BY LERATO PHOSISI
‘’Under the stars of Soweto, where rhythm meets legacy, the Siyabakhumbula Awards shone bright, celebrating the icons who shaped South Africa’s vibrant cultural, sporting, and social landscape. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the nation converged at the Gold Rust Dome, FNB Stadium in Soweto for the prestigious Siyabakhumbula Awards, a celebration that transcends a mere event- it is a poignant tribute to icons and legends who have indelibly shaped South Africa’s cultural., sporting, and social fabric. As articulated by founder Mzwakhe Mbuli, the awards carry a profound motto: ‘’people forget what they should remember, and remember what they should forget,’’ underscoring the imperative to safeguard the legacies of trailblazers for future generations’’.
The Siyabakhumbula Awards paid homage to extraordinary individuals from diverse realms-sport, music, arts, literature, and culture-whose contributions resonate enduringly. Among the honourees were: Don Mattera: renowned port and writer, Jacob ‘’Baby Jake’’ Matla: four-time world boxing champion. Gloria Bosman: celebrated jazz singer. Vuyo Mokoena: gospel music giant, Thandie Klaasen: Jazz icon . Junald Ahmed: Filmmaker and activist. Bhodloza Nzimande: broadcasting pioneer. Clive Barker: Legendary football coach.
The ceremony unfolded with glamour as guests graced the red carpet at the Gold Rush Dome. Highlights included. Powerful tributes, musical performances and storytelling celebrating honourees’ lives. Leading artists’ performances: showcase of South Africa’s rich musical talent. Ensuring legacies endure. Red carpet arrivals: capturing fashion and elegance (media access for photography/interviews)
Reflections from honourees’ families, touching moments marked the awards: Baby Jake Matla’s wife: shared her husband’s gesture of handing over his belt symbolically to Madiba, reflecting sacrifices and dedication to South Africa; spoke of the Baby Jake foundation initiated by the family. Nandi Klaasen (Thandie Klaasen’s granddaughter): Described her grandmother as a remarkable soul teaching her the value of education and self-respect. Clementine Mosimane (Actor): Praised Vuyo Mokoena’s unique, unforgettable voice.
The awards serve multiple vital roles. Preserving heritage countering forgetfulness of impactful legacies. Honouring those shaping South Africa today. Paving pathways through pioneers’ stories. Reflecting South Africa’s cultural diversity and creativity. The Siyabakhumbula Awards are a cornerstone cultural event honouring South Africa’s icons. This years ceremony at FNB Stadium’s Gold Rush Dome celebrated legends across sport, music, arts. Honourees included Don Mattera, Baby Jake Matlala, Gloria Bosman, Vuyo Mokoena. Mzwakhe Mbuli’s poignant motto underscores remembering the right legacies.