The 5th edition of the South African Heroes Awards recently concluded, marking a momentous occasion as it honored Mzansi’s unsung heroes in style at the Joburg Theatre. Guests came from near and far, draped in their heritage best, to celebrate and support the stars of the event, the community builders.
The prestigious awards founded by media personality Amanda Matshaka celebrate ordinary South Africans who are doing extra-ordinary things to empower communities.
Entertainment icons Bonginkosi Zola7, Dlamini, and Khabonina Qubeka received their flowers. An electrifying tribute to Zola7 had the audience and the man of the moment on their feet as they were taken down memory lane, performing to Zola7’s nostalgic hits.
Actress Linda Njotini-Ugbobuako MCed the event that she also creatively curated. Along with the dignitaries in attendance were honorable members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Refiloe Nts’ekhe, and SAPS Ekurhuleni District Commissioner, Major General Anna Sithole, to name a few.
Music performances from Ntokozo George and band, gospel, afro-pop, and hip-hop were some of the evening’s highlights.
Among those honored were the founder and CEO of Cheeky Media and Cheeky Pictures, Yusuf Stevens, who received the Leader of Influence honorary award, and Diana Marcellin Musara, who is the Director of Earthly Touch Solution, who received the Green honorary award. SABC TV news producer Lilitha Ntsundwani was honored with the Language Preservation Award.
Taking to the stage to receive his Ubuntu honorary award, Zola7 recalled the time he was bedridden for 5 weeks with epilepsy. “God gave me the strength to get up again. He said my work is not done yet. I’m grateful for the recognition here tonight; let’s all come together and make a difference”.
The award winners are listed below:
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
2ND RUNNER UP: Woman of Stature
1ST RUNNER UP: Frida Hartley Shelter
WINNER: NOMSA CYNTHIA DINALANE
BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT
WINNER: KEABECOE MOILOA FOUNDATION
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
2ND RUNNER UP: TSHEPO MAKOLA
1ST RUNNER UP: LUTHANDO MPHO MOLEFE
Winner: SK SANITARY TOWELS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
2ND RUNNER UP: NALEDI RAMABOEA
1ST RUNNER UP: NQAMAKWE PARLIAMENT
WINNER: BOITUMELO MAILA
COMMUNITY HEALTH
WINNER: MAMELLO MAKHANYA
SPECIALISED CARE
2ND RUNNER UP: DAN KUBAYI
1ST RUNNER UP: ATLEHANG FOUNDATION
WINNER: ELVIS P. SEROKA
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2ND RUNNER UP: SIYONQOBA SIMUNYE FOUNDATION
1ST RUNNER UP: ANKARIEN OELOFSE
WINNER: MOKGELE FOUNDATION
South African Heroes Awards 2023 Community Builder of the Year
WINNER: ELVIS P. SEROKA
