Our philosophy
is C.A.R.E
Collaborate, Act, Respond and Empower – C.A.R.E
Ocean Pledge is a grassroots movement with a mission to turn awareness into action for ocean conservation. We believe small actions can make big impact, and that taking any step is better than doing nothing.
Our journey began at a national surfing event, where seeing a truckload of single-use plastic bottles given to athletes inspired a personal pledge to never buy plastic bottles again. This commitment ignited a significant awakening on both a personal and community level. Recognising the transformative power of making a personal, I encouraged my surfing community to make their own ‘Surfer’s Pledge,’ which led to the creation of Ocean Pledge.
What began as a small initiative has evolved into a prominent movement for ocean advocacy and education. We have since collaborated with countless individuals and organisations, conducted national research into sustainable solutions, created and implemented behaviour change programmes and campaigns, given radio talks, delivered keynote speeches, and conducted master classes to students worldwide.
OUR OCEAN INSPIRED PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is based on C.A.R.E
Tackling environmental challenges requires a collective effort and diverse perspectives from partners, stakeholders, and communities to find effective solutions.
Whether it’s on an individual, organisational, or advocacy level, we believe that every action contributes to positive environmental impact.
We believe uniting heartfelt responses with research-driven insights empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful, sustained action for healthier oceans.
Harnessing education, we empower individuals and communities to become agents of change. Empowering livelihoods means empowering oceans.
Our philosophy is more than offering solutions; it’s about cultivating a mindset for positive change. We champion collaboration, realism, and actionable results, understanding that true transformation begins within and inspires others to join us on this journey.

MEET OUR TEAM OF
Ocean Guardians
Working together to Co-create change

Diony Lalieu
Founder
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.”

Dorette Oosthuizen
Co-founder
“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”

Fleur Heyns
Director
“Originally trained as a biochemist, Fleur moved on to a career in investment banking followed by impact investing. As a co-founder of a data-intelligence platform, ‘Proof of Impact’ which makes impact data accessible to maximise return on investment. Fleur brings along an objective, data driven mindset and the consideration of more innovative ways to finance the activities Ocean Pledge will commit to.

Verity Price
Media and marketing
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.”

Pavitray (Pavs) Pillay
Director
“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.”

Ambassador
Documentary maker
“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”.
OUR TEAM OF OCEAN CONTRIBUTORS

Shani Judes
Entrepreneur/ business advisor

Rhys Carr
Business advisor

Nicole Bohm
Business mentor/ strategist

Romy Chevallier
Policy researcher on climate change and communtiy resilience
LEGAL ADVISORS

Kathinka van Eeden

Aimee Thorne
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTORS
OCEAN PLEDGE AMBASSADORS

Verity Price
Ted-X speaker, Ocean pledge Ambassador, corporate strategist and change agent www.tapresults.co.za
Born out of a TEDx talk, this keynote speaker and songwriter is helping organisations to rethink their relationship to single use plastic and empower staff to collaborate and find creative solutions for reducing plastic in head offices and in business offerings. As a lateral thinking expert with a passion for making positive changes in businesses, Verity explores the opportunity for innovation and creativity that this crisis is presenting, and how we can disrupt our ways of doing things in order to give our future a chance.

Alfonso Peters
Former street-kid, now pro-surfing family man, whose life turned around through a connection with the ocean
For Pro-Surfer Alfonso Peters, the ocean represents a second chance at life. Alfonso was born and raised in the notorious gang-lands of the Western Cape.
Having lost his dad at an early age, Alfonso, like so many other troubled kids in these environments lost his way and began meddling in drugs and crime, eventually living on the streets of Cape Town. Yet against all odds, Alfonso managed to turn his life around and rise above his pain. When fortune struck and a social worker extended his hand, Alf rose to the occasion and shook it. With some serious commitment he was returned to school and introduced to surfing. From this point, Mother Ocean took him under her wing and he never looked back. Alfonso now surfs competitvely across the world and shares his Ocean Stoke with thousands of learner surfers as well as children much like he once was to whom he teaches lifes lessons through the grace of the ocean’s waves. Alfonso’s story of hope and optimism and the way he turned adversity and challenge into a positive for all is just what the ocean currently needs, which is why we asked Alfonso to be an ambassador.

Tasha Mentasti
Founder of SurfTherapy PTY
“The ocean is my sanctuary, a place for healing and a place for fun. The ocean has taught me so many valuable life lessons – how to be in the present moment, how to be patient while waiting for the swell and how to overcome my fears and believe in myself. The ocean makes me feel grounded yet weightless at the same time. The person I am today is thanks to the ocean. As an intrepid surfer girl – I am committed to using my voice to help educate people about how to refuse, reduce and reuse single-use plastic at the various surfing events I am involved with.”
Tasha is an MC, event coordinator, MC, and founder of Surf Therapy, an organization which provides a platform that enables adaptive surfers to find their ‘stoke’.

Jack Mantis
using vocal waves to save our oceans
At Ocean Pledge we believe in the power of the individual and the impact that can be made through daily choices.

Sir David Frederick Attenborough