Motto: “It’s not for me, it’s for the sea”
“The ocean is the life force, the blood that connects us all. We are not at all separate from the ocean, because that which impacts the ocean ultimately impacts us too. If we could understand the deep interconnectedness between all living systems, we would be in awe of the impact of our actions, and the collective power we have to heal the sea.”

Diony is a Research Psychologist with 20 years of experience in conducting consumer research into large national and multinational brands across Africa. Diony is interested in understanding human paradigm shifts and how the language of marketing can help to restore health to our oceans. 

My mother taught me to “always try and leave everywhere you go, a little better than you found it.”  When it comes to our planet, I truly believe the only way we can turn the tide is if every human started to live their life like that.  Every bit of awareness adds up to action and action is where the difference is made. I am passionate about helping people wake up to their potential to be part of the change with the choices they make every day. From what we buy, to how to dispose of waste, the power is in everyday people’s hands to have a positive impact.”.

Verity, a previous singer/songwriter is an acclaimed and award-winning professional speaker and facilitator who focuses on innovation and strategy. Verity spoke at TEDxCapeTown in 2018 on why we should embrace inconvenience if we wish to save our planet. She was recently crowned the Southern African Prepared Speaking Champion, winning this title out of 199 clubs in the country! We are proud to say that Verity is the Voice of Ocean Pledge. She is instrumental in driving the Educational pillar of Ocean Pledge and hopes to build strong voices for our ocean into the future.

“Busy-ness has allowed us to unknowingly accept a culture of convenience and throw-away. we as human beings actually do have the intellectual capacity and technological advantage to re-create our world, our planet, our home. Perhaps if we turn our focus and attention to the wellness of our planet we may yet find the satisfaction we all search for”

Dorette has been working in the corporate sustainability sphere since 2011. Her focus is on assisting companies with the development of greenhouse gas inventories, development of training materials, facilitation of training workshops and co-creating sustainability strategies with clients. Dorette has a BA in Environmental Management. Her talent with numbers and her scrupulous attention to detail and systems based focus is our massive asset.

“Our oceans are the lifeline to a healthy planet, but the oceans are in trouble. We need to bring back that awe, wonder and respect we once had for the oceans, because if you respect something, you will take care and protect it.  I firmly believe that every person can make a difference and help to chart new ways to make things better for our oceans and the wellbeing of all.”

Pavitray holds a BSc (University of Witwatersrand) with majors in Zoology and Archaeology and an Honours and MSc degree in Marine Biology from the University of Cape Town. Pavitray has been working in the marine science, marine science education, training and communication sector for many years.  She has lived and worked in Namibia, Angola and SA on a UNDP/GEF funded marine program and at the Marine Research Institute (UCT) as the scientific and communication officer. Pavitray joined WWF-SA in 2015 as the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) manager working on how to use behavioural science and effective communications to shift consumer choices of seafood so as to help transform the seafood market in SA.  She now fulfills a new role as the behaviour change lead, which looks at how behavioural science and insights can be used more widely in the environmental space to help to influence and shift human behaviour. 

“My passion for the ocean is purely selfish – having enjoyed the Cape Oceans almost daily, I cannot imagine the thought of them not being protected and preserved. We need to take collective responsibility NOW to prevent further demise of our oceans”.

Originally trained as a biochemist, Fleur moved on to have an illustrious corporate career in Investment banking. She developed and then sold Global Trader (South Africa’s first on-line stockbroking portal, now know as Easy Equities). In 2007 she pivoted into the realm of impact investing in which she secured seed funding for resource efficiency and to help “intermediaries” match impact capital to impact opportunities. Realising the misalignment and lack of data within impact investment arena, she went on to co-found a data intelligence platform, called ‘Proof of Impact’, which makes impact data accessible to maximise return on investment. Fleur’s strength lies in making objective decisions and ascertaining. Fleur brings along an objective, data driven mindset and the consideration of more innovative ways to finance the activities Ocean Pledge will commit to. 

“I believe that we are called to look after the earth and everything in it. I aim to inspire people to follow their passion/ dream (live deeply) but to be mindful of their daily consumer choices when doing so (tread lightly). This means thinking twice before consuming anything, by asking questions such as ‘ do I really need this?’, ‘where does this come from?’, ‘what will happen to this when I am finished using it?’. I’m passionate about the ocean, about the development of youth through education and I love to inspire lives through living my story. I believe it is our mandate to help others. I have a talent and aim to use this gift to enable sustainable change through my love of swimming”.

Sarah is a physiotherapist and runs a practice in Durban North at a multi-disciplinary centre. She is also an open water swimmer, motivational speaker, Pilates instructor, a retired National swimmer and an advocate for the plight against plastic. Sarah is also the CEO of Breathe Conservation and an ambassador for Plastic Oceans International.