ABOUT Hey Skipper
Hey Skipper is a new kind of TV production where the presenter makes the viewer feel part of the show and allows them to travel with him on water adventures unlike anything seen before on TV screens. Viewers can watch Hey Skipper every Saturday at 18:00 from 4 July 2026 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
Related News
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.
El Niño raises fire risk as Western Cape prepares for a challenging fire season
The Western Cape is preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season, with the developing El Niño weather pattern expected to contribute to hotter and drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the province. The South African Weather Service has warned of below-normal rainfall associated with the expected strong El Niño during the coming summer season. While El Niño does not automatically mean that every part of the province will experience drought
Cape fur seal safety remains important this World Rabies Day
On World Rabies Day (28 September), CapeNature is reminding residents and visitors to keep a safe distance from Cape fur seals and to act immediately if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or exposed to a seal’s saliva. Rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline and by the end of 2025, at least 176 people had been bitten by seals. While most seals do not pose a threat to people, they are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with humans.
How Waste Affects Biodiversity and What We Can Do About It
Waste is more than an eyesore. Littered streets, polluted rivers and overflowing landfills are visible signs of a much wider environmental problem. Every year, people generate large volumes of waste, yet much of it is not managed effectively. In South Africa, more than 60% of waste has been reported as ending up in landfills. With service-delivery challenges and many major landfill sites approaching capacity, the pressure on communities and natural ecosystems continues to grow. Both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity carry much of the impact.