The South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) are back with a bang. It’s the fourth instalment of the extravaganza and we are here for it.
The awards honour and celebrate unsung heroes who are building their communities. Trailblazers in their own right. The SAHAs seeks to give them a platform to shine, to be recognized and to be encouraged to continue doing what they do best – serving their communities.
Unsung Heroes make a profound and positive impact in the course of history, yet often go unrecognized. The SAHAs seek to change that narrative and give these heroes their flowers while they can still smell them.
These people work and do great deeds silently and without expecting anything in return. They are our unsung heroes who work meticulously so that the work is accomplished. They work every day for the betterment of the society, but are hardly ever prominent.
The public in various categories including Community Service, Community Health, Specialised Care, Women Empowerment, Youth Empowerment, Business Empowerment and Rural Development votes for finalists.
An honorary Green Award has been added this year. The award is presented to a person/organisation working towards environmental preservation.
The South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) are pulling out all the stops this year as they celebrate their incredible fourth year anniversary.
“The awards recognise the work done by community heroes in bettering their people. It’s a token of appreciation for people who are doing amazing things and an expression that says we see you, we appreciate your work”, says awards founder, Amanda Matshaka.
SA POSITIVE NEWS had the privilege of being in conversation with some of the nominees in various categories and this is what they had to say… “This nomination is an affirmation for disability justice work as we tirelessly continue to fight the erasure of people with disabilities in society,” said Thato Mphuthi of Enabled Enlightenment nominated in Specialized Care.
Mamsi Ndlalani, a nominee in the Women Empowerment category said: “To be nominated for #SAHA2022 is an honour and very much humbling. It means people believe that I’m a woman who does extraordinary work in Mzansi, empowering women and transforming their lives.”
“To be a Business Empowerment Nominee in this year’s South African Heroes Awards is a true honour. Celebrating and sharing stories of phenomenal business women is a passion of mine and I am humbled and grateful for this recognition,” Taryn Victor said.
While Fortune Mbopo from Inspire A Teen – nominated in Youth Empowerment felt honoured, empowered and grateful for the nod.
“I am truly honoured and empowered to continue taking up space as a young person in South Africa. May my journey show other young people, especially women that their VOICES MATTER.”
Last but definitely not least Thembi Monametsi – a nominee in the Women Empowerment category also expressed gratitude to the SAHAs for the recognition. “I feel so humbled and honoured to be nominated for women Empowerment category. It means that someone in the community has recognized my work.”
Actress Linda Njotini-Ugbobuaku returns as the awards host, having brought her A-game during last year’s SAHAs.
Legendary musician Khanyo Maphumulo and Ntunja from Mahotella Queens will bring an electrifying performance to the People’s Theatre stage where the SAHAs will be taking place, on September 24, 2022 at Joburg Theatre.
Tickets are available at www.joburgtheatre.com at R250.
Congratulations to all the nominees. Now go on! Set those reminders!
By Sinenzolo Mondi – Nduku
