“The most important fact of diving is never to get into the water alone,” says Haroon Osman, a professional scuba diver and instructor. The adrenalin seeking entrepreneur was commenting on the attack on Cape Town’s Mathieu Dasnois who escaped becoming shark bait near Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape.

According to Osman, if sharks see prey they will attack and when you enter the water you are entering their territory.

“The person that entered the water understood what he did wrong when the shark understood he wasn’t food he let go. The only thing lost by Dasnois was just his fin which is his equipment and maybe just his ego. Sharks should be saved as without sharks we would have no future.”

Osman has allowed his underwater experience to not just be adrenalin but a spiritual experience too.

“I am aware of the risks involved when you get into the water, but these creations are a gift from our creator,” he says.

“My only weapon is zikr, I read my salaah 20 or 30meters deep into the water and I have witnessed dolphins and other animals making sujood.”

Osman wishes to inspire more youth to become healthy role models through sport.

“I am involved with an organisation which is called Empower 360 Degrees. It’s a group of five people, all from different backgrounds who have come together to look at ways to empowering individuals.”

The organisation has aided orphanages, old age homes and assisted woman who have been abused and children. Empower 360 has embarked on a journey to make students service leaders. Osman goes by the nickname “skhoskho” which translates to one who is street smart, untouchable, wise and a born leader. This title is fitting as Osman is not just active underwater but has even found his kick in the air too. He has scored a place at NASA as an astronaut after winning a competition which allowed him to earn his title as an astronaut.

“All youth are always looking for a high. I have been pushing a kind of high with doing things naturally. We teach youth that if you leave drugs, alcohol and clubbing and do something that will allow you to remember your high, it’s more enjoyable.”

If you wish to get into contact with Haroon, you can add him on Facebook or Twitter by the name Haroon Skhoskho Osman. VOC