Sarah, driven by a yearning for equality and social justice, founded Wonderbag in 2008 and has created an entrepreneurial solution to many of the world’s humanitarian and environmental problems by changing the way people cook. Growing up in South Africa, Sarah’s roots are intertwined with community empowerment projects and initiatives – particularly those that facilitate change in gender equality and environmental sustainability.

“Three billion people still cook on an open fire and seven million people die from indoor-air pollution diseases every year. One Wonderbag can reduce household air pollution by 90% and reduces the amount of firewood collected by up to 80%. My dream has been to create a business that interlinks economic, social and environmental positive impact. Wonderbag is delivering just that – equality across the circular models of the future,” explains Sarah about what drives her to make the Wonderbag product and business a resounding success.

Wonderbag has the potential to be one of the largest scalable solutions to Clean Cooking across the world, utilising Carbon Offsets funding in countries eligible for Carbon Funding. Throughout the rest of the world, Wonderbag is recognised as a top green solution to reducing energy bills in a world crippled by the cost of living. Sarah is committed to offering communities a catalyst to not only support people out of poverty but to also enable entrepreneurial solutions in communities that will ultimately economically empower women and girls.

Wonderbag was voted as one of the ‘Top 50 Genius Companies in The World’ by Time Magazine and was announced as a finalist for the 2022 Food Planet Prize. More recently, following Wonderbag’s involvement in the 2024 Paris Summit on Clean Cooking, on behalf of the business Sarah proudly endorsed the commitments made by 120 organisations and governments to achieve the 2030 goals set at the summit.

Sarah is energised by spending time in the African bush, hanging out with her community and family. Wide open spaces and having time to think is when Sarah feels at her best!

Environmental & Leadership Achievements:

2010 – 1st place in Climate Change Leadership Award: Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings

2011 – ESKOM Energy Innovation Award

2012 – Sustania Finalist, Accredited by UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

2013 – African Rainforest Conservatory Environmental Innovation Award, Speaker at Davos Economic Forum

2014 - African Rainforest Conservatory Environmental Innovation Award

2018 – Time Magazine Top 50 Genius Companies

2019 – Forbes Women Africa – Africa’s New Wealth Creators, 21st Century Icon Award

2020 – Community Chest Red Feather Award – South Africa

2022 – Winner at AfriCAN EARTHizens’ Honoree Awards

2022 - Bring Her Up Awards by the The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI)

2022 - Best & Most Innovative Digital Selection from South Africa in the Environmental & Green Energy Category for the World Summit Awards

2022 - Finalist for the 2022 Food Planet Prize