Zoe’s inspiring journey into environmental stewardship began at just 10 years old when she joined the Girl Guides. What started as a simple service project, her very first beach clean-up - sparked a lifelong commitment to protecting the natural world. Little did she know then that this single experience would shape her future and lead to the creation of a powerful environmental movement.

Now only 21 years old, Zoe is an environmental activist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Save A Fishie NPC, a non-profit company based in Paarden Eiland. Her passion for clean beaches didn’t fade after one project; instead, it grew stronger with every clean-up she attended. Over time, she began noticing the same offenders polluting our shores, plastic straws, earbuds, takeaway containers, and plastic bottles. These recurring sights revealed a much bigger problem and ignited the idea behind Save A Fishie.

The name itself has a deeply heartfelt origin. During one beach clean-up, Zoe discovered a plastic bag wedged between rocks. Inside it, she found a small fish trapped and struggling. Rescuing that little fish became a defining moment, reinforcing just how directly human actions affect marine life. From that moment on, “Save A Fishie” became more than a name—it became a mission.

Zoe’s advocacy goes far beyond picking up litter. Determined to address pollution at its source, she set out to provide practical, eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. Today, Save A Fishie offers a growing range of recycled and earth-friendly products, including notebooks, pens, water bottles, and reusable cutlery sets. Her goal is simple yet powerful: make sustainable choices accessible, reduce plastic demand, and protect our planet for future generations.

Her impact doesn’t stop there. Zoe has represented youth voices on global platforms, including attending the UN Youth Climate Summit in New York City, where she stood alongside renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg. She has also taken part in medical missions with Operation Smile in Mozambique, helping provide cleft lip and palate surgeries to those in need—showing that compassion and service extend beyond environmental causes alone.

One of Save A Fishie’s most remarkable achievements is the Coast 2 Coast Clean-Up Campaign, a bold initiative that spanned the entire South African coastline. Zoe and her dedicated team conducted an incredible 112 beach clean-ups, collecting 3.616 tons of litter. This journey showcased both the breathtaking beauty of South Africa’s beaches and the sobering reality of careless littering. It served as a powerful reminder of how urgently change is needed.

Zoe’s dedication and leadership have earned her well-deserved recognition. She was named one of the Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders in 2021, won the Youth Category at the 2021 SAITA Business Person of the Year Awards, and most recently, was announced as a recipient of the prestigious Civic Honour’s Award by the City of Cape Town. She is one of only eight individuals that  received the Mayor’s Medal.

Final Thoughts

Zoe’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single action. We don’t need to save the planet alone or all at once, each small, conscious choice matters. As Zoe encourages, something as simple as picking up one piece of litter a day can create a ripple effect that leads to real, lasting impact. By choosing conscience over convenience, we can all play a role in protecting our planet and its precious life.