But instead of holding her first birthday party, her heartbroken parents commemorated the day by visiting the spot where the baby’s life was cruelly cut short in a drug-related shooting six months ago.
Mom Cindy Woodward and dad Bradley Robyn also visited the beach which Zahnia loved, their first outing since that fateful day on 30 December 2016.
Baby Zahnia was shot in the back of the head, while in her father’s arms.
The two were standing outside his house in Ocean View, waiting for Cindy to arrive home from work, when five men in a white VW Golf drove past and shot at them.
One of Bradley’s friends was also shot, but survived.
Four men have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.
It’s believed they were targeting an alleged drug mert who lives down the road.
Cindy says their first child’s birthday was a day of hurt and sorrow and nothing like she had imagined it to be.
“I had four cakes made for her and a load of cupcakes. Family and friends popped around and we decorated her memorial place where she was shot,” says the mom.
“Bradley just sat there the entire time not speaking to the people who came to pay their respects.
“We still feel her loss deeply. I speak to people, that is how I get through the day, but he is private about it.”
Saturday was an emotional day as she drove around collecting the birthday cakes her friend and family had made.
The treats were handed out to neighbours and children in honour of Zahnia.
MEMORIES FRESH: Little Zahnia was only six months old when she was shot dead in her dad’s arms last year. CREDIT: Supplied
The couple later headed to Soetwater beach on their own.
“We have not been to the beach since she was taken and it was so hard being there. It was her favourite place in the world and it was so sad to be there.
“We released two pink balloons for her and we know she is safe where she belongs.
“I might find peace the day my child’s killers are sentenced or I might not. For now we are taking it a day at a time,” the heartbroken mom says.
Christopher September, Larry Johnson, Tashwill Kreel and Morné May stand accused of killing Baby Zahnia.
The four will make their next appearance at Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court on 30 June.