The South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) celebrated South Africa’s unsung heroes on Saturday 21 September 2024, at the Market Theatre. the event was an evening of dazzling showcases of music, fashion, and empowerment.
The awards were hosted by Linda Njotini-Ugbobuako and Lilitha Ntsundwani, with performances by the legendary Zola 7; Five Star group; Afro-pop sensation Ntokozo George; Dedication ZA; Maskandi duo Isiko; Gospel singer, Thobile Gumede and many more.
The SAHAs enjoyed overwhelming success with attendees coming from all provinces. “We had exceptional community leaders who won in the different categories – some have gone on to collaborate with government and corporate on projects that further benefit their communities, as the SA Heroes Awards we congratulate all the winners for 2024 ”, said awards founder and organiser, Amanda Matshaka.
Some of the highlights of the night were Khanyo Maphumulo who was honoured with the Iconic Award and Zane Meas honoured with an Ubuntu award for the exceptional work they do in the communities. Thamsanqa Nkevu took back to the Eastern Cape two awards for Youth Empowerment and Community Builder of the Year.
Among the guests was the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Sello Morero, who echoed that “The City of Johannesburg has been hosting these awards over the last 5 years. We appreciate the nominees for the work that they’re doing. You’re doing all this because you believe in improving the quality of life of South Africans. As local government we are part and parcel of addressing issues at the point where people are expecting services. Thankyou very much, the City will continue to support this event and go beyond and partner with Amanda Matshaka to ensure the success of this event and we can encourage many young people to do those small things in their communities to change the lives of or people”.
Complete list of winners
Youth Empowerment
· Winner: Thamsanqa Nkevu
· 1st Runner-Up: Minenhle Nation Mthimunye
· 2nd Runner-Up: Luvuko Nkwenkwe
Community Service
· Winner: Georgina Mapule Mphatswe
· 1st Runner-Up: Nomathamsanqa Mqombothi
· 2nd Runner-Up: Myrtle Williams
Women Empowerment
· Winner: Talk & Heal
· 1st Runner-Up: Women Paying It Forward Sa
· 2nd Runner-Up: Boby Nkoana Tsaagane
Business Empowerment
· Winner: Thandi Leeuw
· 1st Runner-Up: Lucy Human
· 2nd Runner-Up: Donovan Masombuka
Rural Development
· Luyanda Kilani
Community Health
· Jackson Morure
Specialized Care
· Push & Reach Movement
Community Journalist of The Year
· Winner: Faith Mtwana
· 1st Runner-Up: Thapelo Magola
Community Builder of The Year
· Thamsanqa Nkevu
Community Impact Recognition Award
· Debbie Wood
Community Media of The Year Inner
· City Gazette
Heart of Servitude Recognition Award
· Thobile Gumede
Women Upliftment Recognition Award
· Meriam Ntswakae Gumbi
Young Voices of Reason Recognition Award
· The Junior Commisioners
Honorary Awards this year are:
Aid Giver of the Year
· MahlasediFoundation
Excellence in Public Service
· Patience Ntamane
Green Award
· Eco- Ubuntu Project
Iconic Impact Award
· Khanyo Maphumulo
International Achiever Award
· Linric Toto
Leader of Influence Award
· Martin Masitise
Ubuntu Award
· Zane Meas
· The awards are an initiative of Kingdom Helpers of Africa inassociation with SA Positive News, sponsored by Mohlalefi Engineering and inpartnership with Mosetsa Media.
