My name is Keira King and growing up in Durban, I have always had a deep passion for the ocean and the abundance of life in it. So much so that I am a keen surf lifesaver and have spent many happy hours with my grandfather, snorkelling off the KwaZulu Natal coast.

But, sadly, I have discovered that life below the waves is not as abundant as it once was, and a huge culprit is plastic pollution. So I have decided to do something about it – and hopefully encourage others to join me in the process!

In April 2022, I swam from Robben Island back to the mainland to raise awareness and funds for turtle rehabilitation, supporting the projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and I raised a total of R25,000.

This year, I have decided to support Cape Town’s iconic little guys in their black and white tuxedos – African penguins, and their guardian organisation, SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds).