From Muizenberg to Cabo Ledo...

August 26, 2025

I tell stories for Melou — about people, places, and the stories they carry. My name is Marcel Mondorf, and this is the story of my dear friend Shafiek and me.

Shafiek and I go way back. We met one morning in December 2016, in a small coffee shop in Muizenberg, South Africa.

This is a story about a wave, friendship and trust. About changing perspectives, overcoming life’s adversities and a true connection to speak up for those who can’t.

It’s the beauty of life—and the adventures that come with it.

After seven years away from South Africa, I booked a flight to Cape Town this August. A week later, I was on my way to Angola with the South African Surf Team.

Much has changed. Shafiek is now the Technical Director of the African Surf Confederation, the coach of Paul Sampson and the South African surf selection, still chasing his lifelong dream — to support African athletes, fight for their equality, and finally see a Black African surfer win the world championships.

He asked me to document a historic event in Cabo Ledo, Angola: the first-ever Black-owned, Africa-based surf contest, held as the country marks 50 years of independence.

Angola broke free from Portugal in 1975 after a long fight, only to endure 27 years of civil war. Half a million lives lost. Generations scarred.

Now, they have a chance to reclaim independence—not through politics or war, but through culture, sport, and the strength of their people.

Mandela once said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

On this remote stretch of Atlantic coast, we felt that truth.

We came back with memories for a lifetime—and a silver medal. The South African team is now qualified for the All-African Games in Egypt, 2027.

Congratulations to Paul "Chow" Sampson, Lele , Ntando, my good friend Imran and to the beautiful work of my dear friend, Shafiek Khan.