The 4th instalment of the prestigious South African Heroes Awards (SAHAs) took place at Joburg Theatre’s People’s theatre on Saturday
It was an auspicious occasion – definitely a celebration to write home about. Ululations filled the People’s Theatre auditorium. People looking breath-taking in their traditional regalia, celebrating heritage day.
Our rich and diverse cultures shone through. What a time to be South African, alive and of course what a way to honour our unsung heroes.
Unsung heroes make a profound and positive impact in the course of history, yet often go unrecognized. The SAHAs are changing that narrative and are giving these heroes their flowers while they can still smell them.
Unsung heroes work meticulously for the betterment of the society, but are hardly ever prominent.
The 4th annual SA heroes awards reminded us that we are indeed a rainbow nation.
Linda Njontini – Ugbobuako did a stellar job as the host. She looked like a vision in a stunning black and white Xhosa ensemble.
Performers of the night understood the assignment. They all brought their A game – their electrifying performances kept everyone on their feet.
Stephen Opukiri took us to church with his astounding performance. Schedule 6 and Chealex Mpanza murdered it as the cool kids would say. #Goodvibesonly. The future of South African Hip Hop is certainly in good hands.
The legendary Khanyo Maphumulo literally had the crowd eating out of her palm. Her energy is so contagious. Her performance was THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT!
Motswako originator – Queen of rap Black Rose sealed the evening the best way she knows how. Saving the best for last? That notion proved to be true. Nadia Nakai you must look out, Black Rose is about to give you some stiff competition.
Finalists were voted for by the public in various categories including Community Service, Community health, Specialized Care, Women Empowerment, Youth Empowerment, Business Empowerment and Rural Development.
Thato Mphuti of Enabled Enlightenment took home the coveted Specialized Care Award.
The powerhouse took to her social media to celebrate her win.
“Enabled Enlightenment received an award at the 4th annual South African Heroes Awards under the category of Specialized Care.
My heart is beaming with joy, a few know the amount of tears, sweat, rejection, and resistance I’ve been met by with this organisation, here’s to trusting the process. My life experiences birthed this entity❤️
#crutchesgirl #crutcheslife #SAHAS #disablingnorms.” She captioned the post
An honorary Green Award has been added this year. The award is presented to a person/organisation working towards environmental preservation.
Youngstars Balungile Maloka and Blessing Leboko of Arrow Serenity took home the gong (Green Award).
Thembane Motshele won the Community Service gong while Fortune Mbompo took home the coveted Youth Empowerment Award.
Her Majesty Organisation won the Women Empowerment Award, while Refilwe Fosu-Amoah of Hope 4 Childhood Cancer won the Community Health Award.
Kulani Maluleke took home the gong for Business empowerment and
Zakhele Foundation won the Rural Development gong, with founder Zakhele Xulu beaming with pride, representing the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Congratulations to all the winners. Everyone is actually a winner. Just by virtue of being nominated makes everyone winners.
The 4th annual South African Heroes Awards were a massive success. A night to remember. One for the books.
Congratulations to the entire team. What a night!
The South African Heroes Awards are proudly sponsored by Mohlalefi Engeneering.
By Sinenzolo Mondi – Nduku
